new 6.5 x 55

woollyback

Well-Known Member
I have just placed an order for a new Tikka super varmint in 6.5 x 55, its my first rifle in this calibre. I have looked at previos posts on here on what ammunition different rifles seem to prefer; Norma 120 BT's seem to rank highly.

I have just recently moved to Hampshire from the North so I now have Roe, Fallow, Muntjac and a few Sika on ground to shoot on. Will the Norma 120gr BT (for example) be a sufficient round for all four, I'm worried about it destroying Munjtac???

Cheers Fellas!
 
Hello WB,

I have used a 6.5x55 for many years and I am sure you will be very happy with your choice of calibre! I have no idea how your new Tikka will shoot but I have found the 6.5 not be that fussy and my current rifle (Sauer) has shot accurately with everything I have tried. As far as factory rounds go Norma with the 120grn BTips will one hole from my rifle at 100yds as will Federal 140grn Power Shok. If you are home loading I find 130grn Accubonds over N160 are very good too.

No experience of Sika so I can't comment but the 120grn Norma BTip's work well on fallow and Roe. As far as munties go the 6.5 is a relatively slow calibre and from my experience more damage is caused by faster moving rounds but a small deer hit with a 120grn BTip from a 6.5 is still going to sustain meat damage, there are so many variables I wouldn't worry about it, just enjoy your new rifle.

ATB

T
 
120gr balistic tips are very accurate in my tikka t3 6.5x55.
Put everything straight down however if they hit a rib, the resulting damage can be quite destructive.
I therefor prefer neck shots with them.
 
I have a tikka t3 lite in 6.5x55, all of these have worked well...

95 grain v-max homeloads

120 grain ballistic tips/soft points homeloads and shop bought

139 grain soft point PPU (£11 for 20!)

140 grain hornady sst homeloads

I currently use the PPU as it is cheap, accurate (under an inch at 100m) and doesn't do excessive meat damage, however before PPU i used 120 grain ballistic tips and soft points for everything and found them very efficient- I wouldn't worry too much, but I would suggest you consider the PPU ammunition.

ATB
Cam
 
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hi woollyback I to have a 6.5/55 I shoot 140grn sierra gamekings home loads are you going to home load? if so you will get plenty of help from sd
 
Great thread picking up my T3 6.5 tomorrow. Have box of Norma 120 and will be range bound. Sounds like I will have a bit of fun.

​BE
 
Unbelievable, picked up tikka T3 6.5x55 today. Once centred in which took 5shots. Next three group of 0.75 inches. New rifle with factory ammo. What a calibre!!
 
Unbelievable, picked up tikka T3 6.5x55 today. Once centred in which took 5shots. Next three group of 0.75 inches. New rifle with factory ammo. What a calibre!!

This is exactly what I want to hear. After much deliberation I have just sent in my variation for this calibre. Was the factory ammo hard to find and was it quite costly?

Regards

​Jay
 
I put reloaded Hornady 140gr SSTs through my Sako 75 6.5x55...

Incredible accuracy and a load that will knock over anything that the UK has to offer. I've played with 120gr ammo, but the 140gr is just so much better through my rifle

Factory ammo is easy to find. Try the Fusion 140gr SP for a round that just works time and time again - about £30 for 20

Enjoy!
iain
 
I don't know if you can get these easily in the UK but I shoot the 120 grain boat tail hollow point made by PPU. They shoot half MOA and better from my FN 6.5x55 sporter @ 2800+ fps. I bought 1600 of them a while back with no regrets.~Muir

(yes, a great cartridge)
 
This is exactly what I want to hear. After much deliberation I have just sent in my variation for this calibre. Was the factory ammo hard to find and was it quite costly?

Regards

​Jay
Hi I used Norma 120gr they were £27.50 a box and have the Nosler BT head. As a starter they have been excellent. My plan was to reload the brass but with such results may wait a while.

​BE
 
Hi I used Norma 120gr they were £27.50 a box and have the Nosler BT head. As a starter they have been excellent. My plan was to reload the brass but with such results may wait a while.

​BE

Norma at under £30 for a box? That sounds like a good price to me!
 
This is all good stuff, I've heard alot of good press on this calibre but was unsure on the cost of the ammo. Like you big ears I plan to reload. Eventually.
 
I would still reload.~Muir

Apart from taking factory ammo as part of deals on rifles I have bought I don't really buy it otherwise. I'm sure I must be spending just as much in the long run with the reloading equipment I buy but it doesn't get noticed by the Chief of Staff a little bit here and there. And its an investment for the future right Muir?
 
Apart from taking factory ammo as part of deals on rifles I have bought I don't really buy it otherwise. I'm sure I must be spending just as much in the long run with the reloading equipment I buy but it doesn't get noticed by the Chief of Staff a little bit here and there. And its an investment for the future right Muir?

Damn straight it is. No groveling or whimpering when your pet load is out of stock, or they happen to put out a bum LOT and your accuracy goes to heck. When you look at an established handload you know exactly what is in it, and how it will perform.

As to equipment cost, even the lowly Lee Loader can produce superb ammunition if it is used consistently and intelligently.~Muir

I hear you about the Chief of Staff. Luckily i had quite a bit of gear when I married my ex. She never noticed any additions... likewise with firearms.
 
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I can get Hornady SST Superformance 140gr SST for £31 or Norma 120gr Nosler Partition for £42.......... Hornady is it haha

I will eventually reload but for now, the SST's will do. I'll keep you posted on the ammo/rifle combo

 
+1 to the reloading for 6.5x55 throng.

It is without doubt the most interesting and rewarding calibre I have reloaded for in 45ish years.
 
Yep love my tikka t3 hunter 6.5x55 bought a load of puu 139 grain and got 3/4" groups at 100, now I use the cases to reload 140 Sierra game kings with similar results. Personally I would stick with 140 grains with the 1 in 8 twist.
 
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