Which 6.5?
- Thread starter North Cornwall Deer
- Start date
tackb
Well-Known Member
you mean like all the other mid range 6.5's...........
Nothing, but what makes it better, than any of the others, that are also accurate, fast enough, and not barrel burners ?
I have a 6.5x47 which is very accurate, and fast enough, as is my 6.5 Creedmoor.
All are good, but one being the "best, bar none", is a bold statement ?
A couple of groups from load testing, sadly not shot by me, but a friend who has far more patience than I 
Blaser R8, 6.5x47, Sierra 130g. Load developed by Pierre on here. 3 shot group.
TikTac, 6.5 Creedmoor, Hornady 143g ELD-X. Top left shot is a cold, just cleaned barrel, then a 3 shot group.
It's hard to argue against most of the 6.5's
Blaser R8, 6.5x47, Sierra 130g. Load developed by Pierre on here. 3 shot group.
TikTac, 6.5 Creedmoor, Hornady 143g ELD-X. Top left shot is a cold, just cleaned barrel, then a 3 shot group.
It's hard to argue against most of the 6.5's
6.5x55 for all species of UK deer, boar and at shorter ranges moose and elk. Also for target shooting.
6.5CM same as above but designed for short action BR shooting - and to make lots of money for Hornady. Competes in some ways with 6.5x47L
260 REM - roughly the same as the two above. Ballistically not a lot between them but different but faster twist rate OEM barrel typically than 6.5x55
6.5 PRC for longer range (necked down WSM and short action) - and to make lost of money for Hornady
6.5 x 284 - for longer range target (but also hunting)
6.5 STW - the really big 6.5 dog and probably the best throat burner. Based on .375 H&H case via 8mm Rem Mag necked down to 7mm STW and further to 6.5
And then there are ex-European and Japanese military rounds that exist but only just...
I like my Swede - no plan to change
6.5CM same as above but designed for short action BR shooting - and to make lots of money for Hornady. Competes in some ways with 6.5x47L
260 REM - roughly the same as the two above. Ballistically not a lot between them but different but faster twist rate OEM barrel typically than 6.5x55
6.5 PRC for longer range (necked down WSM and short action) - and to make lost of money for Hornady
6.5 x 284 - for longer range target (but also hunting)
6.5 STW - the really big 6.5 dog and probably the best throat burner. Based on .375 H&H case via 8mm Rem Mag necked down to 7mm STW and further to 6.5
And then there are ex-European and Japanese military rounds that exist but only just...
I like my Swede - no plan to change
jackfish
Well-Known Member
I'm a hunter and it's the Swede for me, does exactly what I need if I do my bit.
I read many complaints of runners, that it's somewhat lacking on the hill etc etc but I just don't see it at all, It certainly needs to be loaded to it's potential though and I fully agree that most factory ammo is lacking somewhat. I load 120g SP's at 3040fps and I can tell you that it lays em down (Red, Sika & Roe) without any drama's.
Everyone has a different opinion on calibers and each one probably merited in some form or another by what pleasure they get out of shooting it, for me that is the 6.5x55 Swede and It's what I'll be sticking with for as long as I shoot!
I read many complaints of runners, that it's somewhat lacking on the hill etc etc but I just don't see it at all, It certainly needs to be loaded to it's potential though and I fully agree that most factory ammo is lacking somewhat. I load 120g SP's at 3040fps and I can tell you that it lays em down (Red, Sika & Roe) without any drama's.
Everyone has a different opinion on calibers and each one probably merited in some form or another by what pleasure they get out of shooting it, for me that is the 6.5x55 Swede and It's what I'll be sticking with for as long as I shoot!
Really?? I don't think so, 1:8 for tikka in either calibre, makes total sense same barrels just chambered differently so cuts production costs, even my lowly CZ X55 is 1:8.5!
Jolyon2112
Well-Known Member
When my 25-06 wears out. It'll be replaced with 6.5-06.
paul newham
Well-Known Member
Nice shooting Harasser.This was my first 3 shot group (arrows pointing to shots) not the circled ones straight after sighting new scope in.
Thought I would get a little drop data for STRELOK.
tackb
Well-Known Member
I have a nice long action McMillan hunter stock for a 700 , I was going to build a 6.5-06 but was a bit underwhelmed with the ballistics , this was a while ago so they have maybe improved ?
still have the stock so might just go 280rem instead ?
280Ai - you will not regret it...
Plus of course the :
6.5x65 RWS
6.5 Mannlicher-Schoenauer
6.5x68
264 Win Mag
6.5x57
6.5 Grendel
260 Nosler
it's getting a bit crowded out there..
Jolyon2112
Well-Known Member
50grs of powder to get 140g bullet going nigh on 3000fps with a case that has close to 60grs capacity. Sounds like a no brainer to me.
Jolyon2112
Well-Known Member
That's the 6.5-06 by the way not the 280i. I haven't looked at the 280i to be truthful. I think the 6.6-06 is an obvious 6.5 option to replace my 25-06 when it wears out.
tackb
Well-Known Member
this is my point , 10grs wasted capacity , the data I looked at was 2900fps (24'') I was running 2850fps with my 260rem (hot loads of N560) so I didn't bother because I was underwhelmed
Jolyon2112
Well-Known Member
10grs "WASTED" capacity?
My choice of 6.5-06 has more to do with my long action and plentiful supply of brass to be honest but what I've read, I'm surprised it's not more commonly used. Neck down a .270 case and Bobs your uncle... 140g nipping along without any need to push it hot.
Anywhoo I agree with all previous contributors, the 6.5 in any configuration is a winner on these sacred Isles.
Jol
tackb
Well-Known Member
if you can get the performance with 50grs why have a case that takes 60plus ? so yes wasted , it's simply not far enough in front of all the short actions to be a worthwhile endeavour for me that's all , please don't be offended.
John Gryphon
Well-Known Member
For those that have to have!
Dont forget the Roy.
6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum
Dont forget the Roy.
6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum
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