6.5x55 options/long range rig

[Sprocker101]

I have a slot for the swede which is just itching to be filled.... I have a 7mmRM, and .243, both for stalking/foxing and until recently have always had a swede.
I'm looking at a more target shooting rifle ie Ruger RPR, Tikka Tac 1 etc, however no one seems to make one in the proper 6.5 cartridge, they are all made in 6.5CM instead now. Aside from buying a stock rifle (no pun intended) and sticking a chassis on it etc, i'm unsure of what else's out there in this calibre.

My other option is to chat with the very good FEO's we are lucky yo have in Devon and request that my slot is changed from specifying a swede in just 6.5CF due to the options being limited ( I had 7mmCF granted no problem before).

Thanks for any input

 

[User00040]

6.5 CM more practical choice on a target rig due to action size, magazine configuration and lengths.

If you want to run 6.5 Swede you will be locked out of popular choices such as the Tikka TAC A1, Ruger RPR without some serious custom work which would be better spent on ammo and range time.

If you want a bigger bang just go for 6.5 PRC, even more potential than the Swede.

 

[6pt-sika]

Not a 6.5x55 but rather the Remington 700 5R in 260 REM I bought new about a year ago with the suppressor I picked up yesterday . This ones easily a 1/4 MOA gun . Nothing against the 6.5x55 as I own six of them but I’ve also got several 260’s .

 

[Selous]

The trouble with the Swede is that the case is too long for the aics pattern magazines. If you are to be running a chassis then creedmore or 6.5x47 lapua are better bets. Saying that one option that would accommodate the 55 case is the Sig Sauer SSG3000 but they are quite rare

 

[JH83]

If you reload then I’d stick with the swede, the extra case capacity will pay dividends if you are after a real performer. I believe factory ammo is better in the CM, my experiences with factory 55 ammo left a lot to be desired!

 

[6pt-sika]

If you want a bigger bang just go for 6.5 PRC, even more potential than the Swede.

I had intentions of going the 6.5 PRC route until I found out it wouldn't function thru and ordinary AR-10 action or Remington 700 short action . So I built a 6.5 Sherman Short Magnum which is nothing but a 300 SAUM case that trimmed back a skoosh with the case walls straightened just a tad the shoulder made more Ackley like and it functions thru a 700 SA easily . Mine does well so far but if you want more then the 6.5 Swede there's also the very plain vanilla 6.5-06 . I've owned one or another of them for about 10 years now very good killing cartridge and if you get someone that has a clue to screw the barrel in typically very accurate . I don't really have anything against any 6.5mm cartridge with the possible exception of the 6.5 CM and that's more me not liking some of the A Holes I've run across that think the 6.5 CM is the greatest thing since the beginning of life .

 

[n3al]

I would stick with the 6.5x55, order a tikka varmint in 24" barrel drop it in a pse e-lite stock and then smile while you shoot it.

 

[Sprocker101]

Thanks for the replies. I would like to stick with the swede as I have all the reloading gear for it, however, taking a stick rifle and building it onto something long range doesn’t really appeal to me too much, I’ll ring the FEO and see if I can change it to 6.5CF, and who knows if I may still end up with a swede. Pretty much as I thought. Cheers

 

[stephentri]

I have a tikka t3 in 6.5x55 dropped in into a MDT ESS chassis feeds out of MDT metal magazine with out any problems, regulatory shoot 1000y target's .

 

[andychas]

as mentioned above, a Tikka T3 (pretty sure they do them in heavy barrelled varmint) dropped into any number of stock choices - PSE, GRS, Form, MDT or German Gun Stocks for example, would fit the bill?
The other option of course, especially if you want a long barrel, would be to get a donor action and build done. totally with you on sticking with the swede btw, great chambering.

 

[Dunwaters]

Sako trg?

 

[dodgyrog]

I have a Tikka T3 heavy barrel. It's a bit heavy to lug around stalking but it is exceptionally accurate for target shooting (hand loads of course). I wouldn't give you tuppence for a Creedmore!!!

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

6.5 CM more practical choice on a target rig due to action size, magazine configuration and lengths.

why?
6.5x55 mag length is usually longer and on a long action enabling better use of the extremely long VLD bullets available
the case is bigger
the cartridge has greater velocity potential if loaded to modern action standards
The bullets don't know what cartridge they were in when they leave the muzzle....

Anyone who can actually demonstrate the (largely theoretical) internal ballistic advantage of a Creedmoor over any other 6.5 cartridge probably isn't on here as they are too busy working for Berger or Applied Ballistics or winning the King of 2 Mile....

 

[User00040]

why?
6.5x55 mag length is usually longer and on a long action enabling better use of the extremely long VLD bullets available
the case is bigger
the cartridge has greater velocity potential if loaded to modern action standards
The bullets don't know what cartridge they were in when they leave the muzzle....

Anyone who can actually demonstrate the (largely theoretical) internal ballistic advantage of a Creedmoor over any other 6.5 cartridge probably isn't on here as they are too busy working for Berger or Applied Ballistics or winning the King of 2 Mile....

Not many off the shelf (usually US/ Canadian) PRS/long range type products are compatible with the 'long action' Swede setup (and the Swede is comparatively stubby for a 'long action' round!).

Ruger RPR not chambered for Swede.

Chasis systems (what is usually used on a comp rifle) often have an integral magwel designed for AICS mags.

For a Tikka T3, the KRG Bravo is short action/CTR only.

MDT LSS available in Long action for Tikka, but at an increased price.

MDT also make a long action AICS mag that can take the 6.5X55 but not originally designed to do so (may require adjustment).

The US market is 'short action' oriented due to the AR platform, which is of no importance over here but our market is dictated by theirs.

If you can't fit it in a PMAG or get an AR upper for it, its a dead cartridge (competition and target wise).

To further my point, the 6.5 bullet and the 6.5 CM chambering is not that competitive anymore in North America, the 6mm route (6CM, 6Dasher, 6XC, 6BR and variants) are now being hailed for speed. They start to lose out at longer ranges to the 6.5 but bullets are changing to reflect this shift (Berger now offers 19 6mm options vs 13 for the 6.5).

Hornady made the 6.5 CM and have been pushing the 6.5 PRC as a crossover cartridge between long range and hunting.

Anyway, all of the above is my own conjecture, I'm not likely to be building a specialised rig until my .308 barrel is toast (not anytime soon!).

 

[Sprocker101]

Is the swede available in Sako trg? I’ve been looking but can’t seem to find one

 

[Border]

Sauer STR 200, a no brainer choice over here.

 

[User00040]

Is the swede available in Sako trg? I’ve been looking but can’t seem to find one

Nope, closes thing is the 260 Rem.

6.5 x 55 not in the new S20 either.

The silence is deafening!

 

[Sprocker101]

That’s pretty disappointing.

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

For a Tikka T3, the KRG Bravo is short action/CTR only.
MDT LSS available in Long action for Tikka, but at an increased price.

No such thing as a long or short action tikka
Its one size fits all - Long

 

[Fosbery Holster]

6.5x55 a true Swede........