6.5x55 for all deer

[TringSaint]

I have shot the smaller 4 uk species with my Swede and it dos a great job - doesn’t smash them up like the 243 or 308

 

[Dunwaters]

The Swede is a bit light and loopy at range, it will definitely kill deer but the deer might travel quite a bit farther than you like before that happens, particularly with the 3 bigger species.

 

[Siggy]

the physics on the front end favour the 30-06, on the rear end, the 6.5x55. I've shot everything in the UK including lowland reds with the 6.5 factory ammo and no dramas, while I think a 30-06 would do it with more authority I ain't to change my 6.5x55 until my barrel wears out when I'll either go 6.5 creed moor or 6.5 PRC.
In theory, a 6.5 doesn't meet the recommendation of >7mm and 150 gr but I haven't shot boar so can't really comment.

 

[John Gryphon]

Typical of the US to go large

I wouldnt label the `06 as large.

 

[Border]

6.5x55 in Scandinavia is like the 243 win is in the Uk.
Minimum cartridge able to shoot all quarry. (260 rem/6.5 Creedmoor)
Adequte in most circumstances considering ranges are generally shorter than in many other countries.
If you are shooting mainly larger deer then there may be a case for a cartridge with more oomph. But with the right bullet in the right area the 6.5's should be fine for all UK deer species.

 

[NullMac]

All of which is fine. But it may depend on what you are doing and at what range.

Most of the time it will be great, but if you are repeatedly taking long shots at big deer then it will do the job but there are possibly better options. For the occasionally one, it will be more than adequate.

Yes they shoot moose and elk with it but one suspects not at 350 yards all the time. Maybe they do.

If you are worried about it select a load with a modern bullet that will make the most of it.

 

[Cranborne]

I've shot all 6 species with my 6.5x55, including stags and hinds on the hill out to 250m using RWS 140gn soft points. It's worked well for me.

 

[MontyDachs]

Mine had no problem taking reds last week with factory ammo

 

[JH83]

Shot a lot with the old ‘55 and it is as you would imagine of a mid powered chambering, kills very well, but has its limitations. My .308 puts them down a little faster, my 7mmRM a little faster still, which can make all the difference in heavy forestry. That being said the largest stag I ever culled was with the swede and it did not go far…so it’s fit for purpose.

As @Selous states, the R93 barrels are no longer made, so future proof yourself.

 

[owenlee]

I bought Blaser with a 6.5x55 barrel and loaded it with 120g TTSX going fairly fast. It was accurate and killed everything I shot with it with a single shot which is all good. However a large proportion of deer ran on after the shot, even the Roe. About 10 days ago I acquired a new 30/06 barrel and of the 5 deer I have shot there hasn’t been a runner. All have just folded up where they stood. My conclusion is that I will use the 30-06 for large deer and the 6.5x55 for small deer. In essence I agree with you that the 55 though an excellent calibre is capable but minimal for large deer. The fact that it is used for moose in Scandinavia is irrelevant as that is due to the large number of ex military rifles that were in circulation that were pressed into service for hunting rather than the 6.5x55 being the best calibre for hunting moose. Perhaps one of our Scandinavian brethren can comment?
Another thing to consider is that the R93 is now obsolete so having two barrels will double its lifespan with you.

This is my thought I shot two roe does on Saturday perfect lung shots an they ran on for at least 100 yards before they fell some of the places where the reds are are only small areas and I can’t have them to run on so far.

 

[jon2]

The Swede will easily do what you want it to. Especially with the newer bullet designs. Run the figures on the 143 ELDX at 2740 fps and you will be surprised at the energy at the receiving end. I was.

 

[Siggy]

This is my thought I shot two roe does on Saturday perfect lung shots an they ran on for at least 100 yards before they fell some of the places where the reds are are only small areas and I can’t have them to run on so far.

there's something about roe - I have had the same thing with heart shots

 

[owenlee]

there's something about roe - I have had the same thing with heart shots

It really shocked me tbh how well they took the shot it was placed perfectly they ran like it wasn’t hit

 

[Siggy]

It really shocked me tbh how well they took the shot it was placed perfectly they ran like it wasn’t hit

my old GWP was a lot happier than me!!

 

[John Gryphon]

Mine had no problem taking reds last week with factory ammo

Photos?

143 ELDX at 2740 fps

2400fps as a starter,then it drops off dramatically.

The energy of a 143-grain ELD-X bullet at 2740 feet per second is approximately 2400 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). This is calculated using the standard kinetic energy formula,

with a velocity of 2740 fps and the bullet's weight.

• Energy: The muzzle energy of this cartridge is about 2400 ft-lbs.
• Calculation:
  
  • Mass (
    
    ):
    
    
  • Velocity (
    
    ):
    
    
  • 
    
  • Correction: The velocity is the most important factor, and the energy is calculated based on the velocity. The energy calculation result is approximately 2400 ft-lbs for the given velocity.

 

[Bowland blades]

People need to keep in mind that a 6.5 mm bullet in copper is a fair old size a 120 gain copper is a fairly big bullet . 100 grain copper tTSX has acounted for the most of my Red deer . Breaking both shoulders is the expectation on a broadside shot and the deer takes a nose dive and never gets up! Hart shots ? take longer sometimes so a little run might be involved but its little hole in and a bigger one the side of your fist
The 120 grain also does a great job but the only differences is a very slightly bigger hole and a little more recoil

 

[cjm1066]

Do you need a 30/06 barrel or another 6.5x55 that you have threaded for a moderator?

 

[hendrix's rifle]

This is my thought I shot two roe does on Saturday perfect lung shots an they ran on for at least 100 yards before they fell some of the places where the reds are are only small areas and I can’t have them to run on so far.

What bullets?

 

[Dickie]

Variety is the spice of life get the .30-06 especially if it’s a threaded barrel then you can choose moderated or not for each outing.

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

I’ve shot all uk 6 with the 6.5x55 all with 140gn barnes ttsx (they don’t do 140’s now!) it’s a lovely calibre that I have fond memories of, just runs out of legs at 300 plus, so bought a 270win