6.5x55 - boar/fallow/reds?

[LuckyEddie]

Hi,

Personally I would today go for the 6.5 CDRM before the 6.5x55 if buying a new all-weather go-to rifle.

My reasoning:
- the Swede is getting outdated. Not maybe yet today, but in about 10 years time it will be gone.
- the CDRM is today already probably outselling the Swede by at least 10:1. This very much affects the availability of ammo on store shelves if you are not self-loading. Since most ammo manufacturers are american this is an even more important consideration for the future where the CDRM is gaining even more market share.
- the CDRM has a tad more energy, not making for any notable difference, but still not to its disadvantage either.
- being the same calibre and close to energy they basically are if not identical in use, but very close.
- the CDRM is outperforming the Swede in ballistics due to its shorter case length and tighter twist rate with longer/heavier bullets. Not much to consider at up to 300 meters, but still.

The 308 and 30-06 are then of a different class. Both good-brilliant rounds, but if that additional ~1000J is "overkill", then why take the disadvantages with recoil and weight etc.? The recoil with the 6.5 CDRM is so soft that follow-up shots are really a lot more faster.

Interesting thoughts.
However, how many old calibres are there out there that are still going?
I’ve fired off 156grn bullets and hope to get out after a boar before the law changes to non-lead.
Look elsewhere in the world and the 6.5x55 has downed a lot of beasts varying in size up to and including moose that I know of.

 

[NullMac]

Second hand anecdotal information but I understand the 6.5 swede suffers more from bullet drop than other calibres, approx. 5" @200 yds and 15" @300 yds. Probably teaching you to suck eggs but something to consider if using on the hill perhaps.

Aiming is allowed

 

[NullMac]

The 308 and 30-06 are then of a different class. Both good-brilliant rounds, but if that additional ~1000J is "overkill", then why take the disadvantages with recoil and weight etc.? The recoil with the 6.5 CDRM is so soft that follow-up shots are really a lot more faster.

Shot a 308 for decades. Just bought a CM. Don't see much difference, just ammo is more expensive

 

[yam]

Sure, age as such isn't everything. Look at the 30-06, still going VERY strong and I do like it a lot for bigger game! But nevertheless let's face it: the Swede is loosing ground to the CRDM. It just is a fact you should not ignore.

And interesting point by @NullMac: The 6.5 CRDM seems to perform as well as the 308 for you. Regarding ammo prices: yes, the bulk stuff for 308 probably is cheaper, but once we talk hunting ammo it's probably the other way round. At least so where I buy mine.

 

[TringSaint]

Hi there,

i currently have .243 & .270 centrefire for all of my hunting.

my .243 is used for foxing/roe

.270 used for hill (daylight) only as it is not moderated. (classic steyr rifle)

i am thinking about getting a 6.5x55 as a do it all rifle. Thinking of a synthetic rifle (rain friendly) with the ugly looking picatinny rail and alternate between a pulsasr c50 & day scope on QR rings.

Would the 6.5x55 make a good all rounder? (fox/boar at night - roe up to reds through day)

Any advice/experience on this caliber would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,
Jack

Yes! Great round that will go from 110-160gn without issue.
Lovely to shoot.

Mine is a Steyr SM12SX and it’s a cracker.