Andy Mauthe
Well-Known Member
It really cracks me up when people talk about the 6.5 CM as being inadequate for hunting anything larger than a ground squirrel because the round was originally conceived as a target round. Even though it has essentially the same ballistics as the 6.5x55 Swede. And the latter has been effectively killing everything in Europe for well over a century. I recently wanted a 6.5, and the rifle I bought was available in both the CM and the Swede. I bought the CM because it’s twisted faster to handle the heaviest 6.5 bullets that weren’t available 120 years ago. And so I can buy factory loaded ammunition and chamber it in a factory rifle and shoot up to 150 grain bullets with very high BC. You can’t do that with the Swede. Yes you can handload the heavier bullets but the factory twist rate won’t stabilize them very well. So while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the Swede, the CM takes advantage of all of the modern propellants and bullets in factory configuration. So while I’m not a 6.5 CM fanboy, I also now own two of them because they fill a nice slot between my .223 and my 30-06. Would I pick the CM for elk or moose in the western United States? No, because I have a 30-06 which gives you a little edge for bigger game. Would I use the CM for elk or moose if I didn’t have anything bigger or couldn’t deal with more recoil? Yes I would. You’ll be happy with your 6.5 CM. It’s not about the name on the headstamp, or the original intent of the cartridge. It’s about the bullet, and putting it in the right place. And respecting the limitations of the cartridge, just like with any cartridge. I find my 6.5 CM rifles easier to shoot accurately than anything else I have other than my .223. And that counts for a lot in hunting. If you end up needing something for driven hunts on Boar etc, then get something better suited for that like a 30-06 or a 9.3x62. Just my thoughts. You’ll be fine with what you got!
