Jumping on the 6.5 band wagon, help me decide

[BigDad]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll make sure of the match reamer when I order.

[Stumpkiller]

I agree with the 6.5X55mm for a long action. Look up the SKAN vs the Swede - they load it hotter in Europe under that moniker.

Here's a focus on the 6.5X55mm (page down past the advert for the 6.5Cr).

http://www.norma-usa.com/index.php/products/ammo/cartridge-of-the-month/214-cartridge-of-the-month-416-remington-mag-4

Go for the 1:8" twist if you plan on 140 to 160 grain bullets. And check out the 156 gr. Norma Oryx bullets if you want to pester large game.

BUT - if you're not a reloader the 6.5 Creedmoor is a better choice now than either the 6.5X55mm or the .260 Rem. There just isn't the interest in those two in factory fodder.

I just bought a .260 Rem and the "real" sporting goods/gun store didn't have loaded ammo or dies! They said they could order them. I said so can I.

[BigDad]

Well, I decided to go with X-Caliber and pulled the trigger on a SS 6.5X55 SE barrel today. They are offering a free muzzle brake with the purchase of pre-fit barrels. I hope it turns out to be a shooter. Now I have to purchase dies, brass and bullets. I think I'm going to give 143gr ELD-Xs a go first. I have some Norma MRP, H4831SC and IMR4350 laying around so will try those powders first.

Barrel Specs:
Savage Pre-Fit
Barrel Steel: 416R Stainless Steel
Savage Shank Size: Small / Standard
Rifle Chambers: 6.5 X 55
Bolt Action Contour: 7 - Heavy Bull Sporter 1.220 2.75 1.000 6 .750
Savage Barrel Length: 22"
Caliber & Twist Rate: (6.5mm) .264 1:8 Twist 5R Groove
Muzzle Options: 11 Degree Crown
January Muzzle Brakes Free: Pepper Pot 5/8 X 24 .750 OD SS
Finish: Polish

[noname]

308 is far better..

[fightthenoise]

308 is far better..

What year is it...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[want2ride]

What year is it...


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMust be the 50's again.

[psharon97]

My cartridge of choice would be the 260. Brass choice is better than both the 6.5 creedmoor and the 6.5 sweed. Any cartridge in the 308 family can be made to 260 with a simple neck size up or down. Performance, as others have said, will be nearly identical between any of the aforementioned 6.5 cartridges.

[Evlshnngns]

Thanks for posting on the x-caliber, that's a sweet deal. Nice choice on the swede! I bought some PRVI 139 gr swede ammo at Cabelas to compare to my Lapua brass.