Coltdriver
Member
I have had two 6.5X55 SE's and I now own a modern 6.5X54 MS which I load to 6.5X55 spec. I have owned a couple of 30-06's but I sold em and now have a .308.
I have reloaded for all of them.
A 6.5 is not remotely in the class of a 30 06. Run some ballistics software, look at the arc and particularly at the energy at every terminal state.
The only thing a 6.5X55 has going for it is the unmatched sectional density of the 160 grain bullets.
But unless you are gifted with knowing the ballistic arc of your round or you are able to slowly and methodically shoot from a static position and you know your ballistic arc the 160 grain bullets leave you with a 200 yard hunting rifle. Sure they can be fired accurately out to further distances but at 400 yards you are coming down at close to a 45 degree angle. Like I said, if you really know your ballistic arc
And it has been my experience that the 6.5X55 chambers are, naturally, cut to take the 160 grain rounds. This means you will never get close to the lands with a 130 or 140 grain round. That jump will challenge your ability to be really accurate with the lighter round.
The 30 06 can easily be down loaded to get a lighter recoil. But you can also minimize recoil with a good limb saver on your butt stock.
All that said I am taking my 6.5X54 MS deer hunting this winter. I have some 157 grain oryx bullets and some 140 grain partitions. If the shots turn out to be too long I will have my .308 in reserve.
I have reloaded for all of them.
A 6.5 is not remotely in the class of a 30 06. Run some ballistics software, look at the arc and particularly at the energy at every terminal state.
The only thing a 6.5X55 has going for it is the unmatched sectional density of the 160 grain bullets.
But unless you are gifted with knowing the ballistic arc of your round or you are able to slowly and methodically shoot from a static position and you know your ballistic arc the 160 grain bullets leave you with a 200 yard hunting rifle. Sure they can be fired accurately out to further distances but at 400 yards you are coming down at close to a 45 degree angle. Like I said, if you really know your ballistic arc
And it has been my experience that the 6.5X55 chambers are, naturally, cut to take the 160 grain rounds. This means you will never get close to the lands with a 130 or 140 grain round. That jump will challenge your ability to be really accurate with the lighter round.
The 30 06 can easily be down loaded to get a lighter recoil. But you can also minimize recoil with a good limb saver on your butt stock.
All that said I am taking my 6.5X54 MS deer hunting this winter. I have some 157 grain oryx bullets and some 140 grain partitions. If the shots turn out to be too long I will have my .308 in reserve.