7 mm mauser vs 6.5 swede

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6.5x55 or 7x57 :) I love choices like that. 6.5x55 is my all time fav for both shooting and hunting so I would have to go with that one. Nothing wrong with an old 7 mauser either. I can easly find the 160gr bullets that the 6.5x55 was built for but have never found new 188gr bullets for the 7x57, seems like they died off a long time ago.
 
Anyway what are the practical range and knock down differences of the rounds?
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I've owned rifles in both calibers for 20+ years. Both of mine happen to be based on 98 Mauser actions. The cartridge cases are nearly identical in size (55mm vs. 57mm), so loaded to like pressures, the cartridges are similar in power. If you're hunting game up to the size of deer, you're not going to notice any difference. Move up to something like elk and of course the 7x57 will have an advantage with its ability to handle heavier bullets. Mind you, I'm speaking from the standpoint of a handloader. My 6.5x55 will run 140 gr bullets close to 2700 fps from its 20" barrel, while my 7x57 handload easily do 2800+ fps with 140 gr. bullets 2600 with 160 gr. bullets.

Hornady offers good loads for both cartridges with either doing 2700 fps with a 140 gr. bullet. No deer in the world will know which you used on him.

No doubt someone here will want to argue the killing power of the 6.5 as many people think there's some kind of voodoo killing power that belongs to any bullets measuring exactly .264". To each his own.

Seriously, I'd beg, borrow or steal to buy them both. I think you'd have no trouble doubling your money on either of them.

Regards,
35W
 
Unless those rifles are covered in rust, you will not have trouble doubling your money on them.

What 35W and others said is right. If you live in Texas, Minnesota or anywhere inbetween i would help you double your money.
 
Great deal for you. I have shot both and like both. I have a 7x57 and it does more than the ballistics indicate - Mr. Bell shot a little over 1000 elephants with it.
 
Good for you. In my never to be humble opinion, the 6.5X55 and the 7X57 are probably two of the best balanced cartridges ever designed. The 8X57S is a close third.

The American 260, 7-08, and 30/06 rounds are also well balanced, and are very similar to the above European rounds. However, Americans want SPEED for that long shot they will likely never take.

The European philosophy is to throw a relatively heavy bullet at a moderate velocity. This is realistic for typical game ranges.

The Six-Five with its 160 gr, the Seven with the 175, and the Eight with the 198 gr bullet will harvest the largest game with proper bullet placement

Recoil is almost a non issue with the Six-Five and Seven. The Eight kicks a bit with the 198 grainer.
 
kick doesnt bother me I play with a 3006 heavy load all day. I think ill play with both then pick. Something about the 6.5 just screams keep me.
 
ok I got both of them home one went right into the safe. Started to head to the range and thought you know i really hate this coin. With some fancy knife work popped it out. Im glad I did NO RECOIL LUG. Check the other same thing. Now Im rather peeved. Anyone have a spare K98 recoil lug for cheep?
 
Both are exellent whitetail cartrages the 6.5 better at longer ranges. but 7x57 easier to find. If sporterized value is lost. 90 bucks for a shooter, good deal make sure the barrel is clean dark ok but if they were shot with the armor piercing rounds of the day probably no rifling left. both guns check for rust pits in bore not good create high pressures. bolt lugs check out rear of the lugs for cracks 98 probably wont have. 98 better action for a shooter. 96 and 93's great actions but. I have a 95 in 7x57 for deer hunting shoots better with 175 grain bullets than 139 and 140's wont group at all rate of twist in barrel. designed for 175gr
 
Both cartridges are very capable, and very similar. No real world difference between them as far as recoil or capabilities. Even as far as trajectory is concerned, the only difference you would ever see would be at exceptional ranges and subject to variations in projectiles between brands.

Only consideration is ammo availability. 6.5 swede havs a bigger following with rifles still produced, thus more common ammo.
 
The 6.5 pictured I would leave alone. The swede in its original pre-98 military form or nothing else.

That leaves the unseen 7x57. If it is a desirable 98 (Dutch police carbine for example) then by all means.

As far as shooting, loading, there is zero practical difference if you are willing to buy ammo/components online/mail order.
 
i forgot to say. From the beginning I was hoping they were right about the swede, but sad they wee wrong its a 7 and a 8 mm. Cant complain tho when is the last time you paid 180 for 2 guns. :)
 
As far as caliber choice goes, flip a coin.....I have both and you can't go wrong with either. Both are pleasant to shoot, have good bullet selection and great track records as hunting calibers. The 6.5 bullets have an edge in BC and SD and the 7mm bullets in frontal area. Pick the rifle that you like best between the 2 and don't look back....unless, you can convince your wife to allow both in the house.
 
The K98 Mauser........7x57. Great rifle. Great cal. Professional Hunters in Africa used them a lot, back in the day.
 
I've owned a 6.5 Swede 1917 for about 5 years now and its one of the most enjoyable guns ive ever owned. Easy to reload, and a blast to shoot. No recoil and the swede i have is one of the most accurate military rifles ive owned. I hardly miss with her. But the 7mm is also a great round. I dont think you could go wrong with either. But im partial to the swede's :)
 
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