Tell me about the 6.5x55

[MarshallDodge]

I've always liked the 1903A3, and have one in stock form.

Over the years I have had an idea to take a one that had been bubba'd or sporterized and build it as sort of a resto-mod. Modern walnut target stock and a heavy barrel with a muzzle brake, detachable magazine, picatinny scope rail, etc.

Yesterday I came across one that has been built this way and is chambered in 6.5x55.

It is a caliber that I have never reloaded before, but I do have quite a few bullets on hand for my 6.5x47.

Thoughts on the cartridge?

 

[jmr40]

It's been around since the 1890's and with the heaviest loads has taken every animal on the planet including elephant. The 160 gr RN bullets have a reputation for insane penetration.

The cartridge does everything the 6.5 Creedmoor does a little faster with handloads. But over the years there has been a lot of variances among the rifles chambered for it as well as the quality. If the rifle is put together right with a quality barrel, it should be a good one with handloads.

If you like to tinker with rifles and match handloads to the rifle it has potential.

 

[PapaG]

The best deer, euro elk cartridge ever invented. Bar none.
I’ve read.

 

[Hokkmike]

I have had two Winchesters and a SAKO in the caliber. I used it for groundhogs to deer. Ballistic tip was my favorite bullet. My groups (3) often touched at 100 yards. Its trajectory and sectional density are superlative. It kicks like a .243 and delivers like a .270 without the chamber pressures. I like the shorter military rifle. I am not a fan of sporterized rifles unless done so for economic reasons.

 

[Random 8]

The cartridge has a well deserved reputation for accuracy. Perhaps partially due to the quality of rifles so chambered, but it does seem to have an X factor in the accuracy department.

Much like the 30-06, it is useful with a wide range of bullet weights. This may vary with your particular rifle depending on how the chamber is cut and rifling twist.

I've found it relatively easy to load for with good brass life. Most run too slow of a powder, hoping to maximize speeds. If you're happy with velocities on par with original military ammo, something in the IMR4350 speed range is appropriate for most bullets from 120-144 grains. If you wish to shoot 160 GR cruise missiles for nostalgias sake, one of the really slow powders is your friend.

 

[horsemen61]

I’m a Yuge fan of the cartridge I own multiple rifles in it and I’ll always have one as said above The 160 RN is an absolute hammer on game I think you should get it

 

[Scooter22]

Excellent cartridge way ahead of it's time. A true classic that is as good today as ever. I would get it if priced right.

 

[Wing master]

The 6.5X55 is my favorite cartridge of all time. I have shot everything from prairie dogs tp elk with mine. I think it is a great cartridge if you reload. Maybe not so good if you don't reload.
The problem with factory ammo is they load it light enough to be shot in old military rifles.

 

[dickydalton]

I had 3 Swiss 6.5X55 rifles and 1 1894 carbine and loved them all. HEY MISStype! I had One Swiss 7.5mm and 3 Swedish 6.5s!!

 

[Slamfire]

It is a great round. If the US had adopted it instead of the 30-40 Krag, we might still have an effective service round. Then the US Army went to the 30-06, which always had an air space, which required longer actions. And the 30-06 had a nasty kick in the M1903, which does not help marksmanship. To shoot a M1903 well over an extended period, the shooter has to have a proper combination of stoicism and pain resistance. At least the 6.5 X 55 recoils less, and its lethal range is no less than a 30-06.

The original 6.5 military round was always loaded to a NTE 3000 atmospheres, which is about 43,300 psia. I did have Swedish ball, which I used as a comparison, and you know, with the 29 inch barrels on the service rifles of the era, the Swedish 143 grain bullets were really zipping. Barrel length really makes a positive velocity difference in this cartridge.

This cartridge performs best with slow powders. In a 1950's American Rifleman magazine, Mauser expert Ludwig Olson stated a load of 43.0 grs IMR 4350 with a 140 gr bullet was equivalent to the service load. Looks close with my data. I received the highest velocities and excellent accuracy with IMR 4831/H4831. Slower was better in my rifles.

I ran out of elevation on my scopes at 300 yards, so no 600 yard groups. None of these sporting rifles shot well until I bedded the actions and free floated the barrels. Both the M700 and M70 had factory pressure points in the stock channel. And between the receiver and pressure points, the barrel touched wood at irregular intervals. Given all the screw ball vibration patterns that would create, it is possible with massive load development I could find one load that shot well, but that will remain a great unknown. For whatever reason, old rifles and the old timers fully bedded barrels in the forend, and I know it is a practice that extended to muskets, so maybe they were doing same old, same old. These hunting rifles are not target rifles, they are super light, super twitchy, triggers are heavy compared to target rifles, and rightly so. When I shoot targets prone with a sling, I am very rigid, I approach the trigger with my finger and am not worried about bumping the trigger and tripping the mechanism. Light triggers are best for target shooting but dangerous on hunting rifles. Still, these lightweight rifles shot very well, though it was super easy to toss a round out, by pushing, moving, and jerking the trigger.

M1896 Infantry Rifle 29' barrel Carl Gustafs mfgr 1903


17-Aug-06 T = 85 °F
143 gr FMJ 1986 Swedish Ball

Ave Vel =2610
Std Dev =14.38
ES = 45.59
High = 2633
Low = 2587
Number rds= 8

M38 Infantry Carbine 24" barrel

28-Oct-94 T ? 60 °F

143 gr 1986 Swedish Ball OAL 3.065" 47.4 grs powder average

Ave Vel = 2427
STD=22
ES = 62
Low = 2395
High = 2457
N = 10




M700 22" Barrel

143 gr Swedish Ball 1986 headstamp

2 Feb 2008 T = 54 °F

Ave Vel =2470
Std Dev =18
ES =48
High =2491
Low =2443
N =5

140 gr Hornady Spire Point 43.0 grs AA4350 R-P new brass CCI-200 OAL 2.990"

2 Feb 2008 T = 52 °F

Ave Vel = 2512
Std Dev = 27
ES = 72
High = 2547
Low = 2475
N = 5

140 gr Hornady Spire Point (0.264") 43.0 grs AA4350 new R-P cases CCI 200 OAL 2.990" loaded 2-5-2000
2 Nov 2017 T=72 °F

Ave Vel =2531
Std Dev =14
ES =33
High =2540
Low =2507
N=5

140 gr Hornady SP greased 45.0 grs IMR 4831 wtd lot 2-22-2014 new R-P cases CCI 200 OAL 3.065"

2 Nov 2017 T=72 °F

Ave Vel = 2548
Std Dev =11
ES =28
High =2566
Low =2538
N =5


140 gr Hornady SP greased 45.0 grs H4831 wtd lot 01-06-2014 new R-P cases CCI 200 OAL 3.065"

2 Nov 2017 T=72 °F


Ave Vel = 2419
Std Dev = 31
ES = 88
High = 2477
Low = 2389
N = 8

Shot an internet bragging sub MOA group with three shots. Too bad three shots proves absolutely nothing in terms of inherent accuracy:

I really think the four shot group is a better indication of the accuracy potential of this load, but, the fifth shot went out of the ten ring. This is proof that if you want to claim sub MOA accuracy, shoot as few shots as possible. This is something in-print gunwriters do all the time. Makes them and their loads look good.

This load is probably a little too hot for a Swedish service rifle, given the velocity is above what I received with a service load. However, IMR 4831 looks to be a real champ in this cartridge. This is at 300 yards, and I think a sub 5 inch ten shot group at 300 yards is pretty darn good for a sporter rifle.

M70 Featherweight 22" Barrel

143.5 gr FMJBT Swedish 1986 ball. OAL 3.065" 47.4 grs powder average
13 Oct 2017 T=72 °F

Ave Vel = 2460
Std Dev = 21
ES = 30
High = 2474
Low = 2444
N = 5

Very good group


140 gr Hornady Spire Point 43.0 grs AA4350 R-P new brass CCI-200 OAL 2.990"

18 Nov 2007 T = 75 °F

Ave Vel = 2428
Std Dev = 29
ES = 95
High = 2480
Low = 2385
N = 24

easy bolt life, nice rounded primers


140 gr Hornady Spire Point (0.264") 43.0 grs AA4350 new R-P cases CCI 200 OAL 2.990"
loaded 2-2000

13 Oct 2017 T=72 °F

Ave Vel = 2387
Std Dev = 23
ES = 67
High = 2424
Low = 2357
N = 15

Best group of all reloads


140 gr Hornady Spire Point Flat Base (0.264") 43.0 grs AA4350 new R-P cases CCI 200 OAL 2.990" loaded 2-5-2000

2 Nov 2017 T=72 °F

Ave Vel = 2413
Std Dev = 17
ES = 50
High = 2441
Low = 2391
N = 6


140 gr Hornady Spire Point (0.264") 46.5 grs WC852 wtd Norma cases CCI200 OAL 3.15"
2 Nov 2017 T=72 °F

Ave Vel = 2476
Std Dev = 18
ES = 46
High = 2504
Low = 2458
N = 5

sticky extraction


140 gr Hornady Spire Point (0.264") 46.5 grs WC852 wtd NNY cases Fed 210S OAL 3.050"
loaded 1999

13 Oct 2017 T=72 °F

Ave Vel = 2464
Std Dev = 18
ES = 50
High = 2492
Low = 2442
N = 5

Terrible group, blown with wild flyers


140 gr Hornady SP greased 45.0 grs IMR 4831 wtd lot 2-22-2014 new R-P cases CCI 200 OAL 3.065"


2 Nov 2017 T=72 °F

Ave Vel = 2419
Std Dev = 19
ES = 43
High = 2439
Low = 2396
N = 5


140 gr Sierra Matchking greased 45.0 grs IMR 4831 wtd lot 2-22-2014 new R-P cases CCI 200 OAL 3.065"

2 Nov 2017 T=72 °F

Ave Vel = 2438
Std Dev = 12
ES = 30
High = 2448
Low = 2418
N = 5

140 gr Hornady SP (0.264") greased 47.0 grs IMR 4831 wtd lot 282 NNY cases Fed 210S OAL 3.050"
13 Oct 2017 T=72 °F

Ave Vel = 2633
Std Dev = 24
ES = 81
High = 2680
Low = 2599
N = 10


140 gr Hornady SP (0.264") greased 48.0 grs IMR 4831 wtd lot 282 NNY cases Fed 210S OAL 3.050"

13 Oct 2017 T=72 °F

Ave Vel = 2688
Std Dev = 16
ES = 44
High = 2705
Low = 2661
N = 10


Overmax load, primer cupping around firing pin, shiny rub marks on case heads


140 gr Hornady SP greased 45.0 grs H4831 wtd lot 01-06-2014 new R-P cases CCI 200 OAL 3.065"


2 Nov 2017 T=72 °F

Ave Vel = 2289
Std Dev = 9
ES = 16
High = 2296
Low = 2280
N = 5

200 Yards, five shot group

300 yards, group shot for size. I am reluctant to touch the elevation and windage knobs of a typical hunting scope once I get going for group size. Target scopes are more reliable, the expensive ones usually (remember usually) move a click when you put on a click. One hunting scope, the group may move a click, or two, or not at all, and then jump four clicks later. Still, a ten shot group 6.6" at 300 yards is not bad for a Featherweight. These are not target rifles.

I forgot to take the five shot group, but it was 4.5" at 300 yards. I don't know the velocity in this rifle.

 

[Jim Watson]

It is a great round. If the US had adopted it instead of the 30-40 Krag, we might still have an effective service round.

With our luck, the Army would have gone with the Norwegian version and we would have still gotten stuck with the Krag action.

 

[Riomouse911]

I love mine. It’s a CZ550 that I bought used and practically unfired, with a Leupold scope already mounted. It shoots really well, with minimal recoil for a deer (and probably elk) capable cartridge.

I’ve loaded and shot 140 gr spitzers over RL-22, this makes a very good combo IMHO.

Stay safe.

 

[eastbank]

i to have a cz 550 in 6.5x55 and my rifle loves N-560(50-51 grs) and 140gr nosler BT,s. top rifle is a cz 550 in 375 H&H, bottom rifle is my cz 550 in 6.5x55.

 

[Slamfire]

With our luck, the Army would have gone with the Norwegian version and we would have still gotten stuck with the Krag action.

Might not have been too bad if we used the same Krag action as the Norwegians. The Ordnance Department did not want Soldiers to shoot too much in battle, called it "ammunition" wastage. You can understand why the Ordnance Department might not want to put too much effort in providing supplies to front line units: hard work is exhausting. Anyway the American Krag action, the box magazine was opened from the side and individual rounds dropped in. The Norwegians figured out a stripper clip version. I would have loved to have found one, but they are very rare. I understand they are stronger than the single lug US Krag.

 

[Jim Watson]

As I understand it, the Norwegian Krag has the "safety lug" fitted in contact, becoming a second locking lug for the 6.5. Maybe the 8mm Danish, too.

And while we are here, what is your take on the then highly regarded Swedish steel?

 

[sage5907]

I've owned and hunted with 222 Remington, 257 Roberts, 25-06, 270 Winchester, 270 Weatherby, 280 Remington, 308 Win, 30-06 and 338-06 but a 6.5 x 55 was the only high powered rifle I always wanted but I never had. The closest I got was to bid on a Winchester 70 featherweight classic barrel on eBay and I thought I had it won but someone smarter than had the higher bid. I should have bid $400 on that barrel and even now I look at eBay every day trying to find another one. When I was about 12 years old an old man that was a friend of the family took me out to his workshop and handed me one of his 6.5 Swede military rifles. I was fascinated and thrilled to have held one at such an early age. My mother's grandparents were born in Tidaholm, Sweden so a rifle like that would be very special to me.

 

[Mars5l]

https://youtu.be/StQ_AcgCnag?si=_-2R9ULqNBxsyZyv 1000 yards with iron sights

 

[Roverguy]

My little previously bubba’d artillery carbine. Velocities are definitely impacted by the 17.5” barrel, but very accurate. Love the Swede.

 

[MikeInOr]

I've always liked the 1903A3, and have one in stock form.

Over the years I have had an idea to take a one that had been bubba'd or sporterized and build it as sort of a resto-mod. Modern walnut target stock and a heavy barrel with a muzzle brake, detachable magazine, picatinny scope rail, etc.

Yesterday I came across one that has been built this way and is chambered in 6.5x55.

It is a caliber that I have never reloaded before, but I do have quite a few bullets on hand for my 6.5x47.

Thoughts on the cartridge?

My favorite rifle cartridge! The first time I shot my first Swedish M96 I fell in love with the 6.5x55 cartridge! The only advantage to the popular 6.5 Creedmoor is that it can be chambered in a short (308 length) action. The 6.5x55 has more case capacity than the Creedmoor and can be hand loaded to higher velocities than the Creedmoor if using a strong modern action. 6.5x55 commercial loads are hampered by needing a low chamber pressure for pre-1900's rifles.

It never fails to amaze me that the rest of the world took over 100 years to figure out where the Sweeds figured out in the 1890's! Many a Nordic moose have lost their lives to the 6.5x55. Deer and elk should not be a problem for an experienced hunter.

 

[1948CJ2A]

I have a CZ 550 FS chambered in the 6.5 Swede. It's a wonderful rifle and cartridge combination. Factory loads and most reloading data is under-loaded and kept to modest pressures due to some of the older milsurp rifles with pre-98 actions. The OAL of the cartridge is long thanks to the standard length action so bullets can be seated way out there in most rifles, which also can favor heavier bullets. To me, it's the original 6.5. It's great for deer sized game and smaller, in my opinion.

 

[1948CJ2A]

The best deer, euro elk cartridge ever invented. Bar none.
I’ve read.

I would also throw the 7x57 into that same statement. Both great cartridges.

 

[Random 8]

With our luck, the Army would have gone with the Norwegian version and we would have still gotten stuck with the Krag action.

We very nearly ended up with a version of the M89 in 7.5x50 Swiss. We would have had a straight pull .308 Short mag in the 19th century LOL. It was likely rejected for manufacturing reasons, as it did very well in trials. Now the improved M96 Swiss action in 6.5x55 would sure have been cool!

 

[Olympus]

It's a great caliber. As others have said, it's hair-splitting difference between the 6.5 Creed except in a long action instead of a short action. I own a Tikka T3x Hunter chambered in 6.5 Swede and it's a great shooter. With the lower velocity factory ammo, I would put the recoil between a 243 Winchester and a 7mm08. Even the cheap Sellier and Bellot or the Prvi Partisan soft point ammo shoots 1 MOA from my rifle and both work very well on whitetail deer. I have yet to reload for it, but I bought it because it can be very versatile and I am a sucker for older chamberings in modern rifles. Hard to go wrong with a 6.5 Swede.

 

[Larry in wyoming]

I have a 50s Era 96. A Carl Gustav. Once I replaced the barrel with a short chambered Midway, it shoots about an inch. It's my least favorite gun to shoot because it lacks a recoil pad. I have killed an antelope with it.

I should do more with it.

 

[Mosin77]

As I understand it, the Norwegian Krag has the "safety lug" fitted in contact, becoming a second locking lug for the 6.5. Maybe the 8mm Danish, too.

And while we are here, what is your take on the then highly regarded Swedish steel?

You’re correct. I have a Norwegian Krag in 6.5. Pretty great cartridge and a nice platform for it but the Norwegians didn’t themselves have the highest opinion of its strength. The Norwegian version is stronger than the U.S., and both were safe enough with the original military load designed for them, but they definitely do not take kindly to hot-rodding.

(I wasn’t asked per se, but my own take is that the Swedish steel was very good stuff for its time because it lacked some of the impurities found in a lot of other steel of the era, but by today’s standards it’s nothing special. Most of the steel of that era is loaded with impurities by the standards of today. Steelmaking made great strides between the wars. An M96 Swede made with Swedish steel is a good gun but it’s in nowise suited for rechambering to anything much hotter than its existing cartridge. Some individual examples are probably much stronger than others, purely based on the good luck of the steel in that particular receiver.)