Author Topic: 6.5 Swede for competition (Read 1093 times)

kevin.303 · « **on:** June 20, 2005, 08:10:58 AM »

i'm interested in taking up competition shooting, but know very little about it. i've heard that the 6.5x55 is popular for benchrest and longrange. i 'm planning on building a 6.5 on the Stevens 200 action and am know toying with the idea of turning it inot a competition rig instead of a hunting gun. which events is the 6.5 legal/suited for?

Jose Grande · « **Reply #1 on:** June 21, 2005, 04:47:39 AM »

I'm not a Benchrester,so I'm not much help there. I know that some of them use a 6MM for that. The 6.5 X 55 is accurate though,& I have used it in NRA bolt gun competitions out to 500 yards with good results.
To be competitive in BR shooting requires cubic dollars. A rifle that will truly compete will be hand built by a expert. Barrels only last 5-600 shots before they are replaced. This info comes from the best BR magazine out there.

Too rich for my blood. Good luck. :grin:

Oh yeah,if you want to try NRA Hi-Power,I can help you on that.

ajj · « **Reply #2 on:** June 21, 2005, 05:40:01 AM »

The 6.5 Swede is no benchrest cartridge but it's good for almost every other highpower rifle competition and it doesn't sound as if you're building a true bench gun anyway. It was one of the premier 300 meter competition cartridges. It would be fine for across the course highpower matches except that newer, "short action" rounds have eclipsed it. It is one of the very best choices for highpower silhouette. Many people find that it makes a good 1000 yard cartridge, either off the bench or for F class.

cal sibley · « **Reply #3 on:** July 29, 2005, 04:07:40 PM »

My only thoughts on the matter are with the barrel twist. You'll need a 1 in 8" twist to reliably handle the heavier 140gr. bullets and larger. I have 3 of the Swedish M96 mauser rifles and a Remington Classic in this caliber. For whatever foolish reason Remington made the rifle with a 1 in 9" twist which is quite iffy in accuracy when you get up around 140grs.

Far and away my best accuracy comes with VihtaVouri 550 and 560 powders and the Lapua Scenar bullets in 108 and 123grs. The 139gr will also shoot accurately with the faster twist. Quite often I'll get .5" groups (5 at 100yds) with the Scenars. It's an excellent caliber. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Nobade · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2005, 05:26:57 PM »

A few of us in the shop use the 6.5X55 for highpower silhouette, F class, and tactical matches. It works great for all of the above! Just make sure what kind of brass you're going to use (Lapua or US made) and what bullet you want to use, so you can have your reamer ground correctly. If you use Lapua brass you might have to work over the bolt face and extractor on that Stevens action since it's the correct size - .481 or so as opposed to the American made stuff that's the same size as a '06 (.470)