6.5x55 at the range

[6.5BR]

As to the 100 gr BT's and rabbits, I think high velocity and THIN RABBIT skin is subject to this effect re: of bullet construction.  I don't think a rabbit is a fair 'test medium' for any rifle ctg.  Now a thicker hided animal would tell more I believe.

I TRULY doubt the bullet is disintegrating as would say a 243 with 70 gr TNT.   I destroyed a rabbit with a 85 BTHP in a 243 similarly, yet seen it hit a deer and destroy vitals like a larger caliber.

I would not hesitate using a 100 gr, but would prefer more lead, because they hold up better longer, and get it done in 6.5mm

[Sweet 6.5]

Hi

A gunsmith did it for me. The local shooting club recommended him to me so I presume he is good. I don't have a problem with 125gr or 140gr.  I don't really need the 160gr, maybe I should just let it go.
 

[Rangr44]

[Those featherweights in 6.5x55 are apparently a lovely rifle. How did it group with those heavy loads?
It would be fascinating to find out what the twist is for that bbl.]

Kombi1976 -  I fiddled the bedding some more, and got a couple of 3-shot groups @ 100yds under MOA with the Norma 156gr Onyx loads.  I'm done fiddling, with this one.

BTW - I was reading some old Handloader Magazine's, and ran across the twist data for the 6.5X55 Featherweights in an article written about the time they were first introduced - one turn in 8.5".
So, my earlier rough measurement of 1-in-9 wasn't too far off.

[303Guy]

Here's what his load did to a bunny.......

And here's what it did to the hare!

That hare looks pretty much like a rock hyrax shot with a 303 180gr Speer RN at 2395fps at the muzzle.  A 150m vervet monkey didn't fare any better.  His chest wasn't any bigger than a beer can (smaller than a bunny) but did it get ripped apart?!  I doubt those bullets even expanded.