If you were to review a program from the national tournaments you would learn the Rem 700 dominiates this discipline- at least in hunter class. The most popular calibers are 7mm-08, .260 and .308. Ringed rams with the .260 at our range are very common- not so with the 7mm-08 or .308. The problem with the 6.5x55 (although a wonderful round) as well as my favorite the 7x57, is that you really need to go to a long action. There is nothing wrong with a long action, other than it is a bit heavier, and their is lots of forward space being wasted. Also, 6.5x55 American made brass is not made to the proper specs and does not fit the chamber or standard bolt face really well. I have shot the .308, 7mm-08, 7x57, 6mm, .280, and '06 and have settled on the 7mm-08. My next choice is the .308. I've always wanted to try the 6.5x57, but not many gunsmiths have that reamer. One can use 7x57 brass which will fit the chamber properly, and the ballistics of this round are pretty darned good. This round of course would not have been allowed in hunter class under the old rules, but perhaps would be OK now- I'm not sure. But, it would be allowed in heavy class. Choice of weapon and caliber is really a matter of "whatever floats your canoe." IMHO Blamethewind