6.5x55 for Antelope

[Reloader]

I've opted to try the 6.5x55 on antelope this year.  I've got 120 grain Nosler BT's and 125 grain Nosler Partitions shooting well at this point.  Probably will use the BT's when the time comes as I have grouped these at 1/2" center to center.
Thinking about a 25-06 as another option.  100 Grain Sierra's were going in at right around an inch and I'm thinking this is plenty of firepower for an antelope.  Can do the same groups with 100 grain BT's and 117 Grain Sierra's.

I've got a 264 Mag and 257 Roberts available but want to try something different this year as I have taken antelope with these in the past.

Welcome opinions on my rifle and bullet choices.

[one eye joe]

I used the 6.5x55 last year with 120 BT's. Worked well. My .25-06 load is the 115 BT or Partition. My dad used the 100 BT in his last year with good success. I think you will be happy with either round with the bullet weight choices you have made.

[nomosendero]

Your choices are fine for the 25-06. We have tags this year & my Wife is hunting with me. She uses a 6.5X55, so I will load her some
130 Scirocco II & 130 Accubond. & see how they do. I took a nice 4X5 Whitetail & a 300# Hog years ago with the 120BT, it was not my idea of a big Hog bullet, but it worked at the angle I placed the bullet. It will do fine for an Antelope, I just want to wring out these two bullets.

Good luck on your hunt. 

[Sweet 6.5]

Hi

6.5x55 is the perfect choice. Both the NP and BT will work
just fine, although my choice will be the NP.
I used mine this year with 140gr Rhino's to hunt a blue wildebeest
and an impala.
I am going again in two months time. This time only for impala. 
I am going to use 140gr Speer. I don't need anything stronger
at 2550fps and ranges to about 150m.   

[TNrifleman]

Either one of the Noslers that you mentioned will do a great job for you. I have come to prefer the 125 grain Partition in my 6.5x55, but the BT is a very accurate bullet that should be pure poison on antelope. Have a great hunt.

[james]

My 14 yr old daughter will use my Encore 6.5x55 for antelope this year.  It is easy on the shoulder and accurate with my 120 gr Hornady reloads.  I lost a good buck once when I snapped a shot as he was crossing a small opening on a fence line.  Hit him a little back at the last rib and the 120 was a complete pass thru.      I switched to  my 140 grs and never lost another one. Of course I haven't made a bad shot since either. 

[Slamfire]

My 6.5-.257 reached out 326 long paces and nailed a nice buck for me, usin' 129 spire points. There's about a half grain water weight difference in the case capacities, and I don't remember which held the most. 

[ratherbefishin]

I have killed over 25 blacktails and a couple of black bears with my 65x55 swede-regular 139 factory ammunition.Nothing went further than 25 yards,most were  well under that[both  bears were hit right on the shoulder and went right down]I love the swedes[just bought a 9.3x57 on a swede action] accurate, low recoil and very efficient-high SD.Not bad for a 100 year old cartridge