I loaded for the 6.5 x 55 for 20 yrs. I settled on the 125 NP. 5 shot groups of 1.25" @ 100yds. 16.5" barrel. 6.5#. light and handy as can be. accounted for 9 deer as I recall. Never recovered a bullet. Never shot up meat. That said, I would still select the .260 Remington as you cannot chamber the 6.5 x 55 in a true short action. If I can ever have a rifle built it will be a Winchester short action, 18" barrel, .260R, kevlar stock. Try to get back to 6.5#. So, as one woman to all those arguing about what to get for 'the little woman' get a .260 Model 7 with a 1.5-6x scope. She will thank you, repeatedly.