6.5x55 or 7-30 waters

[kb]

Im itching to get a new barrel for my encore, but want a low recoil whitetail getter.  My max range would be 150 yards.  My choices would be between a 7-30 W and the Swede (6.5x55).  This is in a pistol configuration.

What are your experiences with these rounds and recoil/deer?

Thank you,

Kb

[Darrell H]

I've got a 15" Bullberry 7-30 Improved:


It shoots 120's up to 2600 fps with IMR4895.  My best accuracy load has been 120 grain Ballistic tips with 34 grains of IMR4895 IIRC.  I've only shot one deer with this round and it worked great.  I've shot several Coyotes and they were DRT (dead right there).  Recoil is "middle of the road".  I don't think that you could go wrong either way, but to me the Encore just begs Swede; do the 7-30 in a Contender.

Good luck!

Darrell

[jhalcott]

 I have the 6.5JDJ and 7-30 in the contender. They work great on deer. BUT the the Encore is a much more robust platform. I think IF (big IF) it had to be 7-30 or 6.5 swede, I'd go swede. I might check the availability of ammo /brass for them first. I probably would opt for the .260 or the 7-08 in the Encore. I have these in rifles and they are proven white tail "getters". I know from friends with them in Encore and Striker " handguns" they will do the job in them also!

[kb]

I already have plenty of brass for my mausers, so component availability is not a problem.  Im looking for a lite recoiling round for deer hunting, and general shooting.  I have not shot a 7-30 W, so I am curious about it.

k

[frankkj]

I have both. Doesn't seem to be a lot of difference in recoil. I am shooting 140 gn. corelock reloads in the 7-30, and 120 grain corelock reloads in the 6.5x55. Both are extremely accurate. I think I prefer the 6.5x55, but I can't tell you why. At least, that is what I am going to hunt with this year.

250 Savage is also a sweet round in an Encore pistol.

Frank

[daddyof4]

KB,
 I haven't shot the 6.5 in an encore but I had a 7x30 in a 14" hunter configuration. It ws LOUD, but very easy to shoot. I shot 120 hornady hp's out of it. My load excapes me . Very accurate. Needed money and my head exmined, you know the story.

[ShootnStr8]

KB,

The 7-30 Waters is outstanding in the Contender -- accurate and does the job on whitetail and varmints.  The Contender is less bulky than the Encore and nicer to carry around.  Since I don't hunt things larger than whitetail, I've not seen a need to move into the larger Encore since the Contender gets it done and done well.  I love the 2-7 Burris it wears. 

Frank, have you used the 140s on game?  How did they do?  I've done real well with 139 SSTs up to 100 yards -- no experience on deer with distances beyond that. 

Blessings!

Shootnstr8

[BBF]

between the two I vote for the Swede. However I would say why not consider the30-30?

[chiefs50]

6.5x55 Swede, hands down.

Mike

[Davemuzz]

KB,

You really didn't say how far your "average" shot is or would be for your hunting. If your longest shot is no farther than 150 yards, then the 7-30 Waters using a 139 grain will do ya  just fine. I have a 14" 7-30 for my Contender and it's incredibly accurate. I've taken it out for doe on several occasions, but have not downed one with it yet. (To clairfy...I haven't even pulled the trigger on one yet) Maybe this year? I will tell you that my Contender Waters recoil is mild. Much less than a 6.5" barrel 44 magnum revolver if that will help you out.

If you want a bit longer range the Swede may be a better fit. I can't tell you the velocity loss in a handgun, but I do shoot the swede in a modern (Savage) rifle and with IMR-3031, it will push a 140 grain SST to 2700 fps. Some say it will push it faster....and that may be true, but for me, if it hits that magic number...that's all I need. But again, from a handgun I'm sure the Swede will give you a bit more than the Waters. But.....that may only be necessary if your looking at taking some longer shots.

MHO

Dave