Author Topic: 6.5x55 Swedish or 7.62x54 Russian (Read 2209 times)

Rusty R. · « **on:** February 09, 2004, 06:11:41 PM »

Which of these two rounds is the superior in the aspects of hunting, terminal performance, long-range capability, accuracy, over all performance, and Ballistic Coefficients? Thanks

Lee D. · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2004, 01:55:17 AM »

6.5x55 is the only gun anyone ever needs.

Mikey · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2004, 05:37:46 AM »

Rusty R: the 6.5 Swede gets my vote, and Lee is right, it could be the only round you would ever need. Mikey.

Lawdog · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2004, 01:35:38 PM »

Rusty R.,

Go with the Swede and you will never regret it. Lawdog

huntsman · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2004, 06:01:07 PM »

Both calibers are respectible performers and very capable hunting rounds. However, in every category you mention, the Swede gets the nod. It shoots bullets at a flatter trajectory that have better BCs and sectional density than the 7.62. For any given bullet construction and weight, the long, slender 6.5 bullet is going to outpenetrate and outperform its 7.62 counterpart. The Swede is a very mild round to shoot, and can be loaded with bullets from 85 gr up to 160 gr for a broad range of uses. Its terminal performance, bullet weights being equal, is second to none.

I have read that the 6.5x55 is one of the best engineered cartridges going in terms of internal ballistics. I believe, "it is one of the few calibers that simply cannot be improved upon," was a quote that sticks in my mind from a ballistics expert (don't remember the source). From what I have seen in practice, it is an outstanding caliber. It is accurate, reliable, an unbelievable performer on game, and a pure joy to shoot. Have fun with it! :grin:

haroldclark · « **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2004, 05:13:09 AM »

Rusty, I own a 6.5 Swedish Mauser model 96. The cartridge was way before its time in history and still remains as it was originally.

Long range? At the monthly Military Silhouette Match at our Shooting Club, there will be upwards of 30 shooters with all sorts of rifles. The targets are from 200 to 500 meters (547 yards) and are heavy steel. They must be taken down to score. The Swede is a little light at 500 meters and will occasionally "Ring" a ram (not knock it down). But, I've seen a 560 Grain 45-70 bullet ring a ram too, as well as 180s from 30 calibers.

Point is: 99% of the monthly matches are won by a 6.5 Swede.

Go Figure!!!!

Harold Clark

Fla Brian · « **Reply #6 on:** March 01, 2004, 08:49:01 PM »

I like the 7.62, but the answer to your question is the Swede all the way ballistically speaking. No doubt about it. And it's chambered in better, and a wider variety of, firearms. Nobody, to my knowledge, chambers a bolt action sporting rifle in 7.62X54R.