Author Topic: 6.5x55 where to start  (Read 1500 times)

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Offline HWB13

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6.5x55 where to start
« on: April 24, 2013, 03:13:08 PM »
I think I answered my own question from my Mannlicher stock post.  Where would I start?  All my extra barrels have been factory fitted, guess i'm still a little green compared to some of you.
Kevin   
Handi's:17 Mach2, 17 HMR,17 WSM, 22LR, 22 Win Mag, 204 Ruger, 22 Hornet UV, 22-250 UV, 25-06, 30-30, 35 Whelen, 30-06, 20gaX2, 20GA ultra Slug, 12ga ultra slug, 12 ga Turkey, H&W 45-70 BC X2, 45 LC CC, 44 Mag, 500 S&W and 140+ non-H&R types

If you have to shoot more than once you should not have shot the first time.

Offline bikerbeans

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2013, 01:07:24 AM »
hwb,
 
Probably the best approach for your project is to send a barrel out to be rebored and rechambered.  It will not be cheap, probably $300 to $400, but you will have something that can't be bought from the factory.   I don't want to reccommend anyone in particular to do this work because I don't have personal experience with a rebore/rechamber.  You will need to verify that your rebore barrel's chamber will be cleaned up completely by the 6.5x55 reamer.  IIRC, someone had a 6.5x55 Handi built but I don't remember who it was.  You could try the search function and maybe find the thread. 
 
Good luck,
 
BB
RIP Tom: Tom Nolan, ( bikerbeans) passed away this afternoon (02-04-2021).

Why be difficult, when with a little extra effort you can be impossible?

Wife's Handis;  300 BLKOUT

MINE:  270W, 308x444, 44 Bodeen, 410 shorty rifled slug gun, 445 SuperMag Shikari, 45 ACP shorty,  45-70 Shikari, 45 Cal Smokeless MZ, 50cal 24" SS Sidekick, 50 cal 24" Huntsman, 50 cal 26" Huntsman, 50 cal 26" Sidekick, 50-70 Govt Shikari, Tracker II 20 ga shorty, 20 ga VR Pardner, 20ga USH, 12ga VR NWTF, 12ga Tracker II shorty WITHOUT scope, 12ga USH, 10 ga  Pardner Smoothbore slug gun & 24ga Profino Custom rifled slug gun.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2013, 03:54:04 AM »
I had a 6.5x55 stubbed barrel made with a 308Win stub and Shilen blank, it shot good, but it was a heavy bugger, later I had a 260 Rem Superlight made from a rebored 243 Superlight, so I sold the 6.5. Last time I asked Wayne he didn't do stubs any more, but he'd do a rebore for ya.

Tim

http://www.oregunsmithingllc.com/Relining-Reboring-MuzzleBrake.html

"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline jeepmann1948

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2013, 04:12:11 AM »
Most economical way would be to get a 7mm-08 in the various choices from the factory
Lots of bullet choices and factory ammo and no custom gunsmith charges
Both are great choices and either will serve you well, plus whatever critters you shoot will not know the difference.
Name
Muzzle
 Velocity
 (Avg. f.p.s.)
Muzzle
 Energy
 (Avg. ft-lbs.)
Bullet
 Weight
 (Avg. gr.)
Data
 Points
Case
 Capacity
 (Avg. grs. H2O)
2756
2108
127
280
57.3
2757
2418
145
363
55.2
2521
1976
140
n/a
57.3
2800
2438
140
n/a
55.2

 
 





After all it is your choice
Good shooting
George
"it ain't what you shoot em with......................
  it's where you hit em "

Offline gcrank1

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2013, 06:43:12 AM »
I agree that the 7mm-08 is a fine cartridge with a wider selection of bullet weights to use.
To answer you post inquire; ie, the 'where to start' for a 6.5, it is with 'saving up your money'. If ya gotta have it, it WILL cost.
"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline Dinny

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2013, 08:42:10 AM »
Wayne York did a great job when he rebored and rechambered a .22 Hornet barrel to 6.5 Grendel for me. I believe a .223 Rem barrel could be used for a donor barrel going to 6.5 Swede. Cost is just over $300.

Thanks, Dinny
Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
Thomas Paine

Offline YRUpunting?

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2013, 08:58:01 AM »
Wayne York did a great job when he rebored and rechambered a .22 Hornet barrel to 6.5 Grendel for me. I believe a .223 Rem barrel could be used for a donor barrel going to 6.5 Swede. Cost is just over $300.

Thanks, Dinny

Could the Superlight barrel be used as the donor? 

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2013, 09:04:56 AM »
Yup, I have a 260 Rem and 9.3x62 on Superlight barrels, just be sure to check the depth of the rear sight holes if the barrel is drilled and tapped for sights, the rear sight holes in one on my 243 Superlights are .200" deep!!  ::)

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline YRUpunting?

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #8 on: April 28, 2013, 09:23:43 AM »
Hmm.  So would a 223 Superlight be a donor for a 257 Roberts?

Offline Dinny

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #9 on: April 28, 2013, 09:29:16 AM »
Hmm.  So would a 223 Superlight be a donor for a 257 Roberts?

Wayne told me the minimum barrel OD at the muzzle is .200" overbore so a .308 barrel must have an OD of .510" to go to .358....and so forth.

Thanks, Dinny
Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
Thomas Paine

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #10 on: April 28, 2013, 10:03:02 AM »
Wayne has the min muzzle diameter listed on his website, minimum for a .375" bore is .550", considering the smallest diameter muzzle that anyone as reported for their Superlight is right around .600", you're good to go for a small bore like the 257 Bob, all three of my 243 Superlight barrels are around .640", I don't have a Hornet or 223 to measure tho.  ;)

Tim

http://www.oregunsmithingllc.com/Relining-Reboring-MuzzleBrake.html
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline HWB13

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #11 on: April 28, 2013, 04:32:12 PM »
I was thinking keeping my eyes out for a 223.  Would have to compare more numbers but it sounds like the running thought is that it would work.  As for the cost and the 7mm-08, right now I have every caliber to kill anything anywhere it would want so it would be pure "want" and I would want to go total one of a kind, Mannlicher stock, trigger guard, custom long range sights.  In other words the whole 9 yards, maybe even 9 1/2.  Thanks for all the input.  really glad i found this forum
Kevin   
Handi's:17 Mach2, 17 HMR,17 WSM, 22LR, 22 Win Mag, 204 Ruger, 22 Hornet UV, 22-250 UV, 25-06, 30-30, 35 Whelen, 30-06, 20gaX2, 20GA ultra Slug, 12ga ultra slug, 12 ga Turkey, H&W 45-70 BC X2, 45 LC CC, 44 Mag, 500 S&W and 140+ non-H&R types

If you have to shoot more than once you should not have shot the first time.

Offline gcrank1

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #12 on: April 28, 2013, 05:01:34 PM »
There just has to be some 6.5x55 barrels out there to stub up.
"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline HWB13

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #13 on: April 28, 2013, 05:21:13 PM »
It was my turn to feed the boys, 9 week old twins, and I was thinking if I'm going for the 30ft mark, I have not seen a SB2 with a case colored receiver other than my BC and CC.  Are they out there and just haven't seen them?  If I am going to go this far that would be a good accent to the project.
Kevin   
Handi's:17 Mach2, 17 HMR,17 WSM, 22LR, 22 Win Mag, 204 Ruger, 22 Hornet UV, 22-250 UV, 25-06, 30-30, 35 Whelen, 30-06, 20gaX2, 20GA ultra Slug, 12ga ultra slug, 12 ga Turkey, H&W 45-70 BC X2, 45 LC CC, 44 Mag, 500 S&W and 140+ non-H&R types

If you have to shoot more than once you should not have shot the first time.

Offline bikerbeans

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #14 on: April 28, 2013, 05:49:32 PM »
Only case color SB2s I have seen are the Buff Classic ones.  IIRC, H&R will case color a receiver and maybe a trigger job while it is at the factory?
 
BB
RIP Tom: Tom Nolan, ( bikerbeans) passed away this afternoon (02-04-2021).

Why be difficult, when with a little extra effort you can be impossible?

Wife's Handis;  300 BLKOUT

MINE:  270W, 308x444, 44 Bodeen, 410 shorty rifled slug gun, 445 SuperMag Shikari, 45 ACP shorty,  45-70 Shikari, 45 Cal Smokeless MZ, 50cal 24" SS Sidekick, 50 cal 24" Huntsman, 50 cal 26" Huntsman, 50 cal 26" Sidekick, 50-70 Govt Shikari, Tracker II 20 ga shorty, 20 ga VR Pardner, 20ga USH, 12ga VR NWTF, 12ga Tracker II shorty WITHOUT scope, 12ga USH, 10 ga  Pardner Smoothbore slug gun & 24ga Profino Custom rifled slug gun.

Offline 8uck5nort

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #15 on: April 29, 2013, 03:16:26 AM »
From personal and ongoing experience. I am in the process of working up a 8x57 mauser in a handi. I decided to go the rebore route using a donor 22-250 barreled action. Reason: Right or wrong, I wanted the quickest and laziest route possible on the metal work side. The 22-250 is a great candidate cause the case head is almost identicle in dimension to a mauser cartridge so that alleviates the ejector/extractor fitting. The exisisting 22-250 barrel contour meets the minimum dimension for a rebore. It was a tad on the pricey side, but for 350.00 + shipping costs Wayne York will do a fine rebore and rechamber job, and he has stood by his work if you should run into a problem.
I am sure the stub route will do just fine as well. You can buy brand new Green Mountain, or Brownells 6.5x55 mauser barrels for around the 80.00 mark + shipping from Midway or Brownells. I've never done a stub, so some of the other members who have can weigh in or mine the FAQs for info, to find a suitable stub w/underlug that can take the pressure.
 I am currently fitting a custom made stock to this action, but will be making a some mannlicher stocks from a chunk of walnut that I have recently acquired. I plan on the 8x57 wearing one of these at some point in the future. Best tip I can impart is take your time with it and have fun. Please keep us updated.
Cartridges for My Entertainment: .22 S,L,LR, .223 Rem, 7x57, 30-06, 8x57, 357 mag/max, 35 Remington/Indiana, 35 Whelen, 44 mag, 445 SM mag. Adding the 6.5x55 swede!

Offline sluggo

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #16 on: April 29, 2013, 04:39:23 AM »
 E. Arthur Brown Inc.(EABCO) has Savage 6.5x55 barrels for $259
...there are many kinds of wounded, and only one kind of dead. Do it the Handi way, one shot, one kill.

Offline Dinny

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #17 on: April 29, 2013, 08:15:27 AM »
I don't have a Hornet or 223 to measure tho.  ;)

Tim doesn't have as extensive of a collection as some of us do.  ;) ::)

My Hornet SL measures .579" at 20".

Thanks, Dinny
Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
Thomas Paine

Offline HWB13

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #18 on: April 29, 2013, 09:27:50 AM »
Dinny, thanks for the info but my Hornet, The Green Hornet is not on the chopping block.
Kevin   
Handi's:17 Mach2, 17 HMR,17 WSM, 22LR, 22 Win Mag, 204 Ruger, 22 Hornet UV, 22-250 UV, 25-06, 30-30, 35 Whelen, 30-06, 20gaX2, 20GA ultra Slug, 12ga ultra slug, 12 ga Turkey, H&W 45-70 BC X2, 45 LC CC, 44 Mag, 500 S&W and 140+ non-H&R types

If you have to shoot more than once you should not have shot the first time.

Offline HWB13

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #19 on: April 29, 2013, 09:51:41 AM »
She is a 1996 found her in a Walgreens in Colorado Springs when I was stationed there.  She was my first H&R center fire.
Kevin   
Handi's:17 Mach2, 17 HMR,17 WSM, 22LR, 22 Win Mag, 204 Ruger, 22 Hornet UV, 22-250 UV, 25-06, 30-30, 35 Whelen, 30-06, 20gaX2, 20GA ultra Slug, 12ga ultra slug, 12 ga Turkey, H&W 45-70 BC X2, 45 LC CC, 44 Mag, 500 S&W and 140+ non-H&R types

If you have to shoot more than once you should not have shot the first time.

Offline tacklebury

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #20 on: April 29, 2013, 03:03:08 PM »
Nice logo.  Love it.  ;)
Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.


Offline HWB13

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Re: 6.5x55 where to start
« Reply #21 on: April 29, 2013, 03:11:42 PM »
took awhile to find one from the original show.  as with everything they show up every where now that i have one
Kevin   
Handi's:17 Mach2, 17 HMR,17 WSM, 22LR, 22 Win Mag, 204 Ruger, 22 Hornet UV, 22-250 UV, 25-06, 30-30, 35 Whelen, 30-06, 20gaX2, 20GA ultra Slug, 12ga ultra slug, 12 ga Turkey, H&W 45-70 BC X2, 45 LC CC, 44 Mag, 500 S&W and 140+ non-H&R types

If you have to shoot more than once you should not have shot the first time.