Author Topic: 6.5X55 Rifle Choice Help Please (Read 2993 times)

razmuz · « **on:** September 13, 2005, 01:39:21 PM »

I bought my son a 6.5X55 CZ and he loves it. It's super acurate and so far he's killed deer and hogs with it, one pig at 254 yards. I'm kicking my self for not getting that caliber years ago. The down side is that the rifle is to heavy for an old timer like myself. Which of these two rifles do you all think would be the best deal.
Win. Feather weight Mod. 70
Tikka

Maxd · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2005, 01:50:30 PM »

A winchester classic 70 featherweight would be a fine choice, from what I hear anyway. I bought one last year and my son seemed to believe it was his. He took four very nice whitetails with it and claimed it shot real well.
I got the pleasure of working up some loads for it and that wasn't difficult as it shot most pretty well, the throat is typical 6.5X55 length and it helps to load the oal length out there close to the lands...
I felt good enough about the rifle that the boy has one of his own, he just doesn't know it yet. His birthday is about a week before deer season....

TNrifleman · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2005, 03:08:15 PM »

I can't comment on the Tikka except to say I hear they are good rifles. I do have a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Classic chambered for 6.5X55 and I love it. It is my favorite whitetail rifle. You won't go wrong with the Winchester.

Reloader · « **Reply #3 on:** September 14, 2005, 05:55:27 AM »

I've got one of the featherweights in 25.06. I broke the stock on it, restocked it with a cheap Ramline stock and now it goes with me when the weather really gets nasty out here on the West coast.
My 6.5x55 is in the Remington Classic and I really enjoy using that rifle as well. I was shooting Nosler ballistic tips in it but stumbled upon a load with the Nosler 125 grain Partitions that shoots so well, I'm going to have to try them as a hunting load.
Tikka is foreign to me but I sure like the looks of the Winchester featherweight. If I wasn't so cheap I'd get another factory stock for mine. :oops:

TNrifleman · « **Reply #4 on:** September 14, 2005, 02:53:58 PM »

Reloader,

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I also use the 125 grain Partition in my 6.5X55. It is very accurate and pure poison on whitetails. It is my favorite Swede bullet. I just got a mint Remington Model 700 Classic in 6.5X55. It may just become my new "go-to" rifle.

while99 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 14, 2005, 03:46:15 PM »

TNrifleman, I've been looking at the Model 70 featherweight in 6.5x55. What kind of accuracy are you getting with the 125 Nosler partition? What powders work the best for you? Is your rifle a blued or stainless version?

Lawdog · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2005, 11:43:42 AM »

Winchester every time. Tikka's have detachable magazine that I can't stand. Lawdog

TNrifleman · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2005, 02:12:31 PM »

while99,

The NP 125s shoot into about 1" @ 100 yards. I have shot better groups on occasion, but overall, one inch. I am quite happy with this performance from a factory sporter. I had to tweek the action screws a bit before she settled down. In the 6.5X55, I have had great results with Reloder 19 powder. I use close to the max charge listed in the Nosler # 5 manual. I use Winchester cases and CCI 200 primers.

while99 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 15, 2005, 06:58:49 PM »

TNrifleman, thanks for your prompt response. I still haven't decided whether or not to buy a 6.5x55 but when and if I do, I'll get the Model 70 featherweight, preferably in the stainless configuration.
Also, have you tried the 129 grain Hornady or the 120 grain Remington Core-Lokt? They would be cheaper to shoot than the Nosler partitions.

crow_feather · « **Reply #9 on:** September 15, 2005, 07:14:19 PM »

I have found the 129 grain Hornadays to be the most accurate in my Swede sporter. I use them with either RL 19 or 22 powder, can't remember which for sure.

C F

Reloader · « **Reply #10 on:** September 16, 2005, 02:35:07 PM »

I've gotten one group with the Remingtons that is under 1/2" but all my others are spread out around 2". I've only tried one load of IMR 4350 with these bullets however.

My powder of choice with the Nosler 125 grain partitions is also Reloader 19. My groups with this powder seem to stay around the 1" mark on most days. I had a flyer with this combo the last time I shot this combination and the third shot went about 3" to the left.

I've had good luck with the Nosler ballistic tips both 100 and 120 grain.

Hornady 140 grain bullets will group at 1" most times but the load I use shoots about 2 1/2" lower than the Nosler bullets.

My one stab with the Hornady 129's was pretty dismal, but I didn't work at improving it. Maybe a winter project.

Buckfever · « **Reply #11 on:** September 16, 2005, 02:57:37 PM »

I have and use this firearm for deer it is very light and easy to carry not to mention balanced. Very accurate with factory Hornady 140gr. very little recoil. The best part is it lays them down!! I have some reloads with 140gr Nosler Partitions and they work extremely well. Nice easy to carry gun with exceptional smack down for the amount of recoil!

Thanks Buckfever

TNrifleman · « **Reply #12 on:** September 16, 2005, 03:24:31 PM »

while99,

I haven't tried the Hornadys, but I have loaded the 140 Remingtons for a friend's rifle. They shot well for him. I have a box of them tucked away for me as a project. I have tried the 120 grain Sierra Pro Hunters. They shoot quite well. I got them to use as a substitute for the Noslers. I really like the Partitions for hunting, despite the cost. BTW, my Winchester is blued. Good luck with one if you get it. The Swede does not disappoint!

2ndtimer · « **Reply #13 on:** September 17, 2005, 07:15:45 PM »

My 6.5x55 is a Howa 1500, probably the least expensive modern 6.5x55 currently available. It had accuracy issues out of the box that continued until I bought a Boyd's Laminated wood stock to replace the Butler Creek tupperware stock that it came with. In my rifle the Hornady 129 SP is the most consistently accurate bullet, with the 140 Hornady SP not far behind. The 120 gr bullets I have tried have provided only fair results (Nosler BT and Speer), and with my rifle, forget about any bullet lighter than 120 gr. They shoot patterns instead of groups.
Powderwise, I have had good luck with IMR-4350 and IMR-4064. I was unable to get decent groups with Reloder 19, 22 or H-4831, although Reloder 22 did work okay with the 140 gr bullets. My Howa also seems to have a slow bore as I have been unable to break 2800 fps with the 120 gr bullets and my max loads of IMR-4350 with the 129 gr Hornady only achieve about 2650. So far 2550 has not been reached with the 140 gr bullets.
But so what, I killed my buck 20 years or so ago with a handloaded 165 gr Nosler Solid Base with 58.0 gr of H-4831. I guestimated its' velocity to be around 2800 fps out of a 20" carbine barrel. Then I chronographed the load - 2400 fps!! And amzingly enough, that nice 4 point muley buck was still dead!

jmckinley · « **Reply #14 on:** September 19, 2005, 04:32:03 PM »

I agree that all the rifles you have mentioned arre great rifles i personally like the Custom mauser or if you prefer sporterized military guns. I'm in the market for another one and hope scratch my itch sooner than later.

Jess

muzzleblast525 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 19, 2005, 04:56:38 PM »

Does Savage chamber this cal?

cal sibley · « **Reply #16 on:** September 21, 2005, 01:12:51 PM »

I also have the Remington Classic in 6.5x55. I like the rifle, very accurate. My only complaint is it has a 1 in 9" twist so it doesn't handle the excellent 140gr. bullets too well. The original Swedish mausers came with a 1 in 7 1/2" twist and does well with all bullets. So, what's new, Remington blows it again. The other 6.5x55s produced have a 1 in 8" twist which isn't so bad. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

2ndtimer · « **Reply #17 on:** September 21, 2005, 06:36:44 PM »

Quote from: cal sibley

I also have the Remington Classic in 6.5x55. I like the rifle, very accurate. My only complaint is it has a 1 in 9" twist so it doesn't handle the excellent 140gr. bullets too well. The original Swedish mausers came with a 1 in 7 1/2" twist and does well with all bullets. So, what's new, Remington blows it again. The other 6.5x55s produced have a 1 in 8" twist which isn't so bad. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

I don't know, Cal. My Howa also is supposed to have a 1 in 9" twist rate, (although newer versions are said to have the 1 in 8"), and it is most accurate with the 129 gr Hornady, with the 140 gr Hornady close behind. It will not shoot bullets lighter than 120 gr at all, so it seems surprising given the slower twist. One would think the 1 in 9" would handle the light bullets better than the faster twists, but that doesn't seem to be the case with my rifle. Although it doesn't seem to like the 140 gr Sierra BTSP, seeming to much prefer the flat based Hornady and Speer.

while99 · « **Reply #18 on:** September 24, 2005, 04:34:41 PM »

Well I ordered a Winchester Model 70 Classic Featherweight in 6.5x55 today, the one with the stainless barreled action and walnut stock. I should have it by next Friday. I also picked up some RCBS dies, 125 grain Nosler partitions, and 129 grain Hornady spire points, plus a couple boxes of 140 grain Winchester factory loads. The next order of business is to pick out a scope. I think I'll get one of the Leupold matte-finished 6x36 scopes with the wide duplex.

Slamfire · « **Reply #19 on:** September 24, 2005, 09:56:24 PM »

Quote from: while99

Well I ordered a Winchester Model 70 Classic Featherweight in 6.5x55 today, the one with the stainless barreled action and walnut stock. I should have it by next Friday. I also picked up some RCBS dies, 125 grain Nosler partitions, and 129 grain Hornady spire points, plus a couple boxes of 140 grain Winchester factory loads. The next order of business is to pick out a scope. I think I'll get one of the Leupold matte-finished 6x36 scopes with the wide duplex.

Is there some reason you prefer fixed power scopes over variables?

TNrifleman · « **Reply #20 on:** September 25, 2005, 01:25:55 AM »

'99,

It sounds like you are going to have a very nice rig there. The lines on the Winchester are quite pleasing to my eye. I have a 3x9 Leupold on mine, but a good 6x will work well. I hope yours shoots like it should with the 125 NPs.

while99 · « **Reply #21 on:** September 25, 2005, 05:09:24 AM »

Slamfire, I like fixed-power scopes because, in general, they are lighter, smaller, and cheaper than a good-quality variable and they have fewer places to leak. I have one Leupold Vari-X III 3.5x10, and it is a very fine optical instrument but, other than that, I have mostly 4x or 6x Leupolds on my big game rifles. In 43 years of hunting, stretching from Maine to Oregon, I've never felt the need for a variable. I realize this puts me in the minority but I've never needed more than 6x for any of the big game hunting that I've done.

Brithunter · « **Reply #22 on:** September 25, 2005, 06:52:07 AM »

Hi while99,

I cannot fault your thinking in this thread, one cartridge well it's simply a real classic and very effective too. Those old boys certainly got it right all those years ago when they designed it. Now of course in a modern rifle it's possible to increase the pressure up to modern standards if the need arises and even more performance is available, the Swedish cartridge due to the early design date and the powders available then was limited to around 45,000 pressures. But even at the mild pressure which it was designed to operate at it's very .... very effective :grin:

As for 6x magnification, well that is one of the most common ones in use here in the UK for stalking (deer Hunting) :grin:

Having shot a friends Model 70 featherweight in .308 I can see why it's appealing, however I am puzzled that you found the CZ too heavy, can I ask which model it was. I must admit that the newer model CZ's I am not that familar with. Mine is an old model 601 in .308. My 6.5x55 rifles are a sporterised Swedish Mauser and a Mauser M96 slide-Bolt.

while99 · « **Reply #23 on:** September 25, 2005, 07:40:53 AM »

My preference for the Winchester over the CZ is based on the fact that the Winchester is made in the USA. The CZ is a very well-made arm, and I'm seeing more of them in local sporting goods stores but, if I ever need parts and service, it is easy to ship a Winchester back to New Haven for repair.

Slamfire · « **Reply #24 on:** September 27, 2005, 09:43:58 PM »

Quote from: while99

Slamfire, I like fixed-power scopes because, in general, they are lighter, smaller, and cheaper than a good-quality variable and they have fewer places to leak. I have one Leupold Vari-X III 3.5x10, and it is a very fine optical instrument but, other than that, I have mostly 4x or 6x Leupolds on my big game rifles. In 43 years of hunting, stretching from Maine to Oregon, I've never felt the need for a variable. I realize this puts me in the minority but I've never needed more than 6x for any of the big game hunting that I've done.

I'm not power hungry and prefer a 2-7X for the reasons you cite weight/cost. I just find it handy to turn it down to 2X in dark timber and 6X for open country. I don't know where you hunt.

while99 · « **Reply #25 on:** October 09, 2005, 04:50:14 AM »

My Model 70 featherweight in 6.5 x 55 finally arrived. My dealer couldn't find one with a stainless-steel barrel and action so I got one with the blued-steel barrel and action. I installed a 6x Leupold on it with Weaver Grand Slam bases and low rings. One thing I noticed about this rifle is that it has the one-piece bottom metal so there is no middle action screw. I adjusted the trigger to my liking and put the action screws in with a torque wrench.
I used Winchester 140 grain ammo for the initial range session and, after getting it on paper, I fired three, 3-shot groups at 100 yards and it averaged 2.04 inches. Now that I have a box of empties I'm anxious to see how it will do with the 125 grain partitions and 129 grain spire points.

TNrifleman · « **Reply #26 on:** October 09, 2005, 06:00:50 AM »

It is good to hear that you got your Winchester model 70. That rifle should serve you well. Your handloads should reduce the 100 yard group size by a good amount (50-100%). I seat the 125 NPs out to max SAAMI length. I think you will come to love the 6.5x55 cartridge as a fine hunting round.

cal sibley · « **Reply #27 on:** October 17, 2005, 04:10:06 PM »

Hello 2ndtimer,

My Remington Classic in 6.5x55 does very well with the lighter bullets. With the Sierra 85gr. HP it's printed .404" (5 at 100yds.). The Nosler 100gr Bal. Tip and Lapua Scenar in 108gr. both group around .55". Even the Hornady 129gr. PSP comes in at .6". It's the heavier Sierra 140 and 142 that give me fits, around 1 to 1 1/4". I'd rather have the 1 in 8" twist.
Best wishes.

Cal - Monteal

service rifleman1 · « **Reply #28 on:** November 26, 2005, 06:55:39 AM »

I just purchased a NIB Tikka Trapper M695 with the optilock bases and ring scope mounts. I mounted a 4 * 42 mm fixed scope and sighted in some handloads consisting of Nosler's 100 grain BT's with 44 grains of IMR 4350 with CCI 200's. First shot at a game animal and I had Whitetail Venison. Nice handy rifle that shoots and was reasonably priced. This is the first rifle I hace purchased in new condition. Recommend them without hesitation. As for the Mauser surplus, I have a 43' Husky and a 96 that left the Carl Gustavs factory in 1906. Great caliber and versatile to shoot a variety of loads dependin if you hunt Mountain Hares or Swamp donkeys. Regards

poncaguy · « **Reply #29 on:** November 26, 2005, 08:47:04 AM »

I have Ruger 77 in 260, makes a nice light package for an ol' fart like me, it;s an MOA shooter.