Page 1 of 2

6.5mm rifle

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 2:19 pm
by WelshShooter
I'm in the market for something in 6.5mm and was keen on the 6.5x55 SWE. I'm mainly doing 100m bench rest shooting with the odd Fig11 shoots out to 1,000m, so not really long range precision per se.

I was looking to get another Tikka T3 as I love mine in 308, and I was wondering about people's consensus about this. A 6.5x47 lapua is definitely out of the question due to funds available.

Are there any better 6.5mm calibres that do the job better but come in rifle's that won't cost me a fortune? I handload too in case factory ammo availability would be a problem. I haven't added this to my ticket yet as I'll be doing a variation when I sell off a couple of guns.

Edit: added last sentence.

Re: 6.5mm rifle

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 2:59 pm
by ovenpaa
The 6,5x55 is a superb round and very capable out to 1000 yards and more plus you have a good range of bullets to load with and less worries about barrel/throat wear than with other cartridges, add a T3 with a reasonably heavy barrel into the equation and you should have a fine rifle.

I certainly would not be looking much further.

Re: 6.5mm rifle

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 4:53 pm
by Dannywayoflife
My old t3 6.5x55 was stunningly accurate and easily did 1000 with the 140's @2750(mild load) get yourself a t3 stainless varmint :)

Re: 6.5mm rifle

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 5:03 pm
by The Gun Pimp
What about the Savage LRVP or benchrest version in 6mmBR?

Stunningly accurate and perfect for 100 yd BR.

Plus, this rifle shot smallest 'factory' group in UKBRA 1000 yd benchrest competition last year - 5.075 inches!

If you want to swap barrels for a different cartridge, it's almost a DIY job.

Re: 6.5mm rifle

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 5:16 pm
by WelshShooter
Yep, was leaning towards more of a varmint barrel and was looking at the heavier sierra/lapua bullets.

I hadn't considered Savage as I've not seen many dealers having them, which to me implies they're not greatly popular this side of the pond. Thanks for suggesting anyway!

Re: 6.5mm rifle

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 6:33 pm
by Dannywayoflife
The savages are fantastic!

Re: 6.5mm rifle

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 6:56 pm
by meles meles
Traditionally, ooman, it's "The Noble Savage"

Re: 6.5mm rifle

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:16 pm
by pe4king
I have a Tikka T3 varmint in .260 rem very accurate a pussycat to shoot and the cases can be necked down from .308 win, it uses 10 grains less powder than my .308 and the number of accessories for the T3 is increasing all the time, mine is at the moment in an MDTTAC 21 chassis

Re: 6.5mm rifle

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 9:53 pm
by WelshShooter
pe4king wrote:I have a Tikka T3 varmint in .260 rem very accurate a pussycat to shoot and the cases can be necked down from .308 win, it uses 10 grains less powder than my .308 and the number of accessories for the T3 is increasing all the time, mine is at the moment in an MDTTAC 21 chassis
Sounds cool. I have the X ray on my T3 308win, however the stock is only sized to take small action AI mags so no good for a T3 in 6.5x55. I'll have to save up for another stock anyhow!

Re: 6.5mm rifle

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 8:03 am
by Dannywayoflife
The x55 has more potential than the 260 as well. When loaded to modern pressures that is.