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Old 07-25-2017, 10:06 PM
Ronji Ronji is offline
 
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Default 6.5 x 55

I recently came into possession of a 6.5 x 55. Its a former Husqvarna military rifle that's been modified.
I have not shot this rifle, and not familiar with this caliber. The original owner was quite active in competitive shooting in his younger years.

It came with a large amount of brass, assorted bullets and some hand loads.
I am looking for any advice, tips, etc. on this rifle and caliber that anybody may have.
Thanks in advance
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  #2  
Old 07-25-2017, 10:11 PM
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Puma Puma is online now
 
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Default 6.5 x 55

Good rifle, good caliber for most anything around here.
Enjoy it. I have a couple of them.

Puma
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Old 07-25-2017, 10:12 PM
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Dick284 Dick284 is offline
 
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Don't shoot other people's handloads.
Keep the muzzle pointed down range and your booger hook off the bang switch till its go time.

And ask where the reloading dies are.
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Old 07-25-2017, 10:34 PM
Throttle_monkey1 Throttle_monkey1 is offline
 
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Also if it's an old m94 or m94/m38 action don't load it too hot. Those actions aren't as strong as modern actions. A 140 grain @ about 2500-2600 should be perfect unless you've got a short barrel, then the pressure might be up there to reach those velocities.

Otherwise husqvarnas are great rifles and that is a great caliber. In modern actions they can be loaded hotter but you don't really need to.
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Old 07-25-2017, 10:58 PM
JD848 JD848 is online now
 
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When my wife first started hunting with me ,I was afraid of cartridge mix up,so for her safety and mine we both used a .6.5x55 and she took 4 moose over a five year period with this cartridge and she is 5' 4" and 125 in weight and had zero problems.great cartridge .All shots were under 200,but I wouldn't be afraid to go to 300.
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Old 07-26-2017, 09:08 AM
elkdump elkdump is offline
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Great caliber, the go to caliber for much of the moose ,red stag and boar hunting in Scandinavia ,

A 120 year old cartridge , that has been copied by just about every possible gun and cartridge manufacturer,

And all resulting with little very little improvement over the ol' 6.5 Swede
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Old 07-26-2017, 02:26 PM
topgenorth topgenorth is offline
 
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My M96 is one of my most accurate rifles. IMHO, you can't go wrong with this cartridge.

I'd be very leery of someone else's handloads. I'd pull the bullets and load them for myself. My 6.5x55 seems to like heavier bullets; I get good results with 130gr and 140gr rounds. I've tried lighter 107gr bullets, but groups open right up to around 2~3MOA.
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Old 07-26-2017, 03:47 PM
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Sashi Sashi is offline
 
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Federal 6.5x55 $70.00 per box at Canadian Tire.
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Old 07-27-2017, 10:51 AM
Ronji Ronji is offline
 
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Default 6.5 x 55

Thank you all for your feedback. Its greatly appreciated!
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  #10  
Old 07-27-2017, 06:44 PM
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Superb caliber, very pleasant to shoot and inherently accurate. Sounds like you have a great start with a selection of brass and bullets to work with. Mine shoots the lights out with Varget and 140 grain Accubonds. As others have said, be careful if you are reloading and really watch for pressure signs in the older military rifle you have.
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Old 07-29-2017, 06:40 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sashi View Post
Federal 6.5x55 $70.00 per box at Canadian Tire.
Glad i don't shop there I paid $45.00 for a box of Nosler Trophy Grade (140 grain Accubonds) at Cabelas in Saskatoon earlier this year.
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Old 07-29-2017, 08:16 AM
Pioneer2 Pioneer2 is offline
 
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Default $$$$$$this is why .......

I reload
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Old 07-29-2017, 06:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sashi View Post
Federal 6.5x55 $70.00 per box at Canadian Tire.
That seems fairly high priced....
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Old 07-30-2017, 11:29 AM
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Flieguy Flieguy is offline
 
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My favorite cartridge of all time, will drop animals like a ton of bricks but won't wreck your shoulder. Moose, bear, no problemo.

if you don't handload this is a good excuse to start.... factory ammo can get a little pricey. There are a wide range of bullet weights available, find one your rifle likes. The sectional density on some of the heavier 6.5 pills is astronomical
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