6.5x55 Swede. Should I buy one?

E

El Rojo

New member
I have sort of caught a facny for this 6.5x55 cartridge. Problem is there is not a lot of info out there on it. I even looked it up in the archives. I guess my desire is two fold.

1). What kind of rifle to get. I am thinking it is going to be the longer model Swedish version.

2). I am a reloader and that is going to be some of the fun of this project. How cheap can I reload this stuff and is it worth it if I can only find match components for the stuff.

Another big force is Kieslers has the Federal Gold Medal Match 140 gr boxes of 20 on sale right now for $9.96 each! That is almost worth getting a case over. And with 500 of those beauties, I don't need to buy brass for awhile.

So what do yall think? Are there any fans of the 6.5x55 out there and if so, sell me on this and convienently forget about the Kieslers ammo until I buy my case. Any suggestions for where to buy one? I saw Ellisons already on another thread and was impressed. Of course I have seen them cheaper, but once again you get what you pay for.

So help a brother out. I have too much money to spend. Or should I just have fun with my Rem 700 vs in .308 and reload some more varmint rounds and take the squirrels to town? Why can't I be satisfied with what I have. There is always room for something new!
 
ELROJO:
Sounds to me like you have ans'd your own question and convinced yourself on the Swiss. Good round. Was an olympic winner 1972 in Ariz.

For What it's worth:\

A Mauser and Swedish designed military cartridge adopted in 1894, it was used in the Swedish Models 94.96, and 38 rifles and carbines. These are based on a modification of the Spanish Mauser, 1893 bolt action. Norway also adopted this cartridge for its 1894 and 1912 Krag-Jorgensen rifles. Ammunition for sporting use is loaded by Norma. Military ammunition uses the Berdan primer, usually of .199" or .216" diameter.

HJN
 
I think Harley meant "Swedish" vs. "Swiss"

Because the Swiss rifles, aka Schmidt-Rubins, are another breed of highly accurate, well-built, long-barreled arms that have survived to the present in excellent condition. Once Mauseritis (in all the variants, contracts, and nationalities), and Enfielditis, and Noisymagnetitis works it's way outta your system, then you get Schmidt-Rubinitis!

Excellent choice on the rifle and also the ammo supply, you won't regret it, especially after your first 100 yard groups from an M96 Swede...
 
Don't buy just one. Buy several.

My first centerfire rifle was a M 38 that I might get "sporterized" someday. I am just a little scared to because it shoots 1.25 MOA with surplus ball or federal classic ammo with the issue [ie crummy] sights.

You can get bullets from most anyone: Speer, Nosler, Hornady, Barnes, Sierra, etc. Loaded ammo is a little more expensive usually than say 308 but reloading should be comparable, I haven't reloaded enough yet to say for certain.

How cheap of bullets are you looking for?
 
You guys did it!

Ok, I just finished ordering my case of ammo from Kiesler's. The grand total for a case of Federal Match 140 gr was $257 shipped to PRK! That is a hell of a deal for Fed Gold Medal Match.

And to go along with that Ammo I am sending out my FFL today to Ellison's for a Carl Gustav Model 96 Rifle (6.5x55) for $175. Curt was telling me on the phone that he could have got me a brand new one about a year ago, but that is the way it goes. And you just can't order one gun with a C&R FFL so I went ahead and got a Yugoslavian Preduzece 44 Model 48 8mm for $165.

I saw those Mojo sights and I might just order one of those too for the heck of it since I am blowing a paycheck or two today.

Am I crazy for spening all of that money on 6.5x55 ammo? Curt said these guns are great shooters and you guys seem to agree. I don't see any cheap FMJ bullets for reloading so I might just go ahead and buy the Sierra 500 pack moly's once I get into reloading for it.

My next question is if I really like this gun and cartridge, I might have to get a modern bolt rifle for it. Any suggestions there? Thanks again boys.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top