decision...

A

ammo.crafter

New member
I'm looking for a bolt action rifle (I reload) for northeastern deer and black bear. I was thinking or 7 x 57 Mauser or 6.5 x 55 Swedish. Anyone have experience or opinions regarding these calibres?
 
I own 7X57 rifles, and I have hunted with a 7X57 for 30+ years. I have tried others (30-06, 308, 7mm Mag, 243 Win, 8mm Rem Mag, 8X57, 9X57, and a few oddball ones thrown in for g&g) and always end up back with the 7X57. It shoots well, hits wel, and has very little report and/or recoil. I have never owned a 6.5X55, but they are right there along with the 7X57 in terms of power and trajectory.
 
Only question I would have is the availablity of ammo at "Mom and Pops Gas and Sundries".

I know I take lots more ammo than I ever need, but I like the reassurance of knowing I can get -06 ammo anywhere, just in case.

But I freely admit to over-planning for contingencies...
 
Availability of ammo is a good point to consider when you buy a rifle. For example, I used to own a 8mm Remington Magnum, and if I forgot my ammo at home, there was no way to replace it unless I got lucky and found some at a large sporting goods store. Likewise, I have been out in the sticks and found 7X57 ammo in the local store (not that I needed it, I always pack extra), and the 6.5X55 would likely be similar due to the number of older surplus rifles used for deer hunting. Perhaps not as ubiquitous as 30-06 ammo, but it is not hard to find.

Federal, Hornady and Winchester all make current loads for the 7X57 using 139-145 gr bullets at 2600-2700 fps, a better load than the old 175 gr at 2300 fps.
 
I probable don't notice other caliber's sitting on shelf, cause all I care about is the -06. Probably leads to a distorted view of the availablity of other stuff...Might have to re-think my self-imposed myth on that...:)
 
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