6.5x55 Swede or the 7mm-08

[Rattle'em up]

I like both the 7mm-08 and 6.5x55 and need some opinions from you guys. Which one will out do the other for all around hunting...up to elk size game? Both of these bullets have excellent characteristics and would be very close in comparison...... sectional density, light recoil and good ballistics for all around hunting just to name a few. I'm looking at a CZ in 6.5x55swede that has caught my attention and feels like it was made for me,but the 7mm-08 might be better for the occasional elk hunt..just not sure. Mainly looking for some good and bad points on both.

[rdale501]

You do what you want, but if it were me I'g go a little bigger if I planned on occasional elk hunts, those rounds will be a little light. I would at least get a 30/06. Like I said it's up to you, I've heard some good things about both.

[lefty o]

both great cartridges, i have both, and like both. if i were forced to choose one or the other, i would pick the 7mm-08.

[bs1865]

Good post. The interesting thing about both of these calibers is that I have yet to find someone that has real practical experience with either that would have a negative thing to say about them. I own and love the 7mm-08, but will try to be subjective. For CXP2 game, these are two of the very best calibers you could ever choose. For CXP3 game (elk) they need to be used only within reasonable distances on broadside game. All 6.5mm cartridges have great section density which will lead to impressive penetration. The 7mm-08 will provide a larger diameter channel since it is a 7mm cartridge as compared to the 6.5. If you don't reload, you will never realize the full potential of the 6.5 Swede as factory loadings are very light (pressure, speed, energy) since they are made to be shot from rifles made decades ago. If you reload using the latest powders and capacties of the 6.5 and shoot them in newer rifles only, you can get some exceptional performance. However, if you don't reload, your decision is made for you...7mm-08.

Congratulations to you...either way, you are a winner with the 6.5 Swede or the 7mm-08.

Also, the 7mm-08 is a true short action. Where as the 6.5 Swede must be chambered in long action rifles only. The 7mm-08 will be much more available in factory rifles. I have a friend that thinks his CZ 6.5 Swede is all he'll ever need.

[Onesonek]

Good points all across here, but I'll add my 2 cents worth. Personally I prefer .30 cal. or bigger for Elk myself, but on the other hand, the Swede has accounted for numerous moose. I really don't think an Elk would know the difference, being hit with either. Again personally, with 6.5, I would use a 140 gr., and 160 gr. in the 7-08 for Elk, and keep my range around 200 yds or under. But of the 2, I would lean towards the 7-08 as some others, only because it would make for a slightly more compact and possibly lighter rifle. Every little bit of weight savings helps, specially for stalking in the mountains. At least for my flatland legs and lungs.

Dave

[turner]

Originally Posted by lefty o

both great cartridges, i have both, and like both. if i were forced to choose one or the other, i would pick the 7mm-08.

+1..... But I'll also cheat and say I'd prefer a 3rd I own, the .308, for what you mentioned.

[SwedeSteve]

Either will be a great choice! I am partial to the Swede, and have taken moose with it. I will say that I usually check out a lot of rifles before buying one, and I always go with the one that "feels good" in my hands!

[Brother Bob]

Compared: The 6.5x55 SE and 7mm-08 Remington
By Chuck Hawks

The old 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser and the newer 7mm-08 Remington rifle cartridges are both popular and well known. This is especially true in North America where the 7mm-08 originated and has become a "top 30" rifle cartridge, and the 6.5x55 has been in the top 30 for years. In much of the rest of the world the 6.5x55 is very well known, while the standby 7mm rifle cartridge remains the 7x57 Mauser, but the 7mm-08 has made inroads.
Since I have already written an article comparing the .260 Remington and 7mm-08 Remington, and another article comparing the 6.5x55 and 7x57, much of the material in this article will unavoidably be essentially similar. The .260 is just a newer version of the 6.5x55, and the 7mm-08 is a newer version of the 7x57.
The 6.5x55 SE



Illustration courtesy of Hornady Mfg. Co.

The 6.5x55 was adopted as the service cartridge of Sweden and Norway in 1894. It subsequently become a very popular sporting cartridge in Scandinavia, and eventually caught on in the rest of the world, including North America. In the U.S. it is known as the "6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser" or just the "6.5mm Swede."
The 6.5x55 is one of those fortunate few cartridges that is exceptionally well balanced. Like all 6.5mm cartridges, its biggest advantage is the high sectional density (SD) of its bullets. It is covered in detail in an article on the Rifle Cartridge Page.
Despite its age, the 6.5x55 is a modern looking rimless cartridge with a sharp 25-degree shoulder angle. The cartridge overall length (COL) is 3.150", thus it requires an "intermediate" (rare) or standard length action. It has the case and neck length to allow it to efficiently handle long, heavy bullets. Bullet diameter is .264" and for big game hunting the 6.5x55 is at its best with bullets ranging from 120-160 grains, although bullets from about 85-160 grains are available to reloaders.
Most ammunition manufacturers load for the 6.5x55. Typical U.S. factory loads for the 6.5x55 drive a 139-140 grain bullet at a muzzle velocity (MV) of 2550-2600 fps. Higher performance Light Magnum loads from Hornady advertise a 129 grain bullet at a MV of 2770 fps and a 139 grain bullet at a MV of 2740 fps.
Norma of Sweden offers a 139 grain bullet at a MV of 2854 fps, a 140 grain bullet at a MV of 2789 fps, and several different 156 grain bullets at MV's ranging from 2526 fps to 2644 fps. RWS of Germany offers several 6.5x55 loads including a 127 grain bullet at a MV of 2850 fps and a 154 grain bullet at a MV of 2670 fps. Sellier & Bellot of the Czech Republic loads a 140 grain PSP bullet at a MV of 2645 fps. These are typical of European 6.5x55 loads, which on average are loaded to higher pressure than U.S. factory loads.
Reloaders with old military rifles can safely achieve velocities similar to the standard U.S. factory loads. In the U.S. the maximum average pressure (MAP) for the 6.5x55 is held to only 46,000 psi, but reloads for modern rifles such as the Ruger M77 and Winchester Model 70 can safely be taken to 50,000 cup. This allows reloaders with modern rifles to equal and sometimes exceed the European factory loads.
In the U.S., Dakota, Ruger and Winchester chamber rifles for the 6.5x55. In addition Blaser, CZ, Howa, Sako, Sauer, and Tikka offer 6.5x55 rifles for sale in the U.S. market. These and other makes are available in Europe.
The 7mm-08 Remington



Illustration courtesy of Hornady Mfg. Co.

The 7mm-08 Remington was introduced in 1980 in the Model 700 bolt action rifle. At first sales were slow, probably because it is essentially the ballistic twin of the 7x57, but over time it has caught on. Unlike the 7x57 (and the 6.5x55) there are no ancient or weak 7mm-08 rifles floating around, so commercially manufactured ammunition is loaded close to the SAAMI maximum average pressure of 52,000 cup.
The 7mm-08 is based on a .308 Winchester case necked down to accept .284" bullets. It has a maximum COL of 2.80" and is thus a true short action cartridge. The 7mm-08 is covered in detail in an article on the Rifle Cartridge Page.
For big game hunting, it is at its best with bullets weighing between 120 and 150 grains. Bullets from about 100-175 grains are available to reloaders.
Remington 7mm-08 factory loads drive a 120 grain bullet (SD .213) at a muzzle velocity of 3000 fps and a variety of 140 grain bullets (SD .248) at a MV of 2860 fps. Federal offers a 150 grain bullet at a MV of 2650 fps in addition to standard 140 grain loads. Hornady, Norma, PMC, and Winchester also offer factory loads in 7mm-08, mostly with 140 grain bullets. Reloaders can safely achieve velocity figures similar to the factory loads.
Remington offers the 7mm-08 in the Model 7 bolt action, Model 7600 pump and Model 7400 autoloader, in addition to the Model 700. The 7mm-08 has become a standard short action offering, and is also available in Blaser, Browning, Kimber, Ruger, Sako, Savage, Tikka, Weatherby, and Winchester rifles.
The Comparison
There are meaningful differences between .264" and .284" bullets. That .020" difference in diameter shows in bullet frontal area and sectional density. Both are important in evaluating killing power. The bullet's velocity, energy, and trajectory should also be considered.
Let's compare bullets of the same weight and type, using 140 grain Nosler Partition bullets as an example. This favors the 6.5x55 in sectional density (and theoretically wound channel depth), but favors the 7mm-08 in bullet frontal area (and theoretically wound channel diameter), assuming that all other factors such as velocity, energy and bullet performance are equal.

Here are the figures for SD and bullet frontal area:

• 6.5mm, 140 grain - SD .289, frontal area .0547 sq. in.
• 7mm, 140 grain - SD .248, frontal area .0633 sq. in.

In terms of wound channel terminal ballistics in soft tissue, the advantage in SD possessed by the 6.5x55 is probably balanced by the 7mm-08's advantage in bullet frontal area. Just bear in mind that when used on tough game with bullets of equal weight, the 6.5x55 has a potential advantage in penetration and the 7mm-08 has a potential advantage in shocking power.
Also remember that bullet design has a tremendous impact on expansion and penetration, and introduces many variables. A fast expanding 6.5mm bullet, such as the 140 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip, will almost certainly create a larger diameter, but shorter, wound channel than a limited expansion bullet such as the 7mm/140 grain CT Fail Safe, also manufactured by Nosler. For most purposes in this article, we will be comparing loads using essentially identical Nosler Partition bullets.

According to the top factory load ballistics as printed in the 2004 edition of the Shooter's Bible, the 7mm-08 can launch the popular 140 grain bullet 71 fps faster than the 6.5x55 with full pressure loads. For the reloader, the difference is probably more like 100 fps for typical maximum loads, but the net result will be similar. We will use the following factory loads for comparison:

• Norma 6.5x55, 140 grain Nosler Partition at MV 2789 fps.
• Rem. 7mm-08, 140 grain Nosler Partition at MV 2860 fps.

This velocity advantage translates to a slight advantage in muzzle energy favoring the 7mm-08. Here are the energy figures (in ft. lbs.) for the 140 grain Norma and Remington factory loads at the muzzle, 100, 200, and 300 yards:

• Norma 6.5x55, 140 grain at 2789 fps - 2419 ME, 2089 at 100 yards, 1796 at 200 yards, 1536 at 300 yards.
• Rem. 7mm-08, 140 grain at 2860 fps - 2542 ME, 2180 at 100 yards, 1860 at 200 yards, 1577 at 300 yards.

The 7mm-08 starts out with a 123 ft. lb. advantage in ME, but at 300 yards that gap has closed to only 41 ft. lbs. This is due to the superior ballistic coefficient (BC) of the slimmer 6.5mm bullet. The Nosler BC figures for their 140 grain Partition bullets are .490 for the 6.5mm bullet and .434 for the 7mm bullet.

This difference in BC will also affect the trajectories of the two loads, where the 7mm-08's velocity advantage is pretty much negated by the superior BC of the 6.5mm bullet. Here are the trajectory figures for our two factory loads, assuming a 200 yard zero:

• Norma 6.5x55, 140 grain at 2789 fps - +1.8" at 100 yards, -7.8" at 300 yards.
• Rem. 7mm-08, 140 grain at 2860 fps - +1.7" at 100 yards, -7.6" at 300 yards.

This is not enough difference to matter in any hunting situation. The trajectory comparison is essentially a tie.

How does all of this affect killing power? The "Optimal Game Weight" (OGW) figures, based on the pioneering work of Edward A. Matunas and published in the Lyman 47th Reloading Handbook, show that with our chosen factory loads the OGW is as follows:

• 6.5x55/140 - 638 lbs. at muzzle, 520 at 100 yards, 422 at 200 yards, 340 at 300 yards, 272 lbs. at 400 yards.
• 7mm-08/140 - 688 lbs. at muzzle, 547 lbs. at 100 yards, 432 lbs. at 200 yards, 339 lbs. at 300 yards, 264 lbs. at 400 yards.

These figures indicate similar killing power. The 7mm-08 has a slight advantage at short and medium range, and the 6.5x55 has a very slight advantage at long range. The OGW numbers cross at 300 yards, where they are virtually identical.
One of the nice things about both of these cartridges is their moderate recoil. They are among the mildest of the all-around rifle cartridges. Since bullet placement is, by far, the most important factor in killing power, most hunters can kill better with a rifle that kicks less.
No doubt this contributes to the sterling record of the 6.5x55 and 7mm-08 in the field. Both are more than adequate for all CXP2 class game, and have proven adequate for CXP3 class game such as North American elk, Scandinavian moose, and tough African plains game in the hands of a careful marksman.

Here are the approximate recoil figures for both cartridges, computed for our comparison factory loads in 8 pound rifles:

• 6.5x55, 140 at 2789 fps - 14.2 ft. lbs.
• 7mm-08, 140 at 2860 fps - 13.9 ft. lbs.

Again we have a virtual tie. The 0.3 ft. lb. difference is well within the computational error of the recoil calculation, since the actual powders used in the factory loads are unknown. For this comparison, I used powder data from the fifth edition of the Nosler Reloading Guide, corrected for the velocity change caused by the 3" difference in the length of the Nosler test barrels.
For reloaders, bullet selection and availability are important. Almost every bullet maker offers a good selection of both 6.5mm (.264") and 7mm (.284") bullets for every application for which either cartridge is suited. There are actually more choices in 7mm, but the selection in 6.5mm is entirely sufficient.
Both of these cartridges can handle bullets from 120 to 160 grains with reasonable efficiency, and these are widely available. So, for reloaders, there is not much to choose between the 6.5x55 and 7mm-08 for big game hunting.
The hunter and reloader who wants to use his all-around big game rifle for some varmint or predator hunting during the off season will be able to do so with either caliber. Edition V of Sierra Rifle and Handgun Reloading Data shows that the 6.5mm Sierra 85 grain HP varmint bullet (SD .174) can be driven to a maximum velocity of 3500 fps. The same reloading manual shows that the 7mm Sierra 100 grain HP varmint bullet (SD .177) can be driven to a maximum velocity of 3300 fps. For the varmint and small predator hunter, a lighter bullet with a similar shape and SD at higher velocity will shoot flatter and is probably the better choice. Advantage 6.5x55.
Summary and conclusion

I would summarize the 6.5x55 vs. 7mm-08 comparison thusly:

• If you favor bullet frontal area for increased shocking power, the 7mm-08 has the theoretical advantage.
• If deep penetration is more important to you, the 6.5x55 has the theoretical advantage.
• A reasonable selection of factory loads and reloading bullets are available for both calibers.
• If you are a reloader that already owns another rifle in either caliber, say a .264 Winchester Magnum or a 7mm Remington Magnum, then I would stick with the caliber I already own. You may be able to use the same bullet(s) in both calibers, reducing your inventory costs, and you are probably predisposed to favor that caliber, anyway.
• If you are a reloader who also wants to use your rifle for varmint/predator hunting, the 6.5x55 is perhaps the better choice.
• If you prefer a certain make and model of rifle and it is available in one caliber but not the other, your decision has been made. Getting the rifle you like best is probably more important than the differences between the two calibers.

It is hard to say, on balance, which cartridge is superior. The principle differences are in bullet frontal area and sectional density. Even on the same type of game it depends on the specific situation (the angle at which the animal is standing, its state of mind, etc.) as to whether a wider wound channel or a deeper wound channel is more desirable, and that is hard to predict in advance.
Both cartridges are recommended for all species of North American antelope, deer, sheep, goats, feral pigs, black bear and caribou, and similar size animals worldwide. They are adequate for elk and moose if the hunter does not attempt to stretch the range and has the skill place his shot carefully, although neither would be my first choice for shooting such large animals.
Ballistically, the 6.5x55 and 7mm-08 are similar. Both are proven cartridges and most shooters will be well served by either.

[nathangdad]

I agree the 7mm-08 is a little light for elk. It is, however, much more available than the Swede caliber so it might be a better choice.

[Rattle'em up]

Hey Brother Bob, that about sums it up thanks for the article. It was obvious that they were going to be close, but just diddn't know how much. The two calibers wouldn't be my first choice for elk either but for a main deer caliber and the occasional elk hunt either one would be fine.

[Ron AKA]

Of the two choices the 7mm-08 is clearly better. However, I think I would split the caliber difference and go with a 270. Probably slightly better than the 7mm-08, which is slightly better than the 6.5x57 Swede.

Ron

[Magnumsrule]

Hey Ron i thought you would be supporting the 264 win mag! Haha... I like the 6.5X55 for its light recoil, but ahve never shot a 7mm-08 so i cant really tell you anything. Either would probobly be a good choice for most game. Elk too as long as the ranges are limited.

[SwedeSteve]

Ron AKA- Chuck Hawks decides that they are equal except in bullet frontal area and sectional density. He says that either would depend on the hunting situation. From all of this you glean: "Of the two choices the 7mm-08 is clearly better. However, I think I would split the caliber difference and go with a 270. Probably slightly better than the 7mm-08, which is slightly better than the 6.5x57 Swede."
Did you not read the article????? Let's be reasonable here.

[Brother Bob]

Originally Posted by SwedeSteve

Ron AKA- Chuck Hawks decides that they are equal except in bullet frontal area and sectional density. He says that either would depend on the hunting situation. From all of this you glean: "Of the two choices the 7mm-08 is clearly better. However, I think I would split the caliber difference and go with a 270. Probably slightly better than the 7mm-08, which is slightly better than the 6.5x57 Swede."
Did you not read the article????? Let's be reasonable here.

I guess he didn't buddy. It's a coin toss, however a .260 Remington would up the 6.5 into first place.

[Magnumsrule]

What you mean? The 6.5X55 has more case capacity and offers more thana 260 rem.

[wirehunt]

My main calibres over the last several year's have been the 6.5X55 and 7mm08, in the last three months the 260 is the main rifle in the safe. The only reason I ended up with the 708 was they didn't do the calibre I wanted (6.5X55) at the time in the rifle I was buying, that rifle went and the next one was another 708, over all I'm very happy with the calibre and my father in fact bought the last one off me.
However I believe the 6.5 kills a little better, I run 120 grain BT's in both doing 3000 fps and find the internal destruction with the 6.5 a little more impressive and a bigger exit wound to go with it where as with the 708 I didn't get as many bullet exits, slightly less recoil with the 6.5 to boot.

The 260 is a Kimber Montana and my only complaint with it is that it won't group 100gr bullets very well which I believe is an American thing with the twist rate set better for a 140gr, bugger. It would be very nice to run the 100's on the smaller fallow deer we can get here.

As for Elk, no problem with them so long as your not trying a Texas heart shot and even then I'm sure I could stop one if I really had to.

[Brother Bob]

Originally Posted by Magnumsrule

What you mean? The 6.5X55 has more case capacity and offers more thana 260 rem.

The .260 is loaded at higher pressures than the 6.5x55. The only true advantage is in factory ammo. Here's a comparison. Enjoy!

Compared: The .260 Rem. and 6.5x55 SE
By Chuck Hawks

In Europe, 6.5mm (.264 caliber) cartridges are very popular, and many African, Australian, North and South American hunters have also discovered the low recoil and good killing power of 6.5mm rifles. Common 6.5mm cartridges range in size and killing power from the 6.5x50 Arisaka to the powerful .264 Winchester Magnum. About in the middle, and probably the most useful and versatile of the entire 6.5mm family, are the .260 Remington and 6.5x55 SE.
Among the readers of Guns and Shooting Online the articles on both the .260 Rem. and 6.5x55 SE cartridges get a lot of page views every month. Frankly, more than I had expected. Both place well up in the top 100 out of the 500 articles on chuckhawks.com that are tracked by Urchin Web Stats. (There are more than 500 articles and features on the entire chuckhawks.com WebSite, but Urchin only reports page views on the top 500.) There is evidently a substantial interest in both of these cartridges.
The .260 is basically just a newer version of the 6.5x55 based on a necked-down .308 Winchester case. It can be thought of as the American equivalent of the 6.5x55, as the ballistic capabilities of the two cartridges are nearly identical.
Like all .26 caliber/6.5mm cartridges, the .260 and 6.5x55 achieve their excellent killing power primarily due to the excellent sectional density (SD) of their hunting weight bullets. Standard .264" (6.5mm) diameter bullets have outstanding SD compared to bullets of similar weight, type and purpose in the popular .243, .257, .270, 7mm, and .30 calibers, which gives them the potential for superior penetration.
For those who are curious, here are the SD's for some common .264" bullet weights: 85 grain, SD = .174; 95 grain, SD = .195; 100 grain, SD = .205; 120 grain, SD = .246; 125 grain, SD = .256; 129 grain, SD = .264; 140 grain, SD = .287; 160 grain, SD = .328. Sectional density is probably the most valid way to compare bullets of different caliber.
Perhaps it would be useful to also include the SD's of some popular bullet weights in other calibers for comparison: 70 grain .243, SD = .169; 80 grain .243, SD = .194; 100 grain .243, SD = .242; 117 grain .257, SD = .253; 130 grain .270, SD = .242; 150 grain .270, SD = .279; 140 grain 7mm, SD = .248; 160 grain 7mm, SD = .283; 175 grain 7mm, SD = .310; 165 grain .308, SD = .248; 180 grain .308, SD = .271; 200 grain .308, SD = .301.
Perhaps these numbers help to explain how the .260 and 6.5x55 can challenge the .243 as a long range varmint cartridge on one hand and the larger .270, 7mm and .30 calibers as big game cartridges on the other. As these numbers show, the 85 and 95 grain .264" bullets are fine long range varmint medicine.
The 120 grain .264" bullet is equivalent to a 100 grain .243, 130 grain .270, 140 grain 7mm, or 165 grain .30 caliber bullet. These are all excellent CXP2 class game bullets.
The popular 140 grain .264" bullet is more than equal to the 150 grain .270, 160 grain 7mm, and 180 grain .30 caliber bullets. All are fine bullet weights for CXP3 class game. This helps to explain why the 6.5x55 is so successful on Scandinavian moose, which are about the size of North American elk.
And the 160 grain .264" bullet is superior to the 175 grain 7mm and 200 grain .30 caliber bullets, which are normally reserved for the largest and/or dangerous CXP3 class game. Remember those old stories about intrepid African hunters knocking over lion, buffalo and even elephants with 6.5mm rifles? Makes one think, doesn't it?
The .260 Remington
The .260 Remington is the newer of these two cartridges. Remington introduced it in 1997, although A-Square had earlier applied to SAAMI to standardize the then wildcat 6.5mm-08. The 6.5mm-08 wildcat had come to the attention of both A-Square and Remington due to its success in the demanding sports of metallic silhouette and NRA Highpower competition.
The .260 is based on a .308 Winchester case necked down to accept .264" bullets. Like the .308, its rim diameter is the standard .473" and rim thickness is .054"; its shoulder angle is 20 degrees. The .260's neck is .2595" long, or slightly less than one caliber (which would be .264"). The case length is 2.035" and the maximum cartridge overall length (COL) is 2.8". The latter specification allows the .260 to function in modern short action rifles.
Federal, Remington, and Speer offer .260 factory loads driving a 140 grain bullet at a MV of 2750 fps. In addition, Remington offers a 120 grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2890 fps. Reloaders can safely achieve velocities similar to these factory loads. The SAAMI maximum average pressure for the .260 is 52,000 cup.
Among the major rifle makers in the U.S. market, Remington offers the .260 in their Model 7 and Model 700 bolt action rifles; Ruger offers it in their Model 77 and Kimber chambers their Model 84 for the .260 Remington cartridge. Browning, Savage, and Winchester have offered .260 rifles in limited numbers in the recent past.
The 6.5x55 SE
The 6.5x55 was adopted as the service cartridge of Sweden and Norway in 1894. It subsequently become a very popular sporting cartridge in Scandinavia, and eventually caught on in the rest of Europe and around the world. It also became popular in Europe for centerfire rifle target shooting at the highest levels. In the U.S. it is generally known as the "6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser."
Military loads initially came with a heavy, round nose bullet weighing around 160 grains. Later, a 140 grain spitzer bullet replaced the old projectile and kept the 6.5x55 competitive with the 7x57 Mauser, 7.62mm NATO, .30-06 Springfield, .303 British, and 8x57 JS Mauser until the infantry rifles for all of these cartridges were retired from use by their various governments.
Despite its age, the 6.5x55 is a modern looking rimless cartridge with a sharp 25 degree shoulder angle. Its rim diameter is slightly oversize at .4803" and slightly thicker than usual at .0591". Fortunately, this minor deviation from what later became the norm does not prevent its use in most modern bolt action rifles. Neck length is .3079", well in excess of one caliber in length and ideal for holding long bullets. The case is 2.1654" long and the maximum COL is 3.15", so the 6.5x55 cartridge is too long for short action rifles. Today it is typically offered in standard (.30-06) length actions.
Most ammunition manufacturers load for the 6.5x55. Typical U.S. factory loads for the 6.5x55 from Federal, PMC, Remington, Speer, and Winchester drive a 139-140 grain bullet at a muzzle velocity (MV) of 2550-2600 fps. Higher performance Light Magnum loads from Hornady advertise a 129 grain bullet at a MV of 2770 fps and a 139 grain bullet at a MV of 2740 fps.
Norma of Sweden offers a 139 grain bullet at a MV of 2854 fps, a 140 grain bullet at a MV of 2789 fps, and several different 156 grain bullets at MV's ranging from 2526 fps to 2644 fps. The latter are widely used for moose hunting in Scandinavia. RWS of Germany offers several 6.5x55 loads including a 127 grain bullet at a MV of 2850 fps and a 154 grain bullet at a MV of 2670 fps. Sellier & Bellot of the Czech Republic loads a 140 grain PSP bullet at a MV of 2645 fps. These are typical of European 6.5x55 loads, which on average are loaded to higher pressure than standard U.S. factory loads.
In the U.S., the Dakota, Ruger and Winchester chamber their rifles for the 6.5x55. In addition Blaser, CZ, Howa, Sako, Sauer, and Tikka offer 6.5x55 rifles for sale in the U.S. market. These and other makes are available in Europe.
Beginning in the 1950's, after they were retired from active duty use, thousands of old Norwegian and Swedish military rifles in 6.5x55 were made available to the civilian market. Most common among these are the Swedish Mauser Models 1896 (29" barrel) and 1938 (24" barrel). Although old, these are well made bolt action rifles with dual front locking lugs in the usual Mauser pattern. The Norwegian Krag-Jorgensen rifle is not as strong as the Swedish Mausers and should only be used with moderate pressure loads.
Reloaders with old military rifles can safely achieve velocities similar to the standard U.S. factory loads. In the U.S. the maximum average pressure (MAP) for the 6.5x55 is held to only 46,000 psi (in deference, I believe, to the Krag action), but reloads for modern hunting rifles such as the Ruger M77 and Winchester Model 70 can safely be taken to 50,000 cup. This allows reloaders with modern rifles to equal and sometimes exceed the ballistics of the European factory loads.
Ballistics
As can be seen from the above summary of common factory loads for both cartridges, the ballistic potential of the two cartridges is essentially identical. If there is any advantage either way, it might be in favor of the .260 with light weight bullets (less than 120 grains) and in favor of the 6.5x55 with heavy bullets (in excess of 140 grains). For the medium weight bullets most commonly chosen for hunting CXP2 class game, ranging from 120 to 140 grains, there is little to choose between the two calibers.
Depending on whose reloading data you use, in either cartridge reloaders can drive 120 grain bullets to maximum MV's of around 2900-3000 fps. 125-129 grain bullets can be driven to maximum MV's of about 2800-2900 fps. 140 grain bullets can be driven to a maximum velocity of about 2700-2800 fps. And the heavy 154-160 grain bullets to MV's in the 2400-2600 fps range.
The Sierra Edition V reloading manual, for example, shows maximum loads for a top MV of 3500 fps for their 85 grain bullet, 3200 fps for their 100 grain bullet, 3000 fps for 120 grain bullets, and 2700 fps with 140 grain bullets for both calibers. For their 160 grain semi-spitzer bullet they show a maximum MV of 2450 fps in the .260 and 2500 fps in the 6.5x55.
For their 140 bullets, the most popular weight in both calibers, Sierra recommends a hunting load at a MV of 2700 fps for the .260 and at a MV of 2600 fps in the 6.5x55. For what it is worth, I would load either to about 2650 fps.
As you can see, all of these loads are so similar that no clear ballistic advantage exists for either caliber. The trajectory and killing power of the two cartridges is essentially identical. And both cartridges have successfully made their mark in centerfire rifle target shooting competition, so no superiority in terms of accuracy can be claimed.
Since the two cartridges can drive the same bullets to the same velocity, it stands to reason that their recoil is also pretty much the same. Both are mild and pleasant cartridges to shoot in rifles of normal weight. For example, an 8 pound rifle in .260 or 6.5x55 is quite a bit more fun to shoot than the same rifle chambered for the .308 Winchester cartridge.
.260 Advantages
The advantages of the newer .260 Remington cartridge would include its standard rim diameter and thickness (of no practical value to shooters, but possibly an advantage to rifle makers), and its shorter COL. The latter allows all short (.308 length) action rifles to be chambered for the .260 cartridge, and is the .260's principle advantage over the 6.5x55.
Why so many short action rifles are not offered in .260 I cannot understand. The .260 combines all of the best features of the common .25 to 7mm caliber short action cartridges in one very neat package. Perhaps part of the blame can be laid to Remington's almost non-existent attempt to promote the cartridge.
Customers for very light hunting rifles ("mountain rifles") are likely to favor the .260. A short action saves a couple of ounces in weight. The short action Kimber 84M (5 pounds 10 ounces), Remington Model 700 Titanium (5 1/4 pounds), and Remington Model 700 Mountain Rifle (6 1/2 pounds) illustrate the point. For comparison, the long action version of the Remington Mountain Rifle weighs 6 5/8 pounds, or two ounces more than the short action version.
Using an 85 grain bullet at a MV 3400 fps the .260 can challenge the .243 Winchester and 6mm Remington as a long range varmint cartridge, and with premium 140 grain bullets it can, like the 7mm-08 Remington and .308 Winchester, be used as an elk cartridge. In addition, it is probably the single best mountain rifle cartridge available today. How much more can anyone realistically ask?
6.5x55 Advantages
The 6.5x55 cartridge can also be used successfully on game from groundhogs to elk with appropriate bullets. It is too long for short action rifles, but that is not entirely a disadvantage. The additional weight of the standard length action also means less recoil.
The extra action and magazine length, coupled with its relatively long neck, may allow the 6.5x55 to more efficiently handle heavy bullets. Heavy bullets do not intrude as far into the powder space of the longer 6.5x55 case. And the cartridge's long neck should help keep very long bullets, like the 160 grain Sierra semi-spitzer, precisely aligned with the axis of the bore. Shooters and reloaders have considerable latitude regarding the style and length of the bullets they select and the depth to which they are seated. That is the 6.5x55's main technical advantage over the .260 Remington.
Less esoteric is the fact that the 6.5x55 has been around longer and is consequently better known. There is a bigger choice of rifles and factory loaded ammunition in 6.5x55 than in .260, which is always an important advantage for any cartridge. RCBS, the big reloading die manufacturer, reports that the 6.5x55 has been among their top 30 calibers in die sales for many years.
Conclusion
For any prospective purchaser, the choice between the .260 Remington and 6.5x55 SE cartridges is likely to come down to which brand and model of rifle he or she prefers. For while there is almost complete overlap in the capabilities of the two cartridges, there seems to be very little overlap in rifles. (See my article "Choosing a 6.5mm Hunting Rifle" on the Rifle Information Page for more on the subject.)
In North America, Kimber, Remington and Ruger are the primary sources of factory built rifles in .260 caliber. CZ, Howa, Ruger, Sako, Sauer, Tikka, and Winchester are the most common sources for 6.5x55 rifles. Only Ruger offers their standard bolt action hunting rifle, the M77R Mk. II, in both calibers. So for everyone not buying a Ruger M77R, the choice of rifle will automatically determine the caliber. The good news is that both are outstanding cartridges.

[SwedeSteve]

Another great article!

[Ron AKA]

Originally Posted by Magnumsrule

What you mean? The 6.5X55 has more case capacity and offers more thana 260 rem.

I agree. Actually I may have been looking at some bad info last night, and probably the 6.5x55 is slightly better than the 7mm-08, given the case capacity is slightly larger and it is dealing with a smaller bore. Here are some comparible case capacities:

.260 Rem - 53
7mm-08 - 54-56 (depending on source of data)
6.5x55 - 57
------
270 W - 68
6.5 RM - 68
------
264 WM - 82

If one thinks the 7-08 or 6.5 swede are marginal for elk (I don't), then the 270 is the next obvious popular choice with a significant step up in power, in this caliber range (which I think is ideal for NA big game). And obviously the 260 is a poorer choice if wanting more power.

And no I didn't read the articles, just looked at the numbers from some of my usual sources, and apologize for mixing up the 08 and Swede.

Ron

[Brother Bob]

Originally Posted by Ron AKA

I agree. Actually I may have been looking at some bad info last night, and probably the 6.5x55 is slightly better than the 7mm-08, given the case capacity is slightly larger and it is dealing with a smaller bore. Here are some comparible case capacities:

.260 Rem - 53
7mm-08 - 54-56 (depending on source of data)
6.5x55 - 57
------
270 W - 68
6.5 RM - 68
------
264 WM - 82

If one thinks the 7-08 or 6.5 swede are marginal for elk (I don't), then the 270 is the next obvious popular choice with a significant step up in power, in this caliber range (which I think is ideal for NA big game). And obviously the 260 is a poorer choice if wanting more power.

And no I didn't read the articles, just looked at the numbers from some of my usual sources, and apologize for mixing up the 08 and Swede.

Ron

I wouldn't hesitate to use any of the three at reasonable distances, but since there are some that believe all elk must be taken at at least 400+ yds., then I'd leave all three at home and opt for my .300 Winmag. If the elk was closer than 300 yards, I'd back up until I was 427 yds. away so I could be included in the same exclusive group as some on this site. Better yet, I'll raise the bar! I'll just get a .416 Barrett and take out an elk at 1,500 yds. That that is real elk hunting! LOL!