6.5X55 vs the 260 Remington

[SwedeSteve]

You guys need to remember that Scandinavian Moose are small, not as big as say a Yukon. I have killed a good sized bull here with my 6,5x55 Swede. Again, like others, I probably wouldn't choose it right off. But it'll get the job done if you do your part.

[roverboy]

I would like to have a 6.5x55 just because I like calibers with history.
I missed out on a M38 Carl Gustaf that had been sporterized
because I didn't have the cash. Somebody did a great job on it.

[Palladin8]

The Scandinavian Moose are about as large as an Elk. Still a good sized animal. I don't think that you would have a problem with taking any animal with either cartridge with the proper bullet and shot placement.

[toolman]

Welcome aboard, dennis28!

[bob35]

Hi I'm new to the site and just came upond the thread in a search. I bought the 260 Rem in a 700 mountain rifle. Its a great deer gun but not a good pick for moose. The 260 is a very flat shooter and there is no recoil. You can hold on your target after you shoot. Many years ago I did have a 6.5x55 sw but sold the gun. I really can't remember the difference. I'm talking many years. 260 is great for deer, hogs, coydogs, etc. Now I know a lot of you guys are great great shots and I'm not just a good shot. This is just my opinion. Thanks for letting me put in my two cents

[bushy]

im gettin either a 260 or a 6.5x55 in a tikka and i already have some 156gr norma roundnose projectiles i would like to use and i was just wondering if the 260 shoots the heavy bullets just as straight as the 6.5x55? thank you
regars paul

[dmsbandit]

The two cartridges are peas from the same pod. What one will do, the other will too. The only real difference between them is the 260 is suited for Short carbine rifles like the Remington model 7, and the 6.5x55 needs a medium-long action to fit in. Because of the action length, the swede should have a 22" barrel and would make a better long range gun than the short feather weight carbines the 260 is chambered in. If you shoot under 250yds, the 260 will do fine. If you have to stretch the ranges closer to 400 yds, the swede and the 22" barrel will hold better.

[Kompressor]

Originally Posted by SwedeSteve

You guys need to remember that Scandinavian Moose are small, not as big as say a Yukon. I have killed a good sized bull here with my 6,5x55 Swede. Again, like others, I probably wouldn't choose it right off. But it'll get the job done if you do your part.

Picture from last week. Scandinavian moose cows.




Eh... Small? That depends on the size of the moose of course! They tend to come in different sizes around here. And we do hunt calves and young animals (1 1/2 yrs) a lot, so our middle size compared to Yukon bulls are definitely smaller. But hey, they do get up to a 1000 lbs every now and then here too. That's not small i my book. And a well placed 6.5x55 is a final argument to any bull that size. I'd hunt any animal in Scandinavia with a 6.5 except large boars. Not because they don't fall or die, but simply because they don't bleed as much outwards when the blubber seals the bullet holes. But for moose I'd choose the 6.5 over a .308 any day for sure.

[nathangdad]

I am in agreement with the general theme of the posts and, to give credit where it is due, Samuel has done some excellent work.

Perhaps a point to consider is the availability and affordability of ammo/reloading components.

[moosemike]

I'd go with the 6.5X55. Mainly because I like former military rounds and also because I think someday the .260 will be as dead as the .284 Winchester and the 6.5 will still be soldiering on.

[SwedeSteve]

Good point Moosemike !!