Author Topic: Which Caliber for Deer, perhaps Hogs, Elk: .270 or 6.5x55 ? (Read 10808 times)

Mikey · « **Reply #60 on:** April 01, 2004, 08:03:34 AM »

In my 6.5s I use Sellier and Bellot exclusively. The American made ammo wouold not shoot for squat and the S&B consistently gives me snake-eyes, and small snake-eyes at that at 150 yds. The last group I measured had two in the same hole and one less than 1/4" away. Whitetail do not travel anywhere after being hit with those S&B 131 gn softnoses. My M38, now sporterized had a #1 barrel indicator on the stock disc before I sporterized it. My Ljungman has a #3 indicator and yet with open sights she groups to 2" at 100 yds with the S&B.

Someday I will begin reloading the 6.5 Swede, but for the moment, quality ammunition is so inexpensive I am liable not to bother unless I get an invitation to hunt something really big. Then I'll reload the 160 gn rn and hunt something that will feed me into the next decade. HTH. Mikey.

Prince of Wales · « **Reply #61 on:** April 02, 2004, 06:42:58 AM »

Seems as if things have changed considerably where ammo availability for the Swede is concerned. I owned one in the mid-70s and at that time the ONLY loads available were the Norma 139 gr at about $13 a box. It was a lot of money at the time fo a box of loaded cartriges. I would like to have another one of these days, perhaps in a classic Featherweight. My other (sporterised M96 ) was stolen or I would still have it. It was consistently deadly used on mule deer at any range. This has been a very good thread. POW

lilabner · « **Reply #62 on:** April 05, 2004, 10:27:20 AM »

Since nobody mentioned it, how about the 7x57 Mauser? A fine old round, particularly when handloaded for a strong bolt action. In the heavier bullet weights it will take elk very neatly with decent bullet placement. Recoil is moderate, too. Sectional density is good with the 175 gr. Myself, I would just get an '06 and enjoy it (which I have done) but there is some recoil, particularly in a light weight rifle with the heavier bullet weights.

Fla Brian · « **Reply #63 on:** April 05, 2004, 06:06:36 PM »

lilabner,

The 7X57 is a truly excellent deer cartridge as well. It's another one of those old Mauser cartridges that have proven themselves to be deadly in the game fields year after year. Newer cartridges may come and go, but the old standards will continue to get the job done quite reliably, if without fanfare.

Sigma · « **Reply #64 on:** April 07, 2004, 07:11:59 AM »

I agree, the 7x57 is a great cartridge. The problem is, most major manufacturers don't chamber rifles for it. It's ballistics are very close to the 7mm08, but the 7mm08 is a short action caliber based on the 308 case, whereas the 7x57 case length puts it in the long action category.

That being the case (no pun intended), in the 7mm long action category, the 7x57 had to compete with the versatile 270 for favor and it looks like the 270 won...

Regards

magnum308 · « **Reply #65 on:** May 09, 2004, 10:20:13 PM »

I'm from Brisbane, Australia and I have just joined this website.

I have read most (but not all) the posts under this topic. I don't know much about the 6.5 x 55 but it is a specialised calibre here, mainly among militalty rifle clubs. I have no doubt it is a fine cartridge. But I would prefer the 270Win, probably the finest hunting cartridge ever invented for medium size big game. It was a person favourite of the late Jack O'Connor long time gun writer and trophy hunter (Weatherby Big game award winner and multiple grand slam holder as well). Jack could never sing its praises too often or too load. Now this guy has probably done more hunting of big game than 99% of the world's hunters and that carries a lot of weight. He preferred the 270 for a light mountain rifle (particularly after sheep) and he has taken all manner of African plains game with it as well. Mind you he didn't see one bit of difference (and his comments relate equally thereto) between the 270 and the 280 and the like. You might like to refer to "The Hunting Rifle" published by Winchester Press written by Jack O'Connor.

On a peersonal note I had a 270 on a modified mauser 98 many years ago and sold it (can't remember why) and I have regretted the day I did sell it because it is just sensational. I am rectifying that with the import from the US of a Winchester pre 64 M70 fwt in 270 Win. This will fill the gap in my rifle cabinet that was left when I sold my 270 more than 20 years ago. Since then I have been using as my all round rifle a pre 64 M70 fwt in 308 Win another fine calibre and for your needs perhaps a worthy contender. I did see a couple of posts to this effect. it is also a great cartridge and with a good variety of bullets it is very effective. The 270, however, will be the flatter shooting generaly, if this is an important criteria.

I should conclude with the final thought, that Jack O'Connon, when asked if he could chose only one rifle, had not reservation in saying a 30-06.

Good hunting,
Magnum308

RaySendero · « **Reply #66 on:** May 13, 2004, 04:41:16 PM »

Quote from: magnum308

I'm from Brisbane, Australia and I have just joined this website.

I have read most (but not all) the posts under this topic. I don't know much about the 6.5 x 55 but it is a specialised calibre here, mainly among militalty rifle clubs. I have no doubt it is a fine cartridge. But I would prefer the 270Win, probably the finest hunting cartridge ever invented for medium size big game. ......
.......

Good hunting,
Magnum308

Couldn't have said it better myself!!! :mrgreen: