6.5+55 Tikka Hunter

[Buckfever]

I have been looking to get a smaller caliber to compliment my 300 Win.  Mag., 30-06, and finally ended up with a T3 Hunter in 6.5+55. Oh hell why try to justfy my purchase to you guys!  Hey I just wanted a Tikka and another gun.  I had to catch myself I was starting to sound like I was talking to my wife!  :grin:  I was not sure about the caliber and would have taken the 7mm-08 as my first choice but they don't make it in a Walnut blued.  Personal preference ,Old School and it was love at first site when I saw that gun.  The gun itself pulls up like it was sized for me, and seemed very balanced.  So with the Board's help as to ammunition for big Canadian bucks I will start practicing in a couple weeks.  You know every once in a while things do seem to work out pretty good.  As I said before I am a hunter and the technical resources from this board have been very much appreciated.  Buckfever

[Zachary]

I think that you should take a look at the Hornady Light Magnum ammo.  In the US, the ammo manufacturers load the 6.5 kinda low (because of older guns).  However, thank goodness for Hornady because they have raised the velocity with their Light Mags. (Although I'm not sure if Hornady still has the 6.5 in their Light Mag line-up - mayby they dropped it, but still have it in their regular line-up).  Don't get me wrong...I know that the purpose of the 6.5, in part, is that it is light recoiling.  However, don't think that the Light Magnum ammo is hard kicking.  It's just a little bit more than standard US ammo.

Another choice would be Sellier and Belloit (or spelled something like that).  Take a look at the European ammo makers since they load it to a bit higher pressures.

Also, remain confident in this cartridge.  It has been used by hundreds of hunters in Europe and has equally killed hundreds of Moose!

Zachary

[ratherbefishin]

got one- and it seems to be just right for blacktails- and also black bear.Actually it has a very high sectional density, and is superior to many much bigger calibers, plus very moderate recoil.

[Zachary]

What ammo do you use?

Zachary

[Buckfever]

Gentlemen is there any special way to break this gun barrel in?  Next I still like using a bore saver and a rod, so what cleaners and such do you advise? I am shooting a Hornady Spire Point ( Interlock) in 140 gr. so I don't expect to have a lot of copper fouling.  The wood on the gun is Curly (Tiger) Walnut and it is beautiful, this exceeded my expectations!  I opened the box and WOW!  Really got lucky with the wood know for the real test, in the near future, how does it shoot.   Thanks  Buckfever