Author Topic: Which caliber do you prefer: 6.5x55, 7mm08, or 7x57 ? (Read 2608 times)

Sigma · « **on:** December 17, 2004, 04:57:33 AM »

Hi Guys,

Thought I might get your input on caliber selection. If you were to get a new (or used) rifle, primarily for deer hunting and had the choice of one of these, which one would it be and why? As you see they're all very close. Which caliber offers the best performance and versatility?

Regards

savageT · « **Reply #1 on:** December 17, 2004, 05:28:17 AM »

Man....that's really a tough one.
I have not kept any secrets about my love for the Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55mm. It is extremely accurate, has a great reputation as a fine deer, bear and even moose cartridge by tons of European hunters, and is low on recoil and a pleasure to shoot for young people and women of smaller stature. Heck, I just love to reload for that cartridge and spend the day at the range almost as much as my 22RF 10/22.
The 7x57mm is also one of the best as is the 7mm-08 in short action. You can't make a mistake going with any or all of the above choices.

Jim

SR James · « **Reply #2 on:** December 17, 2004, 05:30:08 AM »

The three are so close ballistically that there's little difference between them. Any of them would make an excellent deer cartridge. I have a 6.5 Swede that I really like but I'm also considering getting a 7mm-08. But that's because I want a lighter rifle than my sporterized Mauser and the 7mm08 offers more rifle choices than the other two, something you may wish to consider.
The two 7mms might have a slight edge over the Swede with heavier bullets but it wouldn't be much in given the similar cases. Do you handload or do you shoot factory ammo? I rarely shoot factory loads so I'm not up on the variety currently offered in these calibers. If you shoot only factory you might want to check that out.
You would be well served by any of the three cartridges.

Iowegan · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2004, 05:34:45 AM »

The 7X57 and 7mm-08 are ballistic twins, both being a little better than the 6.5X55. I own two 7X57s and handload. That's the only way you can get decent performance because factory ammo is pretty weak (except Norma).

I also have a Rem 700 BDL in a 7mm-08. Super nice gun and very accurate. I also hand load for it but the big difference here is factory ammo is very available and performance is excellent.

I guess I would answer the question: if you reload, either 7mm will serve you well. If you don't reload, I'd go for the 7mm-08 in a heartbeat.

The 6.5mm has the advantage of slightly lighter recoil (depending on the weight of the gun) and is a good performer, just not up to par with the 7mms ballistically and ammo is not very available.

huntsman · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2004, 06:29:14 AM »

With the advent of on-line ammo at auction sites, the availability of factory ammo is less of a concern than it once was. You can get a variety of good ammo for all three cartridges through major suppliers or online auctions without any trouble at all.

For deer sized game, there won't be much difference in what distance you can shoot a deer, nor how dead the deer will be once you hit it, with any of the three cartridges. The recoil of the 6.5 is measurably less than the other two choices, but none of the three is a real kicker. So it really boils down to a matter of personal choice.

If you handload, the 6.5x55 would be my choice hands down. You can go down to an 85 grain bullet at well over 3000 fps that meows like a pussycat and smacks like an angry hornet, or load the same bullet down to around 2700 fps for an almost .223-feeling recoil and still have a good deer round. You can also go up all the way to a 160 grain bullet that looks like a very long section of an arrow shaft, and penetrates accordingly. The SD of the 6.5 bullets is better at every weight, and they can all be delivered at more than adequate deer velocities. In my book it is the IDEAL deer cartridge. .257 and down suffer from not having heavier bullets, and .284 and up have less secitonal density.

james · « **Reply #5 on:** December 17, 2004, 06:48:27 AM »

I have Encore barrels in 7-08 and 6.5 x 55 but shoot the 6.5 the most. I reload for both but the 6.5 is the most fun to shoot. For deer and antelope either will fill the bill and could be used on larger animals - if you don't have a gun that is better suited. I also collect Swedish mausers, so that may be why I like the 6.5 so much. I am shopping for a sporterized Swede or a 6.5 bolt gun at this time. Merry Christmas and Happy Hunting.
james

Big Paulie · « **Reply #6 on:** December 17, 2004, 08:36:40 AM »

Man, I never thought that I would see the day when I would agree with each and every prior posting, but I do. Very good and consistent advice is being given on this question.

My opinions are:

1. If you don't hand load, then unless you already have a .308 Winchester, go with the 7mm-08. In the standard 140 grain factory load, it is one of the most perfect, pleasant and efficient deer cartridges you will ever find, for large deer or small.

2. If you don't hand load, but you already own a .308 Winchester, then don't go with the 7mm-08. The ballistics, tragectory and performance of these two rounds are extremely similar, and you willl end up with two rifles that do basically the same thing. Go instead with the 6.5 Swede, to add more versatility to your battery.

3. If you do hand load, then go with the 6.5 Swede. See the reasons given in the foregoing post. You can load up to a 158 grain bullet, or down to a light varmint round.

4. The 7 Mauser is and was a great cartridge. However, the only reason I could see to select it over the 7-08 and 6.5 is this: If you hand load, and you feel that once in a while you may want to use your rifle for much larger game than deer, such as elk, you can hand-load the 7 Mauser up to be very stout, with heavy weight bullets. (If you already own a .308 Winchester or even a 30-06 though, then this would be irrelevant. These two will handle the job with factory loads.)

Big Paulie

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2004, 10:31:05 AM »

I've owned and hunted with both 7X57 and 6.5X55. Given that the 7mm-08 is basically a twin of the 7X57, I think I can speak of it, too.

I'll give the edge to the 6.5X55 -- it's a sweet little cartridge with more potential and flexibility. Now, if all I had was a 7X57, I wouldn't break my neck running out to trade it for a 6.5X55 -- there isn't THAT much difference!

pastorp · « **Reply #8 on:** December 17, 2004, 10:36:52 AM »

Sigma, Don't forget the 260rem. is the ballistic twin to the 6.5 swede. As is the 7/08 to the 7x57. I would go with either the swede or in my case the 260. The sectional density is a little better with the same bullet weight, and recoil I believe a little less. If you like a regular length action the model 70 featherweight in the swede is a really nice rifle. I personally am into light rifles, and have the rem.#7 in 260. Another advantage to the 260 is and abundant cheep source of brass, as any cartridge case in the 308 family will work if you reload. Regards, Byron

Ramrod · « **Reply #9 on:** December 17, 2004, 12:59:59 PM »

I would look at the rifles chambered for these three and choose that way. Pick the gun you like, and take it in whatever caliber of the three it comes in. Example, if you like the Ruger #1 International, you get the 7x57. If you like the short actions, it's the 7mm-08. A 6.5 Swede is a great Mauser lovers cartridge. I wouldn't give spit for the differance in performance between these fine rounds. Oh and yes, the .260 Rem might just be "The Worlds Best Deer Round", but I feel that it is not long for this world, as they say.

Lawdog · « **Reply #10 on:** December 17, 2004, 01:11:21 PM »

Sigma,

Why not ask this question down at the Medium Bore(6.5mm(.264) to 9.3mm(.366)) forum? Great bunch of guys there willing to answer your question. But personally I prefer the 6.5mm Swede for it's noted accuracy history. Lawdog

Judson · « **Reply #11 on:** December 17, 2004, 01:51:58 PM »

I dearly love the 7X57 with 175 grain bullets for deer and with these bullets and hand loads for deer I believe it will beat out both other offerings quite nicely, especially if larger game is involved. However the 6.5 is really a little brother to the 7X57 and not by much if you load for it.(factory loads for both cartridges are anemic) If you want to do double duty as a heavy varmite cartridge I have to give the edge to the little Swede. There is really nothing bad to say about either cartridge and a lot of good points. I guess I would say chuck the 7mm-08 and keep the 7X57 and the little Swede you need them both.
Since someone will yell at me for my comment on the 7mm-08 I will explain. In most rifles it will not handle the heavier. If you do load them to a length that will fit in the mag. then you have lost enough case capacity so that the 08 falls well below the 7X57 or the 6.5X55. Other then that and personal prejudices which have no part here there is nothing wrong with the 7mm-08.

lilabner · « **Reply #12 on:** December 17, 2004, 01:58:42 PM »

I agree with most of what has already been said here. One thing not mentioned is that the Swede with its long, skinny bullets is noted for penetration on game animals. That probably explains how they are able to get away with using it in Scandanavia on large animals like moose. I would pick the Swede but I handload and that does make a difference. It also has a good reputation for accuracy.

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #13 on:** December 17, 2004, 05:11:34 PM »

I have long been tempted to try the 160-grain Nosler Partition Jacket in the 6.5X55 on an elk. :lol:

pastorp · « **Reply #14 on:** December 17, 2004, 07:02:12 PM »

When I bought my 260 being able to load heavier bullets was a consideration. The remington barrels I was told are 1in9" twist. And according to handloader magazine article on the 260 will stabilize up to the 160gr. bullet. I ordered 100 cases and 100 140gr. remington CL bullets to try. My rifle shoots them into about 5/8" at 100yds. so I have not experimented father. I simply ordered 1000 brass and 1000 bullets and loaded them up. Mabe when I finish shooting these I will try another bullet weight. The 140's give complete penetration on our small alaska deer and kill with authority. I am happy. Regards, Byron

Zachary · « **Reply #15 on:** December 17, 2004, 08:45:52 PM »

The 7mm-08 is simply my favorite whitetail deer cartridge hands down. It has mild recoil, but yet is very effective on deer out to 200 yards and beyond (although most of my shots are within 100 or so yards anyway).

The 6.5x55 is also a fine cartridge (I also own one) but, if you don't handload, then the 7mm-08 is the way to go because you can find ammo just about everywhere, and with a much bigger selection.

Zachary

leverfan · « **Reply #16 on:** December 17, 2004, 10:32:54 PM »

Quote from: Sigma

Hi Guys,

Thought I might get your input on caliber selection. If you were to get a new (or used) rifle, primarily for deer hunting and had the choice of one of these, which one would it be and why? As you see they're all very close. Which caliber offers the best performance and versatility?

Regards

Which one is chambered in a rifle that fits me well? That's how I'd make my choice (although I lean a little towards the 6.5, just because I like that caliber, and I already have a 7mm-08 taking up room in the safe). Looking at the heaviest commonly available bullets, 160 grains for the 6.5, vs. 175 for the 7mm, that's not enough to make a big difference. Velocities in handloads are on a par, assuming you're using bullets of equal sectional density. .264" vs. .284" isn't enough to worry about when it comes to diameter. It all comes down to what rifle you want, or maybe what side of the coin shows after you flip it.

Mikey · « **Reply #17 on:** December 18, 2004, 02:55:16 AM »

My choice is for the 6.5x55 Swede. It will do everything you want it to.

Vern Humphrey - ya'll don't really need the 160 grainer in the 6.5 Swede for Elk, the 140 will do ya just fine. I think you might find that out to 100 yds or better you will probably get a complete pass through on an Elk with that 160 grainer - none the less, either of those bullets in the 6.5 is sufficient for Elk. Just my opinion. Mikey.

Buckfever · « **Reply #18 on:** December 18, 2004, 03:20:55 AM »

I have a friend who has reloaded for a long time load some 140 gr. Nosler Partitions with 45.6 grns. of reloader 22 and put the bullet just off the lans. It just whacked an 8 pointer at 125yds running. This load gets more out of the cartridge than the factory loads which have to be concerned about older Mil-Surplus guns. There is not much recoil in the normal factory loads but you get a little snap from this load. Accuracy was always MOA or better. Does this cartridge ever look wicked with the bullet extended out the front. Please this load was worked up to be a safe within Sami standards and was worked from 44grns. and up. This requires you to do your own work-up. I am not saying it is right for your firearm but it sure works fine in mine. T3, 6.5-55, Blued-Walnut. No pressure signs on cartridge or primer and the gun loads and ejects just great, and over 2600 ft/sec. Fits in the clip but not by a lot. I have called this combination "the Hammer Load!!" I have found this caliber to have the knock down power others have talked about and the 140 grn. Nosler Partition works like they were made for each other. Remember if you try this load you are the one assuming the risk please read, confirm, and start low and work up to your load!!

Buckfever

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #19 on:** December 18, 2004, 04:08:29 AM »

Quote from: Mikey

My choice is for the 6.5x55 Swede. It will do everything you want it to.

Vern Humphrey - ya'll don't really need the 160 grainer in the 6.5 Swede for Elk, the 140 will do ya just fine. I think you might find that out to 100 yds or better you will probably get a complete pass through on an Elk with that 160 grainer - none the less, either of those bullets in the 6.5 is sufficient for Elk. Just my opinion. Mikey.

A complete pass through is what I'm looking for -- a lot of blood to track the critter, and enough penetration for a less than perfect presentation.

Sigma · « **Reply #20 on:** December 18, 2004, 12:05:05 PM »

Thanks for the all the feedback, guys. My personal favorite is the 6.5x55, but when we lived in Canada, my father had a 7x57 BSA with which he could could shoot the head off a crow at quite a range. It was deadly on Coyotes as well. For practice at 100 yards, the challenge was to hit a 9V battery. I like the 7x57 and was thinking of getting one, but there aren't too many out there.

Huntsman, I agree with your line of reasoning on ammo availability over the internet. Once you've found what you like just get enough of it to last you a while.

Byron,
What species of smallish deer are you referring to up in Alaska?

Regards

pastorp · « **Reply #21 on:** December 18, 2004, 03:48:24 PM »

Sigma, Sitka blacktails. I believe there the same as in the northwest coastal mountains. Regards, Byron

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #22 on:** December 18, 2004, 07:56:49 PM »

Sigma,
I'll have to throw in with Bryon on the 260 Rem. The .264 bullet has good SD and BC's. I think you would be good from groundhogs to moose...although I've never shot a moose.

Best
TnNuc

anthony passero · « **Reply #23 on:** December 21, 2004, 09:18:32 AM »

I would worry more about what rifle you like then what caliber. As the gentlemen have stated above, any of the above mentioned calibers will do right by you. Find a rifle that you will love at the right price and away you go. I find that 6.5 bullets though seem ungodly deadly on deer sized game. I have seen more deer dropped instantaneously in their tracks with this bullet diameter then any other. More then likely coincidence but many 6.5 users will tell you the same thing. On that note though I am looking for a 280 Remington for my deer rifle, so go figure! Good luck, you have the best possible dilemma any of us gun cranks have!! Anthony

Kingfish · « **Reply #24 on:** December 21, 2004, 12:35:59 PM »

I like all three of those calibers but already have a 7-08 and guess that I like it best. I sure would like a 6.5 though.

Bill

myronman3 · « **Reply #25 on:** December 23, 2004, 12:43:46 PM »

well i will buck the trend here. none of the cartridges mentioned are worth a hoot. what you need is a super-short-ultra-mega-flaming-monster-magnum. :-D :-D

it has been a long time since i have seen a post exhibiting this much sense. it is refreshing. as said, they are all winners.

singleshotfan · « **Reply #26 on:** December 25, 2004, 05:36:01 AM »

I have a Rem M/N 7 carbine stainless with McMillian synthetic stock. All weather, light, short enough to be handy in a deer blind or tree stand, great knockdown power. Ideal southern humid weather rifle.
Richard