6.5x55 or 7mm-08

[red rick]

I am looking for a new deer rifle. I have a 30-30 now but would like to reach out a little further ( 250 yds. ) . The 6.5x55 Swede and 7mm-08 are at the top of my list. I just started reloading for pistols.

I already know that it does not make any difference, they both will do the job and one has a longer action than the other.

From what I have read the 6.5 has a great reputation for taking game as large as moose. But it looks like it will be harder to find than a 7mm-08, because not everyone makes it.

Which one would you pick and why ?

 

[ICE1210]

In my area, I'd go with the 7-08 simply because its much more available.

 

[CountGlockulla]

7mm-08

 

[horsemen61]

I have shot both and I own a 6.5 the reason why is it kicks like your 30 30 but it will take game out at much farther distances.

 

[Still Shooting]

I had considered a 7mm-08 seriously about 3 years ago, but decided it would be redundant for me, and not do anything I can't do with what I already have. One of my "already have" rifles is a 6.5x55 that was custom rebuilt as a hunting carbine from an M94 Swede back in the 1950's. It is accurate to 1/2moa with anything I can feed it, easy to carry, and not bad on the shoulder when I take it to the range.

I do love that cartridge, and I load it with 140gr. Nosler bullets for most of my hunting. While factory rounds are maybe less available than for the 7mm-08, since I reload this is no problem. Even during the recent shortages, I have been able to find brass (Norma) and bullets.

The 6.5x55 Swede may be a "niche" caliber, but it is still being chambered in some pretty nice rifles, and there is still factory ammo available. It has been said that the Swede is "the most inherently accurate cartridge" ever produced, due to its excellent Ballistic Coefficient. I shoot several others, but would never give up my Swede.

 

[ErieLurker]

6.5x55 Swede. No knock to the 7-08, it's a good round, but the Swede is a truly great chambering.

 

[denton]

If you reload, 6.5x55.

If you don't, 7mm-08.

In a modern, strong action you can load your own 6.5x55 and get really flat, long trajectories, as non-magnum cartridges go.

 

[Grizzlyatoms]

100% if you don't reload the 7mm-08

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk 2

 

[joneb]

I'd vote for the Swede, most factory ammunition for this cartridge is pretty weak, as is their bullet selection. If you plan to reload, the 6.5x55 can be quite impressive in a modern firearm.

 

[MarshallDodge]

What denton said.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

The 6.5x55 is just a classic cartridge, definately one of the best performers (in correlation to kick, blast, etc). Since you are starting to reload, I would pick the Sweede with not another thought.

I need a 96 Sweedish Mauser bad.....

 

[NuclearMeltdown]

I have one of each. The 7mm-08 is a Remington Model Seven with the shortest, lightest barrel available (18.5" thin profile) and a youth hardwood stock. Was my first centerfire rifle in the late 90s. It beats the heck out of my shoulder and was downright unpleasant and painful until I put a slip-on recoil pad on it. I hear others describe the 7mm-08 as "light recoiling" and "great for kids," but it isn't either of those in my rifle!

I shoot 6.5x55 in a CZ 550 FS and Swedish Mausers. Recoil is not painful at all! Doesn't make you develop a flinch or anything like that. These are heavy rifles too.

I really like 6.5x55. My favorite cartridge. My 7mm-08 hasn't been fired in about six or seven years. But if I were to go deer hunting, I'd probably take it!

6.5x55 is around $13 - $15 per box from AIM. I can't find 7mm-08 for that price anywhere. I don't reload right now either, and I can't spend $20 - $35 per box for shooting targets at the range for fun.

 

[2ndtimer]

I had a 7mm-08 in a Winchester Model 70 Lightweight Carbine, and while it was light and handy with synthetic stock and featherweight contour 20" barrel, it kicked pretty good and wasn't all that accurate, even with handloads. I currently have a Howa 1500 in 6.5x55 Swede and while it isn't all that accurate either, it is pretty pleasant to shoot and is accurate enough for hunting at reasonable ranges. That being said, I also agree with the posters that suggest the 7mm-08 if you are buying factory ammo, and perhaps the 6.5x55 if you plan to handload for it. About the only new rifles being chambered/imported for the 6.5x55 are the CZ's and while they are nice, they tend to be heavy. I believe Howa is again chambering their bolt action for the swede as well, but they are difficult to find as it is not their most popular chambering. If you can find a Tikka in 6.5x55, jump on it. If you opt for the 7mm-08, I suggest checking out the Savage Trophy XP or Remington 700 SPS with 24" barrel. The Savage is an excellent bargain in a package including Nikon 3-9 scope, while the Remington should give you all you can get out of the 7mm-08 cartridge.

 

[jmr40]

For deer, flip a coin. The 6.5 is a classic, the 7-08 is a modern ballistic twin to the 7X57. It has the ability to shoot heavier bullets and would be a better choice if game larger than deer were ever hunted. Ammo is easier to find too. From a practical perspecitve the 7-08 wins. But who says we have to always make the practical decision.

 

[PabloJ]

The 6,5x55 being similar to 7x57 has no advantage over "7"x54. The ammo for "7"x54 is available at places like Walmart.

 

[red rick]

Just what I was looking for when I started this thread. Great opinions and suggestions, with some side by side comparisons from some that have or had both calibers.

 

[Pilot]

A better comparison to the 6.5x55 would be the .260 Remington. Similar ballistics in a shorter cartridge. Another necked down .308 like the 7MM-08.

 

[MrBorland]

I had a CZ550 in 6.5Swede, but sold it for a Winchester M70 in 7mm-08 (actually, a custom FN SPR) for a couple o' reasons:

I prefer a short action

For a hunting rifle, I prefer a 3-position safety.

Related to the last point, there seem to be more rifle options in 7mm-08.

The CZ's twist is slower than most 6.5Swedes, so it does better with lighter bullets, yet AFAIK, it's still got a long-ish throat to accommodate heavier bullets.

If I ever wanted to, a 7mm-08 can be re-barreled to shoot .308, or any of the cartridges derived from it.

 

[Kachok]

If you reload, 6.5x55.

If you don't, 7mm-08.

In a modern, strong action you can load your own 6.5x55 and get really flat, long trajectories, as non-magnum cartridges go.

+1
I own, reload and hunt with both. I like the Swede better but that is because I can push those long heavy high BC bullets to 2800fps without any pressure issues, factory 140gr is rather poky around 2400-2500fps though don't be mistaken that is still plenty enough to hunt deer out to 250 yd just not as fast or flat as I like.
In terms of recoil there is not enough difference between the two (with full power handloads) to raise much fuss over.
For what it is worth the 6.5x55 is my all time favorite rifle caliber but my 270 Win 7mm-08 and 308 rank very highly for deer hunting as well.

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

if you reload, 6.5x55.

If you don't, 7mm-08.

+1,000,000

 

[lloveless]

I have never seen ammo for either. Therefore I have a .308 Remington 788.
ll

 

[Dr T]

7-08. The "issue" of recoil is really one of stock design.

With the same bullet weight, the 7-08 will use less powder to get the same velocity.

The 7-08 uses a standard bolt face (.473). The 6.5x55 pre-dates the 7x57 and uses a slightly different bolt face.

I see 7-08 factory loads at Walmart. I rarely see those for the Swede.

The reputation of the Swede for big game is based on the availability of long, high sectional density 160 gr bullets. I think you could do the same thing with similar 7 mm bullets.

On the other hand, the Swede has a well earned military and sporting track record earned the hard way in the hunting and killing fields of Northern Europe. There are many exceptional hunting, sporting, and target rifles made in Europe for this fine cartridge. If I were in Europe, and I had to choose one or the other, I would likely get a Swede. But I live in Colorado and hunt in Texas.

And, yes, I have both. My current Swede is a target barrel for my T/C Encore that I have yet to ring out. But my 7-08 is a Model 7 with an 18.5" barrel and fiberglass-kevlar stock that is arguably the most accurate rifle I own. And, I am thinking about getting another, A BLR 81TD, as a pack rifle for some Colorado hunting.

 

[Slamfire]

My vote is a M70 controlled feed in 6.5 Swede.

 

[Ankeny]

I have done quite a bit of load development with my Sako 75 in 6.5x55. I used 140 Accubond bullets for hunting. Shot a couple of elk and it worked fine. In fact, using Lapua brass my 23" Sako actually shoots faster than my 24 inch 6.5x284.

I also have a Savage Model 16 in 7mm-08. I have used the 7mm-08 on elk using a 120 grain tipped triple shock and I am very satisfied with that bullet. I prefer the weight of the Savage and it shoots sub-moa with a variety of loads. Believe it or not (most folks roll their eyes) I took a Schmidt and Bender Summit scope off of my Sako and put it on the Savage, then I sold the Sako.

For the handloader, I believe the 6.5x55 is ballistically superior to the 7mm-08. However, I do handload and I went with the 7mm-08 simply because of a wider selection of factory rifles in that chambering.

 

[Paul7]

I have a Sako Finnlight in 6.5x55, not cheap but a very nice rifle. Have killed Barbary Sheep and hogs, all DRT. Am using it for a cow elk hunt this fall with a Norma 156 grain bullet. I don't reload, the factory ammo has worked fine for me and my 150 rounds on hand will last me probably the rest of my life.