Thread: 6.5x55 factory ammo

Originally Posted by Ground Control

Thanks for the replies fellas.

I’m trying to do my homework on a new barrel for my R93 and I’ve been offered a 6.5x55 barrel at a good price .
Its just not a caliber I have any experience with and my early research cast doubt on its ballistic performance because of all the rumours about it being loaded so mildly.
There seems to be talk on the interweb of over penetration in some cases due to heavy bullet weight to bore size and moderate bullet speed .
Any opinions on this or is it just interweb caliber bashing ?
Everything else seems to be in its favour , low recoil , availability of ammo etc .
Any thoughts or observations would be appreciated .

Ken

They are an under rated calibre. It is well suited to NZ hunting. My one is very easy to shoot well. I would say grab it. My view is it is slightly narrower than a 7mm08 but far nicer to shoot and every bit as effective. It can be loaded with light bullets and used for varminting and would be nearly as good as 243 at that, and it can go to heavier ones. Most use around the 140gr with great success. They are an inherently accurate cartridge with the longer projectile being very stable in flight.

I would say grab the barrel before the owner comes to his senses and asks for a fairer price.....you wont regret it.