6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

[frankythefly]

I have been looking to do a new build and was talking with some Europeans who told me to look strongly at the new Tikka T3 sporter in 6.5x55mm. I started looking at this cartridge and from what I read it seems to be better than the 6.5 x 47mm in terms of velocity. So what is wrong with the 6.5 x 55m and why is the ever so popular 6.5 x 47 better?

I also like how easy it is to get loaded match ammo for the 6.5mm x 55mm swede and surplus ammo.

 

[GreatGonzo]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

The main issue is that the 6.5x55 is a medium/long action cartridge. Factory loadings can be pretty anemic as it is a low pressure round, but it can be handloaded in a modern rifle to much better performance. The great advantage is that ammo is readily available because of the strong military background.

The 6.5x47 is just the opposite. High pressure short action cartridge that is very efficient. Only a few factory loadings and brass is pretty expensive and only available from one source (a very good source)

Either would make a fine match rifle chambering. For the money, it would be tough to beat the Tikka Sporter in 6.5x55. You might also look at the Tikka Sporter in 260.

 

[Spuhr]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

As far as I look at it, there is noone of the new flashy 6,5 cartridges that are better than 6,5x55. Their advantage are instead that they are short and work in short actions, and there is magazines availble for them.

My guns are chambered for the 6,5x55 AI, not so much for the speed as I am not loading them that hot due to barrellife, but for the easy of not needing the trim the cases so often.

I load the 130 grain Norma VLD with 54 grains of Withavouri N560 and that gives me 3000 fps.
That also gives an identical trajectory out to 1000 meters with my TRG42 in .338 LM with 250 grain bullets.

I would strongly recomend the Tikka T3 as there is already a rail on the action, and there is NO need for rebarreling.
I really like the sporter that is much more decent in weight than those two guns and have a stock that are very similar to TRG in ergonomics

The only problem is the magazines, not that the orginal Tikka mags are any problem cause they are not, but because I would like something else than 4 rounders.
Some friends are working on 10 rounders as we speak and I am quite convinced that here will soon sit a steel 10 rds mag.


Here are a few 100 meter groups with the orignal barrel.

6,5 Tikka besides my TRG42.

 

[raptor99]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

The 6.5x55 is a great round and very accurate. It fills the gap between the smaller 6.5s and the 6.5x284. You can hand load it to near 6.5x284 velocities or load it down to 260 velocities and get much better barrel life.

The big advantage over the smaller cases is you can push it if you want more velocity or you can use a slower burning powder and push it to 260 or 6.5x47 velocities with hardly any pressure and get better barrel life than the other two.

Its the perfect size case for the 140 class bullets where the other two,(In my opinion) are a little small for the heavier bullets. I think they shine with with 120 to 130gr bullets.

No matter which way you go you will be happy with your choice.

 

[JWV]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

Did anybody mention that 6.5x55 is the cheapest brass Lapua offers? Well if they haven't, it is the cheapest. I got 100 pieces last year for 60 bucks. I do believe 6.5x47 brass is quite a bit more. The swede is on par for 6.5x284 performance and leaves the 6.5x47 in the dust when it comes to just pure velocity. However, the 6.5x47 is more efficient and results from the field are showing that it has some incredible accuracy up its sleeve.

 

[Spuhr]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

Both Norma and Lapua offers really good long range ammo in 6,5x55 for very decent prices here in Sweden and Finland.
I dont know if that ammo is accesable in the US.
Here we pay about 80-90 cent per rount, for Norma with 130 gr VLD bullet in almost 3000 fps velocity.

Håkan

 

[johnson]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

Price for the Norma ammo is about $1.50 per round.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/189755/...point-box-of-50

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/882625/...point-box-of-50

 

[frankythefly]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

I like the history of this caliber, and the performance. However what kind of barrel life can one expect shooting full performance loads? Has anyone fooled around with the idea of doing an ackley improved version of this caliber? One last thing, if this caliber is considered a long action does this mean that T3 sporter will be a long action type? I do not know very much about the T3 actions.

Thanks for the responses and sorry for my dumb questions. It looks like very soon my safe will have one of these Tikka T3 sporters.

 

[Spuhr]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

Yes, I have two 6,5x55 Ackely improved rifles.
One of them is the Tikka above.
6,5x55 is a long action cartridge, and the T3 is a long action.
Same action is used for 7mm rem mag etc.
T3 only comes in one lenght,regardless of caliber.

In the past when Mauser based rifles was used for target competions out to 300 meters the general opinion was that a 6,5 barrel would last for 5-8000 rounds.
Then came the Sauer 200 STR and they would only last for around 4000 rounds.

Håkan

 

[Blackhawk95]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

i personally shoot the 6.5x47Lap and have been extremely impressed with the accuracy.. its by far the most accurate rifle i have. i can almost shoot the 130gr vlds at close to 3000fps. and the brass lasts forever.

good luck in you decition

 

[frankythefly]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

I think I am sold on the 6.5mm swede, thanks guys! I do like the fact that the Lapua brass is about 60% cheaper for the 6.5 Swede than it is for the 6.5 x 47mm. If I do re-barrel it in the future I may have to bother one of you guys about getting a reamer for the ackley. But I think for now I will just see what the factory barrel has to offer.

 

[josephberry]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

Do what I did, get one of each.

 

[wadebrown]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

I shoot both 6.5 x 47 and 6.5 x 55 AI, I built the Imp Swede to shoot 139 g Scenars for the 1,000 yard line and up to the 600 yard line if the day is real windy. Both barrels go on the same gun (switch barrel) and the accuracy is the same fantastic.

What does the Imp Swede give you over the 6.5 L, more velocity and I think a better case to shoot bullets over 130 grains. I know some have had good luck shooting 142s and 139s out of the 6.5L but I have not found good accuracy when compared to the 130 Berger VLDs.

Just my opinion,

wade

 

[tylerw02]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

Is the brass cheaper per round?

Calculate cost per firing. I'd wager to say the long-life of the 6.5x47 would make up for the initial deficiency it has in cost comparison.

It also uses less powder and small rifle primers.

The barrel life is also way better.

Cost per trigger squeeze is more than just the initial brass purchase.

Also consider that the 6.5x47L can be loaded long and STILL fit an AICS mag.

 

[Blackhawk95]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

i've not ried the swede but sounds like an interesting round.

 

[bignada]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

Now, if only Sierra would reintro the 6.5mm 155gr Matchking...

 

[steve123]

Re: 6.5 x 55mm swede vs 6.5 x 47mm

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bignada</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Now, if only Sierra would reintro the 6.5mm 155gr Matchking...

</div></div>

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