6.5x55 Hunting Rifle Build

[ratton]

I am currently putting together a 6.5x55 hunting rifle build weighing 10lbs or less. The components are as follows:
1. Remington Long Action
2. McMillan Edge Stock
3. Williams floor plate
4. Bartlien or Hart #4 Barrel with 1/8 twist, fluted.
5. Talley Rings
I am trying to determine the barrel length. Some have suggested 26" to optimize full velocity and long range. The Sako 85 Finnlite comes with a 22" barrel. I am asking what would you all suggest for barrel length and why (handiness, balance, usability, ballistic efficiency etc). Also I am debating between the Mcmillian Sako Hunter stock with edge technology fill or the Hunters edge ultra light stock. I probably will be putting a 50mm objective bell scope on it. I like the simple straight comb of the Hunters edge stock but am worried about obtainable proper cheek weld/eye placement without a raised comb with the 50mm Bell scope vs the raised comb of the Sako hunter. I have a Sako Finnfire with the Hunter stock and am comfortable behind that but the straight comb of the Remington Hunter edge ultralight would be ok if the cheek weld/scope eye placement can be had with a 50mm objective scope. Looking forward to your thoughts. Thanks



Thank You

 

[F224]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting Rifle Build

I have two 6.5x55's both Blaser's. One has a 18.5" barrel, the other 22.5", the velocity loss is less than 100 fps with the same ammo. I would suggest a 22-24" barrel for handiness and efficiency.

Or just buy an R93 semiweight Professional and you will be well below your weight goal and able to change barrel's in minutes. http://www.blaserpro.com/articles/article17.php will take you to an article about one of mine.

 

[Mudcat-NC]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting Rifle Build

I just did a 28" bbl on a hunting rifle in 6.5Creedmoor and it works but only cause i dont lug it around in the woods, its a "beanfield" rifle. I like the bbl length cause I get an easy 2950fps out of a Berger 140vld with it. For woods use, it would be too long. 26 inch is about the longest you want for that. 22-24, as suggested, is handy but you still get enough velocity. Need to look at your hunting situation and build accordingly. For my run around gun, its a 22 incher in 243Win. That combo has accounted for a lot of deer over the last few years.

John

 

[fdkay]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting Rifle Build

22" would be fine.

Excellent build.

 

[gyr]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting Rifle Build

I´d go 23 ", that is what a friend uses and is great, easy handling and still long enough vel. wise.

Stock I´d choose the Sako style, I like the grip better, and to me will be more comfortable in most of the positions.

What bullets are you planning to use?

 

[fish30114]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting Rifle Build

The Sako stock will get you close, or to, cheek weld on a 50mm obj lens, but not the standard geometry, I have both. Maybe not quite cheek weld, but at least 'cheek touch' on a 50 MM Swaro, can't really get my cheek onto the stock much at all with the standard hunter style geometry from McMillan.

I would go with an Edge technology in the Sako hunter geometry. I will also add that you might save yourself some money, by just going to a Sako 75 in Stainless/Syn version, I think that barrel is 23" or 24", not fluted. I can check mine nd let you know, but it shoots lights out, and always did. I bought some Lapua factroy ammo when I got it, with the 123 gr Scenars, and it shot that great. I tried a couple of handloads, and have a load with 130 gr Accubonds that drill as well.

Your build will give you the advantage of trigger flexibility, but the Sako triggers are darn good, and can be tuned down to around 2 lbs safely, which is plenty low in a hunting rig to me.....they aren't a Jewell for sure, but damn good triggers.

You might go that route, and spring for an extra DBM with some of the savings.....

 

[Top Cat]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting Rifle Build

6.5x55 is a fine round, but there is no practical real world difference between it and the 260 Rem. Case capacity is nearly identical and 260 fits in a short action, so if you are looking for a lightweight handy hunter, I would consider just picking up a factory rifle in one of the two chamberings. Rumors are that there are new offerings coming in 2011 from several manufacturers that might be of interest. I'd also keep the scope 40mm or under to add to the handiness factor.

TC

 

[6.5BR]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting Rifle Build

Heard Savage is doing about 4 new 260s, what models other than Savage have you heard rumors on as Rem has all but ceased mfg. of 260s.

Thanks.

OP, I like 23" on most any hunting rifle - preferably minimum 22 on a 6.5mm and no more than 24. In a #4 w/light stock, a 24 or longer might be too muzzle heavy in balance. 22-23 should work very well for you. Had two '96 Swedes, one chopped from 29.1 to 24.0, the other to 21.0. Diff in speed was almost exactly 100fps using 120s over 4831, for the 3" differential.

Lastly, flutes look nice, but otherwise a round #3 or 700 Mag contour would be in the same range of weight I believe, as well as stiffness and accuracy.

Enjoy the build - the Swede is a SWEET round!

 

[69icarus]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting Rifle Build

Cool to see pics when done.

 

[Jager247]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting Rifle Build

I had 2 6.5x55 Swedish mausers about 15 years ago that I bought from roses. I left one the way I bought it and the other I turned into a sporting rifle. I cut the stock and barrel down primed the wood and give it a flat black finish then mounted a 3x9 scope on it. It was the best shooting deer rifle I have every owned to this date. I just wish I would have kept them both.