The 6.5x55mm Swedish Ammo
The Swedish Mauser, 6.5x55mm was designed in 1891 for Sweden and Norway as a joint military ammunition. More than 130 years after its creation, it is still one of the world’s most respected rifle cartridges. The combination of a high sectional density with an excellent ballistic coefficient and mild recoil makes it a favorite among Scandinavian hunters and North American elk hunter.
The cartridge can fire a bullet with a diameter of.264 inches (6.5mm). Bullet weights range from 120 to 161 grains. 140 grain load delivers approximately 2,550-2650 fps (or more) at the muzzle, with enough energy to kill deer, elk and moose beyond 300 yards. The felt recoil of the.308 Winchester is much less than the.306 Winchester. This makes it an excellent choice for young hunters and anyone who shoots a lot at the range.
Bullet Types Available
- Full Metal jacket (FMJ): Best choice for range practice and training with high volume. Affordable, reliable feeding, minimal barrel fouling.
- Soft Point: Classic hunting bullet. Controlled expansion and deep penetration – reliable terminal performance against deer, elk and moose.
- Ballistic Tip/Polymer Tip: A higher BC allows for a flatter trajectory at range and uniform expansion. The top loads are the Hornady SST and Hornady ELD-X.
- Bonded core: Maximum retention of weight on large and tough-bodied game. Federal Trophy Bonded or Norma Oryx is the best choice for elks and mooses at medium-close range.
- HPBT / Open Tip Match: Bullets designed for competition and optimized for accuracy. Lapua ScenarL and Sierra MatchKing are the benchmark loads for this caliber.
Rifles chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish
Among the most common rifles in 6.5x55mm are the Swedish Mauser Model 96, Model 38, CZ 550, CZ 557 and Tikka T3x. Other popular rifles include the Sako 85 and Browning X-Bolt. The 6.5x55mm is the most popular hunting chambering in Scandinavia, and it’s also widely used by precision rifle enthusiasts in North America.
FAQs
What is the difference between 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 Swedish?
They are not interchangeable . The 6.5x55mm Swedish and 6.5 Creedmoor both fire a bullet of.264 inches with similar ballistics downrange, but the case dimensions and operating pressure are different. The SAAMI maximum operating pressure for the 6.5x55mm Swedish is 55,000 PSI, while that of the 6.5 Creedmoor measures 62,000 PSI. Be sure to check your rifle’s chamber markings prior to ordering.
Can I use modern factory ammunition in my Swedish Mauser?
The majority of standard soft point commercial loads are loaded according to CIP standards. They are safe for use in an unmodified Swedish Mauser action that is solid and well-maintained. Modern rifles are designed to handle higher pressures than high-performance loads. If you are unsure, contact a gunsmith for advice before using surplus factory loads with a military rifle.
What is the best grain for deer hunting in 6.5x55mm?
A 120-130gr soft-point or polymer-tip bullet offers a flat trajectory with rapid expansion for whitetail deer or mule-deer. If you are shooting elk, moose or other heavier animals, use a bonded 140-156gr bullet to get the necessary penetration depth.
How much is 6.5x55mm ammunition per round?
You can expect to pay between $0.89 and $1.10 per round for FMJ. Standard hunting loads will cost you $1.40 to $1.80, while premium bonded or Match-grade ammunition costs anywhere from $1.90-2.75 per round. Bulk purchases of 200 rounds and more can save you between 10-20% on box prices.