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6.5X55 vs .260

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Tip69 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: 6.5X55 vs .260
    Posted: February/28/2012 at 08:15
a local store has a 6.5X55 Tikka Hunter on the used rack for $449.99.  Been wanting a .260 in a regular weight rifle - not lite or heavy.   What do you think about this package?  Is the Hunter heavier than the Lite?

I had a Rem 700 Mtn and thought the recoil was so similar to my Son's 700 CDL .270 thought I might as well have a .270 or .280, so I sold it.   Also, the barrel was so thin it got hot in a hurry!


I'm just getting into reloading..... have reloaded a few 30-06 loads.... so that is an option for this rifle.  Would the Swede be actually better since it might be easier to use 140 grainers with the long action?
take em!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/28/2012 at 08:28

T3 lite

T3 2.8 kg (6 3/16 lbs)

T3 Hunter

T3 3.1 kg (6 13/16 lbs)

Straight from their spec sheets on each.
 
I would doubt you could tell the difference.
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Glock View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Glock Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/28/2012 at 09:01
It's my understanding that both calibres can be super accurate, have a freind that is basically shooting one hole at 100m with his 6.5x55. The 260rem only suffers compared to 6.5x55 if you want to use heavier bullets than 140gr. That seems a good price for that rifle, and there is nothing wrong with the calibre.

Regards Chris
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jason miller Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/28/2012 at 09:56
I would buy it. I believe tikka uses the same length action with stops for shorter cartridges. If so, then a 6.5x55 would be the same length as the same gun in .260, right? And it seems like maybe a 6.5x55 might do a little better with the long and aerodynamic 140's.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/28/2012 at 09:58
I agree, thats a decent price for the Tikka.  I like the bullets in the 130gr range for the .264, many good one's from Hornady, Barnes and Nosler. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/28/2012 at 10:14
I own a few Tikkas, hunters and Lites, all have been very accurate.

All T3s are long action, it's just the way it is (and helps with the lower price.)

I had a 260, it was a laser, easily a 1/3MOA gun (not a Tikka.)  

If you are good with a 130-gr bullet at 2700 FPS, the Tikka would be hard to beat.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/29/2012 at 08:21
you would be very happy with the 6.5 swede.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/29/2012 at 08:37
Yep, love the Swede. I should get one again sometime, myself.
-Matt
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mlv2k5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/29/2012 at 15:09
I just bought a 6.5x55. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but I researched the cartridge a lot before buying and it seems like an excellent round for hunting and medium range target shooting.
-Michael
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stevey Ducks Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/14/2012 at 00:09
Ballistically there is not very much difference beween the two.
 
As far as I can remember the head size of the 6.5-55 is somewhat larger and that precludes making ammo out of reformed .30-06 rounds.
 
I find it amazing that such an ancient close to 120 YO round is so well designed in regard to case capacity, shoulder angle, neck length.
 
My thoughts would be if you buy the 6.5-55 also get 100 rounds of new brass -that is if you handload.
 
I don't know hardly anything about factory ammo but I would expect it is expensive and possibly be loaded down to 1896 rifle specs that would probably launch a 140 grain bullet about 200 fps slower than the .260. I know nothing about Tikka rifles.
 
I have 5, 6.5mm rifles including a 1896 6.5X55 and .260's and 6.5-06's. I use 100 gr and 120-123 gr bullets for most of my shooting. The long pointy 6.5 mm bullets 123's and 140-142's are good up to 1000 yds plus when launched at moderate velocities of 2900 down to 2700 fps through fast twist 1-8 to 1-9 twist barrels. I have not shot anything bigger than deer but 6.5 premium hunting bullets can shoot through or penetrate up to 3 ft of deer.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote magshooter1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/14/2012 at 07:28

I have both 6.5x55 and .260.  A CZ 550 FS and a Steyr SBS Forester.  Both rounds are quite capable for deer sized and larger game.  The scandinavians use the 6.5x55 for moose regularly.  In modern manufactured firearms the 6.5x55 can be loaded to within 100 fps of the .260 so, there's nothing to discuss performance wise.  Tikka makes good rifles.  It's a pretty good price, if you like the rifle, I say get it.  The 129g Hornady's both SP and SST work really well in both my rifles.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote coyote95 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/19/2012 at 08:26
Tip69, did you get this rifle yet ? I am also looking at the same calibers for replacement deer rifle. The store I shop at has told me the only 6.5 or 260 he can get me will be in the sako action. From the berreta usa web site it looks like he might have a point. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Son of Ed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/20/2012 at 22:24
I bought a Tikka M695 walnut rifle in 6.5X55 a year or so ago.  Used, practically mint.  With a Nikon 4X scope.  $695.   Sounds like you found a good deal. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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