Bullet Selection for CWT, 6.5x55 Sweed Options

[HaYen]

SO IF I GET DRAWN for the up coming 2010 deer season, I'll probably be using my new-to-me Turk M38 in a 6.5x55 Swedish.

Has anyone had any experience with this caliber using a 140gr bullet? With this caliber in Arizona for deer?

TIA

[.270]

depends on how your barrel is twisted. 6.5/.264 cal. is real twist sensitive. with the swede i think i'd use a lighter bullet. Lark.

[deerhunter]

I like my 25-06 or my 7 mag. Depends on what terain Im going to be in.

[Red Rabbit]

For the 6.5 caliber I used a 130 Scirocco from 6.5WSM for antelope, and carried it for coues the last few years. I had it twisted 1in9 for the 130 bullet length. Have not tried the 140s to see if they stabilize.

I had a 260 Rem (similar ballistcs to the Swede) and used a 129 Hornady SST on a UT antelope and also carried it for coues one year. A friend used his 260Rem and one 120TSX to kill a bull elk at 400 yards. I never tried a 140 in my 260.

[catclaw]

Most 140s will shoot fine in any reasonable twist that a 6.5x55 would come in (1-9 or tighter) The VLD type bullets might not work as well. Unless this is the direction you are headed, there are better bullets for the Swede for CWT use. A traditional 140 is going to be slower and power right through- better suited to elk than CWT. I have killed several animals with the 120 Sierra Pro Hunter with excellent success as well as a 130 Accubond ( although this bullet will easily kill much larger game with fanfare as I have discovered). If you want to use a 140 and have 1-9 twist, I would suggest the 140 SGK. This is an excellent bullet and is quite easily stabilized in a 9 twist rifle.

Currently I am using 108 Lapua Scenars in my 260 and 130 Norma Diamond Line in my 6.5-284. I haven't killed anything bigger than a coyote with the 108s so I can't endorse it just yet- except for its accuracy.

[HaYen]

I purchased a large ring small shank Turk M38 action from a guy on another board. Sent it to E.R. Shaw for a 26" #2.5 contour with a 1:8 twist and 11 degree target crown. They are also going to forge and polish the bolt handle; bead blast an blue the receiver and barrel; and test fire it.

I just received an email that the barreled action was waiting for the bolt, after which it would be sent to be blued. I should have it back in 3 - 5 weeks. I'm going to see John at Timney for a trigger.

The stock is what's killing me. I found some really nice, good priced, wood pieces that will require a lot of finishing at http://www.gunstocks.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=5001. I would love a McMillian, but the price is a little too high. The boards have original Mauser stocks or some "very used" sporter stocks. Houge has a full frame mold over that would work.

For a scope, I'm trying to decide between a Bushnell 4-12x40 Trophy 600 DOA or Redfield Revolution also a 4-12x40.

[hunter72]

I would try the 130 berger or 140 berger and shoot groups at 200 yds and use the one that groups best.With a 1-8 twist they will do fine.

[jeffro]

140 Amax and the 140 Berger both would work good and have good BCs.

[singleshot]

We have killed at least 35 bucks in a 6.5x55 swede, mostly shooting 120 grain sierra pro hunters. The last few were taken with 120 grain Nosler ballistic tips. Try IMR 4895

[catclaw]

I have had great luck with Varget and Ramshot Big game with the 120s too.

[Bill Poole]

i use H4831SC for the 6.5x55. I've had good luck with 140's and 120's.

Poole

[STOMP442]

140gr Sierra Game King all the way.