What are the differences between 6.5x55 & 25-06?
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 22
![Default](https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
They seem pretty close, with the advantage to 6.5 on larger game (elk and black bear) and 25-06 on smaller game (varmint) both at (id say the same) long ranges.
but close to the same as far as i can see...
an issue comes in on finding a rifle for the 6.5, there is the sporterizing the old mauser, converting a long action savage, or buying one of the modern bolt rifles (finding is the hardest part of all of these) while 25-06 isn't as common as most rifles, it isn't as rare as 6.5.
i will be reloading for this rifle so ammo availability isn't a big issue, it will be used mainly for whitetail with some hogs and targets (but id like to use it for everything that comes up)
thanks
but close to the same as far as i can see...
an issue comes in on finding a rifle for the 6.5, there is the sporterizing the old mauser, converting a long action savage, or buying one of the modern bolt rifles (finding is the hardest part of all of these) while 25-06 isn't as common as most rifles, it isn't as rare as 6.5.
i will be reloading for this rifle so ammo availability isn't a big issue, it will be used mainly for whitetail with some hogs and targets (but id like to use it for everything that comes up)
thanks
#4
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 22
![Default](https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
not really... if i shot an animal in say the gut with a 30-06 its gone, but a heart & lung shot from a very capable caliber, say... 6.5 or 25-06 it would drop where it stood... so ill just aim there... now about the question...
id also like to use this for pronghorn...and though a 30-30 is a great shorter range deer gun i think it lacks in varmint and antelope range.
id also like to use this for pronghorn...and though a 30-30 is a great shorter range deer gun i think it lacks in varmint and antelope range.
#5
![Default](https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The 6.5 is a very good round (264) and is versatile enough for varmints up to elk...I however would not elk hunt with my 25-06 (plus, some states have as 30 cal minimum for Elk and other large game, so check your regs either way). Not saying a 25-06 can't kill an elk, but it increases the margin for error and reduces the clean kill chances. In reality, I probably wouldn't hunt elk with a 264 either, but your chances are much improved with the increased velocity and BC over the 25-06.
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,143
![Default](https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
tikka & sako offer rifles in 6.5x55 I've never hunted elk but i do agree with emtrescue,i too think the 25-06 is on the small side for elk. from what i've read about the 6.5x55 it's as popular in europe as the 30-06 is in america and is considered an all around big game cartridge there.
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,143
![Default](https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
http://www.chuckhawks.com/subscriber...age/6-5x55.htm
heres a little info on the 6.5x55,hope this helps you alittle.
heres a little info on the 6.5x55,hope this helps you alittle.
#10
Typical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Indiana county, Pa
Posts: 681
![Default](https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
if you like both calibers, then get a good gunsmith to build you a 6.5-06. this is a 6.5 caliber bullet loaded into a 06 casing. one heck of a rifle. will shoot the distance you want and still have the power to kill elk. you will have to reload as this is not a production rifle.