6.5x55 options

[Abacist]

I am considering a new rifle in 6.5x55, and the only three current options I see for less than $1300 are Tikka, Tikka, or Tikka. My preference is for stainless over blued, which narrows the choice to the T3X Hunter Stainless.

While a Tikka is never a bad option, I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something obvious. It seems odd to me that there are so few rifles available in such a classic caliber; is it perhaps due to 6.5 Creedmore's popularity?

I realize that if I went with the 6.5 Creedmore I would have many more choices, but I am set up to load 6.5x55, I have a lot of 6.5x55 brass, and ultimately, the heart wants what it wants.

Are there other options beyond the Tikka to consider? It is at the top of my budget so I don't really want to look at more expensive selections. I look forward to you thoughts.

 

[Kimmo H]

There is nothing wrong with a 6.5x55 Tikka. I've shot plenty of them, built one for myself and I can't think of one thing wrong with that combination.

Other guns to consider could be a Sauer 100 or Mauser 18, but if it was my money on the line, I'd opt for the Tikka every time. Tikka has a better action, exctractor design, trigger, aftermarket support and so on.

6.5x55 is a great cartridge for a handloader IMO.143gr ELD-X loaded hot is good all-arounder that works well even with long ranges, and bullets like 156gr Oryx are hard hitters if you prefer maximum penetration and don't care as much for maximum bc.
Tikka long mags feed well and allow for longer COL if you are really pushing it or like to tune with seating depth.

 

[BigEd36]

The Sauer 100, 101, and 505 model rifles are all chambered in the 6.6x55. Eurooptic, here on the forum, handles the Sauer rifles. They seem to be highly regarded with members here on Rokslide.

Here's the website for J.P. Sauer & Sohn: https://www.sauer.de/en/

The website for Eurooptic: https://www.eurooptic.com/

 

[Oropi]

Can’t go wrong with a tikka 6.5x55.

Get crazy good performance and accuracy, my go to rifle

 

[Deere_Man]

There are plenty of great used 6.5 Swedes on Gunbroker and Bass Pro. Your choices will go way up.

Here is a newish, or very gently used Remington 700 Classic listed on Bass Pro:

https://www.basspro.com/p/101996192

 

[TxxAgg]

Can’t go wrong with a stainless T3x 6.5x55

I sold this one and wish I still had it.

 

[cal30_sniper]

I built a Tikka in 6.5x55 as my iron sight hunting rifle last year. If you’re a handloader, it’s a perfect pairing for a Tikka action. Fills the mag, feeds like butter, and nips at factory 270 loadings when you turn up the heat on Lapua brass.

I started reloading 6.5x55 as a teenager, and have owned multiple rifles in it ever since. I like the old small ring Swedish Mausers and commercial Husqvarnas better than the Tikka, but I don’t like abusing them in the field very often. I have packed the Husqvarna 1640 on some milder hunts in CO.