Thread: Got the scope sorted... now just need to settle on either 6.5x55 swede OR 7mm-08...

Hi again guys

Years ago I owned a small ring Husqvarna in 6.5x55 and thought it was a nice calibre to shoot.

I am looking at a hunting rig in the $1000 and under category.

My dilemma is that if I stick to the 6.5 then I am limited in rifle choice but if I extend that our to 7-08 it opens up all the US brands.

This will be my do-all rifle from goat to deer. I have an old shoulder injury that precludes the likes of .308 and .270 cause they are just too hard on the shoulder.

Also, I will be fabricating an over-barrel suppressor for whichever rifle I get.

So the question I suppose is; are these calibres similar enough that it doesn't make any PRACTICAL difference which I go for??

As an example, Reloaders are doing a Howa houge combo in 6.5 for $895...which is a good deal in itself BUT they are also doing the 20" ranchland combo in 7mm-08 for $699!

also, 7-08 would give the options of the Marlin, Savage trophy hunter etc

Lastly, initially I will use factory ammo but do plan to start reloading

Really appreciate folks thoughts/experience with this.

thanks in advance
Tracy

There is a nice Ruger Mk2 in 6.5x55 on Trade Me at the moment. About $850 I think.
If you purchase, make sure the rings come with it.

Still love the 6.5swede but the 7mmo8 will do exactly the same with ammo a smidgen cheaper.
Just remember once you put a good suppessor on a rifle then the felt recoil will reduce so that step up to a 308 or similar is unlikely to be felt as you may expect it to be.

Here we go again!!!!....i read a shitload of which cal/rifle posts similar to this one before buying....ended up with a S/S Howa 1500 Ultralight in 7-08, great price for a 'recreational bush hunter' like me.......fukin love it.....20" barrel, has a DPT can on it.......my 2c

can people actually tell the difference between a 7-08 and 308 recoil with standard loads ????

6.5x55 but I'm biased

Muzzle brakes make everything manageable, but also make you deaf...

Depends a bit on the rifle, but I always reckoned significantly more recoil in the 708 over the 6.5x55...

How short u going barrel wise.... better with a short barrel 708 and a can... short action as well.... shorter overall..

Cans will make a 708 manageable for you I think...

I started with a Marlin XS7 in 7mm-08, and it has performed very well for me, very hard to go past for the money.

I have my mates near new one for sale in the buy/sell section at the moment - A cheap deal incl a Hardy Suppressor

Near new Marlin 7mm-08, Hardy Suppressor, Sling, Gun bag, and some ammo $900

biased here too but,

tbh most of the rifles coming out of the states look like shit. european gear pisses on it all.

nothing wrong with a sako or a tikka in either of these calibres but a 6.5x55 will allow you to make full use of the long magazine for high bc pills and great fps.

As said above, a howa might be a good choice, i think reloaders have one in 6.5. both are good on the shoulder.

Just get whatever fits you in either of those calibres no real world difference, don't buy cheap and nasty though...buy once cry once.

Originally Posted by Scouser

Here we go again!!!!....i read a shitload of which cal/rifle posts similar to this one before buying....ended up with a S/S Howa 1500 Ultralight in 7-08, great price for a 'recreational bush hunter' like me.......fukin love it.....20" barrel, has a DPT can on it.......my 2c

Hows it shoot? had a play with one the other day, and the barrel seemed a bit light to me. Great buying though. Much stiffer stock than about anything else in the pricerange.

I'm a pretty average shooter and got this group, howa,1500

Doubt you could tell the difference between a 708 and 308 in terms of recoil with similar loads. The numbers show a difference but i dont register one. Anything from 6.5x55 to 280 will do the deed and with a suppressor or brake all will be soft to shoot. Id say find a rifle you like and buy it. If you run the numbers for most cals you see the diference between them is less than most peoples shooting ability l

Originally Posted by GWH

I started with a Marlin XS7 in 7mm-08, and it has performed very well for me, very hard to go past for the money.

I have my mates near new one for sale in the buy/sell section at the moment - A cheap deal incl a Hardy Suppressor

Near new Marlin 7mm-08, Hardy Suppressor, Sling, Gun bag, and some ammo $900

+1

These are a great little rifle for not a lot of coin. Very similar to a Savage. If I had room in the safe that is where it would be going.

Originally Posted by gadgetman

+1

These are a great little rifle for not a lot of coin. Very similar to a Savage. If I had room in the safe that is where it would be going.

Yep i still have my Marlin XS7 7mm-08 (my first centrefire) i have purchased a couple of Model 7's since (260 rem and a 7mm SAUM), but the Marlin shoots so bloody well i won't sell it. I personally think my mate is a fool for selling his one.