.243 vs 6.5x55

[libertyman777]

The recent discussion about the appeal of the .243 was eyeopening. I was wondering how an even older cartridge stacks up.

Does the 6.5x55 benefit from custom twist rates like the .243?

Barrel life between the two?

Recoil?

Reloading?

Compared to modern .30 caliber? .260 Remington?

How do the 6.5 projectiles stack up against the 6mm?

Any other considerations are welcome.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: .243 vs 6.5x55

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: libertyman777</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The recent discussion about the appeal of the .243 was eyeopening. I was wondering how an even older cartridge stacks up.

Does the 6.5x55 benefit from custom twist rates like the .243? <span style="color: #FF0000">Yes it does</span>

Barrel life between the two? <span style="color: #FF0000">6.5x55mm will be better</span>

Recoil? <span style="color: #FF0000">6.5x55 will recoil more, but not enough to worry about</span>

Reloading? <span style="color: #FF0000">Both are fairly easy</span>

Compared to modern .30 caliber? .260 Remington? <span style="color: #FF0000">For what purpose??</span>

How do the 6.5 projectiles stack up against the 6mm? <span style="color: #FF0000">Better bullets (higher G1 and G7 BC's) for the 6.5's </span>

Any other considerations are welcome. <span style="color: #FF0000">Well .243 v 6.5x55 is a bit of a apples/oranges comparison. .243 SA. 6.5x55 needs a long action, but there are other 6.5's that work well in a SA </span></div></div>

 

[bigwheeler]

Re: .243 vs 6.5x55

The Swedes had it figured out from the start in the late 1800s. They ran high
twist barrels way back then. So your question is posed backwards.
Heavier bullets and more powder make more recoil. No magic bullet there (pun
intended)
Case life on the Swede is phenomenal with the old low pressure loads. Can't
speak for modern action loads.
.243s are a barrel burner when compared to many other non magnum rounds.
I see guys claiming 3000 rounds but 1500 to 2000 is also mentioned a lot. Maybe the imr 4064 being such a popular powder is one of the reasons. It
supposedly burns hotter at the throat. Swedes have a reputation for long
barrel life similar to a .308

 

[Belisarius]

Re: .243 vs 6.5x55

For most, if not all applications, the Swede is very very hard to beat.