Time with my Mod 70 FWT in 6.5X55 proved very productive over the weekend. Most of the book load data (even for modern strong actions) have this fine old cartridge limping along compared to it's ballistic cousins... the 260 and the 6.5 CM. Prior to this weekend, I was seeing good groups, but just at 2600 and 2560 ft/sec with the 143 gr hornady ELDX bullets. Well, after a lot of trying and stair-stepping charges, I finally found a couple of winning combinations. I had to fill the case up, but it finally got up to speed and shot well too. The targets have the stats on each recipe I used for these two fine groups.

I've said it before... if you are interested in a 6.5, why not go to the source. The cartridge has been around for over 120 years, and with the right handling, can perform with the best of the modern 6.5's.

Pics to follow.

Dang good group on that 2nd pic. Have you shot a deer with the eldx yet?

With a little more experimenting, you might get that gun to shoot. LOL.

Great cartridge and shooting.

Good shooting! See if you can get 10 in the dot. Then you will know for sure.

I'd like to have a nice light 6.5X57. I killed a Zebra, prolly 700 pounds, in Zim with an old Mauser with double triggers in that calibre.

Your range of knowledge and experience is staggering BhamFred!

I have only shot paper and steel with it, Shiloh. I hope to remedy that this winter.

I try to be a well rounded crumudgen...

Is that something you would choose just for the nostalgia of it, rather than any of the modern 6.5's available?

I just like the 6.5X57, but I have never been a fan of the smaller 6.5s. I shoot a 264 WM a good bit.

Nice shooting. That's one of my bucket list rifle/caliber combos. I walked away from one with a Weaver K6 and a leather latigo sling sitting in a pawn shop rack about 12-15yrs ago and have regretted it ever since.

I'm strongly considering the 6.5 PRC as my next purchase in a longer range rifle.

It is impressive, good speed

What about the ole Carcano??

the swede is a classic; my favorite chambering ever. that's what i'd have if i still hand loaded. a good 140-grain bullet that holds together running 2,650 or so is a stone cold killer. proper OAL with ogive matching the rifle's lede is critical to best accuracy, in my view ...

A 140 running 3K ain't bad either.

Why it over the 6.5 SAUM or any of the other cartridges in that class?

I think it has the best overall design characteristics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rIIb3YSPj4

He kinda danced around the 6.5 SAUM questions. Lol.

I get wanting something just because. Heck, I find the 6.5x47L intriguing, but there's a lot of cartridges that do the same thing or better.

Neat looking cartridge, though.

Basically,the SAUM has a little more horsepower but can't be used in an internal mag,and the PRC is better if you want to use factory ammo. I'm really hoping the PRC will catch on a bit more and Laupa will start producing brass. I wouldn't hesitate on either though.

Right now the biggest reason I'm considering it is because it's the faster 6.5 offered in the next rifle I'm saving to buy, The Seekins Havak.

I hope you like it as much as I like my 7 SAUM. The Sherman Short Mags look impressive, too.

The 6.5 PRC looks like a winner for long range. Mild recoil, factory ammo availability, and mild recoil will be a plus. Hornady considered SAAMI approval of the 6.5 SAUM GAP 4S but ultimately decided upon the PRC design. Hornady has made special manufacturing runs of the SAUM GAP brass due to its popularity and I wonder if they will continue this. Hornady brass quality is spotty, and availability of Lapua or Norma brass will be a positive for the PRC.

I think the 6.5PRC shows a lot of potential to catch on. I will be giving it some time to catch on before considering exploring it.
It's kinda sad/ironic that the seemingly most relevant SAUM is one that was never actually offered by Remington.