notsosureshot Posted February 25, 2018 Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 Hello gents, I just can't decide which is best for me. This is for my FAC app which after about 10 years of shooting sports I'm finally getting around to doing. It seems like unless I want to buy a Euro rifle, the 6.5x55 is out, unless I some how found a new 1994 Remington 700, unlikely. I've looked around and even say, Tikka, dont produce all models in 6.5x55. The Creedmoor seems to have been widely accepted very quickly (its young isnt it?) and the 308 well, needs no explaining. Initially I'd like one rifle to tackle all UK deer species and I know they will all manage if the shooter is good enough, so how do I decide? I'm concerned the FEO may say no to a .30cal for first grant, for no reason other than it's "bigger".... Rifle wise, I'd like something fairly light if I'm going to carry it all day. Lower recoil preferred which is why I liked the 6.5 in the first place. The last one I shot I could barely feel it. A shorter configuration may also suit my height better. Steyr Scout? I'm not into the full tactical look, but nor am I into the full wood look. So I'm probably looking at a synthetic stock which would be durable. Which would you go for? I'm sure theres a million things I have not considered or seen. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay1234 Posted February 26, 2018 Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 Personally I’d go for a weatherby vanguard in 308win (only because they don’t sell a 6.5cm that I’m aware of) then I’d probably top it with some vortex glass Nice package for about a grand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted February 26, 2018 Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 Tikka in 308Win will do it all and the deer will not know the difference anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newbie to this Posted February 26, 2018 Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 Have a look at the Howa range on Highlland Outdoors, they don't sell to the public but do some very good package deals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notsosureshot Posted February 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 (edited) Cheers guys. I will check those out. Of course all of this depends on the FEO. I've just been informed that to apply for a stalking rifle you now need a written testimonial from someone who can vouch for your experience and safe handling.....in a particular calibre that you have experience of. An "interesting" interpretation of the law. Edited February 26, 2018 by notsosureshot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notsosureshot Posted February 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 Heard back now and we eventually got to the crux of the matter. They regard CF as CF, so I'm pretty much OK for any calibre that would be reasonable for deer. 308 is back in the running. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notsosureshot Posted February 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 9 minutes ago, fister said: Im lucky, I get to shoot and test about 50 rifles each year and happen to own the one I like the most and guess what, 6.5x55? The very limited experience I have with it, I have to say it behaved like a pea shooter at my end, but a bazooka at the target end. I suppose it must be half decent if it's been around for 100 years! I think the first time I ever shot the 6.5x55 was with you. Long time ago now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notsosureshot Posted February 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 (edited) 3 minutes ago, fister said: Forgive me but remind me of your name, im useless? my first stalking rifle was a Tikka 695 in the calibre and now I use a Mauser M12 Extreme in Swede. I do ise all sorts of other stuff as well but the Mauser Is the ONLY one that never gets it’s scope borrowed or ammo shared? Martin. We went a couple of times to paul lane and I'm pretty sure it was your 338 I got to have a bash with also. It must be, blimey, knocking on 9 years ago. You were just getting started on the journalism side of things I think. I remembered because your name on here is, shall we say, memorable. Edited February 26, 2018 by notsosureshot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisheruk Posted February 26, 2018 Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 I’m very happy with my Sako 85 in 6.5x55. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notsosureshot Posted February 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 (edited) 2 minutes ago, fister said: Did you live in Featherstone? Close, Pontecarlo. Your memory is better than you thought! Edited February 26, 2018 by notsosureshot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archie-fox Posted February 27, 2018 Report Share Posted February 27, 2018 I have a Tikka T3X in 6.5x55 it’s a great round, I shoot a lot of roe and foxes with it and have no complaints.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savhmr Posted February 28, 2018 Report Share Posted February 28, 2018 I have both a .308 and a 6.5, and have shot many others including the .270. I'm with Fister here. If I now had to choose one cal for all UK deer species it would be 6.5 x 55, or 260 Rem or Creedmoor. All are good. The 260 and CM are a bit more efficient that the Swede but CM brass is more expensive (in Lapua anyway). The 6.5 is often referred to as "the gentleman's calibre" for its soft shooting experience, but it does have several advantages. The bullets tend to be higher sectional density than the .308 choices, and penetration is better on larger beasties, especially if a good lockbase, accubond or similar hunting bullet is used. At distance, the better ballistic coefficients come into their own and they tend to buck the wind a little better than the 308 too if driven at similar velocities. I also liked the one or two .270's that I shot which properly moderated didn't kick any worse than the .308 Any would do the job well, so it boils down to picking the rifle that suits you. T3's are available in Creedmoor, 260 Rem and 6.5 x 55. My personal take on weight is that you can go too light, and this doesn't help hold a steady aim if after a tough stalk the adrenaline is up especially. I like a stalking rifle to weight between 7.5 to 9.5lbs all up. Any lighter is too light imho, and any heavier can be a chore. Saying that, my own stalking outfit is 12lbs all up but I'm a glutton for punishment! I'm sure that you'll enjoy whatever you buy. Buy wisely, buy once and stick with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notsosureshot Posted February 28, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2018 Thanks for all the replies. I'm very grateful to all of you. Some very useful comments here. Got everything lined up for my FAC now so just waiting for my stalking dude to come back from holidays and I should be good to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.