The 6.5 is somewhat of a new possibility to the sniping arena, and frankly, I'm a converted skeptic of this cartridge. Until recently the 6.5 has never really been considered in the USA, although to serious long range shooters and European shooters its no real surprise. The 6.5 has long been know for its excellent accuracy and absurdly high ballistic coefficients. And now with the introduction of Federal's Gold Medal Match load in 140gr Sierra Match King, the 6.5 should be seriously considered for sniping. I can really see the benefits in Law Enforcement applications, as it generally shoots a lighter bullet then the .308, but heavier then the .243, falling nicely right in between. The 6.5 deserves consideration for military application also, and has been chambered in some older military sniper rifles (WWII vintage). The round actually outperforms the .308 match loads in both the 168gr and 175gr, and its less susceptible to wind, but it does arrive on target with a lighter bullet, and less energy. (For ranges below 1000 yards) which can account for less penetration. The only other problem I can see is the lack of sniper grade weapons chambered for the 6.5. But most of the custom sniper rifle manufacturers will chamber their rifles in any caliber the purchaser wants (Sometimes for a small additional fee). Hopefully rifle manufacturers will realize the great potential of the 6.5 and start to produce their sniper rifles in 6.5.

Recommendation: The 6.5x55m makes a great Law Enforcement round, and a capable military alternative. In my opinion, as long as the 140gr bullet is used (with its VERY high BC of .526 compared to .496 for the .308 175gr HPBT Match King) the effective range should be 700-800 meters, with an occasional stretch to 1000 in good shooting conditions. But the lighter weight of the 6.5 bullets doesn't allow them to penetrate as well, and they arrive with less energy. The .308 probably gets the edge for military applications, but I believe the 6.5 has the edge in a Law Enforcement situation.

Note: Included is two match loads, the Sierra with 120gr Sierra Match King and the PMC with a 140gr Sierra Match king. Both rounds perform well in military applications out to about 700 meters.

• Fed = Federal Gold Medal Match - 6.5x55mm Swedish 140gr Sierra Match King , at 2630fps
• PMC = PMC Silver Line Match - 6.5x55mm Swedish 140gr Sierra Match King, at 2560fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)

Energy (Muzzle: Fed -2140 Ft-Lbs., PMC - 2037)

Wind Drift (Inches) 10mph Crosswind

Note: Once again I have chosen the Sierra Game King bullet, this time loaded by PMC. It’s a 140gr version this time. This should be another outstanding round for the 6.5x55mm. I also chose the Federal Premium 140gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, this should prove to be a more then adequit glass busting round. (FBI tests show the TB Bear Claw to be the best at staying together after passing through glass, but of course, your own tests should be conducted to verify any results and so your team knows what to expect in all situations)

• PMC = PMC Silver Line 6.5x55mm Swedish - 140gr Sierra Game King (SPBT) at 2560fps
• Fed = Federal Premium 6.5x55mm Swedish - 140gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claw at 2550fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)

Energy (Muzzle - PMC-2037 Ft-Lbs., Fed-2020)

Wind Drift (Inches) 10 mph Crosswind

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