6.5×55 PRS build list is a comprehensive guide for those seeking to build a precision rifle based on the renowned 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge. This guide delves into the history of the cartridge, its popularity in hunting and target shooting, and its exceptional ballistics and performance.
It then explores the key components of a 6.5×55 PRS build, providing insights into selecting the right action, barrel, stock, optics, ammunition, and accessories. The guide also walks you through the process of assembling the rifle, including bedding and truing the action, installing and zeroing the scope, and achieving optimal accuracy through proper break-in, cleaning, and load development.
The 6.5×55 cartridge’s reputation for accuracy and long-range performance makes it an ideal choice for precision rifle shooters, and this guide provides the essential information to help you build a competitive and reliable rifle for PRS competitions or any demanding shooting scenario.
The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser Cartridge
The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge, also known as the 6.5 Swedish, is a rimless, bottlenecked centerfire rifle cartridge that has been a popular choice for hunting and target shooting for over a century. Its origins can be traced back to the late 19th century, when it was developed by the Swedish military as a high-powered rifle cartridge for their Mauser rifles.
The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge quickly gained popularity worldwide, and its use spread to various countries, including the United States. It has been used in military rifles, sporting rifles, and even machine guns.
Popularity for Hunting and Target Shooting
The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge has earned a reputation for its versatility and performance. Its popularity in hunting and target shooting can be attributed to several factors, including:* Accurate and Flat-Shooting Trajectory:The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge is known for its excellent accuracy and flat-shooting trajectory, making it suitable for long-range hunting and target shooting.
Effective Hunting Cartridge
Its high ballistic coefficient and moderate recoil make it an effective hunting cartridge for a wide range of game, including deer, elk, and even larger animals.
Availability of Reloading Components
The cartridge is readily available in both factory-loaded ammunition and reloading components, allowing shooters to customize their loads for specific applications.
Wide Range of Rifles
The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge is chambered in a wide variety of rifles, from traditional bolt-action rifles to modern semi-automatic rifles.
Ballistics and Performance Characteristics
The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge is known for its high ballistic coefficient, which allows it to retain velocity and energy over long distances. This is achieved through a combination of its relatively heavy bullet weight and streamlined bullet design. The cartridge’s performance can be summarized as follows:* Bullet Weight:The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge is typically loaded with bullets ranging from 120 to 160 grains.
Muzzle Velocity
The muzzle velocity of the 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge can vary depending on the load and the rifle used, but it generally falls between 2,600 and 2,900 feet per second.
Ballistic Coefficient
The ballistic coefficient of the 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge is generally high, ranging from .450 to .550, depending on the bullet used.
Energy
The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge delivers significant energy at the muzzle, typically between 2,500 and 3,000 foot-pounds.
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Recoil
The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge has moderate recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for most shooters.
Components of a 6.5×55 PRS Build: 6.5×55 Prs Build List
A Precision Rifle Series (PRS) build centered around the 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser cartridge demands careful consideration of each component to maximize accuracy and performance. The goal is to create a rifle that can consistently deliver high-precision shots at long distances.
Action
The action serves as the heart of the rifle, housing the firing mechanism and barrel. A robust action is crucial for handling the pressures generated by the 6.5×55 cartridge.
- Remington 700: A classic and widely-used platform known for its reliability and aftermarket support. Its widespread popularity has led to numerous manufacturers offering aftermarket parts, making it highly customizable.
- Savage 110: Renowned for its accuracy and affordability, the Savage 110 is a solid choice for PRS builds. Its detachable magazine system offers convenience and speed in reloading.
- Tikka T3: Known for its smooth action and inherent accuracy, the Tikka T3 provides a reliable platform for a PRS build. Its factory-installed bedding and adjustable trigger contribute to its precision.
- Custom Actions: For those seeking the ultimate in performance and customization, custom actions from manufacturers like Stiller, BAT, and Defiance offer exceptional quality and features. These actions are designed to withstand high pressures and offer enhanced adjustability.
Barrel
The barrel is responsible for propelling the bullet downrange with accuracy and consistency.
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- Barrel Length: For PRS applications, a barrel length between 24″ and 28″ is ideal. Longer barrels offer increased velocity and potentially improved accuracy, while shorter barrels are more maneuverable and lighter.
- Barrel Profile: A heavier barrel profile, such as a “heavy varmint” or “match,” provides better heat dissipation and stability, minimizing point-of-impact shifts during extended shooting sessions.
- Barrel Material: Stainless steel is a popular choice for its durability and resistance to corrosion. Carbon steel barrels can also offer exceptional accuracy, but they require more care and maintenance.
- Barrel Twist Rate: The twist rate determines how fast the bullet spins in flight. A 1:8″ twist rate is commonly recommended for the 6.5×55 cartridge, providing stability for a wide range of bullet weights.
Stock, 6.5×55 prs build list
The stock provides the foundation for the rifle, supporting the action, barrel, and optics.
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- Chassis: Chassis stocks offer adjustability, rigidity, and compatibility with a wide range of accessories. They are often favored for their ability to fine-tune the rifle’s fit and ergonomics.
- Traditional Stocks: Traditional stocks, while less adjustable, can still provide excellent accuracy and comfort. They often offer a more traditional feel and can be customized with bedding and stock work.
- Stock Features: Key features to consider include adjustable cheek height, length of pull, and a stable forend for a solid shooting platform.
Optics
A high-quality optic is essential for precision shooting at long distances.
- Scope Magnification: A scope with variable magnification, ranging from 10x to 20x or higher, is recommended for PRS competition. This allows for precise target acquisition and fine adjustments at different distances.
- Reticle: A reticle designed for long-range shooting, such as a Mil-Dot or Horus H59, provides reference points for accurate holdovers and windage adjustments.
- Scope Quality: Choose a scope from a reputable manufacturer known for its optical clarity, durability, and precision. Examples include Nightforce, Schmidt & Bender, and Leupold.
Ammunition
The right ammunition is crucial for consistent accuracy and performance.
- Bullet Weight: 140-grain bullets are a popular choice for PRS shooting with the 6.5×55 cartridge. They offer a good balance of accuracy, velocity, and ballistic coefficient.
- Bullet Type: Match-grade bullets, such as those from Berger, Sierra, or Lapua, are designed for exceptional accuracy and consistency.
- Powder: A high-quality powder, such as Varget, RL15, or IMR4895, will provide consistent and predictable performance.
- Handloading: Handloading allows for precise control over each round, optimizing performance for your specific rifle and barrel. It also enables the use of specialized components for maximum accuracy.
Accessories
Accessories can enhance the performance and convenience of your PRS build.
- Bipod: A sturdy bipod provides a stable platform for shooting from various positions. Look for a bipod with adjustable legs and a solid base.
- Shooting Rest: A shooting rest, such as a rear bag or front rest, can further improve stability and accuracy, particularly when shooting from prone or bench positions.
- Rangefinder: A rangefinder is essential for determining accurate distances to targets, crucial for making precise adjustments and shot placement.
- Scope Level: A scope level ensures proper scope alignment, minimizing errors caused by canting or tilting the rifle.
Building a 6.5×55 PRS Rifle
Building a 6.5×55 PRS rifle is a rewarding project for experienced shooters and gunsmiths. It requires careful selection of components, precise assembly, and meticulous attention to detail. This section will guide you through the essential steps of building a 6.5×55 PRS rifle.
Assembling the Rifle
Assembling a PRS rifle involves a series of steps that ensure proper function and accuracy. These steps include:
- Action Selection:Choose a high-quality action, preferably a Remington 700 or similar, with a robust design and features suitable for precision shooting.
- Barrel Selection:Select a heavy-contour barrel with a twist rate appropriate for the desired bullet weight. Popular choices include stainless steel or carbon fiber barrels.
- Stock Selection:Opt for a chassis or stock designed for precision shooting, featuring adjustable features like cheek height, length of pull, and cant.
- Trigger Selection:Install a high-quality trigger with adjustable pull weight and overtravel for precise shot control.
- Bottom Metal and Magazine:Choose a bottom metal and magazine compatible with the action and stock, ensuring smooth feeding and reliable operation.
Bedding and Truing the Action
Bedding and truing the action are critical steps in achieving consistent accuracy. These processes ensure that the action is properly supported and aligned within the stock.
- Bedding:The process involves filling the action’s contact points within the stock with bedding compound, creating a solid and consistent foundation.
- Truing:This involves ensuring the action’s surfaces are perfectly square and aligned with the barrel, minimizing potential inconsistencies that can affect accuracy.
Installing and Zeroing the Scope
Scope installation and zeroing are crucial for achieving precise shot placement. This involves mounting the scope securely and aligning its reticle with the rifle’s point of impact.
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- Scope Mounting:Use high-quality scope rings and a base that ensure proper alignment and secure attachment to the rifle.
- Scope Zeroing:This involves adjusting the scope’s elevation and windage turrets to match the rifle’s point of impact with the target at a specific distance.
Customization and Tuning for Precision
The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser is known for its inherent accuracy, but maximizing its potential in PRS competition requires meticulous customization and tuning. This section delves into the essential aspects of barrel break-in, proper cleaning, load development, and rifle performance optimization for achieving the highest level of precision.
Barrel Break-in and Cleaning
Proper barrel break-in is crucial for achieving optimal accuracy and longevity. The initial rounds fired through a new barrel remove imperfections and create a smooth, consistent bore. This process involves gradually increasing the number of rounds fired, allowing the barrel to heat up and cool down.
- Clean after each shot:During the initial break-in phase, it’s essential to clean the barrel after each shot. This helps remove any residual copper fouling and debris, preventing excessive wear and tear on the bore.
- Use a specialized break-in lubricant:Applying a high-quality break-in lubricant reduces friction and helps establish a smooth bore surface.
- Gradually increase the number of rounds:Start with a few rounds, then gradually increase the number fired between cleaning sessions. This allows the barrel to settle and achieve a consistent bore.
- Monitor for signs of excessive wear:Observe the barrel for any signs of excessive wear, such as pitting or erosion, which may indicate improper break-in or cleaning.
Once the break-in process is complete, maintaining proper cleaning practices is essential. Regular cleaning removes copper fouling, lead deposits, and other debris that can affect accuracy and barrel life.
- Use a quality cleaning kit:Invest in a high-quality cleaning kit that includes a bore guide, cleaning rod, patches, and solvents designed for the 6.5×55 caliber.
- Follow a consistent cleaning routine:Develop a consistent cleaning routine based on the frequency of shooting and the type of ammunition used.
- Avoid excessive scrubbing:Be gentle during cleaning, as excessive scrubbing can damage the bore and lead to accuracy issues.
Load Development
Load development is a critical step in maximizing the accuracy of a 6.5×55 PRS rifle. It involves systematically testing different bullet weights, powders, primers, and seating depths to find the optimal combination for your specific rifle.
- Start with a known good load:Begin by researching and selecting a known good load from reputable sources or online forums. This provides a baseline for comparison and reduces the time required for load development.
- Use a reloading manual:Consult a reloading manual for recommended powder charges, bullet weights, and seating depths for the 6.5×55 caliber.
- Vary one variable at a time:When testing different components, vary only one variable at a time to isolate its effect on accuracy. For example, change the bullet weight while keeping the powder charge and seating depth constant.
- Record your results:Maintain detailed records of your load development process, including the components used, powder charge, seating depth, and target results.
This allows you to analyze your data and identify the optimal load for your rifle.
Optimizing Rifle Performance
Optimizing a 6.5×55 PRS rifle involves making adjustments to the rifle’s components and shooting technique to maximize its performance in competition.
- Trigger adjustment:A crisp, consistent trigger pull is essential for accurate shooting. Adjust the trigger to achieve a pull weight that is comfortable and predictable.
- Stock adjustments:The stock should fit the shooter comfortably and allow for a consistent cheek weld and grip.
Adjust the length of pull, comb height, and cant to achieve a proper fit.
- Scope mounting and zeroing:Choose a high-quality scope and mount it securely to the rifle. Ensure proper zeroing at the desired range.
- Shooting technique:Practice proper shooting techniques, including a consistent breathing pattern, trigger control, and follow-through.
Concluding Remarks
By carefully selecting components, following proper assembly techniques, and implementing effective tuning strategies, you can create a 6.5×55 PRS rifle that delivers exceptional accuracy and consistent performance. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a novice looking to explore the world of precision shooting, this guide provides the foundation for building a rifle that will meet your expectations and exceed your goals.
FAQ
What is the best barrel length for a 6.5×55 PRS rifle?
The ideal barrel length for a 6.5×55 PRS rifle depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, 26-28 inches is a common and effective range for balancing accuracy, velocity, and overall weight.
What are some popular 6.5×55 PRS rifle actions?
Popular actions for 6.5×55 PRS rifles include those from manufacturers like Remington, Savage, Tikka, and custom builders. Consider features like ease of use, reliability, and compatibility with aftermarket components.
What are some recommended optics for a 6.5×55 PRS rifle?
Recommended optics for a 6.5×55 PRS rifle include high-quality scopes with features like adjustable turrets, illuminated reticles, and high magnification for long-range shooting. Popular brands include Nightforce, Leupold, and Vortex.