Favorite European Cartridge?

[gerry]

Not sure if you were planning this one too @Blkram but here we go!

Definitely the 6.5x55. It was my first 6.5 mm round and we still have one. It's capable of a bit more speed than the 6.5 Creed or my other favorite 6.5 the 260 Rem and fantastic accuracy.

I shot my only wolf with a 156 gr Norma soft point in the mid 1990's and have shot deer too with the 140 gr Partition. We have used other Nosler and Speer bullets over the years for deer and black bears in the hands of new hunters.

I really like the 8x57 and 9.3x62 but haven't had the chance yet to use them.

 

[salmonchaser]

I’m a big fan of the 7x57. I have one in a Ruger #1 and it’s been getting a lot of time in the field. If mine has a favorite load I haven’t found it yet. Our hunting load is a 140gr AccuBond over a stiff charge of Rl 17 generating just under 2950fps. Under MOA with this and four or five other powders and bullets I’ve tried.

 

[RL338]

The Ol’ mighty 11.6x74

Nah , no true metrics here.

 

[JD338]

Never owned a true metric but shot a few. I always thought the Remington 700 Classic in 7x57 Mauser would make for a sweet woods rifle.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

I've acquired a few metric cartridges, and they have served me well. 7X57, 8X68S, 9.3X64. Perhaps I should add a couple of others that aren't true metric, but cartridges that originated outside of the continenal US--280 Ross and 358 Norma Magnum, both of which I've enjoyed greatly.

 

[gerry]

We should add the non metrics too, good idea. I'm a big fan of the 308 Norma magnum and also had a stint with the 358 Norma too. Both are excellent for sure.

 

[Blkram]

Actually, was thinking about cartridges based off of the H&H cartridges for next thread...will start that one shortly!
But I like your European cartridge query!

My favourite is also the 6.5x55 Swede!
As I have posted often, I have over 30 years experience with this cartridge, and am now on my 5th rifle in this chambering (LH Steyr Mannlicher Model M FS Special Edition), and have spent more time behind, and handloading for, this centerfire cartridge! I have taken whitetail, stones sheep, caribou, moose and elk with this cartridge over the years. I did try the 120 gr BT in it, but have preferred to stick with the 140 gr bullets. While I really like my 6.5 Creedmoor (which I now have 2 rifles), and liked my 260 Rem when I had it, the ol' Swede will always have a place in my battery.

I had wanted to get a 9.3x62 for years, after reading several articles about, including ones where my Dad guided John Barsness to a moose in NEBC. (He also mentions it in his intro to the cartridge in the Nosler Reloading Guide 6.) I finally got a LH Sako 85 Hunter in this cartridge, and it fun to shoot and hunt with. It shoots Nosler's 250 gr AccuBond ammo into groups of less than 1/2" at 100 yards. I have taken a nice young bull moose with it so far, and look forward to hunting bison with it.

The other European cartridge I would like to try is the 7x64 (similar in performance to the 280 Rem, if I recall correctly).

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

The one’s I have the most experience with are the 7x57 and 8x57 and fine cartridges that they are I would have to say the 6.5x55 has won me over. Such a little sweetheart to shoot. While I don’t currently own one, I would love to remedy that.

The .303 British and 7.62x54R are fine cartridges as well, as are the various 9.3’s!

 

[grry10]

I love my Ruger #1AB in 7x57, but have this thing for having a 6.5x55 in a Winchester 70 Featherweight or a in a Tikka. Until I have both side by side I don't think I can choose.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

My first experience with a metric was a bring back 8x57 my dad had. Own two 6.5x55s have shot 7x57. Any of them are good rounds but have a preference for the 6.5x55.

 

[IdahoCTD]

The only metric case rifle I have is a 6.5x68 Imp. Its the same as a 6.5-300 win mag so it was a bit of a waste to build. I already had 2 6.5-300wm's prior to building it.

 

[8MMX57JS]

The 8x57 is my favorite. The 7x57 a close second. As for third place, I'd have a hard time choosing between the 6.5x55, 7x64, and 9.3x62. I really like all of them to be honest.

A couple others I have is the 8x64s and 8x68s but haven't used them yet.

 

[Blkram]

I love my Ruger #1AB in 7x57, but have this thing for having a 6.5x55 in a Winchester 70 Featherweight or a in a Tikka. Until I have both side by side I don't think I can choose.

Having seen and handled both the Model 70 and the Tikka in 6.5x55, I would definitely recommend the Model 70...plus it is a more rare model that adds to its appeal.

 

[longrangehunter]

Nothing wrong with being a little Euro considering they were developed long ago.
7mm Mauser was always a favorite. They made more than a few really good cartridges, that said I just didn’t want to deal with finding the brass for them, or if they would just disappear. So I sold the few I did have.

It’s not that some like the 6.5x55 Swede can’t be found, or the 9.3x62 Mauser, 7mm, and 8. The RWS stuff was becoming more difficult to obtain.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Having seen and handled both the Model 70 and the Tikka in 6.5x55, I would definitely recommend the Model 70...plus it is a more rare model that adds to its appeal.

To each his own, I guess. Having both a Mod 70 and Tikka in 6.5x55 as much as I like and have owned longer the Mod 70, I would pick the Tikka 1st simply because of its a smidgen more accurate.

 

[8MMX57JS]

Nothing wrong with being a little Euro considering they were developed long ago.
7mm Mauser was always a favorite. They made more than a few really good cartridges, that said I just didn’t want to deal with finding the brass for them, or if they would just disappear. So I sold the few I did have.

It’s not that some like the 6.5x55 Swede can’t be found, or the 9.3x62 Mauser, 7mm, and 8. The RWS stuff was becoming more difficult to obtain.

Finding brass for these time proven cartridges is no feat. They with stood the test of time and aren't going anywhere, even during the shortages and during coivd, PPU or Lapua brass was and is still abundantly available in 6.5x55, 9.3x62, 8x57 and for the 7x57 lots of PPU and S&B available.