What is your favourite metric cartridge?

[Blkram]

It has been a while since we've discussed favourite cartridges...
So let's start a new conversation.

What is your favourite metric cartridge?

For me, it has to be the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser. I have more trigger time behind this centerfire cartridge than any other. I also spent more time handloading for load development and target practice (500-700 rounds a year) for this cartridge in the mid to late 90's. Easy to load for, mild to shoot, and proved very accurate.

I am also a fan of the 7mms, having spent a lot of time with them...but most are of American design...and I have not yet had the pleasure of playing with the 7x57.

Otherwise, I am also growing fond of the 9.3x62. Also reasonable recoil yet capable of taking Dangerous Game.
A fellow couldn't go wrong with a 2 rifle battery for big game around the globe chambered to the 6.5 and 9.3 if one kept their shots to reasonable distances.

 

[RememberBaker]

Well I only have one and I’m not sure it qualifies as a favorite, but it’s a 9x57 in a very cool JP Sauer and Sohn sporting rifle. I’ve shot it some with old Kynoch ammunition and I necked up some 8x57 brass but haven’t loaded anything for it yet.

 

[SJB358]

7x57 Mauser would be mine. Right now I just collected all of the pieces to do a Kimber Mountain Ascent 84L and a Lilja 7mm 1-7 barrel to make a little lightweight hammer. I have a Winchester SuperGrade Featherweight that’s a dream to shoot and my son has a good old XTR Featherweight that’s very nice and shoots amazing as well. Very cool cartridge.

 

[jimbires]

I like the 7MM's , yes what I have and use , are American designs . I have a 7MM rem mag that has done a pile of hunting in the US and Canada . I've never felt under gunned with it . other ones I am fond of are , the 7mm Mashburn super mag , and the good ole 7mm-08

 

[salmonchaser]

This is easy, 7x57; 140 gr Accubonds or Ballistic tips at 2900 and change in my #1 moa accuracy, what is not to like? Acctually hit 2970fps but extraction got a little sticky so backed off.
I have almost purchased a 6.5 x 55 a couple times but with a 257 roberts and a 7x57 I knew at some point I would get something mixed up

 

[JD338]

I like the 6.5mm’s. I have a 6.5 JDJ in a TC Contender. Had a 6.5 Rem Mag in the M673 Guide but sold it and now have a 6.5 Wby RPM in an Accumark Limited.

JD338

 

[RememberBaker]

I guess I could add a number of metric cartridges that I have that are American born. Even though they are, I don’t really think of them as metric cartridges, .243 Winchester, 7mm-08 and 256 Newton. Of those, the 256 Newton is my favorite.

 

[grry10]

For me, it would be a 6.5x55 followed closely by a 7x57.

 

[DrMike]

It's hard for me not to love the 7X57, the 8X68S, or the 9.3X64. I have each of these and they are each a joy to shoot.

 

[Bruce Mc]

5.56 x 56 sr

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

The 6mm Remington is my current favorite. I do love the 6.5x55 and 7x57, as well as the 8mm Remington Mag, 9x19 and 10mm Auto!!

 

[8MMX57JS]

The 8x57 is my favorite and my all rounder for plinking and hunting. I struggle to find a second place between 7x57 and 6.5x55, I've killed more game with the 6.5x55 than with the 7x57 but I see the 7x57 as a better balanced cartridge and like the war and African history it has. The 9.3x62 and 7x64 follow suit, I've used those ones too and have had good success with the both. A new addition to the fold in the last year is the 8x64s- I'm really liking the rifles they come in and the performance is a little better than my favorite.

Knowing me, my 2nd top choice will change with one or the other that I mentioned above.

 

[KinleyWater]

Did it need to start life as a metric? Because, if so, then my 6.5x55, but if not... well, probably still that, but I do have a soft spot for the 7.62x51r. And all those Russian 7.62s are fun too. As long as I'm on the correct end of them.

 

[NMachine]

I don’t currently own any rifles chambered in a metric cartridge. But I would have to get the mighty 8mm Remington Magnum should I decide to subject myself to the awkward metric system without force.

 

[Blkram]

Yes...the 6.5x55 started my affair with the 6.5 cal.
I also have the 6.5 CM and PRC and am liking both.
I have also owned the 260 Rem and 6.5x284 Norma, and also enjoyed playing with those cartridges. So many other good 6.5 cartridges out there to be experimented with!

It's not surprising,as mentioned above, but many times the affair with a cartridge is heavily influenced by the rifle the cartridge is chambered in. And that can greatly increase the odds of the rifle being carried, hunted with, and shot more frequently. And this breeds a level of confidence that adds to its overall experience and degree of sentiment.
While that first Rem 700 Classic inn 6.5x55 was right handed, it was a joy to own, shoot and hunt with, I still miss that rifle...but I do enjoy my new rifles in 6.5 Swede; the LH Steyr-Mannlicher Model M FS SE, and Winchester 1885 Low Wall. Each has its merits!