[yarddog]

I think back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several nations determined the best compromise of bullet size, power, recoil etc. was the 6.5mm.

Sweden, Greece, Italy, Japan and others all went to the 6.5. My first high powered rifle was a 6.5mm Swedish Mauser, which I ordered through the mail around 1963. I also bought some of the old military surplus with the long, parallel sided round nosed fmj bullets. They weighed 160 grains and would penetrate to an unbelievable degree.

I think the 6.5 is still the best compromise but with lighter, pointed bullets. I bet a 140 grain fmj pointed boat tail bullet would perform great at long and short range.

[familyop]

"I think the 6.5 is still the best compromise but with lighter, pointed bullets. I bet a 140 grain fmj pointed boat tail bullet would perform great at long and short range."

Agreed. Those will bring down some big game with enough push behind them. 123 gr., 6.5 match bullets are interesting with a little less push, too. ;-)

[familyop]

Sent you a Freepmail in regards to 6.5 (link to a thread with pictures about what can be done with less than a European load behind it).