Just purchased a model 1896 Swedish Mauser, caliber 6.5x55 in excellent condition. After reading about the quality and accuracy of these guns, I had to add it to my collection. Also, reading that the ballistics were slightly better than 6.5 Creedmore, and that I had a set of 6.5x55 dies in a lot of reloading equipment I bought from a friend, the rifle followed me home. Now just waiting for good weather to shoot it. At 600 yards, the 6.5x55 drops 90 inches (140 gr bullet), compared to 120 inches for a .308 (168 gr bullet).