I thought strongly about having my No. 1 chambered in 6.5x55, but, owning .300 and .375 H&H, never want to scrounge brass ever again. We have enough brass for my wife's .260 to last our kids. My daughter and granddaughter have a 6.5 CM, and since they are all basically the same with handloads on game went with that.
Plus I'm a contrarian; all the haters on a good round just make me want to get one.
Definitions of “Totem”; there are two.
One relates to a natural-animistic object that has spiritual significance as say a Totem Pole
The other, not being so other-worldish, relates to an object being symbolic of or representative of particular quality or concept. Lots of common sense practical concepts can work here.
Now for me, even in objects as practical as tools, I like to have something extra going on each time I pick it up.
I have plenty of hammers, but one stands out above all others. It is a 13 ounce, “Stanley Master” finish hammer. Stanley tools began in 1843 in New Britain, Connecticut. My home state. If someone is really into finish carpentry, knows fine tools they can take pride in fine and practical details nobody else might see.
Next, when I bought this hammer, it came in a real cool and colorful cardboard box, that said;
“But War Bonds Support Our Troops”. It was made during WW2.
I bought that then unused hammer in maybe 1977. I just used it last week and have been using now for 48 years. time I pick it up it says something to me. Offers me something symbolic, practical and I dare say even of spiritual significance, I have been to Normandy, France and Omaha Beach.
Now few objects can offer as much significance as a firearm.
When I am walking around say with my Model 70 Winchester CRF 6.5x55 Swede, here are some of the “Totem Firearm” qualities I am carrying in my arms.
During WW2 Sweden loaned 77,000 Swedish 6.5x55 Mausers to Finland to defend their country against Russian invaders. Some of these rifles were of sniper quality and used by hunters turned snipers holding off the Russian while showing undaunted courage and incredible marksmanship.
After the war nearly all these rifles were returned to Sweden with much gratitude.
These countries worked together.
Next in the M 1896 Swedish Mauser in the 6.5 x 55 was the preferred choice of Olympic Biathlon athletes. In winter Olympics in 1964 the 6.5x55 was used by Japanese athletes. What nobility this round has.
Again next, the 6.5 x55 was used by the early Scandinavian Arctic explorers, for defense against Polar Bears. They were superb marksmen, and those rifles were superb examples of the finest workmanship possible. They are an art form for metal work.
And in a modern rifle they can be loaded to the full equal of the 6.5 CM and is available from European munitions producers as loaded ammo of full power.
Not bad for a cartridge first made in 1891, which now 134 years later is still a trusted round for taking moose cleanly with heavy long bullets with incredible B.C.
The 6.5 x 55 is truly a Totem Cartridge by both definitions.
When it comes to what caliber I would prefer to put in a young shooter's hands, or an old man's hands, or woman's hands, well the Swede is just too sweet to say no to
M R
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