[Scorch]

Availability of ammo is a good point to consider when you buy a rifle. For example, I used to own a 8mm Remington Magnum, and if I forgot my ammo at home, there was no way to replace it unless I got lucky and found some at a large sporting goods store. Likewise, I have been out in the sticks and found 7X57 ammo in the local store (not that I needed it, I always pack extra), and the 6.5X55 would likely be similar due to the number of older surplus rifles used for deer hunting. Perhaps not as ubiquitous as 30-06 ammo, but it is not hard to find.

Federal, Hornady and Winchester all make current loads for the 7X57 using 139-145 gr bullets at 2600-2700 fps, a better load than the old 175 gr at 2300 fps.