Ernie,
I do for some of my stuff, mostly rifles, but I definitely would for the 6.5x55, Lee has a classic loader that I like - I used one for the 45-70 barrel I had and loved it. I got great groups with that simple loader and hope to do the same with the next barrel. I prefer heavy bullets, so would probably go with the 140s, so I'm thinking I could probably expect them to run in the high 2400s or low 2500s?

Alright, so here is a question - I am looking for a new barrel, for accuracy, mild recoil and decent hunting ability, and have been finding myself dreaming of the Swede... not a bikini model....... Now to the question, has anyone else used the 6.5x55 in an Encore, Contender or other single-shot, and if so, what was your feelings towards it?

As Gregg suggested, the 6.5 JDJ is very good in a contender. I would not like to be without one (I have 2). I personally prefer the contender frame over the encore due to the reduced size & bulk of the contender.

However, in a contender you will never get the 6.5 JDJ to provide the velocity that you can get from the 6.5x55 or 260 in an encore or other strong frame. I would expect it to be around 100 fps slower with 120s than the others will do with 140s. The more important question, however, maybe "do you need the extra velocity?" The old 6.5 JDJ has proven itself over & over in various countries and on many animals. It does more than the ballistics suggest that it should. It shoots very well, recoils lightly and hits hard.