6.5x55mm Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
6.5x55mm: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Hunting, Target Shooting, Military (historically) |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1894 |
6.5x55mm: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent long-range accuracy
- ✔ Moderate recoil for its power
- ✔ Versatile for medium to large game hunting
- ✔ Good barrel life
- ✔ Efficient bullet design with high ballistic coefficient
Cons
- ✘ Less common than some other calibers
- ✘ Limited factory ammunition options
- ✘ Not ideal for close-range hunting or self-defense
- ✘ Slower follow-up shots compared to smaller calibers
- ✘ May be overpowered for smaller game
6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser: A Comprehensive Overview
The 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser, also known as the 6.5x55 Swedish or 6.5x55 Scan, is a rifle cartridge developed in 1891 for use in the Swedish Mauser rifle. Known for its exceptional accuracy, mild recoil, and long-range capabilities, this cartridge has gained popularity among hunters and target shooters worldwide. Its versatility and effectiveness have made it a favorite for both military and civilian applications, particularly in Scandinavian countries.
History and Development
The 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser was jointly developed by Sweden and Norway in 1891 for their new service rifles. It was officially adopted by both countries in 1894, with Sweden using it in their m/94 carbine and m/96 rifle, while Norway chambered it in their Krag-Jørgensen rifles.
The cartridge was designed to provide a balance between power, accuracy, and manageable recoil. Its 6.5mm bullet diameter was chosen for its high sectional density, which contributes to excellent penetration and retained energy at long ranges. The case design allowed for efficient powder burn and consistent performance.
Throughout its service life, the 6.5x55mm proved to be an effective military cartridge. It saw use in both World Wars and continued to be used by Swedish Home Guard units until the 1990s. The cartridge's long-range accuracy made it particularly suitable for designated marksman roles.
In the civilian market, the 6.5x55mm gained popularity as a hunting cartridge, especially in Scandinavia. Its combination of flat trajectory, mild recoil, and excellent terminal performance on medium-sized game made it a favorite among hunters. The cartridge's accuracy also attracted the attention of target shooters, leading to its use in various competitive shooting disciplines.
Today, the 6.5x55mm remains popular among hunters and target shooters worldwide. Modern ammunition manufacturers offer a wide range of loads, from light target bullets to heavy hunting projectiles, catering to various shooting applications. The cartridge's enduring popularity has also led to the development of modern rifles chambered for this classic round, ensuring its continued relevance in the 21st century.
Timeline of 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser Development and Usage:
6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser Performance
The 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser offers excellent ballistic performance, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from hunting to long-range target shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 2,500-2,900 fps (140-grain bullets) 2,800-3,100 fps (120-grain bullets) Varies based on barrel length and load type |
| Trajectory | Flat trajectory suitable for long-range shooting Effective for hunting and target shooting beyond 800 yards |
| Energy | 2,000-2,400 ft-lbs at the muzzle (140-grain bullets) Provides excellent performance for medium to large game |
| Recoil | Mild to moderate, allowing for comfortable shooting Less recoil than many magnum cartridges of similar power |
| Accuracy | Capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality rifles Excellent for precision shooting and long-range competitions |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common 6.5x55mm loads.
6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Military/Historical | 0-800 | Effective for long-range engagements, used in Swedish and Norwegian military rifles |
| Hunting (Medium to Large Game) | 0-500 | Excellent for deer, elk, and moose hunting, known for its accuracy and moderate recoil |
| Target Shooting | 0-1000 | Popular for long-range target shooting and competitions |
| Precision Shooting | 0-1200 | Capable of extreme accuracy at long ranges with proper loads and rifles |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser is renowned for its accuracy, flat trajectory, and effectiveness at long ranges. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser
The 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser's excellent ballistic performance and versatility make it suitable for a wide range of applications:
6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser Comparisons
The 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser, also known as 6.5x55 SE, is a versatile cartridge with a long history. To understand its capabilities, let's compare it to similar cartridges:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of 6.5x55mm with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of 6.5x55mm with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of 6.5x55mm with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of 6.5x55mm with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for 6.5x55mm Ammo
Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its diameter. The 6.5x55mm cartridge, also known as the Swedish Mauser, is known for its excellent ballistic performance and high sectional density.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5x55mm | 140 | 0.287 |
| 6.5x55mm | 160 | 0.328 |
| 6.5x55mm | 120 | 0.246 |
| 6.5x55mm | 156 | 0.320 |
| 6.5x55mm | 139 | 0.285 |
Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². The 6.5x55mm cartridge's high sectional density contributes to its excellent penetration and energy retention, making it popular for both hunting and long-range target shooting.