British "rook and rabbit" rifle cartridge for lightweight single-shot sporting rifles. Used for pest control and small game on country estates.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1880, United Kingdom
Parent case: None
Standardization: Obsolete / Non-standard
Bullet diameter: 0.255" (6.48 mm)
Max pressure: 18,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:14
Muzzle velocity: 1000–1100 fps
Muzzle energy: 144–215 ft-lbs
Effective range: 200 yd
Common bullet weights: 65, 80 gr
Primary use: hunting
Production status: Obsolete
Also known as: 255 Rook · .255 Rook Rifle
History: A British rook rifle cartridge from the Victorian era, chambered in small single-shot sporting rifles used for vermin control. The "rook rifle" tradition was unique to Britain, with specialized small-caliber cartridges for pest control on estates. Completely obsolete by the early 20th century.