Nosler's 6.5mm magnum: extremely fast, flat-shooting long-range hunting cartridge in a standard-length magnum action.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 2014, United States
Parent case: .404 Jeffery
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.264" (6.71 mm)
Case length: 2.59" (65.79 mm)
Overall length: 3.34" (84.84 mm)
Max pressure: 65,000 PSI
Rim type: Rebated
Primer: Large Rifle Magnum
Typical twist rate: 1:8
Muzzle velocity: 3200–3400 fps
Muzzle energy: 2934–3311 ft-lbs
Effective range: 1200 yd
Common bullet weights: 129, 140 gr
Primary use: Hunting, Target
Production status: Active
Also known as: 26 Nosler
History: The first of Nosler's rebated-rim magnum family, introduced in 2014. Built on a modified .404 Jeffery case to avoid belt-related accuracy issues while maximizing powder capacity. At introduction, it was the fastest 6.5mm cartridge commercially available, pushing a 129-grain bullet over 3,400 fps. Part of Nosler's strategy to own the premium hunting rifle market with proprietary cartridges that…
Notable firearms: Nosler Model 48, Nosler Model 21
Similar cartridges: 6.5 PRC, 6.5-284 Norma, .260 Remington