Rifle · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardizedObsolete
6.5x50mm Arisaka
Japanese military cartridge used from Russo-Japanese War through WWII.
- Caliber
- 0.261″ · 6.63 mm
- Introduced
- 1897
- Case
- Semi-Rimmed
- Primary use
- Military
- Status
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1897
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Japan
- Inventor
- Colonel Arisaka Nariakira
- Manufacturer
- Japanese Imperial Arsenal
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Obsolete
- Availability
- Scarce
- Case capacity
- 46.3 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:8
- Primer
- Large Rifle
- Case type
- Semi-Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 42,786 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 400 yd
- Max range
- 5150 yd
- Recoil
- 10–14 ft·lb
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 6.5x50mm Arisaka — an obsolete/collector cartridge.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
CIP TDCC · verified| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 6.63 | 0.261 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 7.40 | 0.291 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 10.40 | 0.409 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 18.5° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 11.45 | 0.451 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 12.08 | 0.476 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.50 | 0.059 | ~ |
| Neck length | 7.60 | 0.299 | ≈ |
| Case length | 51.00 | 2.008 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 76.00 | 2.992 | ✓ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 6.5x50mm Arisaka is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Suitable powders
3 reloading powders listed for 6.5x50mm Arisaka, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in 6.5x50mm Arisaka
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Adopted by Imperial Japanese Army in 1897 for the Type 30 Arisaka rifle. Served through the Russo-Japanese War, WWI, and WWII. The mild recoil suited smaller-statured Japanese soldiers. Partially replaced by 7.7x58mm in late 1930s but both cartridges were used throughout WWII due to logistics.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 6.5x50mm Arisaka use?
- 6.5x50mm Arisaka typically uses a 1:8 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 6.5x50mm Arisaka?
- 6.5x50mm Arisaka uses a 0.261″ (6.63 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 6.5x50mm Arisaka still in production?
- 6.5x50mm Arisaka is obsolete; typical availability is scarce.
- What is 6.5x50mm Arisaka used for?
- 6.5x50mm Arisaka is primarily used for military.
- What are the best powders for 6.5x50mm Arisaka?
- Reloading powders commonly listed for 6.5x50mm Arisaka include 203-B, Norma 204, Norma MRP.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 4 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
