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Lindcott Armory

Rifle · Obsolete / Non-standard

6.5x50mm Arisaka

Also known as 6.5mm Japanese · 6.5x50mmSR 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

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains139 · 156 gr
Identity
Introduced
1897
Type
Rifle
Origin
Japan
Inventor
Colonel Arisaka Nariakira
Manufacturer
Japanese Imperial Arsenal
Standard
Obsolete / Non-standard
Status
Obsolete
Availability
Scarce
Build
Case capacity
56 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:8
Primer
Large Rifle
Case type
Semi-Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
46,000 psi
Eff. range
400 yd
Max range
3200 yd
Recoil
10–14 ft·lb

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 6.5x50mm Arisaka — an obsolete/collector cartridge.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
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
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 6.630.261 ✓
Neck ⌀ 7.370.290 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ 10.400.409 ✓
Shoulder angle 18.5°— ✓
Base ⌀ 11.450.451 ✓
Rim ⌀ 12.080.476 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.500.059 ~
Neck length 7.600.299 ≈
Case length 51.002.008 ✓
Overall length 76.002.992 ✓

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

Verification

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 →

203-BNorma 204Norma MRP
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

10 models in the database chamber 6.5x50mm Arisaka. Browse all →

Arisaka Type 97 Sniper 6.5x50mm Arisaka 31.4-inchNagoya Arsenal Type 97 Sniper 6.5x50mm 31.4-inch SniperArisaka Type 44 Cavalry CarbineTokyo Arsenal Type 38 6.5x50mm 31.4-inchArisaka Type 38 RifleArisaka Type 38 6.5x50mm Arisaka 31.4-inchKokura Arsenal Type 38 RifleJapan Arisaka Type 38Tokyo Arsenal Type 35 6.5x50mm Arisaka 31.4-inchKoishikawa Arsenal Type 30 6.5x50mm Arisaka 31.4-inch

Connected reference

Loads16 factory loads for 6.5x50mm ArisakaReloading3 suitable powders — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in 6.5x50mm Arisaka

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 →