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Rifle · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardizedObsolete

6.5x52mm Carcano

Also known as 6.5mm Carcano · 6.5x52mm Italian · 6.5 Vetterli Carcano · 6.5mm Vetterli-Carcano

Italian military cartridge with mild recoil and good accuracy.

Caliber
0.2677″ · 6.8 mm
Introduced
1891
Case
Rimless
Primary use
Military
Status
Obsolete
Obsolete
Obsolete

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains139 · 156 · 160 gr
Identity
Introduced
1891
Type
Rifle
Origin
Italy
Inventor
Salvatore Carcano
Manufacturer
Italian State Arsenal
Standard
Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardized
SAAMI
Not SAAMI standardized
Obsolete
Obsolete
Status
Obsolete
Availability
Limited
Build
Case capacity
48.7 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:8
Primer
Large Rifle
Case type
Rimless
Pressure & range
Max pressure
41,336 psi, CIP transducer
Eff. range
400 yd
Max range
5150 yd
Recoil
8.1–10 ft·lb

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 6.5x52mm Carcano — 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 ⌀ 6.800.268 ✓
Neck ⌀ 7.550.297 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ 10.940.431 ✓
Shoulder angle 24.3°— ✓
Base ⌀ 11.410.449 ✓
Rim ⌀ 11.450.451 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.300.051 ✓
Neck length 7.540.297 ≈
Case length 52.502.067 ✓
Overall length 76.503.012 ✓

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. 6.5x52mm Carcano is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

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 6.5x52mm Carcano

Beretta Carcano M91/41 6.5x52mm 27.2-inchTerni Arsenal Carcano M91/38 6.5x52mm 17.7-inchMannlicher-Carcano Arsenal Carcano M91/41Carcano Arsenal M1891/41 Modified RifleItaly Carcano M91/38 CarbineVarious Italian Carcano M91/38 7.35x51mm 21.7-inchCarcano Carcano M91/38 6.5x52mm Carcano 21.1-inchCarcano Arsenal M1891/38 Short Rifle 6.5mmCarcano Arsenal M91/28 Short CarbineCarcano Arsenal M91/28 Carbine 6.5mmCarcano Arsenal M1891/24 Short RifleTerni Carcano M91/24 6.5x52mm 21.3-inch

Lineage

Immediate parent
Root — no documented parent
Direct descendants (1)
7.35x51mm Carcano6.5mm Lahoz6.5x52mmR K&S
Family TreeOpen 6.5x52mm Carcano in the interactive cartridge family tree

History

Adopted by Italy in 1891 for the Carcano rifle. Part of the trend toward smaller-caliber, high-velocity cartridges. Served Italy through both World Wars. Gained infamy when Lee Harvey Oswald used a 6.5 Carcano rifle in the JFK assassination. The cartridge itself was adequate, but deteriorated surplus ammunition gave it a poor reputation.

FAQs

What twist rate does 6.5x52mm Carcano use?
6.5x52mm Carcano typically uses a 1:8 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is 6.5x52mm Carcano?
6.5x52mm Carcano uses a 0.2677″ (6.8 mm) diameter bullet.
Is 6.5x52mm Carcano still in production?
6.5x52mm Carcano is obsolete; typical availability is limited.
What is 6.5x52mm Carcano used for?
6.5x52mm Carcano is primarily used for military.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 13 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →

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