Legendary Scandinavian cartridge beloved by hunters and target shooters. Mild recoil, excellent long-range ballistics. Predecessor to modern 6.5mm craze.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1894, Sweden/Norway
Parent case: None
Standardization: CIP
Bullet diameter: 0.264" (6.71 mm)
Case length: 2.165" (55 mm)
Overall length: 3.15" (80 mm)
Max pressure: 55,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:8
Muzzle velocity: 2600–2900 fps
Muzzle energy: 2200–2650 ft-lbs
Effective range: 1000 yd
Common bullet weights: 120, 130, 139, 140, 156 gr
Primary use: Military, Hunting, Target, Competition
Production status: Active
Also known as: 6.5 Swede · 6.5x55 · 6.5 Swedish Mauser · 6.5x55 Swedish · 6.5x55 SE
History: Jointly developed by Sweden and Norway in 1894 for their Mauser rifles. Never saw major combat but excelled in hunting and target shooting. Scandinavian moose hunters have used it for over a century. Gained cult following worldwide for its accuracy and mild recoil. The 6.5 Creedmoor is basically a modernized Swedish Mauser.
Notable firearms: Swedish Mauser M96, Norwegian Krag-Jørgensen, CZ 550, Sako 85
Military use: {"country":"Sweden","years":"1894-1990s","conflicts":["None (Swedish neutrality)"]}, {"country":"Norway","years":"1894-1950s","conflicts":["WWII resistance"]}
Similar cartridges: 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Remington, 6.5 PRC