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Rifle · CIP

6.5x55mm Swedish

6.5 Swede6.5x556.5 Swedish Mauser6.5x55 Swedish

Legendary Scandinavian cartridge beloved by hunters and target shooters.

Caliber
0.2642″ · 6.71 mm
Introduced
1894
Case
Rimless
Primary use
Military, Hunting, Target
Status
Active
Velocity2,600–2,900 fps
Energy2,200–2,650 ft·lb
Typical grains120 · 140 · 156 gr
Identity
Introduced
1894
Type
Rifle
Origin
Sweden/Norway
Inventor
Swedish-Norwegian Rifle Commission
Manufacturer
Various
Standard
CIP
Status
Active
Availability
Common
Build
Case capacity
57 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:8
Primer
Large Rifle
Case type
Rimless
Pressure & range
Max pressure
55,000 psi
Eff. range
800 yd
Max range
4000 yd
Recoil
12–16 ft·lb

Ballistics

Real trajectory computed from a representative load — Hornady Custom 140 gr, 2,850 fps, BC 0.330 G7 · 100 yd zero.

overlay up to 2
RangeVelocityEnergyDrop (in)Drop (MOA)
0 yd28492523-1.5″—
100 yd271122840.0″0.0
200 yd25762062-3.2″-1.5
300 yd24431855-11.8″-3.7
400 yd23151666-26.1″-6.2
500 yd21911492-46.8″-8.9
600 yd20701331-74.9″-11.9
700 yd19521184-111.2″-15.2
800 yd18371049-156.5″-18.7

Point-mass G7/G1 drag model, standard atmosphere — within ~2% of reference solvers to 1000 yd; real barrels and conditions vary. Open in Ballistic Compare →

Performance

Best for HuntingHornady Custom140 gr · ELD-M · 2,850 fps · BC 0.330 G7Buy now →
Best for TargetLapua Scenar-L139 gr · OTM · 2,850 fps · BC 0.290 G7Buy now →

Buy links open 6.5x55mm Swedish ammunition at Rivertown Munitions.

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 ⌀6.710.264✓
Neck ⌀7.600.299✓
Shoulder ⌀11.040.435✓
Shoulder angle25.3°—✓
Base ⌀12.200.480✓
Rim ⌀12.200.480✓
Belt ⌀n/a
Rim thickness1.500.059✓
Neck length7.870.310≈
Case length55.002.165✓
Overall length80.003.150✓

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. 6.5x55mm Swedish is highlighted below.

Factory loads

In production — 315 active loads across 33 brands. Top 15 shown · see all 318 →.

BrandLoadGrainBulletFPSft·lbBC
NoslerBallistic Tip Hunting120Ballistic Tip3,0002,3980.458 G1
NoslerTrophy Grade120Ballistic Tip2,9502,3180.458 G1
NoslerTrophy Grade AccuBond130AccuBond2,9002,4270.250 G7
HSMTrophy Gold130Berger VLD2,9002,4270.271 G7
HornadySuperformance SST129SST2,9002,4090.249 G7
MagtechSP Hunting139SP2,8542,5140.398 G1
FiocchiSP Hunting139SP2,8542,5140.398 G1
HornadyAmerican Whitetail140InterLock SP2,8502,5250.398 G1
LapuaScenar-L139OTM2,8502,5070.290 G7
HornadyCustom140ELD-M2,8502,5250.330 G7
LapuaScenar-L OTM139Scenar-L2,8222,4580.290 G7
HornadyAmerican Whitetail129InterLock SP2,8202,2770.453 G1
BergerHunting VLD140VLD Hunting2,8202,4720.315 G7
HornadySuperformance SST140SST2,8202,4720.275 G7
HornadySuperformance140SST2,8002,4370.275 G7

Velocities are manufacturer-stated (test-barrel). Discontinued loads dimmed.

Suitable powders

8 reloading powders listed for 6.5x55mm Swedish, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

Reload Swiss RS60IMR 3031Norma 202203-BLT-32AR 2209Reloader 17Reloader 19
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 6.5x55mm Swedish

12 models in the database chamber 6.5x55mm Swedish. Browse all →

Winchester Repeating Arms Model 70 Featherweight 6.5 CreedmoorTikka T3x Lite 6.5x55 Swedish 22.4-inchTikka T3x Hunter 6.5x55 SwedishCZ-USA CZ 557 American .308 Win 24-inchSako 85 CarbonlightSako 85 Hunter StainlessSako 85 Hunter .260 RemSako 85 Hunter 6.5x55 SwedishSako 85 FinnlightSako 85 BavarianHeym SR21 6.5x55 Swedish 21.7-inchSteyr Pro Hunter .308 Win

Connected reference

Loads318 factory loads for 6.5x55mm Swedish↗Reloading8 suitable powders — cross-reference↗FirearmsFirearms in 6.5x55mm Swedish↗ToolCompare ballistics↗

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.

FAQs

What twist rate does 6.5x55mm Swedish use?
6.5x55mm Swedish typically uses a 1:8 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is 6.5x55mm Swedish?
6.5x55mm Swedish uses a 0.2642″ (6.71 mm) diameter bullet.
Is 6.5x55mm Swedish still in production?
6.5x55mm Swedish is active; typical availability is common.
What is 6.5x55mm Swedish used for?
6.5x55mm Swedish is primarily used for military, hunting, target, competition.
What are the best powders for 6.5x55mm Swedish?
Reloading powders commonly listed for 6.5x55mm Swedish include Reload Swiss RS60, IMR 3031, Norma 202, 203-B, among 8 suitable options.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 315 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →