What bullet diameter is 6.5x68mm?

6.5x68mm uses a 0.2638″ (6.7 mm) diameter bullet.

Is 6.5x68mm still in production?

6.5x68mm is active; typical availability is uncommon.

What is 6.5x68mm based on?

6.5x68mm is derived from the 8x68mm S case.

Lindcott Armory

Rifle · CIP

6.5x68mm

Also known as 6.5x68 RWS · 6.5x68mm RWS

High-velocity German 6.5mm cartridge developed by RWS for long-range hunting.

Caliber: 0.2638″ · 6.7 mm
Introduced: 1939
Case: Rimless
Parent: 8x68mm S
Status: Active

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Velocity3,100–3,800 fps

Energy2,710–4,071 ft·lb · est.

Identity

Introduced: 1939
Type: Rifle
Origin: Germany
Inventor: RWS
Standard: CIP
Status: Active
Availability: Uncommon

Build

Primer: Boxer Large Rifle
Case type: Rimless

Pressure & range

Max pressure: 63,817 psi
Eff. range: 400 yd

Ballistics

Representative trajectory · velocity only, no drag model · 100 yd zero0–1000 yd

Drop Zero

Velocity only, no drag model: no published ballistic coefficient is on file for 6.5x68mm, so this is the shape gravity alone gives the advertised velocity. Drag would steepen it. The tool below solves real loads through their published G1 or G7 model.

Open in Ballistic Compare

Parent case: 8x68mm S

Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).

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 ⌀	6.70	0.264	✓
Neck ⌀	7.60	0.299	✓
Shoulder ⌀	12.18	0.480	✓
Shoulder angle	14.7°	—	✓
Base ⌀	13.30	0.524	✓
Rim ⌀	13.00	0.512	✓
Belt ⌀	n/a
Rim thickness	1.40	0.055	✓
Neck length	7.00	0.276	≈
Case length	67.50	2.657	✓
Overall length	86.50	3.406	✓

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. 6.5x68mm is highlighted below.

Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Powder $/lb Charge (gr) Bullet $/ea Primer $/ea Brass reuses Brass $/ea

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Lineage

Family TreeOpen 6.5x68mm in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

FirearmsFirearms in 6.5x68mm ToolCompare ballistics

History

Developed by RWS in 1939, the 6.5x68mm is one of the most powerful 6.5mm cartridges ever produced commercially. Based on a large case derived from the 8x68S, it achieves velocities near modern 6.5 PRC despite predating that cartridge by 80 years. It remains CIP-standardized and is produced by RWS and Sellier & Bellot for Central European hunters.

FAQs

What bullet diameter is 6.5x68mm?: 6.5x68mm uses a 0.2638″ (6.7 mm) diameter bullet.
Is 6.5x68mm still in production?: 6.5x68mm is active; typical availability is uncommon.
What is 6.5x68mm based on?: 6.5x68mm is derived from the 8x68mm S case.

Sources & provenance

Standard C.I.P. (Commission Internationale Permanente) — C.I.P. TDCC Tab I — 6,5 x 68 datasheet (page 30) · bullet ⌀, velocity archived
Manufacturer RWS (RUAG Ammotec) — RWS 6,5x68 KS 8,2g product page · grain weights, velocity archived

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