Rifle · CIP
6.5x68mm
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
- Primary use
- Hunting
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1939
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Germany
- Inventor
- August Schüler (RWS introduced it commercially in 1939)
- Manufacturer
- RWS (commercial introducer; designed by August Schüler)
- Standard
- CIP
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Uncommon
- Case capacity
- 83.9 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:9.8
- Primer
- Boxer Large Rifle
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 63,817 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 400 yd
- Max range
- 4450 yd
- Recoil
- 18.5–20.9 ft·lb
Ballistics
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.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Lineage
Connected reference
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 twist rate does 6.5x68mm use?
- 6.5x68mm typically uses a 1:9.8 twist rate.
- 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 used for?
- 6.5x68mm is primarily used for hunting.
- 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) · velocity, bullet ⌀ archived
- Manufacturer RWS (RUAG Ammotec) — RWS 6,5x68 KS 8,2g product page · velocity, grain weights 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 →
