High-velocity German 6.5mm cartridge developed by RWS for long-range hunting; drives 140-grain bullets past 3,200 fps; CIP-standardized and used throughout Central Europe.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1939, Germany
Parent case: Proprietary (based on 8x68S case)
Standardization: CIP
Bullet diameter: 0.264" (6.71 mm)
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Boxer Large Rifle
Production status: Active
Also known as: 6.5x68 RWS · 6.5x68mm RWS
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.