Rifle · Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardizedObsolete
6.5x72mmR
European metric rimmed sporting cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.2642″ · 6.71 mm
- Introduced
- 1892
- Case
- Rimmed
- Primary use
- hunting
- Status
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1892
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Germany
- Inventor
- Various Central European
- Manufacturer
- Various German gunsmiths
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Obsolete
- Availability
- Antique
- Case capacity
- 59 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:8
- Primer
- Berdan Large Rifle
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 47,862 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 200 yd
- Max range
- 4550 yd
- Recoil
- 8–12 ft·lb
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 6.5x72mmR — an obsolete/collector cartridge.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
SAAMI · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 6.71 | 0.264 | ~ |
| Neck ⌀ | 7.37 | 0.290 | |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 8.68 | 0.342 | |
| Shoulder angle | 15° | — | |
| Base ⌀ | 9.34 | 0.368 | |
| Rim ⌀ | 10.68 | 0.420 | |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.23 | 0.048 | |
| Neck length | 6.93 | 0.273 | |
| Case length | 72.00 | 2.835 | ~ |
| Overall length | 96.29 | 3.791 | |
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. 6.5x72mmR is highlighted below.
Missing a dimension for 6.5x72mmR? Some case measurements aren't in a published SAAMI/CIP drawing yet. Have a factory or reamer print? Send it → — verified hard-to-find data earns a free Lindcott sticker.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
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.
History
An obsolete rimmed European sporting cartridge from the late 19th century, likely developed for combination guns (Drilling) or single-shot sporting rifles. Used for small to medium game in German-speaking regions. Replaced by more standardized cartridges as the sporting rifle market consolidated.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 6.5x72mmR use?
- 6.5x72mmR typically uses a 1:8 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 6.5x72mmR?
- 6.5x72mmR uses a 0.2642″ (6.71 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 6.5x72mmR still in production?
- 6.5x72mmR is obsolete; typical availability is antique.
- What is 6.5x72mmR used for?
- 6.5x72mmR is primarily used for hunting.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 13 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
