23/11/2025
The image displays a
comparison of ten different 6.5mm caliber rifle cartridges, detailing their year of introduction, name, bullet weight, and muzzle velocity. The information in the image provides a historical and performance overview of the .264/6.5mm bore size in ammunition development.
Cartridges and Specifications
The cartridges shown range in age from the late 19th century to the mid-2010s.
1894 - 6.5x55 Swedish Ma**er: This classic military and hunting round has been popular in Scandinavia for over a century.
1900 - 6.5x54 Mannlicher Schoenauer: An early 6.5mm cartridge, known for its use in the Mannlicher–Schönauer rifle.
1958 - .264 Wi******er Magnum: One of the earlier high-velocity magnum cartridges in this caliber.
1966 - 6.5 Re*****on Magnum: A short magnum cartridge.
1997 - .260 Re*****on: A popular cartridge developed from the .308 Wi******er case necked down to 6.5mm.
1999 - 6.5-284 Norma: Known for its use in long-range target shooting competitions.
2003 - 6.5 Grendel: Designed for use in the AR-15 platform, offering improved ballistics over the 5.56mm NATO round.
2007 - 6.5 Creedmoor: This round was specifically engineered for long-range precision, offering superior performance compared to the .308 Wi******er at extended ranges. It is currently one of the most popular 6.5mm cartridges.
2013 - 26 Nosler: A high-velocity cartridge known for its flat trajectory.
2016 - 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum: One of the highest velocity 6.5mm cartridges available.
Key Takeaways
Caliber Popularity: The 6.5mm (.264 inch) caliber has enjoyed a significant resurgence in popularity, especially in the last few decades, due to its effectiveness for both hunting and long-range precision shooting.
Performance Metrics: The image demonstrates the progression of cartridge design, showing general increases in muzzle velocity and changes in bullet weights over the years, culminating in very high-velocity modern magnum options and highly efficient precision rounds like the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Modern vs. Classic: The data highlights the difference between older, established rounds (like the 6.5x55 Swedish Ma**er) and modern, purpose-built cartridges that leverage newer technology to achieve better ballistic coefficients and performance.