6.5mm Cartridge Comparison

6.5mm Cartridge Comparison (Pictorial Overview)

A Quick Look at Popular 6.5mm Rifle Cartridges

Visual comparison courtesy of AmmoGuide.com

The rise of 6.5mm cartridges in the U.S. shooting community has been a long time coming - but it’s finally here. Whether you're a hunter, competitive shooter, or precision enthusiast, the 6.5mm family offers a wide range of options to suit your needs. Here's a quick breakdown of some of the most popular 6.5mm cartridges, their origins, and performance specs.

Cartridge Breakdown

6.5mm Grendel

• Origin: Alexander Arms, designed for AR-15/M4 platforms
• Purpose: Enhanced lethality and downrange performance in compact rifles
• Performance: ~2400–2500 fps with 123gr bullets; ~2000 fps with 140gr
• Variants: Les Baer “264 LBC-AR” and similar designs

6.5mm BRM

• Origin: E. Arthur Brown Co. Inc.
• Purpose: Big game performance in small-framed rifles (Model 97D, T/C Contender, T/C Encore)
• Performance: ~2400–2500 fps with 140gr bullets
• Note: Slightly under original 6.5x55 Swede specs

6.5x47 Lapua

• Origin: Lapua, for benchrest competition
• Design Features: Optimized case geometry and small rifle primer
• Performance: ~2500–2600+ fps with 140gr bullets
• Reputation: Precision favorite among international shooters

6.5mm Creedmoor

• Origin: Hornady & Creedmoor Sports
• Purpose: Efficiency and compatibility with .308 Win-length magazines
• Performance: ~2600–2700+ fps with 140gr bullets
• Note: Maintains .308 Win pressures with superior ballistics

.260 Remington

• Origin: Remington, 1996
• Design: Necked-down 7mm-08 Remington
• Performance: ~2600–2700 fps with 140gr bullets
• Compatibility: Short-action bolt rifles (.308 Win family)

6.5x55 Swedish Mauser

• Origin: Mauser Corp., circa 1896
• Legacy: Mild recoil, lethal on large game, excellent accuracy
• Performance: Originally ~2500 fps; modern handloads ~2600–2700+ fps
• Historical Note: Sparked the 6.5mm movement in the U.S.

6.5-06

• Design: Necked-down .30-06 to .264 caliber
• Performance: ~2700–2900+ fps with 140gr bullets
• Use Case: High-velocity option for long-range shooters

6.5-284 Norma

• Origin: Based on .284 Winchester; standardized by Norma
• Use Case: NRA High Power competition (1,000 yd)
• Performance: ~3000–3100+ fps with 140gr bullets

.264 Winchester Magnum

• Origin: Winchester, 1959
• Performance: ~3000–3100+ fps with 140gr bullets
• Historical Note: Early magnum that may have slowed U.S. adoption of 6.5mm

26 Nosler

• Origin: Nosler, introduced in 2014
• Design: Non-belted magnum
• Performance: ~3200–3300+ fps with 140gr bullets
• Highlight: One of the flattest-shooting 6.5mm cartridges available