The 6x50R Scheiring is a niche European rimmed rifle cartridge whose origin traces back to Central Europe's rich hunting traditions. Developed in the mid-20th century, likely between the 1950s and 1970s, it was designed in Austria to meet the demand for versatile hunting ammunition compatible with break-action rifles, especially the classic double rifles and combination guns—also known as drilling rifles—popular in German-speaking circles. The "R" in its designation stands for "Rimmed," indicating its suitability for these firearms. Named after gunsmith Franz Scheiring, a renowned Austrian barrel and gunmaker, the 6x50R Scheiring was created to combine manageable recoil, sufficient power, and flat trajectory for medium game hunting in European forests and fields.
In terms of application, the 6x50R Scheiring found its niche primarily amongst traditional hunters and sports shooters who favor the sophistication, function, and aesthetics of break-action rifles and combination guns. This cartridge was particularly prized by enthusiasts hunting in diverse terrains, from dense woodlands to rolling hills, where shots are typically taken at moderate ranges. Its rimmed design ensures reliable extraction and ejection in single-shot and break-action mechanisms, which adds to its appeal among reloaders and hunters who appreciate classic firearms. While not widely known outside its region of origin, the 6x50R Scheiring remains respected among collectors and aficionados of European hunting cartridges for its unique blend of precision, moderate recoil, and compatibility with fine, hand-crafted rifles.
The primary target species for the 6x50R Scheiring have historically been European roe deer, fox, chamois, and other medium-sized game. Its power and trajectory make it ideal for ethically harvesting animals at typical hunting distances ranging from 50 to 200 meters, which is common in Central European hunting grounds. The cartridge’s manageable recoil makes it a favorite for prolonged shooting sessions or for hunters who prioritize accuracy without excessive shoulder fatigue. In some instances, this caliber has also been used for small boar or other game of similar size, provided the bullet selection and shot placement are appropriate. In mixed-discipline drilling guns, the 6x50R Scheiring often accompanies a shotgun barrel, allowing hunters to switch between game types during an outing.
Typical bullet weights for the 6x50R Scheiring fall within the 90 to 105 grain range (5.8 to 6.8 grams), with the most common projectiles being around 100 grains. Bullet types generally include soft-point or occasionally full metal jacket styles, catering to both hunting and target shooting purposes. The cartridge features a rimmed, bottlenecked case design, which facilitates smooth chambering in break-action firearms. With an overall case length of 50mm, it operates at moderate pressures, keeping within the safety parameters for older or fine custom rifles. Ballistically, the 6x50R Scheiring delivers similar performance to other classic 6mm European cartridges—offering flat trajectories, modest recoil, and reliable terminal performance on appropriately sized game. Its relatively mild report and efficiency also make it an attractive option for reloaders seeking to experiment with bullet seating, powder selection, and load development, all while preserving the tradition and craftsmanship associated with European hunting ammunition.
Suitable Powders
Bullet Weight (gr) -> | 0-50 | 50-75 | 75-100 | 100-150 | 150-200 | 200-300 | >300 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
👍 ... suitable powder
👍👍 ... suitable AND popular powder among our reloading community (clasification might evolve as more community members share their loads )
6 x 50 R Scheiring load data is available with the following bullets:
(most popular first)













