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6.5 mm Calibers Comparison

6.5 mm Calibers Comparison

The world of 6mm calibers is vast and varied, offering a wide array of choices for precision shooters, hunters, and competitors. These calibers are generally known for their balance between ballistic efficiency, velocity, and manageable recoil. The 6mm bullet diameter, equivalent to approximately .243 inches, is widely regarded for its flat trajectory and long-range accuracy. Whether it's for varmint hunting, target shooting, or tactical use, the 6mm calibers deliver excellent performance across various applications. Below, we will explore some of the most popular and widely used 6mm calibers and their characteristics and applications.


  • 6mm Creedmoor: One of the most well-known 6mm calibers today is the 6mm Creedmoor, which was developed as a necked-down version of the 6.5mm Creedmoor. It offers impressive accuracy at long ranges due to its high ballistic coefficient and flat trajectory. The 6mm Creedmoor is widely used in long-range shooting competitions and precision rifle matches. With its manageable recoil, it is also a popular choice for hunting medium-sized game such as deer and pronghorns.

  • .243 Winchester: The .243 Winchester is one of the most versatile 6mm calibers on the market, introduced in the 1950s. It is known for its mild recoil and excellent performance in varmint hunting, such as for coyotes and prairie dogs, and medium-sized game like deer. The .243 Winchester is an excellent choice for beginners due to its manageable recoil and versatility across hunting and target shooting applications.

  • 6mm Remington: The 6mm Remington is an older but still highly regarded caliber that was developed from the .257 Roberts. It offers higher velocities than the .243 Winchester due to its slightly longer case. The 6mm Remington is well-suited for hunting medium-sized game and for long-range shooting. Although not as popular as the .243 Winchester, it still remains a favorite among hunters who appreciate its power and accuracy.

  • 6mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge): The 6mm ARC is a relatively new caliber developed by Hornady for military applications, but it has gained popularity among civilian shooters. It is designed for use in AR-15 platforms and offers excellent long-range ballistics while maintaining low recoil. The 6mm ARC is a fantastic choice for tactical shooters, precision marksmen, and hunters, as it performs well at distances beyond 1,000 yards and is effective for both target shooting and medium-sized game hunting.

  • 6x47mm Lapua: The 6x47mm Lapua is a high-performance cartridge designed primarily for precision rifle shooting. It is a necked-down version of the .222 Remington Magnum and has gained a reputation for its accuracy in long-range competitions. With a fast muzzle velocity and flat trajectory, it is a popular choice among competitive shooters seeking pinpoint precision at extended ranges.

  • 6mm BR (Bench Rest): The 6mm BR is one of the most accurate and well-known calibers in precision shooting, particularly in bench rest competitions. It has low recoil, making it easy to shoot consistently, and is renowned for its impressive accuracy at medium and long distances. The 6mm BR is a favorite among competitive marksmen who prioritize precision over velocity.

  • 6mm PPC (Palmisano & Pindel Cartridge): The 6mm PPC is a highly specialized caliber designed for bench rest shooting and accuracy competitions. Developed from the .220 Russian case, the 6mm PPC is well-regarded for its unmatched precision, making it a dominant choice in the bench rest community. Its design optimizes accuracy at short to medium ranges, and it remains a popular choice for those competing in precision shooting events.

  • 6mm Dasher: The 6mm Dasher is a wildcat cartridge, meaning it is not commercially produced but rather custom-made. It is based on the 6mm BR case, with a few modifications to improve its ballistics and accuracy. The 6mm Dasher is highly favored by long-range shooters and is often used in precision rifle competitions. Its flat trajectory and excellent wind resistance make it effective at long distances.

  • 6mm XC: The 6mm XC was designed for long-range shooting competitions and has been used by several national and international shooting teams. It is known for its ability to deliver high velocity while maintaining manageable recoil, making it a preferred choice for shooters looking to balance power and accuracy. The 6mm XC is often used in precision rifle and tactical shooting disciplines.

Comparison Table 6.5 mm Calibers

The following table compares the key characteristics of all .300 rifle calibers including rifle calibers with a diameter between .300 and .310 Inch. The rank shows the popularity of the rifle caliber in our community.

Caliber
Rank
Avg. Energy (E0)
Diameter
Avg. Bullet Weight (gr)
Case Capacity (GoW)
Average Charge
Average Velocity (V0)
Case Length (l3)
Max. C.O.L
Suitable Bullets
3715 Joule
0.264
124
99
74.8gr | 4.85g
3139fps | 957m/s
2.59" | 65.8mm
3.34" | 84.8mm
226
2805 Joule
0.264
124
53.5
39.2gr | 2.54g
2722fps | 830m/s
2.03" | 51.6mm
2.8" | 71.1mm
213
2795 Joule
0.264
119
57
40.3gr | 2.61g
2804fps | 855m/s
2.02" | 51.2mm
2.56" | 65mm
141
3421 Joule
0.264
124
82
62.1gr | 4.02g
3015fps | 919m/s
2.5" | 63.5mm
3.34" | 84.8mm
213
2878 Joule
0.264
124
52
39.7gr | 2.58g
2773fps | 845m/s
1.92" | 48.8mm
2.8" | 71.1mm
220
2185 Joule
0.264
121
37.5
27gr | 1.75g
2488fps | 759m/s
1.52" | 38.5mm
2.26" | 57.4mm
167
3452 Joule
0.264
124
72.3
56.2gr | 3.64g
3019fps | 921m/s
2.03" | 51.6mm
2.96" | 75.1mm
215
3483 Joule
0.264
125
82.5
62.1gr | 4.02g
3001fps | 915m/s
2.57" | 65.3mm
3.34" | 84.8mm
231
2119 Joule
0.264
120
42
27.8gr | 1.8g
2432fps | 742m/s
1.69" | 42.8mm
2.26" | 57.4mm
123
3160 Joule
0.264
123
68
49.4gr | 3.2g
2913fps | 888m/s
2.17" | 55.1mm
2.81" | 71.3mm
203
1893 Joule
0.264
119
34.4
24.2gr | 1.57g
2375fps | 724m/s
1.53" | 39mm
2.21" | 56mm
138
2739 Joule
0.264
125
48
36.9gr | 2.39g
2693fps | 821m/s
1.85" | 47mm
2.8" | 71.1mm
209
1995 Joule
0.264
124
37.5
25.9gr | 1.68g
2322fps | 708m/s
1.95" | 49.5mm
2.67" | 67.8mm
208
2254 Joule
0.264
124
47
33.5gr | 2.17g
2476fps | 755m/s
2.02" | 51.3mm
2.8" | 71.1mm
212
2254 Joule
0.264
122
51
33.6gr | 2.17g
2435fps | 742m/s
2.12" | 53.9mm
2.68" | 68mm
166
2864 Joule
0.265
124
57
44gr | 2.85g
2745fps | 837m/s
2.17" | 55mm
3.15" | 80mm
206
1876 Joule
0.264
126
39.3
26gr | 1.68g
2352fps | 717m/s
2.3" | 58.4mm
3.07" | 78mm
49
2688 Joule
0.264
125
57
43.6gr | 2.83g
2679fps | 817m/s
2.28" | 58mm
3.23" | 82mm
211
3237 Joule
0.264
124
71.5
53gr | 3.44g
2925fps | 892m/s
2.52" | 64mm
3.31" | 84mm
214
3117 Joule
0.264
124
67
49.9gr | 3.23g
2917fps | 889m/s
2.54" | 64.5mm
3.34" | 84.8mm
214
3094 Joule
0.264
124
68
50.4gr | 3.27g
2904fps | 885m/s
2.56" | 65mm
3.34" | 84.8mm
212
2948 Joule
0.264
124
67
49.6gr | 3.21g
2844fps | 867m/s
2.56" | 65mm
3.34" | 84.8mm
214
3478 Joule
0.264
124
86
64.5gr | 4.18g
3073fps | 937m/s
2.66" | 67.5mm
3.41" | 86.5mm
213
3265 Joule
0.264
124
83
62.1gr | 4.02g
3034fps | 925m/s
2.66" | 67.5mm
3.45" | 87.5mm
213
1863 Joule
0.264
126
38.5
25.3gr | 1.64g
2187fps | 667m/s
2.74" | 69.5mm
3.54" | 90mm
48
2641 Joule
0.264
125
59
44.4gr | 2.88g
2654fps | 809m/s
2.23" | 56.7mm
3.79" | 96.3mm
196
3228 Joule
0.264
125
65.7
51.1gr | 3.31g
2907fps | 886m/s
2.49" | 63.3mm
3.44" | 87.4mm
233
3148 Joule
0.264
126
66
51.5gr | 3.34g
2864fps | 873m/s
2.17" | 55.1mm
3.23" | 82mm
224
3635 Joule
0.264
125
98
74.5gr | 4.83g
3127fps | 953m/s
2.83" | 71.8mm
3.6" | 91.4mm
230
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