The 6.5×55 Swedish has been around since the 1890s, and it still earns its keep in deer camps and on target ranges. Part of the reason is simple: modest recoil and long, heavy bullets that hold their line. This guide covers 6.5×55 ballistics for the loads we carry, using the makers’ published speed and energy. It also explains why those numbers look mild next to newer 6.5 rounds, and which bullet fits which job.
A Short History of the 6.5×55
Sweden and Norway adopted the 6.5×55 in the mid-1890s. It served in Swedish Mauser and Norwegian Krag rifles for decades. Many of those rifles were later sold as surplus, and a lot of them are still shot today. You will also see the round called the 6.5 Swede or 6.5×55 Mauser.
It fires a .264-inch bullet, the same diameter as the 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC. The case is rimless and fits a standard-length action.
Why factory loads run mild
Because so many old military rifles chamber this round, US factory ammo is loaded to modest pressure. That keeps it safe for older actions. European makers like Lapua and Norma also load it, and their published speeds sit close to the US figures for most hunting loads.
6.5×55 Ballistics Table
Here are the published 6.5×55 ballistics for our 6.5×55 ammo. Loads with no listed figures show n/a.
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Muzzle velocity (fps) | Muzzle energy (ft-lbs) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lapua 6.5×55 100 Grain FMJ | Full Metal Jacket | 100 | 2,723 | 1,646 | 20-round box |
| Lapua Scenar 6.5×55 108 Grain Match | Lapua Scenar Jacketed Hollow Point | 108 | 2,950 | 2,087 | 50-round box |
| Nosler E-Tip 6.5×55 120 Grain Lead-Free | Nosler E-Tip Polymer Tip (lead-free) | 120 | 2,756 | 2,024 | 20-round box |
| PPU Match 6.5×55 120 Grain Hollow Point | Jacketed Hollow Point | 120 | 2,723 | 1,991 | 20-round box |
| Lapua 6.5×55 123 Grain High Velocity Scenar | Lapua Scenar Jacketed Hollow Point | 123 | 3,015 | 2,492 | 50-round box |
| Lapua Scenar 6.5×55 123 Grain Match | Lapua Scenar Jacketed Hollow Point | 123 | 2,720 | 2,028 | 50-round box |
| Swift Scirocco 6.5×55 130 Grain High Grade | Swift Scirocco II Bonded Polymer Tip | 130 | 2,709 | 2,118 | 20-round box |
| Sellier and Bellot 6.5×55 131 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed Soft Point | 131 | 2,602 | 1,970 | 20-round box |
| Lapua Scenar-L 6.5×55 136 Grain Match | Lapua Scenar-L Jacketed Hollow Point | 136 | 2,674 | 2,156 | 50-round box |
| PPU 6.5×55 139 Grain Soft Point Swedish Mauser | Jacketed Soft Point | 139 | 2,542 | 1,991 | 20-round box |
| 6.5×55 Ammo PPU 139 Grain FMJ Swedish Mauser | Full Metal Jacket | 139 | 2,542 | 1,991 | 20-round box |
| Lapua Scenar 6.5×55 139 Grain Match Hollow Point | Lapua Scenar Jacketed Hollow Point | 139 | 2,620 | 2,117 | 50-round box |
| Hornady Superformance 6.5×55 140 Grain SST | Hornady SST Polymer Tip | 140 | 2,735 | 2,325 | 20-round box |
| Nosler Ballistic Tip 6.5×55 140 Grain | Nosler Ballistic Tip Polymer Tip | 140 | 2,600 | 2,101 | 20-round box |
| Nosler AccuBond 6.5×55 140 Grain Trophy Grade | Nosler AccuBond Bonded Polymer Tip | 140 | 2,650 | 2,182 | 20-round box |
| Federal Power-Shok 6.5×55 140 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed Soft Point | 140 | 2,650 | 2,183 | 20-round box |
| Sellier and Bellot 6.5×55 140 Grain FMJ | Full Metal Jacket | 140 | 2,582 | 2,072 | 20-round box |
| Winchester White Box 6.5×55 140 Grain FMJ | Full Metal Jacket | 140 | 2,550 | 2,021 | 20-round box |
| Winchester Super X 6.5×55 140 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed Soft Point | 140 | 2,550 | 2,022 | 20-round box |
| Remington Core-Lokt 6.5×55 140 Grain Pointed Soft Point | Core-Lokt Pointed Soft Point | 140 | 2,550 | 2,021 | 20-round box |
| Swift A-Frame 6.5×55 140 Grain Bonded Round Nose | Swift A-Frame Bonded Round Nose | 140 | 2,550 | 2,021 | 20-round box |
| Lapua Mega 6.5×55 155 Grain Soft Point | Lapua Mega Jacketed Soft Point | 155 | 2,559 | 2,265 | 20-round box |
| Norma Whitetail 6.5×55 156 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed Soft Point | 156 | 2,559 | 2,269 | 20-round box |
How to Read 6.5×55 Ballistics
Speed is listed in feet per second at the muzzle. Energy is in foot-pounds and comes from speed and bullet weight. Use both to compare loads, not to judge results on game.
Look at the heavy end. The Norma Whitetail 156 grain soft point lists only 2,559 fps, but it posts 2,269 ft-lbs. Long bullets like that have a reputation for deep, straight-line penetration in the 6.5×55. That is why Scandinavian hunters have used them on moose for generations.
Now the light end. The Lapua 123 grain High Velocity Scenar lists 3,015 fps and 2,492 ft-lbs. It is a match bullet, not a hunting bullet. Treat its speed as a target number only.
Picking a Bullet by Use
Target and match
Lapua’s Scenar and Scenar-L lines are made for paper. They come in 50-round boxes and cover 100 to 139 grain. The PPU 120 grain Match is a lower-cost option. FMJ loads from PPU, Sellier and Bellot, Lapua and Winchester work for plinking and practice.
Deer
Standard soft points and polymer tips in the 120 to 140 grain range fit deer well. The Hornady Superformance 140 grain SST lists 2,735 fps and 2,325 ft-lbs, one of the faster hunting loads we carry. Classic soft points from Federal, Winchester and Remington sit near the 2,550 to 2,650 range.
Elk and moose
Go heavy and go tough. The Lapua Mega 155 grain and Norma Whitetail 156 grain are traditional choices. Bonded bullets like the Swift A-Frame and Nosler AccuBond hold together well on bone. Check your state’s rules on cartridges for large game.
Lead-free
The Nosler E-Tip 120 grain is our lead-free pick for this round. It lists 2,756 fps and 2,024 ft-lbs.
6.5×55 Ballistics Caveats: Old Rifles, Barrels and Air
- Rifle condition: Have a gunsmith check any surplus rifle before you shoot it. Bore wear and headspace matter.
- Barrel length: Military rifles often have long barrels and may beat the box speed. Short sporters may fall short of it.
- Altitude and temperature: Thin air flattens your trajectory. Cold air does the reverse. Chronograph your own load.
Shooting an old Mauser in another caliber? See our 7mm Mauser ballistic data guide.
Shop 6.5×55 Ammo
Our 6.5×55 Swedish ammo page has match, hunting and FMJ loads in one place. Buy a few boxes of one lot, zero with it and keep notes on how your rifle groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bullets does the 6.5 Swedish use?
The 6.5×55 Swedish uses .264-inch bullets, the same diameter as the 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC. Factory loads in our stock run from 100 grain match bullets up to 156 grain soft points. Long, heavy bullets are a classic choice for this round on large game.
What ammo is compatible with the 6.5 Swede?
Only ammo marked 6.5×55, 6.5×55 Swedish or 6.5×55 Mauser. Other 6.5mm rounds such as the 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5×52 Carcano use the same or similar bullets but different cases. They are not safe to fire in a 6.5×55 rifle.
When did Sweden use the 6.5×55 cartridge?
Sweden adopted the 6.5×55 in the mid-1890s, and it served as the Swedish service round for decades. Norway used it too. Many surplus Swedish Mausers reached the US market, which is a big reason the round is still loaded by US and European ammo makers.
Is the 6.5×55 good for deer?
Yes. It has a long record on deer. A 120 to 140 grain soft point or polymer tip opens well on deer-sized game, and recoil stays mild. Heavier 155 to 156 grain loads suit elk and moose. Check your state’s hunting rules before you go.
