Published: November 2025 | Last updated: April 2026
The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser was introduced in 1894 as a joint military cartridge for Sweden and Norway, chambered in the Mauser M96 and Krag-Jørgensen rifles. What makes it remarkable is not its military service record – it was replaced by 7.62x51mm NATO like most other military rounds – but its extraordinary longevity as a hunting cartridge. The 6.5×55 has been the dominant deer and moose cartridge in Scandinavia for over 130 years. Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish hunters have used it to harvest millions of animals, accumulating field data that validates its terminal performance in a way no laboratory test can replicate.
The cartridge’s appeal is straightforward: it pushes 140-grain 6.5mm bullets with high sectional density (0.287) at moderate velocity with low recoil. That combination – a heavy-for-caliber bullet with deep penetration and mild shooting characteristics – is the same formula that made the 6.5 Creedmoor successful a century later. The 6.5×55 just got there first.
Critical pressure note: The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser comes in two distinct pressure categories. Ammunition and handloading data labeled for old military actions (Swedish M96 Mauser, Norwegian Krag, and similar pre-1940 rifles) is loaded to approximately 51,000 PSI to protect those older receivers. Modern bolt-action rifles (Ruger, Winchester, CZ, Tikka, Sako) can handle standard commercial loads at 55,000-57,000 PSI. Never fire standard commercial ammunition in a rifle you cannot positively identify as a modern strong action. When in doubt, use loads specifically labeled for the M96 Mauser.
For reloading data, see the 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser complete guide. For comparisons, see 6.5 Creedmoor vs 260 Remington.
Core Ballistic Parameters
| Load | MV | BC (G1) | Muzzle Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip | 2,950 FPS | 0.458 | 2,318 ft-lbs |
| 140 gr Nosler Partition | 2,750 FPS | 0.490 | 2,351 ft-lbs |
| 140 gr Hornady ELD-X | 2,735 FPS | 0.490 | 2,326 ft-lbs |
| 156 gr Norma Oryx | 2,560 FPS | 0.373 | 2,270 ft-lbs |
All data below uses a 100-yard zero, 1.5-inch sight height, 59°F, sea level. The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser is a standard hunting cartridge used at typical North American and Scandinavian hunting distances. A 100-yard zero is the practical standard.
Bullet Drop (100-Yard Zero)
| Range (yards) | 120 gr BT | 140 gr Partition | 140 gr ELD-X | 156 gr Oryx |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 200 | -3.6 | -3.9 | -4.0 | -5.0 |
| 300 | -13.5 | -14.5 | -14.8 | -18.5 |
| 400 | -31.0 | -33.5 | -34.0 | -42.5 |
| 500 | -57.5 | -62.5 | -63.5 | -79.0 |
| 600 | -95.0 | -103.5 | -105.0 | -131.0 |
| 700 | -145.0 | -158.0 | -160.5 | -200.5 |
| 800 | -210.0 | -229.5 | -233.0 | -291.0 |
| 900 | -293.0 | -320.5 | -325.5 | -408.0 |
| 1,000 | -396.5 | -435.0 | -442.0 | -555.0 |
Drop in inches. Zero at 100 yards.
The 120-grain Ballistic Tip shoots 2-3 inches flatter than the 140-grain loads at 300 yards – a modest difference at practical hunting distances. At 400 yards the gap grows to about 2.5 inches, which matters when estimating range. The 156-grain Norma Oryx shows the steepest arc – 42.5 inches at 400 yards versus 31 inches for the 120-grain – reflecting its lower starting velocity of 2,560 FPS.
With a 100-yard zero, the 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser requires deliberate holdover past 250 yards. At 300 yards the 140-grain loads are 14.5-14.8 inches low – more than the depth of a deer’s vital zone on most angles. Hunters using the 6.5×55 at 300+ yards need confirmed distances and precise holdover knowledge for their specific load.
Wind Drift – 10 MPH Full-Value Crosswind
| Range (yards) | 120 gr BT | 140 gr Partition | 140 gr ELD-X | 156 gr Oryx |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.8 |
| 200 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 3.2 |
| 300 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 7.4 |
| 400 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 13.5 |
| 500 | 16.2 | 16.0 | 16.0 | 21.8 |
| 600 | 24.0 | 23.5 | 23.5 | 32.5 |
| 700 | 33.5 | 32.8 | 32.8 | 45.5 |
| 800 | 45.5 | 44.5 | 44.5 | 61.5 |
| 900 | 60.0 | 58.5 | 58.5 | 81.0 |
| 1,000 | 77.0 | 75.0 | 75.0 | 104.0 |
Drift in inches. Half-value crosswind = divide by 2.
The 120-grain Ballistic Tip and 140-grain loads produce nearly identical wind drift at all distances – reflecting their similar BCs (G1: 0.458-0.490). The practical wind performance difference between these loads at hunting distances is negligible: less than 0.5 inches at 400 yards. Load selection for the 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser should be based on terminal performance requirements, not minor wind differences.
The 156-grain Norma Oryx drifts significantly more than the lighter loads – 13.5 inches versus 10 inches at 400 yards in a 10 MPH crosswind. This reflects its lower starting velocity producing longer time-of-flight. For Scandinavian moose hunters who often shoot in variable wind through forest clearings, this 3.5-inch gap at 400 yards is meaningful.
Velocity Retention
| Range (yards) | 120 gr BT | 140 gr Partition | 140 gr ELD-X | 156 gr Oryx |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,950 | 2,750 | 2,735 | 2,560 |
| 100 | 2,726 | 2,553 | 2,540 | 2,341 |
| 200 | 2,513 | 2,363 | 2,352 | 2,131 |
| 300 | 2,309 | 2,180 | 2,171 | 1,930 |
| 400 | 2,114 | 2,004 | 1,996 | 1,740 |
| 500 | 1,928 | 1,835 | 1,829 | 1,560 |
| 600 | 1,751 | 1,672 | 1,668 | 1,392 |
| 700 | 1,582 | 1,516 | 1,513 | 1,237 |
| 800 | 1,421 | 1,366 | 1,365 | 1,098 |
| 900 | 1,271 | 1,225 | 1,226 | 978 |
| 1,000 | 1,133 | 1,094 | 1,097 | 877 |
Velocity in FPS. Supersonic threshold approximately 1,340 FPS at sea level.
All three lighter loads approach or cross the transonic zone between 900 and 975 yards. The 120-grain Ballistic Tip goes transonic around 925-950 yards; the 140-grain loads around 900-925 yards. The 156-grain Oryx crosses transonic at approximately 750-775 yards due to its lower starting velocity.
More practically relevant: at 400 yards, all loads are still above 1,740 FPS – well above the reliable expansion threshold for quality hunting bullets. The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser is not limited by velocity loss at hunting distances; it is limited by trajectory and energy, both of which are covered in the other tables.
Energy Retention
| Range (yards) | 120 gr BT | 140 gr Partition | 140 gr ELD-X | 156 gr Oryx |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,318 | 2,351 | 2,326 | 2,270 |
| 100 | 1,979 | 2,026 | 2,006 | 1,899 |
| 200 | 1,682 | 1,736 | 1,716 | 1,573 |
| 300 | 1,420 | 1,477 | 1,459 | 1,289 |
| 400 | 1,191 | 1,248 | 1,232 | 1,047 |
| 500 | 990 | 1,047 | 1,035 | 844 |
| 600 | 817 | 869 | 861 | 672 |
| 700 | 666 | 714 | 708 | 530 |
| 800 | 538 | 580 | 578 | 418 |
| 900 | 430 | 466 | 466 | 331 |
| 1,000 | 342 | 371 | 372 | 267 |
Energy in ft-lbs.
The 140-grain Partition and ELD-X hold above 1,000 ft-lbs (deer threshold) past 500 yards. The 120-grain Ballistic Tip crosses below 1,000 ft-lbs at approximately 495 yards. The 156-grain Oryx drops below 1,000 ft-lbs around 405-410 yards despite starting higher – its lower BC produces faster energy decay.
For moose (1,500 ft-lbs threshold for a responsible standard on large animals), the 140-grain loads hold above that mark to approximately 325-330 yards. The 120-grain Ballistic Tip crosses below 1,500 ft-lbs around 290 yards. Scandinavian hunters who use the 6.5×55 on moose (älg/elg) typically limit shots to inside 300 yards – consistent with the energy data.
Terminal Performance Profiles
Nosler Partition 140 gr
Construction: Dual-core partitioned design – Nosler’s most proven hunting bullet since 1948. Front lead core expands rapidly; the partition stops expansion and retains the rear core for guaranteed minimum penetration depth. At 6.5×55 velocities of 2,750 FPS, the Partition performs in its ideal velocity range.
Terminal behavior: Front core mushrooms to 0.50-0.60 inches. The partition retains the rear core, which adds 14-18 inches of additional penetration. Total penetration in elk-sized tissue: 20-26 inches. Weight retention 65-72%. The Partition is not velocity-sensitive – it performs identically at 50-yard contact shots (2,750 FPS) and 400-yard impacts (approximately 2,004 FPS).
Hunting application: The benchmark 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser hunting bullet for deer, moose, and black bear. The Partition’s high sectional density (SD 0.287) combined with guaranteed rear-core penetration makes it appropriate for all shot angles on moose – including the quartering-toward shots through heavy shoulder muscle that Scandinavian driven hunts routinely present. Practical range on deer: 450 yards. On moose: 300 yards.
More details: Nosler Partition bullet profile
Hornady ELD-X 140 gr
Construction: Polymer tip with Heat Shield, tapered copper jacket. Designed for controlled expansion from 1,600 to 3,000+ FPS – covering the full range of 6.5×55 impact velocities from muzzle through 600 yards.
Terminal behavior: Expands to 0.50-0.58 inches with 95%+ weight retention. Penetration in elk-sized tissue: 18-22 inches. The ELD-X’s wide expansion velocity window is particularly valuable in a cartridge like the 6.5×55 whose velocities range from 2,735 FPS at the muzzle to approximately 1,668 FPS at 600 yards. The ELD-X expands reliably at both extremes.
Hunting application: The all-range 6.5×55 hunting load for deer and moose. For hunters who take shots at varying distances – close timber encounters and open-country 350-yard shots on the same hunt – the ELD-X’s reliable expansion across that velocity range eliminates the need to choose between close-range and long-range bullet behavior. Practical range on deer: 475 yards. On moose: 325 yards with broadside shots.
More details: Hornady ELD-X bullet profile
Norma Oryx 156 gr
Construction: Bonded bullet with polymer tip. Norma’s Oryx is the dominant factory hunting load in Scandinavia for the 6.5×55 – the bullet most Swedish and Norwegian hunters trust for moose.
Terminal behavior: Expands to 0.48-0.56 inches with 85-95% weight retention. Penetration in moose-sized tissue: 20-28 inches. The bonded construction handles heavy bone and muscle on moose – an animal that can top 1,200 pounds where penetration through the shoulder to the heart and lungs is the practical standard. The Oryx exits on virtually all broadside moose shots and produces reliable blood trails.
Hunting application: The Scandinavian moose hunting standard. At 156 grains, the Oryx produces the highest sectional density of the four loads (SD 0.320) – the best penetration potential per unit of energy. For hunters in Sweden, Norway, and Finland who pursue moose in forest terrain where shots inside 200 yards are common and quartering angles are routine, the Oryx’s bonded construction and high SD make it the appropriate choice. Practical range on moose: 275 yards. On deer: 375 yards.
Nosler Ballistic Tip 120 gr
Construction: Polymer tip with tapered copper jacket. Produces rapid expansion with large temporary cavity – appropriate for deer-sized game at 6.5×55 velocities.
Terminal behavior: Expands to 0.48-0.58 inches. At 2,950 FPS close-range impact, the Ballistic Tip produces violent expansion with 14-17 inches of penetration in deer-sized tissue – adequate for broadside deer shots but not for quartering angles through heavy muscle. At 300 yards where velocity drops to 2,309 FPS, expansion is more controlled.
Hunting application: Deer, antelope, and lighter game inside 400 yards. The 120-grain load’s 2,950 FPS produces the flattest trajectory of the four loads, making holdover estimation easier at unknown distances. Not appropriate for moose – the rapid expansion can fail to penetrate to the vitals from quartering shots at 6.5×55 velocities, and the 120-grain’s lighter sectional density (SD 0.246) provides less penetration insurance than the 140-156 grain class.
More details: Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet profile
Sierra GameKing 140 gr
Construction: Soft point boat-tail with tapered jacket. The classic precision hunting bullet – not bonded but designed for accurate long-range performance with adequate expansion.
Terminal behavior: Expands to 0.44-0.54 inches with 65-75% weight retention at 6.5×55 velocities. Penetration in deer-sized tissue: 16-20 inches. The GameKing’s unlocked core means it can separate at very high-velocity close-range impacts, but at 6.5×55’s moderate 2,750 FPS this is not a practical concern. Performance is reliable and consistent on deer inside 400 yards.
Hunting application: Economical deer hunting to 400 yards for handloaders. The Sierra 140-grain GameKing is a classic 6.5×55 handloading choice with decades of field results to support it. Accurate and adequately penetrating on deer with broadside or clear quartering-away shots. For moose, the Norma Oryx or Nosler Partition provides more reliable penetration from the angled shots that moose hunting presents.
More details: Sierra GameKing bullet profile
Practical Range Recommendations
Deer – 140-grain Partition or ELD-X inside 400-425 yards. Energy at 400 yards (approximately 1,232-1,248 ft-lbs) is adequate for deer on broadside shots. A self-imposed 350-yard limit in field conditions with variable wind and estimated range is appropriate for most hunters. The 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser with a 140-grain load is a capable deer cartridge to 400 yards – comparable to the 6.5 Creedmoor in practical deer hunting range, though producing it from a more efficient case.
Moose – 140-grain Partition or 156-grain Norma Oryx inside 300 yards. The energy at 300 yards (1,289-1,477 ft-lbs) provides adequate but not generous margin for moose. Shot placement must be precise – broadside or clear quartering-away to the lung field. Frontal and quartering-toward shots are not appropriate at any distance with the 6.5×55 on moose. The cartridge’s 130-year track record on Scandinavian moose demonstrates it is adequate; that track record was built on appropriate shot selection.
Old military rifles – if shooting a Swedish M96 Mauser, Norwegian Krag, or similar pre-1940 military rifle, use ammunition specifically loaded for these actions, or handload to the lower pressure specifications for old military actions (approximately 51,000 PSI). Norma produces 6.5×55 ammunition in two pressure levels; verify you have the correct one for your rifle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser compare to the 6.5 Creedmoor? At equal pressure levels in modern strong actions, the 6.5×55’s larger case capacity gives it a modest velocity advantage – approximately 50-100 FPS faster with the same bullet weights. In practical terms at hunting distances, the difference is minimal. The 6.5 Creedmoor has broader factory ammunition availability, more rifle choices, and more published reloading data. The 6.5×55 has longer brass life, a more efficient case design for heavy bullets (the 140-160 grain class), and 130 years of Scandinavian field results on large game. Hunters who own vintage Swedish or Norwegian bolt-actions have the 6.5×55; hunters choosing a new rifle today find the 6.5 Creedmoor more practical. The ballistic performance difference in the field is essentially zero.
Is the 6.5×55 adequate for moose? Yes, inside 300 yards with the 140-grain Partition or Norma Oryx 156-grain. Scandinavian hunters have used it on moose – animals that frequently exceed 1,000 pounds – for over a century with excellent results. The keys are appropriate bullet selection (bonded or partitioned for guaranteed penetration) and shot placement (broadside or quartering-away to the lung field). The 6.5×55 is not an overpowered moose cartridge; it is adequately powered with precise shot placement, which is why it rewards disciplined hunters.
Can I shoot commercial 6.5×55 ammunition in my vintage military rifle? It depends on the rifle. Swedish M96 and M38 Mausers and Norwegian Krag rifles are older actions loaded to approximately 46,000-51,000 PSI specifications. Standard commercial ammunition from American manufacturers is typically loaded to 55,000+ PSI for modern strong actions. This pressure differential can be problematic in older military actions. Use ammunition specifically labeled for old military actions, or Norma’s “Old Rifles” load which is loaded to conservative pressure. Never assume a vintage military rifle is safe with maximum-pressure commercial loads without consulting a qualified gunsmith.
What is the barrel life of the 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser? Excellent – 5,000-7,000+ rounds before significant accuracy loss with standard loads. The 6.5×55’s moderate velocity and standard pressure produce very low throat erosion. Many Swedish Match barrels (used in Olympic-level 300-meter precision shooting) have documented barrel life exceeding 10,000 rounds. This is one of the cartridge’s most attractive characteristics for high-volume shooters and competitors.
Why do Scandinavian hunters prefer heavier 140-160 grain bullets for moose? High sectional density is the practical reason. The 140-grain 6.5mm bullet has SD of 0.287; the 156-grain Norma Oryx has SD of 0.320. Higher SD means the bullet retains more momentum per unit of frontal area, penetrating deeper through the heavy muscle and bone of a 1,000+ pound moose. On driven moose hunts where quartering shots are common, deep penetration to the vitals is more important than maximum wound cavity. The lighter, faster 120-grain bullets that work well on deer can fail to penetrate adequately on quartering moose shots.
Is the 6.5×55 legal for hunting in the United States? Yes – it is legal for deer, elk, and other big game in all U.S. states that allow centerfire rifles for hunting. Factory ammunition is available from Norma, Federal, Hornady, and Remington, though selection is more limited than for common American cartridges. Handloading opens the full range of 6.5mm bullet options. Hunters who own Swedish Mauser rifles or CZ 550 and similar European bolt-actions chambered in 6.5×55 have a fully legal and capable American big game cartridge.
Editorial note: This article was originally published in November 2025 and revised in April 2026. The revision corrected the zero to 100 yards per site standard for standard hunting cartridges, recalculated all drop tables for 100-yard zero, added the 140-grain Hornady ELD-X as a fourth practical load, added velocity retention table with transonic ceiling analysis, added the critical pressure warning about old military actions at the article top, rewrote all terminal performance profiles with specific mushroom diameter and penetration data including the Norma Oryx as the Scandinavian moose standard, added moose-specific energy threshold analysis, added moose shot placement guidance, and added FAQ section.
