6.5x52mm Carcano (6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano)
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
6.5x52mm Carcano: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Berdan |
| Used For | Military, Hunting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1891 |
6.5x52mm Carcano: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Moderate recoil for its power
- ✔ Good accuracy potential
- ✔ Historically significant cartridge
- ✔ Effective for medium-sized game hunting
- ✔ Relatively high velocity for its era
Cons
- ✘ Limited availability of modern ammunition
- ✘ Obsolete for military use
- ✘ Fewer firearm options compared to modern cartridges
- ✘ Performance surpassed by newer 6.5mm cartridges
- ✘ Potential for bullet stability issues with some loads
6.5x52mm Carcano: A Comprehensive Overview
The 6.5x52mm Carcano, also known as the 6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano, is an Italian rifle cartridge that played a significant role in military history. Developed in the late 19th century, this cartridge was the standard service round for the Italian military from 1891 to 1970. Known for its moderate recoil and adequate stopping power, the 6.5x52mm Carcano gained notoriety as the cartridge used in the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
History and Development
The 6.5x52mm Carcano was developed in 1891 by the Italian Army's chief of ordnance, Colonel Salvatore Carcano. It was designed to be used in the Carcano Model 1891 rifle, which was a modification of the Mannlicher-Schönauer rifle system. The cartridge was created to meet the Italian military's need for a modern, small-caliber, high-velocity round that could provide improved ballistic performance over the older 10.4mm cartridge.
The 6.5x52mm Carcano featured a rimless, bottlenecked case design, which was innovative for its time. It used a 6.5mm (.268 inch) bullet, which was considered small compared to other military cartridges of the era. However, its high velocity and flat trajectory made it an effective combat round.
Throughout its service life, the 6.5x52mm Carcano saw use in various conflicts, including the First Italo-Ethiopian War, the Boxer Rebellion, World War I, and World War II. Its long service life is a testament to its effectiveness and reliability in military applications.
In the civilian market, the 6.5x52mm Carcano never gained widespread popularity, primarily due to the limited availability of rifles chambered for this cartridge outside of military surplus. However, it has maintained a niche following among collectors and historical firearms enthusiasts.
Ballistic Performance
The 6.5x52mm Carcano typically fires a 162-grain round nose bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2,296 feet per second (700 m/s), generating 1,894 foot-pounds (2,568 J) of muzzle energy. This combination of moderate bullet weight and velocity results in manageable recoil while still providing adequate terminal performance at typical combat ranges.
The cartridge's ballistic coefficient and sectional density contribute to its ability to retain energy and maintain accuracy at longer ranges. While not as powerful as some contemporary military cartridges, the 6.5x52mm Carcano proved to be an effective compromise between power, accuracy, and shootability.
6.5x52mm Carcano Timeline:
6.5x52mm Carcano Performance Characteristics
Key performance metrics of the standard 6.5x52mm Carcano military load
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 162 grains Standard military ball round |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,296 feet per second (700 m/s) From a 30.7-inch (780 mm) barrel |
| Muzzle Energy | 1,894 foot-pounds (2,568 J) At the muzzle |
| Effective Range | 1,000 meters Maximum effective range in military use |
| Recoil | Moderate Considered manageable in standard Carcano rifles |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common 6.5x52mm Carcano loads.
6.5x52mm Carcano: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for 6.5x52mm Carcano ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (meters) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Military/Combat | 0-400 | Effective for most combat scenarios of its era |
| Hunting (Medium Game) | 0-300 | Suitable for deer and similar-sized game |
| Target Shooting | 0-500 | Capable of good accuracy with proper loads |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The 6.5x52mm Carcano is known for its moderate recoil and adequate accuracy at medium ranges. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for 6.5x52mm Carcano
The 6.5x52mm Carcano's performance profile makes it suitable for several applications:
6.5x52mm Carcano Caliber Comparisons
To understand the 6.5x52mm Carcano's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of 6.5x52mm Carcano with other similar rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of 6.5x52mm Carcano with other similar rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of 6.5x52mm Carcano with other similar rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of 6.5x52mm Carcano with other similar rifle cartridges over distance.
6.5x52mm Carcano Sectional Density
The 6.5x52mm Carcano, also known as the 6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano, was the standard Italian military rifle cartridge from 1891 to 1970. This table shows the sectional density for common bullet weights used in this cartridge.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5x52mm Carcano | 160 | 0.328 |
| 6.5x52mm Carcano | 162 | 0.332 |
| 6.5x52mm Carcano | 123 | 0.252 |
Note: The 6.5x52mm Carcano uses a 0.2675 inch diameter bullet. The 160gr and 162gr bullets were commonly used in military loadings, while the 123gr bullet is more common in modern sporting ammunition. The high sectional density of the heavier bullets contributes to good penetration characteristics.