6.5x55mm Swedish Ammo
Shop in-stock 6.5x55mm Swedish ammunition — also called the 6.5 Swede, 6.5 Swedish, or 6.5x55mm SE — with next-business-day shipping on most orders. We carry FMJ range loads, soft point hunting rounds, polymer-tip precision ammo, and bonded big-game bullets from Federal, Hornady, Norma, Lapua, Sako, Sellier & Bellot, and more.
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6.5×55 Swedish – 139 Gr SPBT – PPU Metric Rifle (PP6SWS) – 200 Rounds
$244.00
( $1.22 per round ) Add to cart
About 6.5x55mm Swedish Ammo
The 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser was developed in 1891 as a joint military cartridge for Sweden and Norway, and more than 130 years later it remains one of the most respected rifle cartridges in the world. Its combination of high sectional density, excellent ballistic coefficient, and mild recoil has made it a long-standing favorite among Scandinavian hunters, North American elk hunters, and long-range precision shooters.
The cartridge fires a .264-inch (6.5mm) diameter bullet in weights ranging from 120 to 160 grains. The 140-grain load is the most popular all-around choice — delivering roughly 2,550–2,650 fps at the muzzle with energy sufficient for clean, ethical kills on deer, elk, and moose well past 300 yards. Compared to the .30-06 or .308 Winchester, felt recoil is significantly reduced, making it a great option for youth hunters or anyone who shoots high volumes at the range.
Bullet Types Available
- Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Best for range practice and high-volume training. Affordable, reliable feeding, minimal barrel fouling.
- Soft Point (SP): The classic hunting bullet. Controlled expansion with deep penetration — reliable terminal performance on deer, elk, and moose.
- Polymer Tip / Ballistic Tip: Higher BC for flatter trajectory and uniform expansion at range. Top loads include the Hornady SST, Hornady ELD-X, and Norma TipStrike.
- Bonded Core: Maximum weight retention on large, tough-bodied game. Federal Trophy Bonded and Norma Oryx are top choices for elk and moose at close to medium range.
- Open Tip Match (OTM) / HPBT: Competition-grade bullets optimized for precision. Lapua Scenar-L and Sierra MatchKing loads are the benchmark for this caliber.
Rifles Chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish
Common rifles chambered in 6.5x55mm include the Swedish Mauser Model 96 and Model 38, CZ 550 and CZ 557, Tikka T3 and T3x, Sako 85, Browning X-Bolt, and the Ruger Hawkeye. It is the dominant hunting chambering across Scandinavia and sees widespread use in North American precision rifle circles as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 6.5x55mm Swedish the same as 6.5 Creedmoor?
No — they are two distinct cartridges and are not interchangeable. Both fire a .264-inch bullet with similar downrange ballistics, but case dimensions and maximum operating pressure differ. The 6.5x55mm Swedish runs at a SAAMI max of 55,000 PSI; the 6.5 Creedmoor is rated to 62,000 PSI. Always confirm your rifle's chamber markings before ordering.
Can I shoot modern factory loads in my Swedish Mauser?
Most standard commercial soft point loads are loaded to CIP pressure standards and are generally safe in a sound, unmodified Swedish Mauser action. High-performance loads marketed for modern rifles may run higher pressure than vintage actions were designed for. When in doubt, consult a qualified gunsmith before shooting surplus factory loads in a military rifle.
What grain bullet is best for deer hunting with 6.5x55mm?
For whitetail or mule deer, a 120–130gr polymer-tip or soft point offers a flat trajectory and fast expansion. For elk or moose, step up to a 140–156gr bonded bullet for the penetration depth needed on heavier animals.
How much does 6.5x55mm ammo cost per round?
Expect to pay roughly $0.89–$1.10/rd for FMJ, $1.40–$1.80/rd for standard hunting loads, and $1.90–$2.75+/rd for premium bonded or match-grade ammunition. Buying in bulk quantities of 200 rounds or more typically saves you 10–20% over box pricing.