6.5x52mm Carcano Ammo For Sale

In 1891, the Kingdom of Italy released the 6.5x52mm Carcano, which set a new direction for rifle ammo in the military. It became the first small-bore cartridge to be accepted for service in the military. The Italian military chambered the 6.5x52mm Carcano in the M91 rifle, which had a bolt action and performed in WWI and WWII. The gun had a reputation for poor quality and poor accuracy, not like other military rifles of the time, but the rifle did have one advantage – it had a loose action, enabling fast shooting. This was not enough to keep the rifles in service, so the M91 was replaced by the M1 Garand soon after WWII. Many M91 rifles crossed the pond to the U.S. Some were carried home as war trophies by returning U.S. soldiers, and others were purchased as surplus arms from the Italian government. The M91 is the best-known rifle chambered for 6.5x52mm Carcano.

Like so many cartridges from the late 1800s and early 1900s, the 6.5x52mm Carcano likely would have gradually faded into obscurity, but since it was used to assassinate President Kennedy in 1963, the cartridge did not slide into anonymity.

6.5x52mm Carcano Ballistics: Chart of Average 6.5x52mm Carcano Ballistics

Note: This information comes from the manufacturer and is for informational purposes only. The actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from the advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load.

Written by

Molly Carter