398: 6.5mm Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide

398: 6.5mm Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide

Author: John McAdams November 20, 2025 Duration: 1:47:40

I discuss all of the 6.5mm SAAMI standardized cartridges (plus a couple of other noteworthy CIP rounds) in this episode. As always, I'll talk about their history, design characteristics, performance specs, their strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in detail. Where appropriate, I'll also share some personal anecdotes involving these rounds as well as some observations involving various cartridges by noteworthy gun writers as well.

Cartridges covered: 6.5x52mm Carcano, 6.5×55 Swede, 6.5x57mm, 6.5x50mm Japanese, 6.5x54MS, 6.5-06, 264 Winchester Magnum, 6.5mm Remington Magnum, 260 Remington, 6.5-284 Norma, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor, 26 Nosler, 6.5-300 Weatherby, 6.5 PRC, 6.5 Weatherby RPM

Sponsor: Support me on Patreon to see the terminal ballistics analysis of the Kennedy assassination (which involved one of these rounds discussed in this episode) conducted by an experienced trauma surgeon. Supporters also receive access to my other bonus material.

The Third Bullet by Stephen Hunter

Rifle Cartridges For The Hunter by Richard Mann

Resources

Episode 172: 6.5 Creedmoor vs 300 Win Mag For Elk Hunting

Episode 282: 6.5 Creedmoor For Grizzly Bear?!

Episode 366: Modern Cartridge Design With John Snow

Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 291: 270 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 297: 9.3mm and 375 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 300: 40 Caliber Safari Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 328: 25 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 329: 50, 60, & 70 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson

Episode 338: 338 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 345: 7mm Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 345: The "Other" 30 Caliber Cartridges: 303 British, 7.x62x54R, etc.

Episode 358: 35 Caliber Cartridge Roll Up


John McAdams hosts the Big Game Hunting Podcast, a conversation grounded in the realities of pursuing game across continents. Each episode feels like a detailed campfire talk, moving from the technical specifics of terminal ballistics and caliber selection to the raw, unforgettable narratives from the field in Africa, North America, and beyond. McAdams brings together a global community, with voices ranging from seasoned industry professionals to fellow hunters who call in with their own experiences. The focus is always on practical knowledge and authentic stories, stripping away any pretense to get to the heart of what hunters actually want to discuss. By sharing his own journey of learning and improvement, McAdams creates a space where curiosity and respect for the wilderness drive the dialogue. Tuning into this podcast means joining a serious yet accessible exchange where the complexities of the hunt are explored without filter. New conversations are released every Thursday, offering a consistent dose of insight and camaraderie for anyone passionate about the pursuit.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!
Podcast Episodes
370: 6.5 PRC vs 7mm PRC Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:39
John McAdams shares insights on the 6.5 vs 7mm PRC informed by real world data on obtained at the range, afield, and in ballistic gel in this podcast episode. John discusses the design characteristics, performance specif…
369: 7mm PRC vs 7mm Rem Mag Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:15
John McAdams shares insights on the 7mm PRC vs 7mm Remington Magnum informed by real world data on obtained at the range and field in this podcast episode. John discusses the design characteristics, performance specifica…
368: 300 H&H: The Original .30 Caliber Magnum With JvB [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:38
Joseph von Benedikt shares some insights on the 300 Holland & Holland Magnum in this podcast interview, focusing on the history of the cartridge, its performance specifications, and some fascinating stories involving hun…
367: Aoudad Hunting With Phil Massaro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:10
Phil Massaro shares insights on hunting aoudad out in west Texas in this podcast interview, focusing on the story of the hunt, bullet terminal performance on auodad, general tips, and equipment recommendations. Sponsor:…
366: Modern Cartridge Design-Why The 6.5 Creedmoor Is Better [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:36
John Snow of Outdoor Life shares insights on modern cartridge design in this podcast interview, explaining why rounds like the 6.5 Creedmoor have a crucial edge. Sponsor: Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up…
365: 338 Lapua Unleashed with Tyler Freel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:22
Tyler Freel shares insights on hunting big game with the 338 Lapua Magnum in this podcast interview, focusing on terminal performance, favorite loads, and recoil management. Sponsor: Go to https://BigGameHuntingPodcast.c…
364: 2025 Thompson/Center Update With Gregg Ritz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:19
I have Gregg Ritz on the show with me again today to talk about the latest updates from Thompson/Center. T/C is literally shipping guns out the door right now and Gregg and I discuss the stuff that's currently available,…
363: Bergara Crest Carbon Rifle Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:10
How would you like it if you could find a hunting rifle that shoots accurately without an extensive barrel break-in, is lightweight and easy to carry, contains a bunch of premium features, and comes in at under $2,000? W…
362: 45-70 vs 308 Winchester Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
Today we're going to talk about two completely different rounds: the 45-70 Government and the 308 Winchester. Comparing these two cartridges is a great example of how a person who doesn't know any better can get a wildly…
361: Wyoming Horseback Elk Hunt with Hunter McWaters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:32
I got the chance to sit down with Hunter McWaters from The Hunter's Quest in this episode. We discussed how he got interested in western hunting along with the story of a cool, horseback elk hunt he went on in Wyoming du…