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
360: 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250 Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:47
Today we're going to talk about two high octane 22 caliber centerfire cartridges: the 22-250 Remington and the 22 Creedmoor. We'll discuss the overall design characteristics and performance specs of each round, then comp…
Bonus 18: Upcoming Veteran Safari Hunt Announcement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:41
I have a few announcements to share with you on this unusual mid-week episode regarding our upcoming hunt for the military veteran we're conducting in June of 2025 and a special request for all listeners regarding future…
359: Bullet Selection 101 with Aaron Davidson of Gunwerks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:25
I got the chance to sit down with Aaron Davidson from Gunwerks at the DSC convention in Atlanta and we discussed the ins and outs of bullet selection, external ballistics, and terminal performance. I felt like I was drin…
358: 35 Caliber Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:51
I discuss all of the 35 Caliber SAAMI standardized cartridges (plus a couple of other noteworthy rounds) in this episode. As always, I'll talk about their history, design characteristics, performance specs, their strengt…
Bonus 17: Reforming The NRA With Buz Mills [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:54
Today Buz Mills from the National Rifle Association joins me on the show to talk about the upcoming election for the NRA board of directors. In any case, I'm a life member of the NRA and I'm saddened and disappointed wit…
357: Kevin Robertson's Two Near Death Experiences From Sable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:53
Kevin Robertson is back again today to talk about sable hunting. Just like we've done on the past we dive right into the details of sable: how big they get, where they live, why they're different from other species of pl…
355: Bongo At 5 Yards In The Rainforest With Hancke Hudson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:55
My ongoing Africa hunting mini-series continues this week with another special guest: Hancke Hudson. Hancke is a South African Professional Hunter who has spent the past 30 years hunting in the rainforests of Central Afr…
354: Hunting Leopard Up Close & At Night With Tanya Blake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:05
This is the first episode in my winter 2025 Africa hunting mini-series and I have a special guest on the show with me today: Tanya Blake. Depending on how long you've been listening to the show, you may recognize that na…
353: Is Federal's New 7mm Backcountry A True Game Changer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:03
I have Eric Miller on the show with me today to talk about Federal's brand new 7mm Backcountry rifle cartridge. As you'll learn here shortly, the 7 Backcountry utilizes an innovative design that produces some impressive…