6.5mm-06
256-06

Historical Notes:

The venerable 30-06 brass case has been necked both up and down to cover just about every caliber in existence. The 6.5mm, or the .256 caliber, is yet another, and is also one of the oldest. The original was developed by the late Charles Newton and introduced in 1913. There is very little difference between the 256 Newton and the 6.5mm-06, the latter being the wildcat version. There is also an Improved cartridge, favored by some. The 6.5mm-06 achieved a degree of popularity in the immediate post WW-II era because of the influx of surplus 6.5x55mm rifles. The 6.5mm-06 is a very practical cartridge, cases are easily formed and it will work through any standard length bolt action with little or no alteration. Today, most shooters prefer to go with the factory 264 Winchester Magnum, however, the 6.5mm-06, being less powerful, is much easier on barrels.

General Comments:

The 6.5mm-06 is a very good long range medium game cartridge, provided one loads the proper bullet. It is quite flexible because of the wide range of bullets available and it can be adopted to varying conditions by using the lighter, faster bullets for plains hunting and the heavier ones in brush or wooded country. It can also double for varmint hunting by using bullets weighing 80 to 100 grains.

Source: Cartridges of the World

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