6.5x52MM CARCANO AMMO

6.5 Carcano Ammo For Sale

Shop 6.5 Carcano ammo for sale at Target Sports USA. Originally developed for the Italian military in the late 1800s, 6.5x52mm Carcano remains popular with vintage rifle collectors and surplus shooters. We carry trusted brands like Prvi Partizan, Norma 6.5 Carcano ammo, and expanding options from Hornady. Whether you're restoring a 6.5 Carcano rifle or heading to the range, you'll find reliable ammo at competitive prices with free shipping on bulk orders. We've got it all!

Read Our 6.5x52MM CARCANO AMMO Guide (Bottom of Page)

OUR TOP 6.5x52 MM CARCANO AMMO RECOMMENDATIONS

Norma USA American PH 6.5 Carcano Ammunition 156 Grain Soft Point - 20166212

Norma USA American PH 6.5 Carcano Ammunition 156 Grain Soft Point - 20166212

Norma USA PH 6.5 Carcano 156-Grain Soft Point delivers 2,430 fps and 2,040 ft-lbs. Designed for hunting and vintage rifle use, it offers deep penetration, flat trajectory, and clean performance with boxer-primed, reloadable brass cases.

Manufacturer Norma
Caliber 6.5 Carcano
Bullet Type Soft Point
Grain 156
Muzzle Velocity 2430 fps
Muzzle Energy 2040 ft lbs
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Prvi Partizan 6.5x52mm Carcano Ammunition 139 Grain Full Metal Jacket - PP6CF

Prvi Partizan 6.5x52mm Carcano Ammunition 139 Grain Full Metal Jacket - PP6CF

Prvi Partizan 6.5x52mm Carcano 139-Grain FMJBT delivers 2,525 fps and 1,968 ft-lbs. With a high 0.536 BC, it's ideal for target use and vintage rifles, offering flat trajectory, downrange stability, and reloadable brass with non-corrosive primers.

Manufacturer Prvi Partizan
Caliber 6.5 Carcano
Bullet Type Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail
Grain 139
Muzzle Velocity 2525 fps
Muzzle Energy 1968 ft lbs
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Prvi Partizan 6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano Ammunition 123 Grain Soft Point - PP6CS

Prvi Partizan 6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano Ammunition 123 Grain Soft Point - PP6CS

Prvi Partizan 6.5x52mm Carcano 123-Grain Soft Point offers 2,690 fps and 1,984 ft-lbs. With pure brass, boxer primers, and non-corrosive cases, controlled expansion and performance, perfect for vintage rifles, hunting, and target shooting.

Manufacturer Prvi Partizan
Caliber 6.5 Carcano
Bullet Type Soft Point
Grain 123
Muzzle Velocity 2690 fps
Muzzle Energy 1984 ft lbs
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Use Cases for 6.5x52mm Ammunition

  • Historical Collecting
  • Target Shooting
  • Hunting
  • Historical Reenactments
  • Educational Demonstrations

Popular 6.5 carcano Ammo Brands

Common 6.5 carcano Caliber Name Variations


A QUICK "PRIMER" ON 6.5x52 MM CARCANO AMMO

Originally introduced in 1891, the 6.5x52mm Carcano cartridge was developed for the Italian Carcano rifle, designed by Salvatore Carcano. As one of the first smokeless powder military cartridges, it marked a major leap in ballistic innovation. Featuring a 160-grain round-nose bullet, the design prioritized penetration, manageable recoil, and stability—key traits that served Italian forces through both World Wars.

The 6.5 Carcano rifle was known for its unique gain-twist rifling, where the rifling twist rate increased gradually along the barrel. This design aimed to reduce barrel wear and enhance accuracy with heavy bullets. While outdated by modern standards, it remains a fascinating example of early ballistic engineering.

A critical detail for modern shooters is bullet diameter. The correct bullet size for 6.5 Carcano ammo is .268 inches, not the more common .264 inches used in other 6.5mm rounds like the 6.5 Creedmoor. Using the correct diameter ensures better performance and safer operation in these vintage rifles.

Today, shooters and collectors trust brands like Prvi Partizan 6.5 Carcano ammo, Norma 6.5 Carcano ammo, and Hornady 6.5 Carcano ammo for modern-made loads that honor the cartridge's legacy while meeting today's standards for quality and consistency.

TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING 6.5x52 MM CARCANO AMMO

Purchasing 6.5 Carcano ammo requires thoughtful consideration, especially when shooting surplus or antique rifles. Here's what to keep in mind to ensure performance, safety, and historical integrity:

Purpose: Consider whether you're buying 6.5x52mm Carcano ammo for target shooting, hunting, or collecting military surplus. These rifles are mechanically sound when properly maintained, but their age and design may require specific ammo to ensure reliability and preserve condition.

Bullet Diameter: The correct bullet diameter for Carcano rifles is .268 inches, not the more common .264 inches used in other 6.5mm cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor. Using the wrong diameter can result in poor accuracy and gas blow-by, potentially compromising both safety and performance.

Choosing a Manufacturer: Stick with trusted brands that produce ammo tailored to Carcano specifications. PPU (Prvi Partizan) and Hornady 6.5 Carcano ammo are reliable choices, both offering proper bullet diameters, safe chamber pressures, and consistent ignition. Norma 6.5 Carcano ammo is also respected among collectors and precision shooters.

Chamber Pressure: Vintage firearms like the 6.5 Carcano rifle may not be built for modern high-pressure loads. Choose ammunition formulated for safe use in older chambers to avoid undue stress or damage. Avoid +P or unknown surplus unless verified.

Availability: As a specialty round, 6.5 Carcano ammo for sale can be limited in supply. Buying from established retailers like Target Sports USA and planning ahead ensures you have access to reputable, in-stock options—especially for bulk purchases or seasonal shooting.

THE 6.5x52MM CARCANO AMMO "ROUND UP"

Shooting 6.5 Carcano ammo is more than range time—it's a connection to military history and classic rifle design. With its unique dimensions, gain-twist rifling, and distinctive bullet requirements, the 6.5x52mm Carcano offers a rewarding experience for vintage firearm enthusiasts. When paired with quality ammo from brands like Norma and Hornady, shooters can enjoy both accuracy and authenticity. At Target Sports USA, we're proud to help keep this storied caliber alive with trusted options and expert support.

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6.5x52 MM CARCANO AMMO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use 6.5x52mm Carcano ammo in modern 6.5mm rifles?+
No. 6.5x52mm Carcano ammo is not interchangeable with other modern 6.5mm cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5x55 Swedish. Each cartridge has distinct case dimensions, chamber pressures, and ballistic characteristics. Always use ammunition specifically marked for your firearm’s chambering to avoid damage or injury.
Why is bullet diameter important for Carcano rifles?+
Carcano rifles are designed for a .268-inch bullet, slightly larger than the .264-inch diameter used in most modern 6.5mm rounds. Using undersized bullets can cause poor accuracy and unsafe gas blow-by. Only choose ammunition made with the correct bullet size, such as Norma or Hornady 6.5 Carcano ammo, for proper fit and performance.
Are modern loadings available for the 6.5x52mm Carcano?+
Yes. Brands like Hornady and PPU produce modern 6.5 Carcano ammo using current components while respecting the original military specs. These cartridges are safer, more reliable, and offer improved ignition, consistency, and cleaner shooting compared to decades-old surplus rounds.
Is surplus 6.5x52mm Carcano ammo safe to use?+
It depends. Some surplus ammo is still functional, but much of it is corrosive, poorly stored, or degraded over time. Always inspect surplus rounds for corrosion, loose bullets, or split necks. For safety and performance, modern factory loads are strongly recommended.
What is the effective range of the 6.5x52mm Carcano cartridge?+
The typical effective range for 6.5x52mm Carcano is up to 500 yards for target shooting, depending on barrel condition and ammunition quality. For hunting, most shooters limit shots to 200 yards or less to ensure ethical and accurate placement, especially with original iron sights.
Is 6.5x52mm Carcano good for hunting?+
While originally designed as a military round, 6.5 Carcano ammo can be used for hunting small to medium game when loaded with modern soft-point bullets. However, due to its round-nose design and limited energy compared to modern cartridges, it's best reserved for close-range shots and ethical, well-placed hits.
Can I reload 6.5 Carcano ammo?+
Yes, 6.5x52mm Carcano can be reloaded, but it requires attention to detail. Correct bullet diameter (.268"), quality brass, and proper load data are essential. Dies are available from major manufacturers, but bullet availability may be limited and may require custom sizing.
What makes the Carcano rifle unique?+
The Carcano rifle features gain-twist rifling, a Mannlicher-style clip-fed magazine, and was among the earliest adopters of smokeless powder ammunition. While often misunderstood, a well-maintained Carcano can be surprisingly accurate and reliable when paired with the correct ammo.
Is the Carcano rifle safe to shoot?+
Yes, when in good mechanical condition and paired with proper 6.5x52mm Carcano ammo, these rifles are safe to shoot. Always have surplus rifles inspected by a qualified gunsmith and avoid using hot modern loads or improperly sized bullets.
How does 6.5 Carcano compare to 7.62x39?+
Both are military rifle cartridges, but the 6.5 Carcano offers a smaller-diameter, longer bullet and was designed for full-length rifles. 7.62x39 is shorter, produces less recoil, and is more commonly used in semi-automatic platforms like the AK-47. Ballistically, they are quite different, with the Carcano offering slightly more range and penetration in bolt-action use.
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