Is 6.5-06 ( 6.5x63 ) the alternative to 7.62x51?

Well, the first problem is that the 6.5-06 is a wildcat with no factory loaded ammo or factory chambered rifles. So it will most likely not be considered an alternative to 7.62x51mm.

That being said, its a fine cartridge and has been around in the wildcat ranks for many many years. Eventually the 6.5-08 eventually was standardized and made into the .260 remington, one can hope the same would happen with the 6.5-06, but I'm not keeping my hopes too high.

The 6.5 bullets do have a better BC and SD than equivelent weight .30 cals, but it would come down to bullet selection. I think the 6.5-06 with 139gr Lapua Scenar bullet would be an amazing cartridge. Barrel burnout would be a concern though. Performance is about on par with the 6.5x284 Norma.

MEL

what are the potentials of 6.5-06 in AP configuration against Interceptor body-armour?

I have not heard of any AP rounds being manufactured in 6.5, at least not over here. There was probably some manufactured for the 6.5x55 swedish back during the swedish mauser days.

So, since there isn't really any AP bullets to examine, I would have a hard time answering that question.

MEL

There is an old US cartridge called the .256 Newton. It is a 6.5mm based on a slightly shortened '06 case. It is one of the classic US rifle rounds, but it is sadly forgotten today....


One of these days, I am going to go to Buffalo, NY to search for the old Newton Arms factory.

That's why I'm

Mad

So, the .256 Newton shot a .264 bullet?

MEL

the 256 newton was introduced in 1913, and was developed by Charles Newton and used in his bolt action,Newton rifles went out in the 1920's and the cartridge was dropped by its sole manufaturing company Western in 1938, it is also worth note that it was the only American 6.5 cartridge until the 264 WM in 1959, and teh cartridge can send a 155 grain SMK(BCof .570) at around 2800 FPS and a 140 or 142 grain SMK (BC of almost .600 i believe) at around 3000 FPS

to mele, i think ur right no AP configuration is provided for that caliber

but can't we do some sort of extrapolation using existing cartridges in AP configuration?

ASSAULT RIFLES AND THEIR AMMUNITION:
HISTORY AND PROSPECTS
Revised 26/6/2004
© Anthony G Williams

"This started with calculations of the bullet energy required to inflict a disabling wound on soldiers with various levels of protection. The energy varied depending on the calibre, as a larger calibre required more energy to push it through armour. For example, it was calculated that while a 7.62mm bullet would need 700 joules to penetrate modern helmets and heavy body armour, a 7mm would require 650j, a 6.25mm 580j, a 5.5mm 500j and a 4.5mm 320j (this last figure looks wrong and should probably be 420j). This figures applied at the target; muzzle energies would clearly have to much higher, depending on the required range and the ballistic characteristics of the bullet.
"

using handloads.com ballistic calculator

I found out that a 6.5 bullet ( 140 grains ) fired from a 6.5-06 cartridge would have 1235 joules at 700 yards!

cody221 said:

the 256 newton was introduced in 1913, and was developed by Charles Newton and used in his bolt action,Newton rifles went out in the 1920's and the cartridge was dropped by its sole manufaturing company Western in 1938, it is also worth note that it was the only American 6.5 cartridge until the 264 WM in 1959, and teh cartridge can send a 155 grain SMK(BCof .570) at around 2800 FPS and a 140 or 142 grain SMK (BC of almost .600 i believe) at around 3000 FPS

Click to expand...

Holy Sweetness!! Now we are talking! that would be a long range terror! I wonder how it is on barrels....

MEL