6.5-06 A-Square

The 6.5-06 A-Square has a unique place in the realm of wildcat and officially recognized cartridges, originating from the need for increased performance among dedicated shooters and hunters. Its roots trace back to wildcatters experimenting with the venerable .30-06 Springfield case, necking it down to accept .264-inch (6.5mm) bullets. The popularity of the 6.5mm bore in Europe and its exceptional ballistic coefficients inspired American reloaders to adapt the reliable .30-06 parent case, producing a cartridge that bridged the gap between the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser and more potent, long-action 6.5mm magnums. In 1997, A-Square, a company known for standardizing wildcat cartridges, submitted the 6.5-06 for SAAMI approval, making it an officially recognized cartridge and further boosting its popularity with custom rifle builders and handloaders.

When it comes to applications, the 6.5-06 A-Square is a highly versatile cartridge favored by enthusiasts who enjoy long-range shooting, precision competition, and serious big-game hunting. Its flat trajectory and excellent wind-bucking ability, thanks to .264-inch high-BC bullets, make it advantageous for target shooting and varmint control at extended ranges. The cartridge is especially appreciated by reloaders seeking a step up in velocity over the 6.5x55 or .260 Remington while avoiding the excess recoil and barrel wear found in magnum cartridges. Many shooters craft their own precision rifles by re-barreling existing .30-06 actions, taking full advantage of the cartridge’s excellent case capacity and efficient powder burn.

For hunting, the 6.5-06 A-Square shines as a medium-game cartridge, ideally suited for deer, antelope, wild hogs, and similar-sized animals. The cartridge’s ability to drive sleek 6.5mm bullets at high velocities ensures excellent penetration and expansion, making it reliable for clean, ethical kills on animals weighing up to 400 pounds. With suitable bullet selection, the cartridge is also capable of taking on larger game like elk at reasonable distances, although most hunters reserve it for lighter animals to take advantage of the high sectional density and low recoil characteristics. Its quasi-magnum performance without excessive blast or kick makes it a practical all-rounder, especially for those who reload and want to tailor loads for specific game.

Bullet weights for the 6.5-06 A-Square typically span from 100 to 160 grains, with 120-140 grain bullets being the most popular choice among hunters and target shooters. The 120-grain projectiles are favored for varmints and smaller game due to their flatter trajectories, while 140-grain bullets, with their superb ballistic coefficients and sectional density, are ideal for deer and long-range target work. Some reloaders experiment with heavier 150-160 grain bullets for maximum penetration on larger animals, though these are less common due to slower velocities. The cartridge’s larger case capacity, compared to the .260 Remington or 6.5 Creedmoor, allows for higher velocities—often pushing 2,900–3,100 feet per second with 140-grain bullets, depending on the powder and barrel length. Reloading for the 6.5-06 A-Square offers ample flexibility in tuning loads to specific rifles and game, making it a perennial favorite for serious shooters who enjoy both optimizing performance and exploring the nuances of 6.5mm bullet design.