Introduced in 1891, the 6.5 Carcano (6.5X52mm Mannlicher-Carcano, 6.5X52mm Italian) was one of several early military 6.5mm cartridges designed for smokeless powder. The 6.5 Carcano was Italy's service cartridge from 1891 until 1938, and although officially replaced it remained in service throughout WWII. Designed for the Carcano bolt-action, which was not a strong action, pressure is low; the standard loading was an effective, long-for-caliber 162-grain bullet at 2295 fps. Although rarely chambered to any other rifle, many Carcanos found their way into the surplus pipeline, so ammunition is readily available.
