What is 6.5-06 a square?

6.5-06 is a square, also known as a cartridge or round, used in firearms. It is considered a wildcat cartridge, which means it is not a standardized cartridge by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI), but rather developed by enthusiasts and gunsmiths.

The 6.5-06 square is based on the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, which is one of the most popular and widely used cartridges in the world. The 6.5-06 has a necked-down case, which means it has a smaller bullet diameter of 0.264 inches compared to the .30-06's 0.308 inches.

The advantage of the 6.5-06 square is its ballistic performance and accuracy, especially at longer distances. The 6.5mm bullet has a high sectional density, which means it retains its energy and velocity well, resulting in less bullet drop and wind drift than larger bullets. Additionally, the 6.5mm bullet has a reputation for accuracy due to its high ballistic coefficient.

The 6.5-06 square has gained popularity among hunters and long-range shooters who value its flat trajectory, excellent accuracy, and mild recoil. However, since it is not a standardized cartridge, ammunition and reloading components can be more challenging to find compared to standardized cartridges. Additionally, some firearms may require modification to accommodate the 6.5-06 square cartridge.