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Orochimaru · December 12, 2011, 04:55 PM

Another quick note about these guns...

Modern brass is made by Norma and PPU (Prvi Partizan). Loaded ammunition is available from Norma, PPU and Hornady. Hornady, IIRC, uses PPU brass.

*Most* modern 6.5mm bullets are 0.264" in diameter. The original Round Nose bullet that was used in Mil. Ammo for the Carcano was 0.268" in diameter. Most of the loaded ammo you buy and most of the 6.5mm bullets on the market will be 0.264.

The notable exception to this (apart from MilSurp stuff, which is going to be REALLY old) is Hornady which makes an Round Nose bullet (and ammo) in 0.268.

The 0.268 will shoot more accurately as long as your barrel is in good shape. If the weapon hasn't been fired for a while, you should have it checked, but I'd also recommend starting with a 0.264 round -- like the Prvi Partizan stuff (all over gun shows for $16 per 20, at least in Ohio). Check for pressure signs before going to the bigger bullet.

ALSO...

Some Carcano's are chambered for 7.35mm -- so you'll want to verify that it is truly a 6.5 before buying/making ammo for it.

December 12, 2011, 04:55 PM	#8
Orochimaru Member Join Date: September 11, 2011 Posts: 47	Another quick note about these guns... Modern brass is made by Norma and PPU (Prvi Partizan). Loaded ammunition is available from Norma, PPU and Hornady. Hornady, IIRC, uses PPU brass. Most modern 6.5mm bullets are 0.264" in diameter. The original Round Nose bullet that was used in Mil. Ammo for the Carcano was 0.268" in diameter. Most of the loaded ammo you buy and most of the 6.5mm bullets on the market will be 0.264. The notable exception to this (apart from MilSurp stuff, which is going to be REALLY old) is Hornady which makes an Round Nose bullet (and ammo) in 0.268. The 0.268 will shoot more accurately as long as your barrel is in good shape. If the weapon hasn't been fired for a while, you should have it checked, but I'd also recommend starting with a 0.264 round -- like the Prvi Partizan stuff (all over gun shows for $16 per 20, at least in Ohio). Check for pressure signs before going to the bigger bullet. ALSO... Some Carcano's are chambered for 7.35mm -- so you'll want to verify that it is truly a 6.5 before buying/making ammo for it.