The 6.5X55mm (6.5X55mm Swedish Mauser) was developed in Sweden and adopted by the Swedish military in 1894 in Mauser rifles. Also adopted by Norway, 6.5X55mm is the most lasting of the several 6.5mm military cartridges developed in the 1890s. The 6.5X55mm remains the most popular hunting cartridge in the Nordic countries, is common throughout Europe, and retains a small but very loyal following in the United States. In northern Europe it is commonly used for moose hunting, so is certainly well-suited for deer-sized game at medium ranges. Designed for pre-1898 Mausers that were not as strong, factory loads are kept conservative, below the cartridge's potential, but still effective. Current options include 139-grain bullets at 2700 fps and 156-grain bullets 2560 fps.
