6.5x50 Arisaka Ammo: Hornady Soft Point - A Hunter's Delight!

Stan O'Hara II 09 May 2025

Ever wondered what cartridge powered the rifles of the Imperial Japanese Army through some of history's most pivotal conflicts? The 6.5x50mm Japanese Arisaka, often simply called the 6.5 Jap, isn't just a piece of history; it's a testament to innovative design and enduring performance. This round offers a unique blend of ballistic characteristics that continue to intrigue collectors, hunters, and shooting enthusiasts alike.

The 6.5x50mm Arisaka, a cartridge steeped in history, served as the standard military round for Japan from 1897 until the late 1930s. Its adoption marked a significant shift in military technology at the time, highlighting Japan's commitment to modernizing its armed forces. The cartridge was primarily used in Type 38 rifles and machine guns, becoming synonymous with the Arisaka rifle series. The story of this ammunition extends beyond its service with Japanese forces. Even after its phase-out in favor of the larger 7.7x58mm Arisaka round, the 6.5 Jap continued to see action in various corners of the world. Notably, Chinese military units, equipped with captured Type 38 rifles, utilized the cartridge during the Korean War, showcasing its continued relevance on the battlefield. This speaks volumes about the cartridge's effectiveness and the availability of rifles chambered for it, even decades after its initial adoption.

Category	Information
Cartridge Name	6.5x50mm Japanese Arisaka (6.5 Jap)
Origin	Japan
Years of Service (Japan)	1897 - Late 1930s
Primary Rifle	Type 38 Arisaka
Bullet Diameter	6.5mm (.256 inch)
Common Bullet Weights	120 grain - 160 grain
Typical Muzzle Velocity	2200-2500 fps (depending on load and barrel length)
Muzzle Energy	1400-1800 ft-lbs (depending on load and barrel length)
Replaced By	7.7x58mm Arisaka
Notable Use	Japanese military service, Korean War (Chinese forces)
Availability (Modern)	Available from various manufacturers; reloading components readily accessible.
Manufacturers (Modern)	Norma, Prvi Partizan, Hornady (components), Graf's (components)
Reloading Dies Available From	Forster, Hornady, Lee, Lyman, RCBS, Redding
Ballistic Coefficient (Typical 140gr Bullet)	~.287 (Hornady data)
Modern Use Cases	Hunting (smaller game), target shooting, historical firearm enthusiasts
Reference	Wikipedia - 6.5x50mm Arisaka

Today, the 6.5x50mm Japanese Arisaka continues to be relevant, albeit in a different context. While no longer a standard military round, it holds a special place among collectors and shooting enthusiasts. Its relatively mild recoil and inherent accuracy make it a pleasant cartridge to shoot, especially in original Arisaka rifles or sporterized versions. Modern ammunition manufacturers like Norma and Prvi Partizan produce 6.5 Jap ammo, ensuring a steady supply for those who appreciate this historic cartridge. Additionally, reloading components, including brass cases and bullets, are readily available, allowing handloaders to tailor their ammunition to specific rifles and shooting needs. This resurgence is fueled by both the historical significance of the cartridge and its practical application in hunting smaller game and recreational target shooting.

For hunters, the 6.5 Jap offers a viable option for deer-sized game and smaller, especially when using modern bullet designs. Ammunition loaded with a 140-grain Hornady soft point spitzer, such as item #HOR2630, is a popular choice, offering a good balance of penetration and expansion. Hornady themselves produce custom ammunition (item # HRN80485) featuring a 140-grain soft point bullet, designed to provide reliable performance in the field. These loads typically achieve a muzzle velocity of around 2225 feet per second from a 32-inch barrel, generating approximately 1539 foot-pounds of energy. Keep in mind that these figures can vary depending on the specific rifle and ammunition used. Bannerman Ammunition also produces 6.5x50 Jap ammo, offering a 156gr SPRN load with a reported velocity of 2100fps. Careful shot placement is, of course, essential for ethical hunting, but the 6.5 Jap is more than capable of taking down game within reasonable distances.

The versatility of the 6.5 Jap extends beyond hunting. It's a capable target shooting cartridge, offering good accuracy and manageable recoil. The availability of match-grade ammunition and reloading components allows shooters to achieve excellent results on the range. Midsouth Shooters Supply, for instance, offers a wide variety of 6.5 Jap centerfire rifle ammo, ranging from custom loads to bulk plinking options. They also carry reloading dies from various manufacturers, including Forster, Hornady, Lee, Lyman, RCBS, and Redding, catering to the needs of handloaders. Reloading allows shooters to fine-tune their ammunition for optimal performance in their specific rifles, potentially achieving greater accuracy than with factory loads. Moreover, reloading can be a cost-effective way to shoot the 6.5 Jap, particularly for those who shoot frequently.

When sourcing 6.5x50 Japanese ammunition, it's essential to be aware of shipping restrictions and regulations. UPS and FedEx typically require a physical shipping address and will not deliver to P.O. boxes for ammunition orders. Therefore, ensure you provide a valid physical address when placing your order. Retailers like Target Sports USA offer 6.5x50 Japanese ammo for sale, sometimes with free shipping on bulk orders. Sgammo.com is another source for bulk 7.7 Jap ammo (note the difference this is for the later Arisaka rifles), offering potentially cheap prices for 7.7x58mm Arisaka ammunition. Always compare prices and shipping costs from different vendors to find the best deal. Remember to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding ammunition purchases and ownership.

The historical naming convention of the 6.5x50 Japanese Arisaka follows the common European practice of specifying the bullet diameter and case length. The "6.5" refers to the bullet diameter in millimeters, and the "50" indicates the case length. The "SR" suffix stands for "Semi-Rimmed," indicating the case head has a slight rim for extraction. This naming system provides a clear and concise way to identify the cartridge, distinguishing it from other 6.5mm cartridges. Understanding this nomenclature helps avoid confusion when discussing or purchasing ammunition. The cartridge is also known as the 6.5 Arisaka and, more colloquially, as the 6.5 Jap.

Beyond factory-loaded ammunition, the 6.5x50mm Arisaka presents a rewarding opportunity for handloading. The Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading provides valuable data for creating custom loads tailored to specific rifles and shooting needs. For instance, the handbook suggests that their 140-grain bullets (SD .287) can achieve a muzzle velocity of 2300 fps with 35.0 grains of IMR 4350 powder, or up to 2600 fps with a maximum charge of 39.2 grains of the same powder. These figures provide a starting point for developing accurate and effective loads. However, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of following safe reloading practices and consulting reputable reloading manuals. Always start with the minimum recommended powder charge and gradually increase it while monitoring for signs of excessive pressure. Reloading allows shooters to optimize their ammunition for accuracy, velocity, and recoil, ultimately enhancing their shooting experience.

When reloading the 6.5 Jap, the choice of bullet is crucial. Hornady, Sierra, and Speer produce suitable bullets for this caliber. The Bannerman cartridge company utilizes Prvi Partizan soft point round nose bullets in their 6.5x50 Japanese ammunition. These bullets offer a good balance of accuracy and terminal performance for hunting applications. The spire point bullet, at a muzzle velocity of 2500 fps, delivers a muzzle energy of 1943 ft-lbs. Even at 300 yards, it retains a significant 1174 ft-lbs of energy. These figures demonstrate the cartridge's capability to deliver effective performance at moderate distances. Ultimately, the best bullet choice depends on the intended use, rifle characteristics, and personal preference.

The 6.5x50mm Japanese Arisaka is a cartridge with a rich history and enduring appeal. From its service in the Imperial Japanese Army to its modern-day use in hunting and target shooting, it continues to captivate shooting enthusiasts. Whether you're a collector, a hunter, or a recreational shooter, the 6.5 Jap offers a unique and rewarding shooting experience. With readily available ammunition, reloading components, and a wealth of historical information, this cartridge is sure to remain a favorite among those who appreciate the legacy of classic firearms.

While the 7.7 Jap (7.7x58mm Arisaka) replaced the 6.5 Jap in military service, it's important to distinguish between the two cartridges. The 7.7 Jap is most commonly found with 150-grain soft point rounds and requires rifles chambered specifically for that cartridge. Finding in-stock 7.7 Japanese ammo can be facilitated by using ammunition search engines to compare prices from top online retailers. Graf's offers factory-loaded ammunition and brass cases for the 7.7 Jap, providing options for both shooters and reloaders. Always ensure you are purchasing the correct ammunition for your specific rifle to avoid potential safety hazards.

Collector Rifle & Ammo, located at 1025 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533, may also offer 6.5x50mm Japanese ammunition or related services. Contacting them directly would provide information on their current inventory and expertise. Furthermore, Norma ammunition has earned a reputation for exceptional quality, accuracy, and reliability. Their 6.5x50mm Japanese Arisaka 156-grain Alaska Round Nose load is a testament to their commitment to producing high-performance ammunition for classic firearms. Consider Norma ammunition for a premium shooting experience with your 6.5 Jap rifle.