S&B 6,5x55 SE SP 8,5 G

S&B 6.5×55 SE SP 8.5 g is a hunting cartridge loaded with a controlled-expansion soft-point bullet. Its carefully engineered jacket and lead core are designed to combine rapid, controlled expansion, good weight retention and consistent accuracy.

Suitable for use

• Rifles chambered in 6.5×55 SE

• Hunting where permitted by current regulations

• Shooters who prefer a 131-grain SP bullet

• Woodland and open-country use

• Confirming a hunting rifle’s point of impact

• Firearms approved by their manufacturer for 6.5×55 SE ammunition

Why choose S&B 6.5×55 SE SP 8.5 g?

• Controlled-expansion soft-point bullet

• 8.50 g / 131 gr bullet weight

• Muzzle velocity of 793 m/s

• Muzzle energy of 2,673 J

• G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.389

• Manufacturer-calculated MRD of 162 m

• Factory brass case

• Designed for accurate and reliable hunting performance

• 20 cartridges per box

Technical specifications

• Calibre: 6.5×55 SE

• Bullet type: SP / Soft Point

• Bullet construction: Jacketed lead-core soft point

• Bullet action: Expanding

• Bullet weight: 8.50 g / 131 gr

• Jacket material: CuZn 10

• Sectional density: 0.269 lb/in²

• Ballistic coefficient: G1 0.389 / G7 0.195

• Complete-cartridge weight: 23 g

• Cartridge length: 75.30 mm

• Case: Factory brass

• +P loading: No

• Estimated power factor: 340.9 kgr·fps

• Test-barrel length: 600 mm

• Manufacturer-suggested use: Hunting

• Manufacturer-listed features: Accurate, reliable and rapid controlled expansion

Ballistic data

• Muzzle: 793 m/s and 2,673 J

• 100 m: 717 m/s and 2,187 J

• 200 m: 646 m/s and 1,775 J

• 300 m: 579 m/s and 1,426 J

• 400 m: 516 m/s and 1,130 J

The manufacturer’s figures were obtained with a 600 mm test barrel. Actual velocity and energy depend on the rifle, barrel length, ammunition lot and atmospheric conditions.

Trajectory reference data

Manufacturer-published points of impact with a 100 m zero:

• 50 m: –0.3 cm

• 100 m: 0.0 cm

• 200 m: –14.1 cm

• 300 m: –51.9 cm

• 400 m: –119.0 cm

The manufacturer-calculated MRD is 162 m. MRD trajectory reference:

• 50 m: +1.6 cm

• 100 m: +3.8 cm

• 200 m: –6.5 cm

• 300 m: –40.4 cm

• 400 m: –103.7 cm

MRD is a ballistic reference and must not be interpreted as a recommended maximum hunting distance.

Packaging

• Cartridges per box: 20

• Boxes per shipping case: 20

• Cartridges per shipping case: 400

• Box dimensions: 81.5 × 133.5 × 28.5 mm

• Approximate box weight: 0.52 kg

Frequently asked questions

Are 6.5×55 SE and 6.5 Creedmoor interchangeable?

No. They are dimensionally different cartridges and must never be substituted for one another. Use only ammunition matching the firearm’s calibre marking and instruction manual.

Does the SP bullet expand?

Yes. A soft-point bullet exposes part of its lead core and is designed to expand on impact. Actual performance depends on impact velocity and the target medium.

How does this differ from the 9.1 g SP loading?

This cartridge uses a lighter 8.5 g bullet with a G1 coefficient of 0.389. The 9.1 g version is heavier, has a G1 coefficient of 0.417 and is listed with the same 793 m/s muzzle velocity.

Will the published trajectory exactly match my rifle?

Not necessarily. Barrel length, sight height, temperature, pressure and the individual rifle affect the point of impact. Confirm the trajectory with the firearm and ammunition lot being used.

Recommended products

• S&B 6.5×55 SE SP 9.1 g

• S&B 6.5×55 SE SP 10.1 g

• S&B 6.5×55 SE TXRG 7.8 g lead-free ammunition

• S&B 6.5×55 SE FMJ 8.0 g training ammunition

• Riflescopes and suitable scope mounts

• Targets, hearing protection and cleaning equipment

When is S&B 6.5×55 SE SP 8.5 g the right choice?

This load suits a 6.5×55 SE rifle owner looking for a traditional controlled-expansion soft-point bullet. Its 8.5 g projectile combines a listed muzzle velocity of 793 m/s with 2,673 J of muzzle energy.

Consider the 9.1 g or 10.1 g SP versions when a heavier bullet is preferred. Where a lead-free projectile is required or desired, select a compatible TXRG or XRG load.

Expert recommendation

Test one box in the intended rifle before purchasing a larger quantity. Different bullet weights and designs can produce different group sizes and points of impact, even within the same calibre. Reconfirm the zero whenever the ammunition type is changed.

Hunting suitability depends on the species, range, impact energy and current regulations. The manufacturer’s MRD calculation does not replace field verification or responsible shot-distance selection.

A controlled-expansion 6.5×55 SE hunting load

S&B 6.5×55 SE SP 8.5 g combines a traditional soft-point design with a muzzle velocity of 793 m/s and controlled expansion. It is a practical hunting load for shooters who prefer a 131-grain SP bullet.