I was wondering if any European hunters could fill me in on this cartridge, and its current status with regard to availability of ammunition and components. Who makes what?

Thanks!

SBB

RWS loads a 63gr at 3018fs
http://www.rws-munition.de/en/...ic_data.htm?navid=10

it looks like something between a .223 and a .22-250.
i just don't see a need for it.

the rimmed version(5.6x50R Mag) on the other hand, looks great.
a .22 for combination guns that uses .224" bullets instead of .227"(5.6x52R aka .22 Savage high-power)

Steffen, thank you for your input.

I guess I was thinking more of using the brass as a basis for a wildcat cartridge, and am looking for a supply of Brass. I know RWS loads it, but can't find any supplier of brass here in the states -other than the rimmed version. I have an email in with them but haven't heard back yet. Wasn't sure how widespread it's use is in Europe or if it was on it's way "out"....

I'm looking at running it in a bolt action single shot that I have, where the receiver is sized specifically for that case head. I can go longer in case size, but not to a larger diameter case head.

SBB

For the 5.6x50; I have only ever seen one rifle chambered. I couldn't even begin to remark on it's availability or popularity.

The 5.6x50R is pretty common and I've seen ammo from RWS & S&B but not for the rimless round.

Since it's a 50mm case and the .223 Remington Magnum is 47mm my sugesstion for someone in the States - would be to go with that cartridge for a wildcat bases unless the extra 3mm is an absolute have to have.

Hi I have a combo with the rimmed version. It is a close match to the .222 rem mag. i load mine light and it does a good job real accurate. RWS and S&B make ammo for it. Dan

Great cartridge. The rimmed version is probably more popular. If by chance you're thinking of a 6mm on it it's been done before by Scheiring even to the extent of being CIP'd.

Velocities from a 24" barrel have proved to be:-

60gr 3,300fps
55gr 3,400fps
50gr 3,500fps

Accurate, tremendous quality brass (RWS) which is unfortunately extremely expensive. Can't help on the supplier.

I beleive a 5.6x50 reamer can 'clean out' a .223 chamber. One of the original design parameters perhaps ?

quote:

Originally posted by Code4:
I beleive a 5.6x50 reamer can 'clean out' a .223 chamber. One of the original design parameters perhaps ?

Yes, that was kinda the idea, necked up to 6mm with a 40 degree shoulder. Was thinking that would put me into 6mm PPC territory.

SBB

Not even here in Germany the rimless version is very common. Therefore Brass is expensive and not very well available.

The origin in development goes back to the .222 Remingon Magnum case which was only prolonged for 3mm. Perhaps .222 Remington Magnum brass would do the same work.

From the rimmed 5,6x50 there already exist two wildcat versions the 6,5x50reb (.257) and the 7x50reb (.284) both have a 40° shoulder and were developed as cartridges for hunting roe deer.

i had a 5.6x50R mag once - didn't have any loading data so i measured case volumes and found it was almost identical to the 224 weatherby.

According to quickLOAD it's exactly the same volume as a 22PPC.

Quite "modern" - designed in 1968:

By Herr Frere at Heym?

I don't know - it is German for sure - I'd guess RWS was involved one way or another?