6.5 IS BACK on MoD/RFCA ranges!
The NRA have just announced that 6.5 calibre cartridges (and .338Lap) are – as of 10th September 2026 – now permitted on most MoD/RFCA ranges.
NOTE – This DOES NOT apply to the shoot on Sunday 13th, as we have already submitted the Form MoD 1931, and there can be no alterations.
See the NRA letter below for fuller details.
https://mailchi.mp/nra/membership-renewals-19511509?e=8276125461
| View this email in your browser Update – September 2026 The NRA is pleased to confirm that with immediate effect 6.5 mm ammunition including 6.5mm Creedmoor may be used on military ranges. Club officials responsible for planning should check range orders for specifics however in broad terms the following applies: 6.5mm ammunition may be used on compliant Gallery Ranges (with an 1830m Limited Danger Area) 6.5mm ammunition may also be used on non-compliant Gallery Ranges that require additional controls: a 3700m template or a 4200m template 0.338″ Lapua Magnum and HME ammunition not exceeding 7000 J Muzzle Energy may be used on a Limited Danger Area Gallery Range or Converted Gallery Range The standard safety deviation set by the NRA is 70 mils (see para 117 of the 2026 NRA Handbook: Firers may only carry out actions of closing or opening the bolt (or equivalent working part in other types of firearm) on a live round if: the barrel is elevated less than 70 mils (approximately 4°) above the horizontal; and nothing (except the trigger) is within the trigger guard). The lifting of restrictions follows productive discussions between the NRA and key stakeholders in Defence. Our thanks to everyone involved in the policy and procedural changes. NRA Members and Club Chairs are reminded of the Rules and conditions that underpin NRA use of military ranges. Key points include: The individual shooter is responsible for ensuring that his firearm and ammunition result in performance within the muzzle velocity and muzzle energy limits for the range and that the firearm and ammunition is safe and suitable The Chairman’s Declaration in the Club Agreement and the CSAAF confirms that shooting activity will be planned, conducted and supervised in line with the NRA Safe Shooting System and conditions prescribed for the use of MoD ranges in DSA 03 OME Part 3 Volume 1 Part 2, all ammunition natures including handloaded ammunition will be safely captured in the Range Danger Area The RCO controlling the range must ensure compliance with the range orders, seeking guidance from the Training Safety Officer where needed as part of the planning process All firearms must be zeroed prior to use, HME firearms must be zeroed in accordance with the HME procedures, see also DSA 03 OME Part 3 Vol 2 Chapter 11 “Practices on Gallery Ranges” with 0.338″ LM ammunition. Supervising NRA RCOs must be current qualified Shooters must hold an NRA Shooter Certification Card certifying competence for firearm used and handloaded ammunition if used. Nic Couldrey Regional Ranges Manager |
