The 6.5mm TCU (Thompson/Center Ugalde) is a wildcat rifle cartridge, developed by Wes Ugalde. It is based on the .223 Remington case but necked up to accept 6.5mm (.264 inch) bullets. The primary advantage of the 6.5mm TCU is its improved ballistic performance, as the larger bullet diameter allows for better long-range accuracy and energy retention compared to the original .223 Remington.
This cartridge is typically used in single-shot pistols and rifles, particularly for metallic silhouette shooting and varmint hunting. The 6.5mm TCU delivers good accuracy and effective terminal ballistics, making it a versatile choice for target shooters and hunters alike.
It is worth noting that as a wildcat cartridge, the 6.5mm TCU requires handloading, as commercial ammunition is not widely available. Reloaders can experiment with different bullet weights and powders to optimize performance for their specific firearm and application.