6.5 Creedmoor Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

6.5 Creedmoor: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Large Rifle
Used For Long-range Shooting, Hunting, Competition
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck
Year Introduced 2007

6.5 Creedmoor: At a Glance: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Excellent long-range accuracy
  • ✔ Low recoil for its power
  • ✔ High ballistic coefficient bullets
  • ✔ Good barrel life
  • ✔ Versatile for hunting and target shooting

Cons

  • ✘ More expensive than some common calibers
  • ✘ Less readily available than traditional calibers
  • ✘ Not ideal for close-range shooting
  • ✘ Limited selection of factory loads
  • ✘ Requires longer barrel for optimal performance

6.5 Creedmoor Ammo: In Depth

The 6.5 Creedmoor is a precision rifle cartridge developed by Hornady in 2007. Known for its exceptional long-range accuracy, low recoil, and high ballistic coefficient, it has quickly become a favorite among competitive shooters, hunters, and long-range enthusiasts. The 6.5 Creedmoor offers an impressive balance of velocity, energy, and wind resistance, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from precision target shooting to medium-game hunting.

History and Development

The 6.5 Creedmoor was developed by Dave Emary and Dennis DeMille of Hornady Manufacturing Company in 2007. The cartridge was designed to meet the needs of competitive shooters in the National Rifle Association's (NRA) High Power Rifle competitions, addressing the limitations of existing cartridges like the .308 Winchester in long-range shooting scenarios.

Since its introduction, the 6.5 Creedmoor has gained significant popularity in various shooting disciplines. Its success in competitive shooting quickly translated to adoption by hunters and long-range enthusiasts. The cartridge's ability to maintain supersonic velocities at extended ranges, combined with its moderate recoil, has made it a favorite for precision rifle series (PRS) competitions and long-range hunting.

Complete Timeline of 6.5 Creedmoor Development:

Year Event
2022 The U.S. Army adopts the 6.5 Creedmoor for its M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDMR).
2017 The 6.5 Creedmoor celebrates its 10th anniversary with widespread adoption in hunting and long-range shooting communities.
2016 Several major rifle manufacturers introduce new models chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, solidifying its place in the market.
2013 The 6.5 Creedmoor gains popularity in Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competitions.
2009 Ruger introduces the Hawkeye Predator rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, one of the first major manufacturers to offer the cartridge.
2008 The 6.5 Creedmoor sees its first full year of commercial availability and begins to gain traction among competitive shooters.
2007 Hornady officially introduces the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge at the SHOT Show.
2007 Dave Emary and Dennis DeMille of Hornady complete development of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge.

6.5 Creedmoor Performance

The 6.5 Creedmoor offers excellent performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for long-range shooting, competitive shooting, and medium-game hunting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
Velocity 2,700-2,950 fps (140-grain bullets)\n3,000-3,200 fps (120-grain bullets)
Measured at muzzle with 24-inch barrel
Trajectory Extremely flat trajectory at long ranges
Effective for precision shooting beyond 1,000 yards
Energy 2,000-2,400 ft-lbs at the muzzle (140-grain bullets)
Provides sufficient energy for medium-sized game at extended ranges
Recoil Moderate, significantly less than .308 Winchester
Allows for quick follow-up shots and extended shooting sessions
Accuracy Sub-MOA accuracy is common with quality rifles and ammunition
Excellent for long-range precision shooting and competitions
Wind Drift Approximately 21.5 inches at 1,000 yards with 10 mph crosswind (140-grain bullet)
Superior wind resistance compared to many other long-range cartridges

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common 6.5 Creedmoor loads.

Note: These values are based on standard factory loads. Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors.

6.5 Creedmoor: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Long-Range Target Shooting 0-1200 Excellent ballistic coefficient for long-range accuracy
Hunting (Medium to Large Game) 0-800 Effective for deer, elk, and similar-sized game
Precision Rifle Competition 0-1000 Popular in PRS (Precision Rifle Series) competitions
Military/Law Enforcement Sniping 0-1000 Used in some specialized units for long-range engagements
Benchrest Shooting 0-1000 Capable of sub-MOA accuracy with proper loads

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The 6.5 Creedmoor is renowned for its exceptional long-range performance, flat trajectory, and resistance to wind drift. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for 6.5 Creedmoor

The 6.5 Creedmoor's exceptional ballistic performance makes it suitable for a wide range of applications:

Long-Range Target Shooting
  • Excellent ballistic coefficient for maintaining velocity at long ranges
  • Low recoil allows for easy shot correction and extended practice sessions
  • Popular choice for 1000-yard and beyond shooting competitions
Hunting
  • Effective for medium to large game hunting
  • High sectional density provides deep penetration on game animals
  • Flat trajectory simplifies holdover calculations for longer shots
Precision Rifle Competition
  • Dominant cartridge in many Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competitions
  • Combines accuracy, low recoil, and wind-bucking ability
  • Wide variety of match-grade ammunition and components available
Military and Law Enforcement
  • Offers improved long-range performance over 7.62x51mm NATO
  • Effective in both bolt-action and semi-automatic precision rifles

6.5 Creedmoor Ammo Comparisons

To understand the 6.5 Creedmoor's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

6.5 Creedmoor vs. .308 Winchester ▼

6.5 Creedmoor vs. 6.5 PRC ▼

6.5 Creedmoor vs. .260 Remington ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of 6.5 Creedmoor with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of 6.5 Creedmoor with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 100-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of 6.5 Creedmoor with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of 6.5 Creedmoor with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

6.5 Creedmoor Sectional Density Comparison

Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its diameter. The 6.5 Creedmoor is known for its high sectional density, which contributes to its excellent ballistic performance.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
6.5 Creedmoor 120 0.246
6.5 Creedmoor 140 0.287
6.5 Creedmoor 143 0.293
6.5 Creedmoor 147 0.301
6.5 Creedmoor 153 0.314

Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². The 6.5 Creedmoor's high sectional density contributes to its excellent penetration and energy retention at long ranges, making it a popular choice for long-range shooting and hunting applications.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the effective range of 6.5 Creedmoor?

A: The 6.5 Creedmoor has an effective range of 1,000 yards or more. It maintains supersonic velocity beyond 1,200 yards, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting and hunting.

Q: How does 6.5 Creedmoor compare to .308 Winchester?

A: 6.5 Creedmoor has a flatter trajectory, less recoil, and better wind resistance than .308 Winchester. It maintains higher velocities at long range, resulting in improved accuracy and energy retention at extended distances.

Q: Is 6.5 Creedmoor good for hunting?

A: Yes, 6.5 Creedmoor is excellent for hunting medium to large game. It's effective for deer, elk, and similar-sized animals out to 400 yards or more, depending on the specific load and shooter skill.

Q: What is the typical bullet weight for 6.5 Creedmoor?

A: Common bullet weights for 6.5 Creedmoor range from 120 to 147 grains. The most popular weights are 140 and 143 grains, which offer an optimal balance of velocity and ballistic coefficient for long-range performance.

Q: Can 6.5 Creedmoor be used in AR-10 style rifles?

A: Yes, 6.5 Creedmoor can be used in AR-10 style rifles. Many manufacturers offer AR-10 platforms chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, allowing shooters to take advantage of the cartridge's long-range capabilities in a semi-automatic platform.

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