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Federal 6.5 Creedmoor Varmint & Predator 95gr V-Max Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $21.20 - $599.99 -
Winchester S65LR Expedition Big Game Nosler AccuBond Long-Range 142 Grain 6.5mm Creedmoor 2700 fps
MSRP:Was:Now: $39.56 - $395.60 -
Nosler 65175 Varmageddon Flat Base Tipped 90 Grain 6.5mm Creedmoor 3300 fps
MSRP:Was:Now: $30.24 - $336.66 -
Nosler 60105 Trophy Grade Nosler Spitzer AccuBond Long Range 142 Grain 6.5mm Creedmoor 2600 fps
MSRP:Was:Now: $43.88 - $440.19 -
Hornady 6.5mm Creedmoor V-Match 100gr ELD-VT Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $26.83 - $303.24 -
Fiocchi 65CMB Field Dynamics Pointed Soft Point 129 Grain 6.5mm Creedmoor 2820 fps
MSRP:Was:Now: $18.66 - $597.78 -
Federal 65CRDB PowerShok Jacketed Soft Point 140 Grain 6.5mm Creedmoor 2750 fps
MSRP:Was:Now: $21.26 - $601.54 -
Winchester X65CLF Copper Impact Copper Extreme Point Lead-Free 125 Grain 6.5mm Creedmoor 2850 fps
MSRP:Was:Now: $30.21 - $322.87 -
HSM HSM6.5CREEDMOOR1N Sierra Game King Spitzer Boat Tail 140 Grain 6.5mm Creedmoor 2714 fps
MSRP:Was:Now: $30.41 - $338.79 -
Federal 6.5mm Creedmoor 130gr Terminal Ascent Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $40.08 - $435.73 -
Fiocchi 6.5mm Creedmoor Hyperformance 129gr SST Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $22.94 - $649.18 -
Nosler 60115 Match Grade RDF Hollow Point Boat Tail 140 Grain 6.5mm Creedmoor 2650 fps
MSRP:Was:Now: $33.14 - $366.38
6.5 Creedmoor Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
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:
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.
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:
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:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of 6.5 Creedmoor with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of 6.5 Creedmoor with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of 6.5 Creedmoor with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of 6.5 Creedmoor with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
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.