The 6.5 Creedmoor | GunMagopedia

In the world of cartridges, the 6.5 Creedmoor is considered relatively young, but it’s gathered a serious following in record time. This is due in no small part to its long-range capabilities and flat trajectory. So whether you have one of your own or are simply curious about the cartridge, we’re here to fill you in on all the details behind it.

The Company Behind the Cartridge

6.5 Creedmoor was created by the team at Hornady Manufacturing, Inc. The legendary ammunition maker has been behind the design and manufacture of quite a few cartridges over the years, many of which have gone on to become extremely popular.

Hornady Manufacturing, Inc. was founded in 1949 by Joyce Hornady as a two-man operation. At that time, it was known as the Hornady Sporting Goods Company because they hadn’t made the move into the firearms industry yet. In 1949, the company was making bicycles and basketballs, but it wasn’t long before they moved on to producing ammunition. The change came as World War II ended. Supply shortages began to improve, and it was logical to assume that people would be on the lookout for great ammunition, so the company branched out from bikes to bullets (so to speak). Hornady’s first official slogan was “accurate, deadly, dependable,” which described what they expected—and ultimately got—out of their ammunition.

The company was founded in Grand Island, Nebraska, and is still located there today.

The company’s first bullet was a 30-caliber, 150-grain spire point; at the time of this writing, their latest product was the 6mm ARC. However, the 6.5 Creedmoor was created 12 years prior to the 6mm ARC.

Perhaps the reasoning behind the design of the 6.5 Creedmoor can be understood in founder Joyce Hornady’s saying: “Ten bullets through one hole.” He used it to illustrate his expectations for the ammunition’s performance, and that philosophy has held true all these years.

Creedmoor’s Background

Hornady designed the caliber in 2007. Although it was created as a target or match round, it’s also a great option for hunting medium-sized game animals and predators.

There’s an interview with Dave Emary, Hornady’s senior ballistician, on the Hornady company blog. Emary worked with Dennis Demille, Vice President of Hornady’s Product Development team, to create the cartridge. Here’s what Emary had to say about the process:

“The cartridge concept came from a conversation between myself, Dennis DeMille, and Joe Thielen of Hornady, at the 2005 National Matches at Camp Perry. Dennis was having a lot of problems with the 6 XC, with the non-standardized loading data causing lots of issues with stiff bolt lift and pierced primers. The bottom line was the 6 XC had to be loaded too hot to give it the ballistics that the shooters wanted. Dennis said he wanted an off-the-shelf cartridge that was accurate enough to win, with less recoil than the .308 for rapid-fire barrel life, comparable to the .308, and with the loading recipe on the box label.

It’s tough to surpass the ballistic performance of 6.5 projectiles as far as low drag and velocity potential goes, so we decided to go with 6.5mm caliber very early. The .30 TC was a new cartridge at the time and gave us a well-designed case, with a short enough length to allow the very long ogive 6.5mm bullets to stay within a short action, magazine length restriction. The case capacity of the .30 TC parent case also was optimum for good barrel life and good velocity with 140-grain class projectiles. The case capacity was also perfect for 4350 class propellants that we knew gave excellent accuracy and velocity.

Joe and I worked on this for approximately a year to get what we wanted. The design and development was a joint effort between myself and Joe.”

6.5 Creedmoor has gained quite a following among precision rifle shooters and gun owners who are generally interested in shooting longer distances in a potentially smaller platform than some of the big magnum sniper rifles require. Given its impressive performance past 1000 yards, it’s no surprise. The fact that it’s also an excellent option for hunting medium-sized game animals and predators is a fantastic bonus as well.

Does the United States Military use 6.5 Creedmoor?

Yes, and no. 6.5 Creedmoor is not the standard-issue cartridge for the United States Military does use it in some capacities. For example, Hornady released the following press release in 2020:

“A specialized group from the U.S. Department of Defense has purchased an undisclosed amount of 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition from Hornady for its long-range sniper platform.

The 6.5 Creedmoor was tested and selected for engagements from 0 to 1,200 yards.

The purchase agreement coincides with a Department of Defense decision to replace the MK13 bolt-action 300 Win Mag with a 20-inch semiautomatic AR-10 in 6.5 Creedmoor.

The change will provide enhanced accuracy and performance and reduced ammunition and rifle weight compared to the MK13 300 Win Mag with less recoil.

The 6.5 Creedmoor from Hornady provides world-class performance in a factory-loaded cartridge. The high-performance, match-accurate round features an excellent cartridge-to-chamber relationship and shoots well in all guns.

The 6.5 Creedmoor features proven Hornady bullets, specially selected cases, carefully matched powder, and stringent quality control.”

How is 6.5 Creedmoor Different than 6mm ARC?

Hornady made the 6.5 Creedmoor for long-range use through a larger platform such as the AR-10. They also designed the 6mm ARC, but its long-range performance isn’t quite as sharp as that of the 6.5 Creedmoor. Also, 6mm ARC was created for the AR-15 platform to create a lighter rifle with greater versatility than the more common 223 Remington chambering, among others.

How Accurate is the caliber?

Hornady designed this cartridge not only for long-range use but for stellar precision. There’s a reason precision rifle shooters so favor it. Of course, exactly how accurate and precise your results will depend on the rifle you’re using and your own skills. Overall, though, it’s a precise cartridge. Rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor can produce consistent sub-MOA groups (and better).

Does Long-Range Really Matter?

Whether or not long-range capabilities matter to you, specifically, depends on many factors. Are you a precision rifle shooter? Do you want to hunt from long distances? Maybe you just want a more versatile option. Whatever the reason, when it comes down to it, it’s never a bad idea to broaden your firearm repertoire, and that includes getting some long-range skills (and having a gun that can do it).

Remember, long-range shooting isn’t only for precision rifle shooters and matches. It’s both fun and rewarding to master the skills necessary to reach out and touch your target from increasingly longer distances. Spending time on a marked range shooting steel at varying distances is also an excellent way to learn to gauge how far away a target is, which is handy for many reasons.

For experienced hunters, the ability to make precise, ethical one-shot kills on a game animal or predator at a longer distance isn’t just helpful; it’s smart. No, you should never hunt and try to make a shot that goes beyond your current skill level, but if you take the time to learn how to make accurate long-range shots, your success rate can go way up on animals. After all, it tends to be much easier to tag out on deer or bears if you aren’t forced to sit and wait for them to wander into 150-yard range or even closer.

As for personal defense, longer-range shots are generally not recommended because self-defense laws do not allow you to fire your gun and claim defense unless you’re faced with an immediate, credible threat. An attacker being 500 yards away in a residential, not-combat scenario means they’re not an immediate threat. But, of course, those shots are vitally important in combat, which is just one reason the Department of Defense has been using 6.5 Creedmoor in the sniper rifles.

The bottom line is that having a long-range rifle on hand is smart no matter how you plan to use it. Any improvements to your skills on guns bleed over into other platforms; if you get better at long-range rifles, your close-range game gets a boost, too. Being a multi-talented shooter capable of performing well under various circumstances is an excellent skill to add to your firearms toolbox. The 6.5 Creedmoor makes it possible.

Hunting with 6.5 Creedmoor

Although 6.5 Creedmoor is well-liked by many hunters, it seems to see more use in the deer hunting world. Many deer hunters enjoy it because it has an effective hunting range of around 600 yards, meaning if the shooter has the skills, long-range hunting is possible with it. For that same reason, it’s also an understandable choice for animals like pronghorn antelope.

That doesn’t mean you can’t also use 6.5 Creedmoor on small predators and varmints such as coyotes. In fact, it’s a smart choice for calling coyotes because it allows you to take the shot from a greater distance. Yes, coyotes sometimes come in close enough for up-close-and-personal shots, but it’s also common for them to hang a far distance away. So the ability to make those longer shots is useful.

This is a suitable cartridge for all manner of animals, from whitetail deer to coyotes to feral hogs. Hornady made their ELD-X Precision Hunter load specifically to deliver greater energy transfer and to create larger wound cavities, dropping your prey faster. It’s a capable hunting round for any medium-sized game animal or predator. So if you’re after black bears or aoudad, consider taking your 6.5 Creedmoor along.

Here’s what Hornady has to say about their 6.5 Creedmoor ELD-X Precision Hunter ammunition:

“Accuracy and terminal performance are the cornerstones of Hornady Precision Hunter factory-loaded ammunition. As a result, Hornady engineers have given great care to develop superior, match­-accurate hunting loads that allow the ELD­-X bullet to achieve its maximum ballistic potential.

Propellants used in the Precision Hunter ammunition line are clean burning and loaded to uniform capacity for consistent shot-to-shot results regardless of temperature. This attention to detail provides the highest levels of accuracy and performance uniformity for the most demanding and diverse hunting situations.”

Personal Defense with Creedmoor

In the past, shotguns were seen as the one true gun for home and personal defense, but times have changed. Today, AR-platform rifles are commonly used for personal defense, and some of them are chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. It isn’t the most frequently chosen chambering for a home defense rifle or truck gun, but it’s certainly used as such by quite a few gun owners.

Many gun owners worry that using ARs for home defense is the risk of over-penetration. Considering the long-range capabilities of the 6.5 Creedmoor, it makes sense to wonder if it’s a bit much for defending your castle (or your truck). In reality, every cartridge on the market could over-penetrate a wall or door given the right circumstances. This is why choosing quality defense ammunition is important, as is having a defense plan with your family members. Whether you’re hunting, plinking, or defending yourself, knowing your target and what is beyond it always matters. You are responsible for every round you fire.

Yes, you can as for whether you can use the 6.5 Creedmoor for personal defense. AR-platform rifles are typically easier to manipulate in close quarters than some guns. But, of course, the 6.5 Creedmoor is an AR-10 chambering, meaning you’re going to be dealing with significantly more bulk than if you used an AR-15 for home defense. So although it could be a viable defensive option, it isn’t going to be as easy to use for personal defense applications as smaller, lighter-weight options.

Before you decide to get a truck gun, take the time to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations. And if you intend to travel, you need to know the gun laws in every place you’ll go through. Claiming ignorance of the law is never a valid legal defense.

How Does Creedmoor Compare to 308 Winchester?

6.5 Creedmoor is an entirely different cartridge than 308 Winchester. It’s a common misunderstanding to believe 308 Winchester is the newer cartridge’s parent cartridge, but it’s not. The 30 Thompson Center is actually its parent cartridge.

For comparison’s sake, the most straightforward answer is that the 6.5 Creedmoor was explicitly created for a flatter trajectory at longer distances than the 308 Winchester can handle. Of course, both cartridges have niches they fulfill, but the 6.5 Creedmoor is the clear winner when it comes to long-range shooting.

Specifications

Available Loads

Unsurprisingly, there are numerous 6.5 Creedmoor loads on the market, and that’s only factory loads. There are also a lot of components available for shooters who use the cartridge for precision rifles or other shooting that benefits from custom handloads. A few of the factory loads currently offered include:

• Hornady Superformance 5 Creedmoor 120 grain CX
  • Features:
    • Superior velocity (100 to 200 feet per second faster than standard loads)
    • Fantastic accuracy (improved accuracy without increased felt recoil)
    • Consistent, reliable performance across a wide range of temperatures
    • Versatile
    • High-quality case and primer
    • Progressive Hornady powders
    • New, reloadable brass
    • Proven CX bullets
    • Sectional Density: .246
    • Ballistic Coefficient: .428 (G1)
    • From Hornady Manufacturing: “Increase your rifle’s performance up to 200 fps without extra chamber pressure, recoil, muzzle blast, temperature sensitivity, fouling, or loss of accuracy. Superformance uses progressive propellants that take your favorite… CX… bullets to levels of performance that are simply unattainable with conventional ammunition.”

• Federal Premium Gold Medal Berger 6.5 Creedmoor 130 grain OTM
  • Features:

• • • Most popular bullets at Precision Rifle Series events, according to the manufacturer
    • Incredibly high ballistic coefficient
    • Less wind drift and drop than similar loads
    • Stellar long-range accuracy
    • Gold Medal match primer
    • New, reloadable brass
    • Loaded by Federal Premium’s to their tightest specifications with close attention to detail
    • Berger Hybrid OTM bullet
    • Ballistic coefficient .560
    • Ballistic coefficient G7 .287
    • Bullet length 1.292 inches/32.82mm
    • From Federal Premium: “The most sought-after bullets among competitors on the Precision Rifle Series are now loaded into the industry’s most trusted factory rifle ammunition. Gold Medal  Berger loads feature an advanced boat-tail bullet with a high ballistic coefficient to provide the flattest trajectories, less wind drift, and long-range surgical accuracy. In addition, the loads use Gold Medal match primers, Federal  brass, and specially formulated propellant, and they adhere to Federal Premium’s strictest specifications for accuracy, pressure, and velocity.”

• Winchester Deer Season 6.5 Creedmoor 125 grain XP Copper Impact
  • Features:
    • Large diameter polymer tip bullet
    • Accelerated expansion for rapid energy transfer and an ethical kill
    • Hollow nose cavity for consistent terminal performance on deer and other game animals
    • New, reloadable brass
    • Solid copper bullet
    • Superior energy transfer upon impact
    • Reliable weight retention
    • Boattail for flatter trajectory
    • From Winchester: “Deer Season XP Copper Impact ammunition combines our extensive experience into a product engineered specifically for deer hunters. The Copper Extreme Point bullet is a solid copper expanding projectile with an oversized impact diameter. A bigger impact diameter means more trauma, better energy transfer, and larger wound cavities for faster knockdown.”

• Remington Core-Lokt 6.5 Creedmoor 140 grain PSP
  • Features:
    • Core-Lokt Pointed Soft Point bullet
    • High energy transfer
    • Rapid expansion
    • New, reloadable brass
    • Spitzer profile improves trajectory and velocity
    • Premium components
    • Ballistic coefficient .410
    • From Remington: “The deadliest mushroom in the woods for more than 75 years. Since 1939, more hunters have relied on Remington Core-Lokt than any other big game ammunition, and rightly so. It’s filled more tags on more continents than any other load. Core-Lokt is the original controlled expansion bullet. Its time-proven performance has made it hunting’s first choice for over 75 years. The tapered copper jacket is locked to a solid lead core delivering massive 2X expansion, weight retention, and consistent on-game results. Available in soft point and pointed soft point versions and in a range of bullet weights for virtually every centerfire hunting caliber made. Trust your next hunt to the best-selling hunting ammunition of all time.”

• Browning 6.5 Creedmoor 129 grain BXR Deer
  • Features:
    • Rapid expansion
    • Matrix tip
    • Proprietary copper and polymer tip enhances expansion
    • Tip fragments upon impact, driving into the bullet for maximum mushrooming
    • Improved ballistic coefficient
    • New, reloadable brass
    • Fantastic energy transfer
    • Significant knockdown power
    • Makes the recovery of game animals easier due to larger wound cavities and more devastating wounds overall
    • From Browning: “BXR Rapid Expansion Matrix Tip is designed specifically for use on whitetail, blacktail, mule deer, and antelope. The proprietary matrix tip design allows for high downrange velocity and energy retention while also initiating rapid positive expansion. The jacket and tip combination yields precision accuracy, rapid energy transfer, and generates massive knockdown power.”

• Norma Scirocco II 6.5 Creedmoor 130 grain Polymer Tip
  • Features:
    • Polymer tip bullet
    • Dedicated hunting round
    • Boxer primer
    • New, reloadable brass
    • Not corrosive
    • Sectional density 0.266
    • Ballistic coefficient .571 (G1)
    • From Norma: “This 6.5mm variant is quite a new development, created in 2007 by cooperation between Hornady and Creedmoor Sports and was designed as a long-range target shooting cartridge. The 6.5mm bullet has long been known to be an excellent long-range bullet, as the projectiles have good sectional densities and ballistic coefficients, and the 6,5 Creedmoor has become very popular for long-range hunting. In addition, the case is on the shorter side so that it can be chambered in a short action rifle.”

*Height of trajectory above line of sight if sighted in a X yards. For sights, 40mm above bore.

Firearms Manufacturers Making 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles

There are practically endless options on the market when it comes to rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it gives you an idea of some of the manufacturers designing and producing the guns:

• Savage Arms
• Winchester
• Remington
• SIG Sauer
• Howa
• Ruger
• Weatherby
• Daniel Defense
• Browning
• Bergara
• Sabatti
• Tikka
• Christensen Arms
• Gunwerks
• Sako
• Nosler
• CVA
• Fierce Firearms
• Franchi
• Mossberg
• Benelli
• Proof Research
• Springfield Armory
• Barrett
• Seekins
• Kimber
• Thompson Center
• CZ USA
• Henry Repeating Arms
• Steyr Arms

Manufacturers Making Creedmoor Barrels

If you’re in the market for a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel, you’re in luck because there are a lot of quality barrels on the market for this chambering. Whether you’re a precision rifle shooter, a hunter, or just looking for a decent target barrel, these are some of the manufacturers you can check out:

• Aero Precision
• Acme Machine
• Ballistic Advantage
• Wilson Combat
• Criterion Barrels
• Bear Creek Arsenal
• Rainier Arms
• AR Stoner
• Proof Research
• Odin Works
• Faxon Firearms
• Brownell’s
• JP Enterprises
• International Barrels
• Helix 6
• CMMG
• Sons of Liberty Gunworks
• Stag Arms
• Windham Weaponry
• Diamondback Firearms
• Noveske

Firearms Manufacturers Making 6.5 Creedmoor Components

In order to build your own 6.5 Creedmoor, you’re going to need a few specific components. There are numerous manufacturers making parts for these builds, including:

• Recoil Technologies
• Aero Precision
• Acme Machine
• Wilson Combat
• Palmetto State Armory
• Faxon Firearms
• Brownell’s
• CMMG
• Toolcraft
• Odin Works
• Stag Arms
• Anderson Manufacturing
• Diamondback Firearms
• Mercury Precision
• New Frontier Armory
• Primary Arms
• JP Enterprises
• Armory Dynamics
• KAK Industry
• Guntec
• POF-USA
• Delta Team Tactical
• Timney Triggers
• Elftmann Tactical
• Diamondtech
• Aerospace Arms
• DPMS
• Rise Armament
• Durkin Tactical
• CMC Triggers
• True North Arms

Performance

Hornady designed the 6.5 Creedmoor to be a superior long-range round, but it’s actually quite versatile. It’s available in AR-platform rifles, bolt-action rifles, bolt-action pistols, and even lever-action (thanks to the Henry Repeating Arms The Long Ranger). So whether you’re into long-range shooting, hunting, or precision rifle matches, the 6.5 Creedmoor can handle it.

The Felt recoil of guns chambered in the cartridge depends on the specific firearm, as with any gun and cartridge combination. Overall, the 6.5 Creedmoor’s felt recoil could be compared to that of the 308 Winchester. It’s a reasonably light-recoiling round. According to Ron Spomer of Outdoor Life, More specifically, “Full house loads [of 6.5 Creedmoor] in 7-pound rifles recoil with about 15.7 ft.-lbs. the energy at a recoil velocity of 12 fps.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did 6.5 Creedmoor get its Name?

When the 6.5 Creedmoor was being designed, Hornady VP of Product Development Dennis DeMille wanted to give it a name that acknowledged the original Creedmoor Matches. At that time, DeMille was also the general manager of Creedmoor Sports.

What is Twist Rate Best for 6.5 Creedmoor?

According to Hornady, the cartridge was designed to deliver its best performance with a 1 in 8 twist rate.

What’s so Special About 6.5 Creedmoor?

Generally speaking, the 6.5 Creedmoor is special, or at least somewhat unique, due to its long-range capabilities and flatter trajectory. From a design perspective, the cartridge has a minimal body taper, 30-degree shoulder, and a .2645 inch and .100 inch long freebore with a 1.5-degree lead.

How Far can 6.5 Creedmoor Shoot?

According to designer Dave Emary, the 6.5 Creedmoor does its most impressive work within 1200 yards on paper and steel targets. Hornady also made a 147-grain ELD Match bullet Emary said remains supersonic out to 1400 yards. It’s also worth noting that carefully tuned handloads can help the cartridge stretch out a bit more. He stated it’s also good for hunting medium-sized games at a distance out to 600 yards.

Does the 6.5 Creedmoor Come in AR-10 Platform Rifles?

Yes, it does. In fact, it was designed explicitly for AR-10 platform rifles.

Are There 6.5 Creedmoor Bolt-Action Rifles?

Yes, more than a few bolt-actions rifles are available in 6.5 Creedmoor.

What was the 6.5 Creedmoor’s Parent Cartridge?

.30 Thompson Center.

What Company Designed 6.5 Creedmoor?

Hornady Manufacturing, Inc.

Did Hornady Make 6.5 Creedmoor for the U.S. Military?

No, they did not. The Department of Defense does use 6.5 Creedmoor for some applications, such as sniper rifles, but Hornady designed the cartridge to be a long-range option for the general public.

Does Anyone Other Than Hornady Make 6.5 Creedmoor?

Yes, almost every ammunition manufacturer in the industry produces at least one 6.5 Creedmoor load.

Can I Hunt With 6.5 Creedmoor?

Yes, you can. Although Hornady’s focus on producing the cartridge was long-range use, they also intended it to be widely used for medium-sized game animals. Their Precision Hunter load was designed for a one-shot, ethical kills while hunting.

What Animals can I Hunt With 6.5 Creedmoor?

The caliber s excellent for a range of game animals and predators, including deer, bears, feral hogs, and other moderately-sized or smaller animals. It’s a favorite among deer hunters, but people who call coyotes also enjoy it for its ability to make precise shots at longer distances.

Is 6.5 Creedmoor a Good Performer for Precision Shooting?

Yes, Hornady actually created 6.5 Creedmoor specifically for precision long-range shooting.

What can the 6.5 Creedmoor be Used For?

Hornady designed the caliber with long-range precision shooting in mind and wanted it to be a versatile cartridge. Precision rifle shooting might be its specialty, but it’s also a great hunting round. It’s versatile enough for personal defense, too, if you’re comfortable with the added weight of the platform.

Is There a Recommended Twist Rate for Rifles Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor?

Yes. Per Hornady’s recommendations, the ideal twist rate is 1 in 8.

Can I Reload 6.5 Creedmoor?

Numerous manufacturers sell components and die for handloading 6.5 Creedmoor. So yes, you can reload and handload this cartridge.

Can I Build My Own 6.5 Creedmoor?

Yes, you can. Many gun makers are producing the components needed to build a 6.5 Creedmoor or extensively customize a factory model firearm.

What is the SAAMI Maximum Pressure?

SAAMI lists the maximum pressure of the 6.5 Creedmoor as 62,000 psi.

Is 6.5 Creedmoor Better than 224 Valkyrie?

The 6.5 Creedmoor and 224 Valkyrie are two cartridges made for different platforms. For example, the 6.5 Creedmoor is an AR-10 platform cartridge, while the 224 Valkyrie was designed for the AR-15. Due to its overall design and size, the 6.5 Creedmoor maintains a flatter trajectory for a more significant time and delivers more precision.

I Don’t Shoot Long-Range. So Why Would I Want a 6.5 Creedmoor?

Sure, the 6.5 Creedmoor was initially created for them but isn’t only for long-range shooters. It’s also excellent hunting round and can be used for target practice and personal defense.

What Bolt Face is 6.5 Creedmoor?

The 6.5 Creedmoor uses the same bolt face as 308 Winchester, which is .470 inches.

Who Makes a Bolt-Action 6.5 Creedmoor?

Quite a few gun makers produce bolt-action rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Manufacturers include Savage Arms, Christensen Arms, and Ruger.

Is 6mm ARC the Same as 6.5 Creedmoor?

No, it is not. There are countless differences, but perhaps the most noteworthy is that 6.5 Creedmoor is an AR-10 platform cartridge while 6mm ARC was explicitly designed for the AR-15 platform.

What Does .30 Thompson Center Have to do With 6.5 Creedmoor?

The 6.5 Creedmoor’s parent case is the .30 Thompson Center.

How Long Has 6.5 Creedmoor been around?

6.5 Creedmoor was designed by Hornady in 2007.

Are 6mm ARC, 6mm, and 6.5 Creedmoor the Same Thing?

No, they are not. However, it is important to remember they don’t share the same case or loading specifications and are not interchangeable.

What is the Case Capacity of 6.5 Creedmoor?

52.5 gr H20