.260 Remington vs 6.5mm Creedmoor

The .260 Remington vs 6.5mm Creedmoor comparison matches two nearly identical 6.5mm cartridges. The .260 Remington (129gr SST at 2930 fps) delivers 1195 ft-lbs at 500 yards, marginally more than the 6.5mm Creedmoor's (125gr Polymer Tip at 2850 fps) 1176 ft-lbs. Trajectory is nearly identical: the .260 drops 48.1 inches at 500 yards versus 49.6 inches for the Creedmoor. Recoil is comparable at 16.2 ft-lbs for the .260 and 17.0 ft-lbs for the Creedmoor. The 6.5 Creedmoor dominates in ammunition availability, factory rifle options, and brass supply, while the .260 offers slightly better case capacity for handloaders. Performance varies with ammunition selection and barrel length.

Ammunition Parameters

.260 Remington Parameters (Self-Defense Load)

Bullet Type:
SST
Bullet Weight:
129 grains
Muzzle Velocity:
2930 fps
Ballistic Coefficient:
0.485
Zero Range:
100 yards
Drag Function:
G1
Sight Height:
1.5 inches

6.5mm Creedmoor Parameters (Self-Defense Load)

Bullet Type:
Extreme Point Polymer Tip
Bullet Weight:
125 grains
Muzzle Velocity:
2850 fps
Ballistic Coefficient:
0.54
Zero Range:
100 yards
Drag Function:
G1
Sight Height:
1.5 inches

.260 Remington vs 6.5mm Creedmoor Ballistics Chart

Comparing bullet drop at various ranges between .260 Remington and 6.5mm Creedmoor.

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.260 Remington vs 6.5mm Creedmoor Energy Comparison

Comparing the muzzle energy and energy retention at various distances between .260 Remington and 6.5mm Creedmoor.

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.260 Remington vs 6.5mm Creedmoor Bullet Penetration

Comparison of estimated penetration depth in 10% ballistic gel between .260 Remington and 6.5mm Creedmoor at self-defense distances.

Self-Defense Ammunition Penetration

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Notes:

  • FBI standard for optimal penetration is 12-18 inches in 10% ballistics gel
  • Our penetration data is calculated using mathematical models based on sectional density, velocity, and expansion factors. While not actual gel tests, our calculations have been validated against manufacturer test data and provide reliable estimates for comparison purposes.
  • Actual results may vary depending on clothing barriers and other factors

.260 Remington vs 6.5mm Creedmoor Recoil

Comparing recoil energy and impulse between .260 Remington and 6.5mm Creedmoor.

.260 Remington Recoil (Self-Defense Load)

Bullet Weight:
129.0 gr
Bullet Velocity:
2930.0 fps
Powder Charge:
44.0 gr
Firearm Weight:
7.0 lbs
Recoil Impulse:
2.66 lbs·sec
Recoil Velocity:
12.2 fps
Recoil Energy:
16.2 ft·lbf

6.5mm Creedmoor Recoil (Self-Defense Load)

Bullet Weight:
125.0 gr
Bullet Velocity:
2850.0 fps
Powder Charge:
42 gr
Firearm Weight:
6 lbs
Recoil Impulse:
2.51 lbs·sec
Recoil Velocity:
13.48 fps
Recoil Energy:
16.95 ft·lbf
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Notes:

  • Recoil calculations based on bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight
  • Recoil energy indicates the felt force when firing the weapon
  • Recoil impulse represents momentum transfer during firing
  • Actual felt recoil can vary based on grip, stance, and firearm design

.260 Remington vs 6.5mm Creedmoor Velocity

Velocity decay from muzzle to 500 yards for .260 Remington and 6.5mm Creedmoor.

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.260 Remington vs 6.5mm Creedmoor Average Cost

Comparing cost per round and training affordability between .260 Remington and 6.5mm Creedmoor.

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