Best 6.5mm Creedmoor Ammo
Compare loads for defense, target, competition & more
The 6.5 Creedmoor, introduced by Hornady in 2007, represents a modern approach to long-range precision. Developed specifically for competitive shooting, it has evolved into a versatile cartridge that excels in both precision rifle competitions and hunting applications. Its success stems from an optimal balance of high ballistic coefficient bullets, manageable recoil, and exceptional accuracy potential.
What sets the 6.5 Creedmoor apart is its ability to deliver superior ballistic performance from a short-action platform. The cartridge efficiently pushes high-BC 6.5mm bullets at moderate velocities, resulting in excellent energy retention and minimal wind drift at extended ranges. This efficiency, combined with widespread ammunition availability and reasonable barrel life, has made it the go-to choice for shooters seeking long-range performance without magnum recoil.
All 6.5mm Creedmoor Loads
Compare ballistics and prices across 10 products
| PRODUCT ↕ | GRAIN ↕ | VELOCITY ↕ | ENERGY ↕ | BC ↕ | USE CASE ↕ | BEST PRICE ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aguila 6.5mm Creedmoor 140gr FMJBT Target Ammo
140gr
• 2600 fps
• Target & Range
|
140gr | 2600 | 2101 | .256 | Target & Range | $1.04/rd |
|
Federal American Eagle 6.5mm Creedmoor 120gr OTM Ammo
120gr
• 2900 fps
• Target & Range
|
120gr | 2900 | 2241 | .421 | Target & Range | $1.37/rd |
|
Hornady 6.5mm Creedmoor 140gr ELD Match Ammo
140gr
• 2710 fps
• Competition
|
140gr | 2710 | 2283 | .326 | Competition | $1.74/rd |
|
Hornady American Whitetail 6.5mm Creedmoor 129gr InterLock Ammo
129gr
• 2820 fps
• Hunting
|
129gr | 2820 | 2277 | .445 | Hunting | $1.30/rd |
|
Hornady Precision Hunter 6.5mm Creedmoor 143gr ELD-X Ammo
143gr
• 2700 fps
• Hunting
|
143gr | 2700 | 2315 | .625 | Hunting | $1.65/rd |
|
Hornady Superformance 6.5mm Creedmoor 129gr SST Ammo
129gr
• 2950 fps
• Hunting
|
129gr | 2950 | 2493 | .485 | Hunting | $1.58/rd |
|
Norma 6.5mm Creedmoor Whitetail 140gr SP Ammo
140gr
• 2657 fps
• Hunting
|
140gr | 2657 | 2361 | .373 | Hunting | $1.13/rd |
|
Sellier & Bellot 6.5mm Creedmoor 131gr SP Ammo
131gr
• 2740 fps
• Hunting
|
131gr | 2740 | 2183 | .389 | Hunting | $0.91/rd |
|
Sellier & Bellot 6.5mm Creedmoor 156gr SP Ammo
156gr
• 2444 fps
• Hunting
|
156gr | 2444 | 2069 | .456 | Hunting | $0.93/rd |
|
Winchester Super-X 6.5mm Creedmoor 129gr PP Ammo
129gr
• 2820 fps
• Hunting
|
129gr | 2820 | 2277 | .324 | Hunting | $1.37/rd |
6.5mm Creedmoor Trajectory Calculator
Calculate drop, velocity, and energy at any range
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Superior ballistic coefficients for better long-range performance
- Moderate recoil compared to similar-performing cartridges
- Excellent factory ammunition availability
- Good barrel life (3,000-4,000 rounds)
- Works in short-action rifles
Cons
- Less energy than larger cartridges at shorter ranges
- More expensive than .308 Winchester ammunition
- Not as readily available as traditional cartridges
- Limited close-range energy for largest game animals
- Requires proper twist rate for heavier bullets