Hunting construction
Soft-point, bonded, partitioned, and monolithic expanding bullets are designed differently. Their intended impact-velocity ranges and use cases come from the bullet or ammunition manufacturer.
THE CARTRIDGE LIBRARY · SPORTING & MATCH RIFLE
6.5 Creedmoor
A short-action 6.5mm centerfire with a broad match and hunting-ammunition market. Long streamlined bullets are prominent, but bullet construction still separates target and hunting products.
2A Ledger reference desk · Sources checked October 18, 2026
Read the dimensions
- Overall · min–max
- 2.700–2.825 in
68.580–71.755 mm - Case length · max
- 1.920 in
48.768 mm - Bullet maximum
- 0.2644 in
6.716 mm - Rim diameter · max
- 0.472 in
11.989 mm
Know the exact name
At a glance
- Cartridge family
- Sporting & match rifle
- Bullet specification
- 0.2644 in / 6.716 mmBullet maximum
- Factory examples
- 26 loadsSelected, sourced examples below
- Weight in cited examples
- 95–147 grGrains measure mass, not powder charge
6.5 Creedmoor is identified by its complete cartridge designation. The resource-table alternative is 6.5 CM. A caliber number, bullet diameter, or family resemblance on its own does not identify ammunition compatibility.
6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .260 Remington, and 6.5 Grendel are different cartridges.
Dimensions: open the exact dimensional drawing ↗. The displayed number is bullet maximum, rather than an assertion that every manufactured projectile or barrel has this exact diameter.
Origins & evolution
Background & development
Dennis DeMille and Hornady’s Dave Emary developed the 6.5 Creedmoor in 2007. The design drew on the .30 TC case family, itself related to the broader .308-sized short-action concept. It was organized around the needs of modern 6.5 mm bullets, practical cartridge length and use in standard short-action magazines.
That emphasis distinguishes its origin from a military surplus cartridge that later found sporting users. Competition requirements were central to the project, and high-power and precision-rifle shooting helped build its reputation. Hunting ammunition and factory sporting rifles then broadened its audience. Its commercial success also encouraged attention to other Creedmoor and PRC cartridges, sometimes obscuring how specifically the original was designed. The 6.5 Creedmoor’s history is a modern collaboration between a competitive shooter and an ammunition developer, with case and chamber geometry considered together around long, streamlined projectiles.
Historical sources: Sierra: 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge history ↗
Construction changes the story
Loads, variations & specialty offerings
Match construction
Open-tip match and tipped match bullets prioritize consistency and aerodynamics. A match designation does not by itself mean the projectile was designed for hunting expansion.
Specialty offerings
Lead-free, reduced-recoil, and premium long-range products are separate load designs when offered. Compare the exact SKU, bullet weight, test barrel, and intended role rather than relying on a cartridge-wide average.
In the cited 6.5 Creedmoor examples, bullet weights are 95, 100, 120, 129, 130, 140, 143, 147 grains. These are the weights actually present in this source selection, not a claim that every possible loading is listed.
Bullet construction background: Hornady: anatomy of a bullet ↗. Exact product descriptions and velocities are cited in the factory table.
From the factory catalog
95 grains
3,300 fps
HORNADY V-MAX
120 grains
2,900 fps
OTM
130 grains
2,825 fps
BERGER HYBRID OTM
Compare all 26 cited factory load records
| Maker / product | Bullet mass | Published construction | Muzzle velocity | Test barrel | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FederalV65CRDVM95 | 95 gr 6.16 g | HORNADY V-MAX | 3,300 fps 1,006 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 56–57 ↗ |
| Hornady81481 | 95 gr 6.16 g | V-MAX® | 3,300 fps 1,006 m/s | Not stated here; see source | Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗ |
| Hornady81504 | 100 gr 6.48 g | ELD-VT® | 3,200 fps 975 m/s | Not stated here; see source | Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗ |
| FederalAE65CRD2 | 120 gr 7.78 g | OTM | 2,900 fps 884 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 58–59 ↗ |
| FederalP65CRDTC1 | 120 gr 7.78 g | TROPHY COPPER | 2,875 fps 876 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 52–53 ↗ |
| Hornady814874 | 120 gr 7.78 g | CX® | 2,925 fps 892 m/s | Not stated here; see source | Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗ |
| Hornady814904 | 120 gr 7.78 g | CX® | 3,050 fps 930 m/s | Not stated here; see source | Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗ |
| Hornady81491 | 120 gr 7.78 g | ELD® Match | 2,910 fps 887 m/s | Not stated here; see source | Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗ |
| Hornady81489 | 129 gr 8.36 g | InterLock® | 2,820 fps 860 m/s | Not stated here; see source | Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗ |
| Hornady81496 | 129 gr 8.36 g | SST® | 2,950 fps 899 m/s | Not stated here; see source | Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗ |
| Hornady81509 | 129 gr 8.36 g | SST® | 2,810 fps 856 m/s | Not stated here; see source | Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗ |
| FederalGM65CRDBH130 | 130 gr 8.42 g | BERGER HYBRID OTM | 2,825 fps 861 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 54–55 ↗ |
| FederalP65CRDBTSX1 | 130 gr 8.42 g | BARNES TRIPLE-SHOCK | 2,825 fps 861 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 52–53 ↗ |
| FederalP65CRDSS1 | 130 gr 8.42 g | SWIFT SCIROCCO II | 2,800 fps 853 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 52–53 ↗ |
| FederalP65CRDTA1 | 130 gr 8.42 g | TERMINAL ASCENT | 2,800 fps 853 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 52–53 ↗ |
| Federal65CRDB | 140 gr 9.07 g | SP | 2,725 fps 831 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 56–57 ↗ |
| FederalF65CRDFS1 | 140 gr 9.07 g | FUSION | 2,725 fps 831 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 58–59 ↗ |
| FederalF65CRDTFS1 | 140 gr 9.07 g | FUSION TIPPED | 2,715 fps 828 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 58–59 ↗ |
| FederalGM65CRD1 | 140 gr 9.07 g | SIERRA MATCHKING BTHP | 2,675 fps 815 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 54–55 ↗ |
| FederalGM65CRDBH2 | 140 gr 9.07 g | BERGER HYBRID | 2,725 fps 831 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 54–55 ↗ |
| FederalGM65CRDOTM1 | 140 gr 9.07 g | CENTERSTRIKE OTM | 2,675 fps 815 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 54–55 ↗ |
| Hornady81482 | 140 gr 9.07 g | BTHP Match | 2,690 fps 820 m/s | Not stated here; see source | Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗ |
| Hornady81500 | 140 gr 9.07 g | ELD® Match | 2,710 fps 826 m/s | Not stated here; see source | Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗ |
| FederalP65CRDELDX1 | 143 gr 9.27 g | ELD-X | 2,700 fps 823 m/s | 24 in | Federal · PDF pp. 52–53 ↗ |
| Hornady81499 | 143 gr 9.27 g | ELD-X® | 2,700 fps 823 m/s | Not stated here; see source | Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗ |
| Hornady81501 | 147 gr 9.53 g | ELD® Match | 2,695 fps 821 m/s | Not stated here; see source | Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗ |
Explore the published data
Ballistics you can inspect
Select a legend entry to add or remove its line. Hover or tap a plotted point, or use the position slider. With the graph focused, arrow keys move the inspector. Solid dots identify source points; dashed connectors show estimates between them. Load construction, pressure category, and test setup can differ even at the same grain weight.
Read the original values as accessible tables
6.5 Creedmoor: factory velocity downrange
| Exact load | Source / publisher | Published points |
|---|---|---|
| 95 gr Federal HORNADY V-MAX | Federal | 0: 3,300; 100: 3,023; 200: 2,763; 300: 2,518; 400: 2,285; 500: 2,065 |
| 100 gr Hornady ELD-VT® | Hornady | 0: 3,200; 100: 2,978; 200: 2,768; 300: 2,568; 400: 2,376; 500: 2,192 |
| 120 gr Federal OTM | Federal | 0: 2,900; 100: 2,680; 200: 2,470; 300: 2,270; 400: 2,079; 500: 1,897 |
| 129 gr Hornady InterLock® | Hornady | 0: 2,820; 100: 2,615; 200: 2,419; 300: 2,232; 400: 2,053; 500: 1,882 |
| 130 gr Federal BERGER HYBRID OTM | Federal | 0: 2,825; 100: 2,661; 200: 2,503; 300: 2,351; 400: 2,204; 500: 2,062 |
| 140 gr Federal SP | Federal | 0: 2,725; 100: 2,522; 200: 2,327; 300: 2,142; 400: 1,964; 500: 1,796 |
| 143 gr Federal ELD-X | Federal | 0: 2,700; 100: 2,557; 200: 2,418; 300: 2,284; 400: 2,154; 500: 2,029 |
| 147 gr Hornady ELD® Match | Hornady | 0: 2,695; 100: 2,567; 200: 2,443; 300: 2,323; 400: 2,206; 500: 2,092 |
| 95 gr Hornady V-MAX® | Hornady | 0: 3,300; 100: 3,023; 200: 2,764; 300: 2,520; 400: 2,288; 500: 2,068 |
| 120 gr Federal TROPHY COPPER | Federal | 0: 2,875; 100: 2,689; 200: 2,510; 300: 2,338; 400: 2,174; 500: 2,015 |
| 120 gr Hornady CX® | Hornady | 0: 2,925; 100: 2,708; 200: 2,501; 300: 2,303; 400: 2,114; 500: 1,934 |
| 120 gr Hornady CX® | Hornady | 0: 3,050; 100: 2,826; 200: 2,614; 300: 2,411; 400: 2,217; 500: 2,033 |
| 120 gr Hornady ELD® Match | Hornady | 0: 2,910; 100: 2,719; 200: 2,535; 300: 2,359; 400: 2,190; 500: 2,028 |
| 129 gr Hornady SST® | Hornady | 0: 2,950; 100: 2,756; 200: 2,571; 300: 2,394; 400: 2,223; 500: 2,059 |
| 129 gr Hornady SST® | Hornady | 0: 2,810; 100: 2,619; 200: 2,437; 300: 2,261; 400: 2,094; 500: 1,933 |
| 130 gr Federal BARNES TRIPLE-SHOCK | Federal | 0: 2,825; 100: 2,576; 200: 2,341; 300: 2,118; 400: 1,906; 500: 1,711 |
| 130 gr Federal SWIFT SCIROCCO II | Federal | 0: 2,800; 100: 2,640; 200: 2,486; 300: 2,337; 400: 2,193; 500: 2,054 |
| 130 gr Federal TERMINAL ASCENT | Federal | 0: 2,800; 100: 2,629; 200: 2,464; 300: 2,305; 400: 2,152; 500: 2,005 |
| 140 gr Federal FUSION | Federal | 0: 2,725; 100: 2,522; 200: 2,327; 300: 2,142; 400: 1,964; 500: 1,796 |
| 140 gr Federal FUSION TIPPED | Federal | 0: 2,715; 100: 2,546; 200: 2,383; 300: 2,226; 400: 2,076; 500: 1,930 |
| 140 gr Federal SIERRA MATCHKING BTHP | Federal | 0: 2,675; 100: 2,509; 200: 2,350; 300: 2,196; 400: 2,048; 500: 1,905 |
| 140 gr Federal BERGER HYBRID | Federal | 0: 2,725; 100: 2,577; 200: 2,434; 300: 2,295; 400: 2,161; 500: 2,031 |
| 140 gr Federal CENTERSTRIKE OTM | Federal | 0: 2,675; 100: 2,515; 200: 2,360; 300: 2,211; 400: 2,068; 500: 1,929 |
| 140 gr Hornady BTHP Match | Hornady | 0: 2,690; 100: 2,536; 200: 2,388; 300: 2,245; 400: 2,106; 500: 1,972 |
| 140 gr Hornady ELD® Match | Hornady | 0: 2,710; 100: 2,564; 200: 2,422; 300: 2,285; 400: 2,152; 500: 2,023 |
| 143 gr Hornady ELD-X® | Hornady | 0: 2,700; 100: 2,556; 200: 2,417; 300: 2,282; 400: 2,151; 500: 2,025 |
How to interpret the comparison
Changing bullet weight also often changes bullet design and propellant choice. Two curves are comparisons of the listed products, not a controlled experiment proving that bullet weight alone caused the difference. Catalog downrange points are projections under the maker’s conditions; barrel-study points are recorded observations in the study firearm.
Direct answers
Common questions
What is 6.5 Creedmoor?
A short-action 6.5mm centerfire with a broad match and hunting-ammunition market. Long streamlined bullets are prominent, but bullet construction still separates target and hunting products.
What diameter does 6.5 Creedmoor use?
The cited dimensional standard lists 0.2644 inches (6.716 mm), bullet maximum. This drawing convention is different from a casual caliber nickname.
Are similarly named cartridges interchangeable?
6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .260 Remington, and 6.5 Grendel are different cartridges.
Are the graph values measured or estimated?
Factory datasets show manufacturer specifications and any published downrange projections. Chronograph and barrel-study datasets identify recorded measurements and the original test source. Dashed connectors and intermediate inspector values are labeled linear estimates; single source points are not extended into invented curves. Energy is calculated from bullet mass and velocity.
Does higher energy mean the best load?
Energy is calculated from mass and velocity. It does not establish accuracy, expansion, penetration, pattern density, recoil, or suitability for a particular firearm. Use the exact product documentation and firearm manual.
Trace the facts
Sources & methodology
Compiled by 2A Ledger from the linked standards, manufacturer publications, and identified test records. Checked October 18, 2026. Historical tests and older catalogs retain their original dates; a listing here does not establish current availability.
- SAAMI: dimensional drawing · PDF p. 48 ↗
- Sierra: 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge background ↗
- Federal · PDF pp. 56–57 ↗
- Hornady · PDF p. 184 ↗
- Federal · PDF pp. 58–59 ↗
- Federal · PDF pp. 52–53 ↗
- Federal · PDF pp. 54–55 ↗
Diameter figures preserve the cited drawing convention. Inch–millimeter conversion uses exactly 25.4 mm per inch. Factory specifications describe the maker’s test setup; your firearm, ammunition lot, temperature, and measuring method can produce different results. This is an educational factory-ammunition reference, not a reloading manual.