6.5mm Creedmoor

The 6.5mm Creedmoor (6.5 Creedmoor, or 6.5 CM) is a popular centerfire rifle cartridge designed for long-range precision shooting, hunting, and competition. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

Background & Development
Introduced in: 2007 by Hornady

Parent Case: .30 TC (based on a shortened .308 Win case)

Purpose: Optimized for accuracy, low recoil, and long-range performance

Key Specifications
Bullet Diameter: 6.71 mm (0.264 in)

Case Length: 48.77 mm (1.920 in)

Overall Length: 71.12 mm (2.800 in)

Max Pressure: 62,000 psi (SAAMI spec)

Performance Characteristics
Velocity (Typical):

140-grain bullet: ~2,700–2,750 fps (muzzle)

120–130-grain bullet: ~2,800–2,900 fps

Effective Range:

Target Shooting: 1,000+ yards (due to high BC bullets)

Hunting: Ethical kills out to 500+ yards (deer, antelope)

Recoil: ~30% less than .308 Win

Advantages Over Similar Cartridges
Better Ballistics than .308 Win

Flatter trajectory & less wind drift due to high BC bullets.

More Efficient than 6.5x55mm Swedish

Shorter action, higher pressure, modern design.

Less Recoil than .300 Win Mag

Easier to shoot accurately for extended sessions.

Wider Magazine Compatibility than .260 Rem

Better fits standard short-action rifles.

Common Uses
Precision Rifle Competitions (PRS, NRL)

Long-Range Hunting (deer, elk with proper bullets)

Military & Law Enforcement (some sniper systems adopt it)

Popular Rifles Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor
Bolt-Action:

Ruger Precision Rifle

Tikka T3x

Bergara B-14

Semi-Auto:

AR-10 platforms (e.g., Aero Precision, DPMS)

SIG Sauer Cross