Be it a long-shot at next season’s whitetail or something to beat the snot out of the bullseye, we’ve got the top 6.5 Creedmoor ammo options for any application.
Making the rounds with the Creedmoor:
Given all the hype it’s easy to forget the 6.5 Creedmoor is a newcomer — all of 10-years-old. If it was a baby the cartridge would be somewhere between holding its head up on its own and cutting its first tooth. Yet, despite its infancy, especially compared to the grandfatherly .30-30 and middle-aged .308 Win., the Creedmoor’s rise has been meteoric. Perhaps no other cartridge has soared so fast so quickly, but its early-on respect is well earned. It does what it advertises: putting long-range accuracy within reach of the everyday marksman while remaining as pleasant to shoot as any centerfire cartridge to come down the pike.
You Reload Ammo?: Discover The Best 6.5 Creedmoor Bullets
Living up to its billing, the Creedmoor has been a no-brainer for ammo makers; they’ve embraced the cartridge with both arms and churned out 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition for all occasions and applications. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up the best of the best of Creedmoor ammo available today. Deer, competitive matches, distance steel, all the bases are covered. If you’ve got a rifle, we’ve got the 6.5 Creedmoor ammo for you.
Best 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo
Sierra 130-Grain Tipped GameKing
Some might have missed it when it happened, but a little over a year ago Sierra became more than a bullet company. They leaped full-fledged ammunition manufacturing. There couldn’t be better news for hunters. Out of the gates, the company focused on hunting ammunition with its GameChanger line and offered up an excellent option for the Creedmoor. The belle of the ball in the 130-grain load for the 6.5 Creedmoor is Sierra’s excellent Tipped GameKing bullet. Modeled after the company’s legendary MatchKing HPBT, the polymer-tipped projectile offers up unparalleled .510 BC and exceptional terminal performance. Despite Sierra loading up the 6.5 Creedmoor ammo to excel at most hunters’ limits, expect the GameKing bullet to do its job at any range. A thick tough jacket gives it top-notch penetration ability, making it useful for more than simply whitetail.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,950
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,512
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 2,098
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,271
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .510
Sectional Density: .266
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -38.91
Berger 140-grain Hybrid
No matter your caliber choice, if you compete Berger is a name you likely know well. Engineered by some of the top names in precision shooting, the company’s bullets and ammo are among the best money can buy. That said, like the rest of Berger’s offerings, its 140-grain Hybrid 6.5 Creedmoor ammo doesn’t disappoint. Boasting the ammosmith’s Hybrid Target bullets, the match ammo is optimized for long-range performance and the utmost precision you can milk out of the caliber. An incredible .607 BC (G1), the projectiles have the drag profile of a shadow, making them all but impervious to air resistance and wind drift. With a muzzle velocity of 2,850 fps, Berger has also hit the sweet spot between ample velocity and a comfortable shooting load.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,850
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,525
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 2,127
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,406
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .607
Sectional Density: N/A
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -39.9
MSRP: $29.49 box of 20
130-grain Federal Terminal Ascent
Building a better long-range hunting bullet is no easy task. Tailoring it for top terminal performance at a country mile is only one half of the equation; the other is making certain the projectile does its stuff close in. After all, you never know what range a trophy buck will pop up. Federal Premium has worked overtime on this challenge, cooking up the acme in 6.5 Creedmoor ammo dedicated for hunting – 130-grain Terminal Ascent. Its bonded core, polymer-tipped bullet features a channel around the circumference of reducing drag allowing it to reach out. Yet, the bullet stabilizes quickly giving hunters the confidence to hit the mark up close. No matter the range, expect consistent terminal performance with the bullet capable of expanding at lower velocities.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,800
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,263
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 2,006
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,162
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .532
Sectional Density: N/A
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -43.12
MSRP: $58.99 box of 20
Copper Creek 139-grain Lapua Scenar
Follow their usual modus operandi, Copper Creek has stitched together a top-performing round by optimizing the best components available. The bell of the ball in this 6.5 Creedmoor ammo is the 139-grain Lapua Scenar bullet. The open-tip, boat-tail projectile is built to exacting standards, a fact not lost on competitive precision shooters. The bullet is among the most used in professional matches. The 139-grain offering has a ballistic coefficient of .578 (G1) and enough heft to ensure it maintains respectable velocities at distance. Copper Creek loads their 6.5 ammo to push this bullet out of the muzzle at 2,820 fps, which is plenty hot enough for most any target or tactical applications. On the spendy side, the 139-grain load is still a value if accuracy is your payoff.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,820
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,454
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 2,068
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,320
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .578
Sectional Density: N/A
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -41.5
MSRP: Starting at $38.99 box of 20
Hornady 143-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter
Potent as 6.5 Creedmoor ammo comes, Hornady’s Precision Hunter has match performance and the chops to harvest game more than 300 pounds thanks to the exceptional ELD-X bullet. Deadly at conventional and long ranges, the 143-grain projectile delivers 1,308 ft-lbs of energy at 500 yards and mushrooms completely thanks to its Heat Shield tip initiating expansion. Even up close and personal the round takes care of business with a thick shanked jacket and high InterLock ring keeping it together even when it’s still screaming like a banshee. Tack on the 6.5’s drill-like penetration and you’ve got hunting ammo capable of tangling with anything from elk on down.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,700 FPS
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,315
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 2,030
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,308
Ballistic Coefficient: .625 (G1)
Sectional Density: .293
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -44.4 inches
MSRP: $32.99 box of 20
Nosler 120-grain E-Tip Lead-Free
A whopper of a solid-copper hunting round, Nosler’s 120-grain E-Tip flirts with lead-core bullet performance. A specially engineered hollow running nearly half the bullet, what the company calls an Energy Expansion Cavity, ensures explosive expansion no matter the projectile’s range or velocity. Additionally, and common to most monometal bullets, the E-Tip penetrates like a hydraulic punch press, while retaining up to 95-percent of its original weight. That translates to long, devastating and deadly wound cavities. And it performs like traditional 6.5 Creedmoor ammo in flight, dropping a whisker over 42 inches at 500 yards (100-yd zero), while almost moving 2,000 fps at that distance.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,850
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,274
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 1,991
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,057
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .497
Sectional Density: .246
Trajectory at 500 yards (100-yd zero): -42.5 inches
MSRP: $45.85 box of 20
Barnes 127-grain Vor-TX LR
As expected from an outfit that’s made monometal bullets as long as Barnes, it has come up with a downright nasty round for hunting season. The 127-grain Vor-TX LR is absolute dynamite on medium to smaller large game, optimized to drop an animal out to 700 yards and beyond. Its LRX solid copper bullet is specially engineered to expand violently upon impact while retaining up to 99-percent of its original weight. Designed for controlled expansion at high and low velocities, the LRX BT isn’t strictly a long-range option; though, if you need to make a cross-canyon shot, the boat tails are more than up to the job. The bullet leaves the muzzle at 2,825 FPS and maintains nearly 70 percent of its velocity at 500 yards.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,825
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,251
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 1,928
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,048
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .468
Sectional Density: N/A
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -44.1 inches
MSRP: $35.99 box of 20
Federal Premium 140-grain Fusion Soft Point
An economical choice for deer season, the Fusion Soft Point nevertheless is long on performance and more than sufficient at putting meat on the table. Electro-chemically bonded, the soft lead core of the 140-grain bullet doesn’t come to pieces when it reaches its target and a skived copper jacket ensures the projectile performs no matter the distance. A slightly lighter load than others 6.5 Creedmoor ammo in its class, Fusion Soft Points still deliver the long-range performance hunters have come to expect from the caliber. The round moves at 1,816 fps at 500 yards and wallops game 1,025 ft-lbs of energy at that distance.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,750
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,351
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 1,816
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,025
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .439
Sectional Density: N/A
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -48.4
MSRP: $23.99 box of 20
Browning 129-grain BXR
A wickedly flat-shooting round, Browning’s BXR is most certainly a top choice for any hunter looking to make a long poke. The 129-grain BXR bullet only loses 40 inches by 500 yards on a 200-yard zero, reducing the complications of dialing at the moment of glory. The bullets themselves are stars, Browning’s Rapid Expansion Matrix Tips have an excellent ballistic coefficient among hunting rounds. Furthermore, their expansion is explosive, with the copper/polymer tips fragmenting on impact, leaving a large hollow point that mushrooms to create vicious wound channels. Overall affordable, this 6.5 Creedmoor ammo should be in any deer hunter’s arsenal.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,850
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,326
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 2,090
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,251
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .557
Sectional Density: N/A
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -40.6
MSRP: $31.99 box of 20
Copper Creek 130-grain Berger Hybrid OTM
Copper Creek is the closest thing you can get to handloading in a box, mating Berger’s groundbreaking Hybrid OTM Tactical bullet to your choice of three cases — Hornady, Alpha or Lapua. Optimized for use in ammo that contended with COAL (Cartridge Overall Length) constraints found in box-magazine-fed rifles, the long-nosed 130-grain bullets do not compromise on performance. The hollow points have exceptional ballistic coefficients (.560 G1) and Copper Creek loads them to leave the muzzle at a blistering 2,910 fps, then they do not drop below 2,000 fps until past 600 yards. That’s flat shooting and shows, with only 38 inches of drop at 500 yards on a 200-yard zero.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,910
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,445
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 2,134
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,315
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .560
Sectional Density: .267
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -38.1
MSRP: $39.99 Hornady, $49.99 Alpha, $52.99 Lapua box of 20
Hornady 147-grain ELD Match
Loaded with select components and to extremely tight tolerances to ensure maximum consistency, Hornady’s ELD Match provides pinpoint accuracy even on the longest pokes. Its 147-grain A-Max bullet has among the best ballistic coefficients of all factory loaded 6.5 Creedmoor ammo giving shooters the edge against air resistance and wind drift. At the same tick, the cutting-edge boat tail’s performance is enough Hornady didn’t have to soup up the load to get results. The ELD Match only drops around 43 inches at 500 yards on a 200-yard zero, despite leaving the muzzle at 2,695 fps. An added benefit, the round should go easy on the throat of your long-range rifle.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,695
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,370
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 2,092
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,428
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .697
Sectional Density: .301
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -43.2
MSRP: $34.99 box of 20
American Eagle 120-grain Open Tip Match
Producing sub-MOA accuracy without breaking the bank, Federal’s American Eagle Open Tip Match is possibly the ultimate everyday range fodder. Loaded with 120-grain FMJ bullets, the round emulates Federal’s more expensive match ammunition, shooting nearly as flat at long-range, but for pennies (maybe not quite pennies) on the dollar. A mama bear load, American Eagle’s precision 6.5 Creedmoor ammo leaves the muzzle at 2,900 fps and is very enjoyable to shoot.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,900
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,241
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 1,900
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 962
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .421
Sectional Density: N/A
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -43.73
MSRP: $28.99
SIG Sauer 140-grain Elite Match Grade OTM
Featuring Sierra MatchKing bullets, SIG Sauer’s Elite Match Grade OTM (Open Tip Mach) excels in precision rifles and is loaded to get the most out of the caliber. The 140-grain MatchKing is an outstanding performer out to 1,000 yards and beyond, with a sleek .535 ballistic coefficient helping it cut the air with ease. SIG has loaded its precision 6.5 Creedmoor ammo not only to excel at distance, but also to produce minimal recoil, thus it is an ideal choice for those who shoot the caliber out of semi-automatics. A plus, the match ammo is competitively priced, in turn, the boat tail’s makes a good option for burning some powder without burning your wallet.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,690
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,250
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 1,919
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,145
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .535
Sectional Density: .287
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -46.35
MSRP: $27.95 box of 20
Atomic Ammunition 142-grain MatchKing
Loaded with a precision and match shooter favorite, the 142-grain MatchKing, the round produces sub-MOA accuracy and is very shootable round. Atomic loads its precision 6.5 Creedmoor ammo to launch at a very mild 2,750 fps, but the renowned Sierra bullet makes the most out of the velocity. The hollow point boat tail drops 41 inches at 500 yards and retains 75 percent of its velocity at that range thanks to its longer ogive radius and incredible ballistic coefficient. Those extra 2 grains really pay off in this ammo.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,750
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 2,385
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 2,073
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,356
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .626
Sectional Density: .291
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -41.7
MSRP: $38.43 box of 20
Prime 130-grain OTM Match+
Controlled to the hilt when loaded, Prime’s OTM Match is among the most consistent factory-loaded 6.5 Creedmoor ammo around today. And the company doesn’t skimp with its components on one of the flattest-shooting rounds around, metering out enough propellant to push the 130-grain pill 2,851 fps at the muzzle. Given the bullet’s superior ballistic coefficient, it more than performs, dropping right around 30 inches at 500 yards on a 200-yard zero.
Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,851
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 3,172
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 2,078
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 1,686
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .656
Sectional Density: N/A
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -30
MSRP: $26.60 box of 20
Bonus: Best 6.5 Creedmoor Bullets
If you’re ready to step up and mint your very own 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition, here are three bullet options more than up to the task of getting you on target.
Berger Hybrid
Overengineered doesn’t even begin to describe what has become one of the most popular precision 6.5 Creedmoor bullets. Incorporating two different shapes within the nose strikes a nearly perfect balance between ease of loading and performance. On the one hand, the tangent section of the ogive reduces sensitivity to seating depth. On the other, a long secant ogive forward is the same found in high-performance VLD bullets. What you end up with is a forgiving component that sets the standard for performance.
Lapua Scenar L
A top performer on the precision rifle circuit, the extremely uniform Scenar L has an excellent match record. Tightening the tolerances of the original Scenar bullet, Lapua has created a projectile that – batch to batch – shows little to no variation. The company goes as far as saying you don’t even have to sort them, they’re that little difference between bullets. Like the original, the Scenar L has the sexy BCs 6.5 Creedmoor shooters look for to get the most out of the long-range specialist caliber.
Hornady A-Tip
Hornady has taken a different tact in producing the uniformity required to hit the mark over and over. Opting for aluminum – as opposed to polymer or open – for the tip, the company limits the bullets’ irregularities to almost nil. Additionally, turning to metal means the bullets can be made longer, thus bettering their ballistic coefficients and performance against air resistance and wind drift. Finally, they also sell them in consecutive batches, which reduces the chance anomalies that occur as a natural course of manufacturing.
Did we hit the mark with our 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition list? Any duds in the pack? Or did we pick all your favorites? Tell us about it in the comments.
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