6.5mm Creedmoor#6mm Creedmoor

In general, 6.5 mm (.264 in) bullets are known for their high sectional density{{Cite web| first = J. Scott| last = Rupp| title = The Versatile 6.5 Creedmoor| url =http://www.rifleshootermag.com/ammo/the-versatile-6-5-creedmoor/| work = RifleShooter| publisher = Guns & Ammo Network| date = February 8, 2012| access-date = August 13, 2014}} and ballistic coefficients, and often have been used successfully in rifle competitions.

The 6.5mm Creedmoor was designed for target shooting at longer ranges, and as such, couples a sensible ratio of case volume (3.40 ml) to bore area (34.66 mm²/0.3466 cm²) with ample space for loading long slender projectiles providing good aerodynamic efficiency and external ballistic performance for the projectile diameter.

For some loads, the 6.5mm Creedmoor is capable of duplicating the muzzle velocity or trajectory{{Cite web |url=http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/ballistics/ballistics_charts.pdf |title=Hornady ballistics charts |access-date=2015-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150824003421/http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/ballistics/ballistics_charts.pdf |archive-date=2015-08-24 |url-status=dead }} of the .300 Winchester Magnum while generating significantly-lower recoil, based on lighter projectile weight.

The 6.5mm Creedmoor has a 3.40 mL (52.5 gr H₂O) cartridge case capacity.

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6.5mm Creedmoor maximum C.I.P. cartridge dimensions. All sizes in millimeters (mm).

Americans define the shoulder angle at alpha/2 = 30 degrees. The common rifling twist rate for this cartridge is 203 mm (1 in 8 in), 6 grooves, Ø lands = {{convert|6.50|mm|in|abbr=on}}, Ø grooves = {{convert|6.71|mm|in|abbr=on}}, land width = {{convert|2.29|mm|in|abbr=on}}, and the primer type is large rifle or small rifle depending on the cartridge case manufacturer.

According to the official C.I.P. (Commission Internationale Permanente pour l'Epreuve des Armes à Feu Portatives) rulings, 6.5mm Creedmoor can handle up to {{convert|435.00|MPa|psi|abbr=on}} P_max piezo pressure. In C.I.P.-regulated countries, every rifle cartridge combo has to be proofed at 125% of this maximum C.I.P. pressure to certify for sale to consumers.

In CIP-regulated areas, 6.5mm Creedmoor chambered arms are proof-tested at {{convert|543.80|MPa|psi|abbr=on}} PE piezo pressure.

The SAAMI Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) for this cartridge is {{convert|62000|psi|MPa|2|abbr=on}} piezo pressure{{Cite web|url=http://www.saami.org/specifications_and_information/specifications/Velocity_Pressure_CfR.pdf|title=ANSI/SAAMI Velocity & Pressure Data: Centerfire Rifle|access-date=Jan 4, 2021|archive-date=July 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702015600/http://saami.org/specifications_and_information/specifications/Velocity_Pressure_CfR.pdf|url-status=dead}}

The 6.5mm Creedmoor is known for its exceptional accuracy and long-range performance. According to Gunners' Review, this ammunition is often regarded as a secret weapon for precision shooters due to its impressive ballistic properties.{{Cite web |last=Bajwa |first=Qasim |date=2024-08-08 |title=6.5 Creedmoor Ammo {{!}} Secret Weapon of a Precision Shooter |url=https://gunnersreview.com/6-5-creedmoor-ammo-secret-weapon-of-a-precision-shooter/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Gunners' Review |language=en-US}}

The 6.5mm Creedmoor is a medium-power cartridge comparable to the .260 Remington{{cite web|url=https://www.tactec.com/6-5-creedmoor-a-10-year-overnight-sensation/|title=6.5 Creedmoor – A 10 Year Overnight Sensation|website=tactec.com|date=26 July 2022 }} and 6.5×47mm Lapua.{{Cn|date=March 2025}} Its energy at 300 yards using 129-grain Hornady SST bullets is listed by an independent reviewer as {{convert|1,641|ftlbf|J}}.{{cite web| last = D'Alessandro| first = Joe| title = The Ruger M77 Hawkeye - 6.5 Creedmoor Part II Handloading the 6.5 Creedmoor for the M77| publisher = RealGuns.com| url = http://www.realguns.com/articles/255.htm| access-date = August 22, 2015}} For the 140-grain bullet at {{convert|2700|ft/s|m/s|0}} initial velocity, another reviewer reports an MPBRhttp://www.chuckhawks.com/mpbr_hunting.htm maximum point-blank range for a six-inch-high target of {{convert|265|yd|m|0}}, and reports a manufacturer-claim of "almost {{convert|1,600|ftlbf|J|0|abbr=on}}" of retained energy at {{convert|300|yd|m|0}} using a {{convert|24|inch|mm}} barrel.{{cite web| last = Wakeman| first = Randy| title = Savage Model 11 Lightweight Hunter 6.5mm Creedmoor Rifle| publisher = ChuckHawks.com| date = 2012| url = http://www.chuckhawks.com/savage_lightweight_hunter_6-5mm.htm| access-date = August 22, 2015}} SAAMI test data confirms 6.5 mm Creedmoor, {{convert|15|ft|m}} from muzzle, velocity of {{convert|2940|ft/s|m/s|0|abbr=on}} for the 129-grain bullet and {{convert|2690|ft/s|m/s|0|abbr=on}} for the 140-grain bullet (which compares to .300 Winchester Magnum data of {{convert|2930|ft/s|m/s|0|abbr=on}} for a 200-grain bullet and {{convert|2665|ft/s|m/s|0|abbr=on}} for a 210-grain bullet).

The 6.5mm Creedmoor caliber with 140-grain ammunition from both Hornady and Desert Tech and shot with a Desert Tech MDRX rifle (20 inch barrel), achieved groups averaging half to sub MOA (0.5-1 MOA).{{cite web | url=https://coldboremiracle.com/tag/6-5creedmoor/ | title=6.5creedmoor Archives | date=14 August 2021 }}

The cartridge stays supersonic and maintains its accuracy to past {{convert|1200|yd|m|0|abbr=on}},{{Cn|date=March 2025}} while the .308 Winchester with 168-grain match bullets has a supersonic range of about {{convert|975|yd|m|0|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2017/11/10/behind-the-bullet-65-creedmoor/|title=Behind the Bullet: 6.5 Creedmoor|website=www.americanhunter.org|access-date=Jan 4, 2021}}

A semiautomatic sniper rifle with a 20-inch barrel chambered in 6.5mm Creedmoor is capable of engaging military targets from point blank range to 1,200 meters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/department-of-defense-chooses-hornady-65-creedmoor-ammo/375762|title = Department of Defense Chooses Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo|date = 29 April 2020}}

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Handloading costs for the 6.5mm Creedmoor are roughly equivalent to other 6.5mm cartridges, such as the 6.5×47mm Lapua, due to the availability of Lapua small primer brass for both cartridges.{{cite web|url=https://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/10/12/best-rifle-caliber/|title=Best Rifle Caliber – What The Pros Use|last=Cal|date=13 October 2015|website=PrecisionRifleBlog.com}} As of January 2020 Lapua is also manufacturing 6.5 Creedmoor brass with large rifle primers.{{Cite web|date=2020-01-13|title=New! 6.5 Creedmoor Large Rifle Primer cartridge case|url=https://www.lapua.com/new-6-5-creedmoor-large-rifle-primer-cartridge-case/|access-date=2020-08-12|website=Lapua|language=en-US}} Norma makes brass for the cartridge, and Norma brass is available through several major-retailers at approximately the same cost as Lapua brass. Lapua brass for 6.5×47 lasts for about 12-to-20 reloads.{{cite web|url=https://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/65x47/|title=6.5×47 Lapua Cartridge Guide within AccurateShooter.com|website=www.accurateshooter.com}} Starline sells brass cases with either large or small primer pockets, with small pocket brass costing slightly more.{{cite web|url=https://www.starlinebrass.com/order-online/new-rifle-calibers.cfm|title=New Rifle Calibers - Rifle, Handgun and Pistol Reloading Brass|website=www.starlinebrass.com}}

After the 6.5mm Creedmoor was introduced, it was advertised as a 60,000 psi capable case. However, after it was placed into production, Hornady listed it as 62,000 psi, then registered it with SAAMI as such. For this reason, many hand loaders have poor experiences reloading for it. Blown primers on the first shot at 62,000 psi are not uncommon. Early shooting articles listed the ammo as loaded to 58,000 psi, but later citings list it as 57,000 psi.{{cite web|url=https://www.rifleshootermag.com/editorial/ammunition_rs_pedigreed_200811/83533|title=A Pedigreed 6.5|date=1 April 2011|website=Rifle Shooter}} Hornady reduced the loads in its factory ammo because of complaints it was often blowing primers.{{cite web|url=http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2008/09/hornady-tempers-load-on-65-creedmoor-ammunition/|title=Hornady Reduces 120gr Load for 6.5 Creedmoor Ammunition « Daily Bulletin|website=bulletin.accurateshooter.com}}

Lapua delivered 6.5mm Creedmoor brass at Shot show 2017,{{cite web|url=http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/6-5-creedmoor-lapua-brass.3908200/|title=6.5 creedmoor lapua brass|website=Shooters' Forum}} and production quantities became available via major retailers in second quarter 2017. The Lapua version has a small primer pocket.{{cite web|url=http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2016/11/lapua-now-offers-6-5-creedmoor-cartridge-brass/|title=Lapua Now Offers 6.5 Creedmoor Cartridge Brass « Daily Bulletin|website=bulletin.accurateshooter.com}}{{cite web|url=http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2017/02/lapua-6-5-creedmoor-brass-has-arrived-at-graf-sons/|title=Lapua 6.5 Creedmoor Brass Has Arrived at Graf & Sons « Daily Bulletin|website=bulletin.accurateshooter.com}} Thus, load data for small-primer brass are not interchangeable with those for large-primer brass. A smaller diameter decapping rod is required to size and decap. As of January 2020, Lapua also manufactures its brass with large rifle primers, addressing concerns that some small rifle primers may not efficiently ignite the powder charge in cold weather, causing hang fires or misfires. Large rifle primer Lapua brass also allows the use of a standard-size decapping rod.

{{anchor|6mm Creedmoor}}

File:Creedmoors.jpg

The 6mm Creedmoor is a necked-down version of the 6.5mm Creedmoor using 6 mm (.243 inch) bullets, lighter than 6.5 mm bullets with similarly reduced recoil.{{Cite web|url=https://saami.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/6mm-Creedmoor.pdf|title=SAAMI Cartridge and Chamber Drawing 6mm Creedmoor|access-date=Jan 4, 2021}} John Snow at Outdoor Life built a 6mm Creedmoor rifle in 2009 for a magazine article of the wildcat cartridge that appeared in 2010, but the first documented conception of the 6mm Creedmoor was by Lee Gardner, a Snipershide forum user in May 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.loaddevelopment.com/6mm-creedmoor-hunt-and-competition/|title=6mm Creedmoor|website=LoadDevelopment.com|date=31 May 2022}} As of May 2018, Savage Arms offers three bolt-action rifles and one semiautomatic rifle chambered in 6mm Creedmoor.{{cite web|url=https://savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=rifles|title=Savage Arms - Savage Firearms|website=savagearms.com}} As of May 2018, Hornady offers 87-gr Varmint Express, 103-gr Precision Hunter and 108-gr Match ammunition in 6mm Creedmoor.{{cite web|url=https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/|title=Rifle Ammunition|website=Hornady Manufacturing, Inc}} Performance-wise, the 6mm Creedmoor is nearly identical to .243 Winchester, with slightly less powder room but often loaded to slightly higher pressures.Chuck Hawks. "[https://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_243_6mmCreedmor.html Compared: .243 Winchester and 6mm Creedmoor]". ChuckHawks.com. Accessed January 29, 2022. However, since the cartridge was designed from the outset to better handle longer bullets, and rifles are accordingly built with faster twist rates, the 6mm Creedmoor will usually give better performance with heavier bullets than the .243.

The .22 Creedmoor is another even further necked-down version of the 6.5mm Creedmoor using .22 (.224 inch) bullets, lighter than 6 mm bullets with even softer recoil.{{cite web|url=https://www.loaddevelopment.com/22-creedmoor-what-why-how/|title=22 Creedmoor|website=LoadDevelopment.com|date=29 September 2020}}

In more recent years, the 8.6 Blackout is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed by the firearms manufacturer Q, LLC.{{Cite web |last=Burton |first=James |title=8.6 Blackout Approaches – A 2022 Update with Q's Kevin Brittingham - AR Build Junkie |url=https://www.arbuildjunkie.com/8-6-blackout-approaches-a-2022-update-with-qs-kevin-brittingham/ |access-date=2022-05-06 |language=en-US}} It utilizes a shortened case from the 6.5mm Creedmoor necked up to an 8.6 mm caliber (8.585 mm or 0.338 in diameter) projectile. 8.6 Blackout is designed for use in bolt-action rifles or as a caliber conversion for AR-10 style rifles.

In October 2017, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) tested the performance of 7.62×51mm NATO (M118LR long-range 7.62×51mm NATO load), .260 Remington, and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges out of SR-25, M110A1, and Mk 20 Sniper Support Rifle (SSR) rifles. SOCOM determined 6.5 Creedmoor performed the best, doubling hit-probability at {{convert|1000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}, increasing effective range by nearly half, reducing wind drift by a third, with less recoil than 7.62×51mm NATO rounds. Tests showed the .260 Remington and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges were similarly accurate and reliable, and the external ballistic behavior was also very similar. The prevailing attitude is there was more room with the 6.5mm Creedmoor to develop projectiles and loads.[http://soldiersystems.net/2018/03/23/ussocom-adopts-6-5-cm/ USSOCOM Adopts 6.5 Creedmoor]. soldiersystems.net, 23 March 2018[https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htweap/articles/20190107.aspx Weapons: The Hits Just Keep On Coming]. strategypage.com, 7 January 2019

As the two cartridges (7.62×51mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor) have similar dimensions, the same magazines can be used, and a rifle can be converted with just a barrel change. This led to its adoption and fielding by special operations snipers to replace the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge in their semi-automatic sniper rifles, planned in early 2019. In response to SOCOM's adoption, Department of Homeland Security also decided to adopt the round.[https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2018/05/08/socom-snipers-will-ditch-their-bullets-for-this-new-round-next-year/ SOCOM snipers will ditch their bullets for this new round next year]. Military Times. 8 May 2018.[https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/gearscout/2018/05/08/homeland-security-shooters-are-dumping-308-for-this-long-range-round/ Homeland Security shooters are dumping .308 for this long-range round]. Military Times. 7 May 2018. U.S. Special Operations Command will convert their 7.62×51mm NATO M110 Semi-automatic Sniper rifle (SASS) and Mk 20 Sniper Support Rifle (SSR) rifles to 6.5 Creedmoor in 2019, a process that requires just a new barrel.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/6-5-creedmoor-vs-308-winchester/|title=6.5 Creedmoor vs .308 Winchester...No Contest|date=Aug 4, 2020|website=The Truth About Guns|access-date=Jan 4, 2021}}{{Better source needed|date=October 2024}} In 2018, USSOCOM announced they would roll-out 6.5 mm Creedmoor in a long-range precision (sniper) rifle and use it in a carbine (assault rifle) and a machine-gun.{{Cite web|url=https://uklandpower.com/2018/10/31/the-us-army-special-operations-command-usasoc-6-5-mm-precision-intermediate-calibre/|title=The US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) 6.5 mm Precision Intermediate Calibre|date=Oct 31, 2018|access-date=Jan 4, 2021}}

At the National Defense Industry Association's annual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC), beginning May 20, 2019, FN unveiled a prototype of its Mk 48 Mod 2 machine gun chambered in 6.5 mm Creedmoor to fill a USSOCOM requirement. American special operations forces are in the process of acquiring a lightweight belt-fed machine gun offering a better range than existing weapons.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/28138/u-s-special-operators-will-soon-be-using-this-6-5mm-assault-machine-gun|title=U.S. Special Operators Will Soon Be Using This 6.5mm "Assault" Machine Gun|first=Joseph|last=Trevithick|website=The Drive|date=21 May 2019 |access-date=Jan 4, 2021}} 6.5 Creedmoor has since received the designation of XM1200.{{cite web |title=NPFC - MIL-DTL-32665 |url=https://standards.globalspec.com/std/14336691/mil-dtl-32665 |website=GlobalSpec |access-date=19 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519000243/https://standards.globalspec.com/std/14336691/mil-dtl-32665 |archive-date=19 May 2022}}

In November 2019, the U.S. Navy ordered 6.5 mm Creedmoor conversion kits to upgrade the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System to the M110K1 variant.{{cite web|url=http://defence.az/az/news/138663/u.s.-navy-to-upgrade-m110-semi-automatic-sniper-system|title=U.S. Navy to improve M110 semi-automatic sniper system|publisher=DefenceBlog|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-date=14 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114153650/http://defence.az/az/news/138663/u.s.-navy-to-upgrade-m110-semi-automatic-sniper-system|url-status=dead}}

In April 2020 the United States Department of Defense decided to replace the Mk13 .300 Winchester Magnum sniper rifle with a {{convert|20|in|mm|0|adj=on}} barrel, semi-automatic AR-10 platform chambered in 6.5 mm Creedmoor and ammunition for engagements from {{convert|0|to|1200|yd|m}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/department-of-defense-chooses-hornady-65-creedmoor-ammo/375762|title=Department of Defense Chooses Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo|first=Guns & Ammo Digital|last=Staff|date=Apr 29, 2020|website=Guns and Ammo|access-date=Jan 4, 2021}}

In August 2023, Geissele Automatics announced its design had been selected for USSOCOM's Mid-Range Gas Gun Sniper (MRGG-S) program. The objective statement called for a rifle chambered in 6.5 mm Creedmoor with accuracy of 0.5-1.0 MOA at {{cvt|100|yd}} and weighing less than {{cvt|10.5|lb}}. The SOCOM designation for the weapon is the Mk1 Mod0.[https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2023/09/05/us-socom-selects-geissele-automatics-mrgg-s/ US SOCOM Selects Geissele Automatics for MRGG-S]. The Firearm Blog. 5 September 2023.

The British Royal Marines adopted the L129A2 designated marksman rifle chambered in 6.5 mm Creedmoor with an {{convert|18|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} barrel, a new Leupold scope, a HuxWrx suppressor, an Envision Technology ballistic calculator, and a Pixels-on-Target thermal sight in 2023.{{cite web |title=Britain's Commandos to get new assault rifles |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2023/september/07/230907-royal-marines-new-rifle |publisher=Royal Navy |access-date=7 September 2023 |date=7 September 2023}}[https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2023/09/21/u-k-royal-marines-adopt-6-5cm-lmt-l129a2-ft-huxwrx-leupold/ U.K. Royal Marines adopt a 6.5CM LMT as the L129A2, ft. HUXWRX and Leupold]. The Firearm Blog. 21 September 2023.[https://sadefensejournal.com/sharpshooter-reaches-further-downrange-the-l129a2-gets-adopted/Sharpshooter” Reaches Further Downrange: The L129A2 gets adopted 'Small Arms Defense Journal'. 3 October, 2023.]

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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063847/http://www.americanrifleman.org/Webcontent/pdf/2009-6/200961145351-hornadycreedmoor.pdf Shooting and Loading the 6.5mm Creedmoor from American Rifleman.]
• [https://rifleshooter.com/2019/03/6-5-creedmoor-effects-of-barrel-length-on-velocity-2019/ 6.5 Creedmoor- Effects of Barrel Length on Velocity 2019, Bill Marr, March 10, 2019]
• [https://www.recoilweb.com/baby-barrel-creedmoor-study-of-a-shorter-6-5-creedmoor-rifle-154581.html Baby Barrel Creedmoor – Study of a Short(er) 6.5 Creedmoor Riflee, Sean Murphy, December 4, 2019]

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