When we are looking at a cartridge for long distance engagements, there are a few data points that we pay attention to. Namely, the design of the projectile, and how efficiently it defeats the air it flies through on the way to the target, also known as ballistic coefficient.
This is why, over the last few years, the 6.5 Creedmoor has been taking the long range and hunting markets by storm. Its superior ballistic coefficient and lighter recoil impulse, lend the caliber to incredible accuracy and consistency down range. Not to mention, with a lighter recoil impulse, the 6.5 Creedmoor rounds out as a great caliber for first time shooters, competitors, and hunters alike!
There are a few things we took a look at in order to bring you the best options for your next hunting encounter, or target engagement! Using our experience in long range shooting as competitors ourselves, in concert with our passion for hunting and harvesting game to feed our families, we dissect the benefits of each of these options.
In order for the product to make the top 5, we compare realized ballistic data on the match and hybrid rounds, projectile effects on target, and the consistency of consecutive rounds out of a barrel, or standard deviation average in a shot string.
Our Top 4 Picks For Long Range Engagements
- Hornady 6.5mm Creedmoor 140 Grain ELD-Match - Best Overall
- Federal Gold Medal 6.5 Creedmoor 140gr Hybrid - Best Long Range Cartridge
- Hornady Precision Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 143gr Eld-X - Best For Long Range Hunting
- Sellier & Bellot 6.5 Creedmoor 140gr SP - Best Budget Option
Best Overall: Hornady 6.5mm Creedmoor 140 Grain ELD-Match
Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 140 Grain ELD-Match Ammo Review offers the following information; Hornady crafts each 6.5mm Creedmoor 140 gr ELD Match cartridge under rigorous quality control routines to ensure proper bullet seating, as well as consistent charges and pressures to deliver optimal velocity and repeatable accuracy.
Hornady 6.5mm Creedmoor 140 gr ELD Match is loaded with Hornady’s latest Extremely Low Drag Match bullet with a Heat Shield polymer tip and additional design features for an unusually high ballistic coefficient and superb accuracy. With a ballistic coefficient of .646 (G1), and .326 (G7), this particular offering from Hornady, is sure to deliver precision impacts on your next long range outing.
Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 140 Grain ELD-Match
Pros
- Manufactured with extremely tight tolerances and strict quality control
- Hornady guarantees superior lot-to-lot consistency, tossing aside the traditional concern for point of impact (POI) shift from lot to lot
- The Heat Shield Tip on the boat tail projectile dissipates friction in flight, out performing a traditional boat tail hollow point
- Ballistic coefficient of .646 (G1), and .326 (G7)
Cons
- Moderately higher price point
- Strictly a target cartridge
Why We Selected This Product:
We selected this cartridge as the best overall, because we have used this particular round in competitions and long range hunts ourselves. In fact, between this round, and the Hornady Precision Hunter, I find myself using these cartridges like a hot button for all my longer range engagements.
Personally, we have found Hornady's commitment to their founder, J.W. Hornady’s goal of “Ten Bullets through the same hole,” followed to the letter with this cartridge.
If you find yourself in the mood to get out there and shoot long range, while being confident in your shot, this cartridge is for you.
Best For Long Range Shooting Sports: Federal Gold Metal Match 140gr. Hybrid Target
The Gold Metal name has long been a buzz amongst long range shooters, praised for its load consistency and accuracy on target. Federal has been making match grade ammunition for over 100 years, and pride themselves in top quality ammunition.
It is not by accident, or convenience, that Federal Gold Metal is so vastly popular among competitive shooters and hunters alike. In an industry that is ruled by word of mouth and meritocracy, Federal is a name that everyone knows they can trust.
Federal Gold Medal 6.5 Creedmoor 140gr Hybrid Box of 20
Pros
- Features a Berger bullet, which is praised for precision accuracy and a high ballistic coefficient of .607 (G1) and .311 (G7)
- Most consistent and reliable primer, the Gold Medal Match primer
- Loaded to Federal Premium's tightest specifications
Cons
- Expensive compared to the competition
- Lower BC than its Hordany counterpart, the ELD-Match
Why We Selected This Product:
The Federal Gold Medal is, and always has been, one of the most reliable cartridges in the long range world. So much so, in fact, that many militaries and law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and around the world use it for all their precision rifle systems.
This is why we have chosen this reliable cartridge for the best long range round in the 6.5 Creedmoor realm. Well, for that reason, and the fact that I do enjoy running this reliable cartridge out of my custom built Mack Brothers Evo 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.
Best For Long Range Hunting: Hornady Precision Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 143gr Eld-X
Hornady Manufacturing, founded in 1949 in Nebraska, is a highly regarded ammunition manufacturer known for its innovative bullet designs and premium performance rounds. Hornady is famous for its precision-engineered hunting and long range competition lines, with popular products like the ELD-X, V-MAX, among others.
Accuracy and terminal performance are the cornerstones of Hornady Precision Hunter ammunition. Great care has been given by Hornady engineers and ballisticians to develop superior, match grade hunting loads that allow the ELD-X bullet to achieve its maximum ballistic potential.
Hornady Precision Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 143gr Eld-X Box of 20
Pros
- A 143-grain bullet provides excellent long-range accuracy and stopping power, making it suitable for hunting medium to large game
- ELD-X bullets are designed for precision and controlled expansion, making them ideal for hunting large game at long distances
- With low velocity impacts, 400+ yards, the Heat Shield tip drives rearward into the bullet to initiate expansion
- The Heat Tip on the boat tail projectile dissipates friction in flight, out performing a traditional boat tail hollow point
- Ballistic coefficient of .625 (G1), and .315 (G7)
Cons
- More pricey than other Hunting cartridges
Why We Selected This Product:
This Hornady Precision Hunter, combines the long range precision of the ELD projectile, and the benefits of the Heat Shield Tip technology to optimize the effects of the round on game! This combination, in concert with the cheaper average cost over the premium match grade ammo, make this round one of the best to take down game.
However, to the hunter that looks to harvest the most meat possible from their game animal, there are some setbacks. The projectile works so incredibly efficiently in its assistance for expansion, that the damage the projectile design imposes on the harvest is a bit excessive for medium game animals.
Now, this is not necessarily a bad thing to the average hunter, but to us, we tend to enjoy the most meat per harvest so the less damage, the better.
Best 6.5 Creedmoor For A Shooter On A Budget: Sellier & Bellot 6.5 Creedmoor 140gr. SP
Sellier & Bellot, founded in 1825 in the Czech Republic, is one of the oldest ammunition manufacturers in the world. The company produces a wide range of ammunition for hunting, sport shooting, and military applications. Known for its high-quality brass-cased cartridges, Sellier & Bellot is praised for its consistency, reliability, and affordability. This affordable 6.5 Creedmoor soft point ammunition is no different.
When approached by a young, new hunter looking for a caliber that is affordable and not punishing to the shoulder, I recommend the 6.5 Creedmoor. More to the point, I personally recommend this caliber and this particular cartridge.
Sellier & Bellot 6.5 Creedmoor 140gr Sp Box of 20
Pros
- Soft Point bullets provide controlled expansion and deep penetration, ensuring a clean and humane kill when hunting large game such as deer and elk
- A 140-grain bullet offers a balance of velocity and stability, making it ideal for long-range shooting and hunting large game
- Very affordable cartridge for the average shooter
Cons
- Much lower ballistic coefficient than other 6.5 Creedmoor rounds with a G1 of 0.417 and a G7 of 0.210
Why We Selected This Product:
When I began hunting with a 6.5 Creedmoor, I was using the Sellier and Bellot 6.5 Creedmoor SP to put meat in my freezer for my family, and let me tell you, it never let me down. One shot between 75-250 yards always leads to a down white tail and meat on the table. Not only that, the round is extremely accurate out to 300-350 yards!
Granted that might be a bit far for an ethical shot on an animal, but it is great for those just entering long range shooting as well! 300 yards is no chump change for a long range shot, and for those looking to challenge themselves on a 1 MOA target at that distance, this round will serve you well.
Final Thoughts
The 6.5 Creedmoor has cemented itself as a powerhouse in the long-range shooting and hunting communities. Its high ballistic coefficient, manageable recoil, and versatility make it an exceptional choice for shooters of all experience levels. Whether you're a competitive marksman, a seasoned hunter, or a beginner looking to explore the world of precision shooting, the 6.5 Creedmoor offers something for everyone. The options we've outlined represent the best of the best, catering to a variety of needs, preferences, and budgets. No matter which cartridge you choose, you're sure to experience the accuracy, reliability, and performance that make the 6.5 Creedmoor a standout caliber. Happy shooting!
Frequently Asked Questions
The 6.5 Creedmoor is renowned for its flat trajectory, low recoil, and excellent ballistic coefficient. Its design optimizes accuracy and consistency at distances beyond 1,000 yards, making it a favorite among precision shooters and hunters alike.
The 6.5 Creedmoor typically uses bullets ranging from 120 to 147 grains. Lighter bullets (e.g., 120-130 grains) are better for varmint hunting or faster velocities, while heavier bullets (e.g., 140-147 grains) provide superior performance at long range due to higher ballistic coefficients and better resistance to wind drift.
While both calibers are capable, the 6.5 Creedmoor has a flatter trajectory, better energy retention at long ranges, and less recoil compared to the .308 Winchester. However, .308 may have a slight edge in terminal energy at closer ranges and is more widely available.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is versatile, suitable for hunting medium to large game such as deer, pronghorn, and elk (with the right bullet and shot placement). Its excellent sectional density and energy retention make it effective for clean kills at various ranges.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is effective out to 1,200 yards or more for target shooting. For hunting, ethical shots on medium game are generally recommended within 500-600 yards, depending on bullet selection and shooter skill.
Match-grade ammunition with bullets like Hornady ELD-Match, Sierra MatchKing, or Berger Hybrid are ideal for precision shooting. These bullets have high ballistic coefficients, making them accurate and consistent at long distances.
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