6.5 Creedmoor
Also called: 6.5 CM, 6.5 Creed, six-five Creedmoor
A modern, low-recoil, accurate round with long, streamlined bullets that resist wind well, now a favorite for deer and pronghorn.
- Type
- Centerfire Rifle
- Bullet diameter
- .264 in
- Case length
- 1.92 in
- Overall length
- 2.825 in
- Typical bullet weights
- 120 to 143 grains
- Typical muzzle velocity
- About 2,600 to 2,950 fps
- Recoil
- Light recoil
- Quarry
- Deer, hogs & pronghorn
- Typical range
- Deer and pronghorn to about 400 yards or more with practice
- Availability
- Very common
What it is good for
- Deer and pronghorn at moderate to long distance.
- Hunters who want mild recoil and good accuracy.
- Rifles built for both target shooting and hunting.
Where it falls short
- It is on the light side for elk and moose, and not a good choice for them.
- The very long, narrow bullets need a barrel twist rate that stabilizes them; check the rifle's specifications.
- Hype around its long-range reputation can tempt hunters to take shots beyond their skill.
Easily confused with
- 6.5 PRC: a larger magnum-class cartridge with the same bullet width and more case capacity.
- .308 Winchester: the parent case from which the 6.5 Creedmoor is made.
Field notes
Introduced in 2007, the 6.5 Creedmoor was designed for accuracy. Its long, narrow bullets hold speed well and resist the wind, and the recoil is gentler than that of a .308.
Related guides
Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.