6.5mm Creedmoor Caliber Profile: 9 things you didn't know

The 6.5mm Creedmoor is a short-action rifle cartridge that is popular among long-range shooters and hunters. In 2007, Hornady designed the cartridge utilizing a .264" caliber bullet, and has now become the most popular rifle cartridge.
See the full 6.5mm Creedmoor caliber profile (with MUCH more data) on our website: backfire.tv/caliber/6-5-creed...

[@mtnhunter5578]

I will start by saying I cut my teeth on 30/06 for hunting and .308 for military use, so I have extensive experience with both. I took 6.5 Creedmoor with a heavy grain of salt and skepticism until I finally bought one for whitetail hunting. Up until this point I had only used the 30/06 to hunt whitetail and 7mm Rem Mag in Colorado to elk hunt with, I really didn't understand the use or need for the smaller 6.5 at the time. I purchased a Rem 700 SPS ( garbage trigger and stock ) to start as a base rifle, first day I put over 60 rounds through it and was very impressed at its performance and comfortability to shoot for extended round count, It didn't beat me up. I could easily and comfortably hit targets ranging from 75-400 yards ( about the limit of my realistic hunting range ) in field positions..not from a bench or with the aid of ridiculous pillows. My confidence began to grow and since then I have put close to 1000 rounds on my hunting rig and taken several large whitetail deer with ease. I truly believe that 6.5 Creed, when kept within its limitations ( deer-sized game ) at reasonable ranges it's extremely hard to beat especially with the availability of the ammo ( well maybe not at the current time ), light recoil, flat trajectory, bullet selection, SD, and short action provide a light handy rifle with medium-range capable killing power. I think where the " wheels fall off " people try and take it out of what it is designed to do...... it's not an Elk cartridge, sure it will work in a pinch but it's not ideal. Overall for whitetail, mule deer, coyotes, antelope sized game it is truly a great overall package.

[@sauerkrautjr]

Exactly why I chose it for my first hunting rifle.

[@robertbroxson4582]

I to have always used .30 cal. Primary 300wm or 30.06. I bought a 6.5 cm I think in 2015. I reluctantly took it on a hunting trip and shot a deer with it and I was absolutely amazed and continued to be amazed by it since

[@maximusrodriguez7748]

Very informative, thank you.

[@KendallGray1]

Y'all are great!

[@sportsleague1763]

Hey Kendall

[@sportsleague1763]

I love your vids

[@Troy_Berg]

Yes they are nicdd red to see ya here

[@ronsshorts9147]

You are nice

[@devensantos9541]

Kendall?

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

Glad you talked about difference between long range shooting and long range hunting.

[@G19Jeeper]

Same here, got sick of trying to explain that to people.

[@223dmr7]

They don't know either brother.

[@G19Jeeper]

@@223dmr7 they have a better grasp than most

[@SHOTRED555]

I am a hunting newbie would a 308 fit for that ?

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

@@SHOTRED555 ya. Or 270.

[@brycespurlock6987]

You guys go further in depth than anyone I have found so far online real shooters appreciate good data and people that are willing to do what it takes to get it

[@ZAKish-cy9xu]

The 2 of you are having way to much fun! And you give out great information! Keep up the great work, and thank you.

[@daveknowles3055]

this video has to be in the top 5 videos you have produced! Really enjoyable to watch, great content and the pleasure you got from the experience wrapped it all up.

[@outdoor_lifestyle_0149]

Best gun channel there is to me. You can tell that y’all are truly doing what you love and are dang good at it.

[@davidperry6360]

We need more! Great series! So much great information and so concise and organized. Also great personalities. Keep up the great work!

[@jonhodges2957]

Wasn't expecting much in the form of accurate information. Was pleasantly surprised with the conscience information given here. Subbed.

[@marctaladay376]

I have been using 6.5 grendel for nearly a year. And am now considering the Creedmoor. Thanks for the information

[@zachgilpin3504]

Just ordered a Tikka superlite 6.5, going to take over for my 244 Ackley. Thank you for all the info and great videos

[@baitammo4652]

This is the best type of information on youtube, for shooters that have not taken the time to learn or do not have the experience to know these things! I am a seasoned hand loader/ lead slinger but I am very much looking forward to seeing lots of bullet testing!! Would love to see this with the 243 win.! Bad bullet selection has caused poor hits on a lot of game. Your testing could help lots of people!! Thanks, Brian

[@joelodjick230]

Man is that ever true. Most of the time when you hear about game lost with a 243 and you ask about bullet construction you get a "huh?" in return...Yup someone shot a game animal with a varmint bullet, I am sure. Whatever was cheapest in the store. Load that thing with a 95 grain ballistic tip or a partition of similar weight (or a Barnes etc) you have yourself a rifle.

[@Gunrunner223]

Exactly right! Bullet construction, is the #1 attribute, of a good hunting gun. My dad shot a few deer with 243 100gr corelokts, and the deer never left a blood trial. They died, just had to find them by tracks! He switched to a nosler partition, and started getting pass through shots, and blood trails. On the same note, 25yrs ago, a friend shot a deer with 7mm mag 140gr ballistic tips, shot was in the shoulder, but bled very little, tracked about a mile till blood finally stopped! I couldn't believe a 7mag couldn't bring him down, but another guy killed the deer that evening with a neck shot. My friends ballistic tip, had exploded about 1 1/2" into the shoulder, with no vitals damage. Lesson learned..the faster and or lighter the bullet, the tougher it needs to be constructed. My rule of thumb is, 2400-3000 fps/ use a lighter built ,ballistic, or accutip, or SST. Above 3000fps, use a bonded or partition, or thicker jacket bullet. Sorry for the long reply, I'm a gun nerd. Have a great day

[@michaelnelson1911]

I loved your video, it was awesome. I couldn't believe all of the data that you guys had collected. I loved that you put in data about long range hunting. Just because the gun can shoot that far doesn't mean you should be hunt that far. You guys were shot on. I would love to see this same content on a couple of other calibers, namely the 270, 7mm and the 7mm-08. I went to the link that you provided to see all of the data and hoped that I would see these additional cartridges. I hope you guys put out other calibers.

[@RHG48]

A 143gr ELDX starting out at 2700 (not maxed) in a 6.5 CM will have 1500lbs of energy to 450yds. 2000fps to 600yds. Probably one of the most popular hunting cartridge setups. Basically the Precision Hunter load if you're buying off the shelf.

[@nsaechao84ns]

Dropped cow elk with 143gr eldx at 500yrds. Didnt hit bone so had pass through lung shot. Didnt go 10yrds.

[@dennischroninger1911]

@@nsaechao84nsdropped a Antelope at 840 yards hit bone and it was a big hole

[@HitSTXLax]

The BC is good but it does not reliably stay together which is a HUGE deal on thicker skinned game like Elk, Moose, and Bear. Has it been done? Sure. But it’s not been done more times than it’s been successful. I have 2 friends that both didn’t retrieve their cow elk with boiler room shots in the 6.5 PRC at 280 and 320 yard shots. We assume the ELDX basically blew apart on impact which left no real blood trail. They have since switched to Terminal ascent and are very happy with last seasons results 👍🏻

[@timroot936]

I was never really a fan of your channel until I saw this video. Great info and great delivery. Much respect!

[@tomyork8815]

I'm loving these caliber profiles. Can't wait for your page to have the .308!

[@ericvoss2106]

Keep up the good work guys! I can't wait for the other profiles!

[@Mikey83943]

Gawl dang. I just found your channel and haven't found a bad video yet. Keep them coming!

[@scottwatson5767]

I think this series is gonna be awesome, Very informative with good detail. Id like to see the .308, 30-06, 338, and 270 in the near future videos. Keep up the great work. The backfire site is also set up well with great selling points!

[@Bongo_Fury]

This is cool and informative. I'm looking forward to this series.

[@donelladavis5522]

Very informative, and answered some great questions that I had about the 6.5 CM. Kudos.

[@joquin4618]

Nice!! Can’t wait for the next caliber reviews!! Good job guys!!

[@BamaChad-W4CHD]

That's the next rifle I'm getting in the next few weeks. 6.5 creedmoor is still fully stocked as said in the video. Thanks for the profile guys.

[@FatManLeather]

Great information, can't wait for more, especially 243 and 270.

[@MrJasonricker]

Best informational channel hands down! Thank you!

[@johnkaraphillis754]

I enjoyed the video as I do with most of them. People become so emotionally attached to certain calibers it evolves to a derangement syndrome. There is so little difference among more than a few calibers it becomes an emotional choice, me included. You present objective facts that are great. I wish we could get some feedback from guides and outfitters. Thanks again!

[@mikek4443]

Absolutely love these caliber videos. Thanks

[@SoCalCigars]

Backfire has by far become my favorite go to "all things firearm" channel. The production value, entertainment, variety of topics and real world useful knowledge is all there. Thanks for all the hard work and expense put into this channel. Keep doing it and we all will keep watching it. Great work here.

[@steveditzler6014]

I admire your enthusiasm in presenting your data and opinions. Well done.

[@JOSHWAAHHHH]

I used to have to dig so bad for all of this info on youtube you this video was so great i cant wait for you guys to do more!

[@rpk5250]

Awesome video and the content is packed full of the kind of information that’s really useful

[@noahaugust9444]

Stellar overview, keep up the great work guys.

[@1776carpediem]

Very excited for the caliber comparisons

[@pseudopetrus]

Best video on 6.5 CM, I am surprised Hornady has not tried to sue you. I have found some of their hunting ads on the 6.5 misleading. Thanks for a truthful evaluation. Great deer round... not an Elk or Moose round! Works for me, I hunt deer. I have subscribed!

[@theblishknovk]

I plan to get 6.5 creed for medium sized game and not sure what for elk and bigger. Maybee 300 win mag or 6.5 PRC.

[@littlejoey22]

You guys are making such good, informative videos, thank you.

[@jeffreychase7623]

Hoping a .308 profile is next. I like the layout of the profile webpages. Super informative and easy to digest!

[@richardlawrence9750]

Your video information makes makes made day everyday I see one. Keep going strong.

[@copperk4124]

Thanks for these videos they are awesome and are very helpful

[@dustinengel4852]

this was awesome, shopping for a Weatherby right now and this was very helpful! I just subscribed!

[@mcman007]

Nice commentary on long range shooting versus hunting. I personally don't shoot at anything until it is under 350 yards and typically love to get closer. It is a challenge getting closer to some of these animals.

[@robertalseth9967]

Just found you guys! Love your channel! Thank you!

[@briangayton9932]

Awesome video. Been thinking about purchasing 6.5 creed more but might have to re think

[@ike_of_the_greil_mercenari465]

Great video, I loved hearing about this cartridge. I didn't buy my hunting rifle, it was passed down to me. Grandpa killed a lot of deer with his rifle, chambered in .30-06.

[@Allday-qg9qc]

I have trouble finding ammo for the 30-06

[@MoonshotTwo1]

Keep the videos coming. Good stuff.

[@erikleirmo9147]

Thanks super interesting and helpful just bought a Tikka T3X super lite in 6.5 for my deer rifle

[@TheBrewer3535]

I just finished binge watching your channel. Interesting info. While I'd not consider 6.5 for elk, my understanding was that due to BC it actually has more retained energy than 308 beyond 500 yrds. Personally for elk I would want 7mm Mag or 300 win mag. Here in the the Southeast 6.5 CM or 308 works well for most circumstances.

[@garrettwilson1215]

1:00 🤣😂🤣 .. first 2 video of yours gave me a good laugh while giving straight forward and timely info. Good job fellas, you got my sub! Looking forward to watching more. See ya around 👍🏼

[@mikesimmons7539]

A lot of great information . Thanks .

[@backfire]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheSuperpunk92]

I just subscribed. Y’all definitely earned it with this vid.

[@spencercook4546]

This is a cool idea! Keep it up!

[@cbwelch4]

I love shooting 6.5. Mild yet capable for what I hunt. I don’t take a shot past 300 yards and line of sight where I hunt is rarely over 100-150 yards. Great caliber. I have a Tikka Superlight in 6.5 that weighs less than 7 lbs. it is a joy to carry.

[@majormitchell01]

Great episode fellas. Thanks.

[@gregjones7648]

Grat video guys . I use 6.5 creed for deer hunting. Out to 450 I get it thanks . I hate to see people shooting elk with it at 900 don’t make sense

[@AverageJoe4063]

Where did you get the number for the energy required to take down elk or deer? I'm not doubting it, but I also know of people who have killed deer with .357 Mag at close range. That is only about 700 ft-lbs versus the 1000 ft-lbs you recommend. Why do you think the extra 40% energy is necessary?

[@mgm2044]

@@AverageJoe4063 I’m in

[@rosebarnes9625]

@@AverageJoe4063 they pulled it out of their a$$!!

[@markio2010]

@@rosebarnes9625 Hornandy has a table, they mentioned it on another video.

[@mftoutdoors7483]

Great video. Keep on making them. Will love to see some on scopes and suppressors. Not sure if there are any already. Thank you

[@colton4505]

Awesome video guys!

[@12cbutler]

Picked up a Sako A7 in 6.5 creedmoor yesterday as my first hunting gun as a new adult hunter. Excited to put some shots down range to see how this groups. Borrowed a Remington 700 in .308 winchester this season from a friend. Performed OK with it, but excited to use something for 200yd shots on white tail that has less recoil.

[@tosterowner6361]

Great video! I love the way you explained sectional density. FYI The live auctions are ending over on gunspot .com right now.

[@lumpyzx2645]

Sorry I have to say it. Toaster*. My sincerest apologies. Have a great day!

[@israelnava6882]

Great video guys 👍🏻

[@Oc3anb0rn]

You guys get way nerd with numbers...bless you boys

[@ridgerunner6211]

Love your guys channel really good stuff. would love to see a gun shoot off in 350 legend between Ruger , Savage , Win xpr & CVA cascade this would be great for us straight wall only states IT would help us ALOT to decide on a best gun for the money, But keep up the great work guys

[@brokespoke5424]

Thanks for the content.

[@thomascoonradt4456]

Great video!

[@SoSwiff]

I've watched a few 6.5 creed vs 6.5 prc videos but I'd be interested to hear your comparisons and choice. Keep up the great work!

[@jasonrubright5763]

Came across your 6.5 prc video. Great video

[@Simphiwebillas]

Watching all the way from South Africa.

[@kylewilliamson6228]

I am starting to build a 6.5 right now because i always see the ammo on the shelf. And have already been buying 6.5 ammo.

[@win300mag1]

Can’t wait to see some of the standard magnums. 7mm rem mag and 300 win mag are two of my personal favorites.

[@Propelled]

Ditto. I’ve taken tons of meat with my 300WM. One thing they’re missing here is that elk hunting is in bear country. I’ve taken several griz with my 300WM while moose hunting. It kind of begs the question, is the 6.5CM actually a do all? Noooooo.....

[@gsxr1189]

@@Propelled I don't need 6.5cm to be a bullet to hunt Grizzlies with (already have a 300 PRC and 375 Cheytac) I need it whip the shit out of 308 to the extent that it makes 308 into an obsolete old glue horse and it does that very very well.

[@JP-zk9ro]

I don't know if the both of you know or have have been told this but, You Guys Are Awesome 😀👍😃!

[@ParadiseInHawaii0com]

Thanks guys! Really appreciate the lethal maximum distance on game based on energy. Also knowing you’re starting a caliber comparison website is long overdue. You are recognizing that caliber comparison site like Chuck Hawks’s site is getting old and lack graphs, charts or videos.

[@backfire]

You hit it on the head. I think we can create something cool. Let me know if you have feedback on this first profile page.

[@ParadiseInHawaii0com]

Backfire please add an important factor for Hunters looking for; MPBR. I’ll suggest a common practice of 6” but you may consider 8” also for larger game and/or vital size strike zone. I would also suggest you consider a standard layout that could be printed via screenshot for reference in the field. Thanks. 🙏

[@ReversePeople]

Backfire Awesome vid and even “awesomer” website!! Dang. Well done. I’d love to see a 6.5 PRC profile. Thanks in advance.

[@shadowrg1]

i have both a 308 and 6.5 cm. when i first shot my 308, the recoil and sonic boom, scared me straight out, as by the time i was only use to 12 gauge and 22lr. the 6.5 on the other hand was easy to handle. and i take both to the range and out hunting. and love both rifles.

[@Banks2018]

What a great show!

[@peterweikel7123]

I have just started considering th 6.5 as a viable hunting option. It was initially designed as a range gun for punching paper. In the last few years they have started to to come out with some solid choices for hunting ammo making it a better option now then it originally was

[@specialperson170]

I use it for deer and its honestly great it's almost always drops them unless I mess up the shot I've never gotten to hunt elk and honestly I probably wouldn't with the 6.5 it's just to small

[@waldgeist3234]

Nice video! I'd love to see a similar video about the good old .300 Win Mag.

[@knight16]

I am excited about deer season! I would love to see a video on small bags and belts to carry a little bit of gear from car to stand and if anyone knows of a good bag/belt would love to hear from y'all to thanks!

[@jasonlopez4855]

All top 7 is my pick's thank you guys

[@lastusertosignup]

you guys are great. some great tests and getting us info that just isn't 'out there', at least semi- scientifically ;)

[@jesselax1406]

Please do one of a 300 Ultra Magnum, I have one but would really love to know more about it. This was an awesome and very informative video!

[@MichaelJBurnsII]

KZbin algorithms for the win! Apparently I’ve been looking at 6.5 Creedmoor enough that I found this video. How’s it going Jim? Subscribed and notifications on.

[@brazzy1467]

I've been using the Hornady Precision Hunter 30-06 and 308 on elk and it's just knocking them down.

[@1969plato]

This round has become my favorite both for hunting (bolt) and for an AR10 style rifle.

[@duckhunter4660]

How has the 6.5 cm worked for you in your AR-10 Rifles, reliability wise?

[@1969plato]

@@duckhunter4660 I've heard some have had some bullet feed issues, but I haven't noticed but a few, about that same as a 308, very occasional.

[@duckhunter4660]

@@1969plato THANKS

[@jsvalina3503]

Recoil....... you nailed it and it will get almost every job done.

[@brandon1910]

nice video. I'm interested to see how stuff stacks up as more calibers show up on your page.

[@thomasraichart2367]

Took two elk this year with the 6.5 cm. One @ 203yrds the other, taken by my daughter @ 260 yrds. Yes, it has its limits but within those limits it is exceptional.

[@bullheadedgideon1673]

I understand that there are a *lot* of variables with regard to your numbers; but I've noticed quite a bit of variation between different numbers. A couple examples - here, you say 6.5CM has around 2,100 rds of barrels life, while your cartridge profile says around 2,400; & I've noticed your recoil ratings on 7mag & 280 AI are a little different between 2 different videos. Not hating at all. Again, I know there are many variables, here. Just thought I'd say something. I absolutely love how much you deep-dive into the ballistics of all these different cartridges. Keep the videos coming! God Bless

[@stevenlee6876]

Fantastic article from the website, help me a lot to know about 6.5 CRD. Now I am really wondering, 6.5 PRC and 6.5 CRD, which should I go for it. It's my first rifle for hunting, located in New Zealand, mostly there are deers and elks hogs.

[@theblishknovk]

Out of all the more modern calibers, the 6.5 creed is what i eould actually buy, not because its the best of the modern loadings but because its damn good and i can find it everywhere for a much better price than others and not scared of it going away anymore after 15 years of success.

[@seanclement2264]

Hey I just wanted to say that’s a pretty cool logo

[@dgreenapple]

Checked out Backfire.TV - VERY nice and well done on both this video and that site! I can't agree enough about long range hunting. Keep it close, make the kill 100% of the time and maintain a respectable reputation for Hunting. Don't be a wahoo.

[@trevorcoleman5]

Great content. The website is great. Just a quick check: in your dashboard for muzzle velocity... the ‘what’s this? tab’ has the same content for the recoil section... may just want to correct that.

[@aprilmartin878]

I shoot a 7MM Rem Mag for everything I use the 150-175 grain wrights in reloads and I have no problems with the drop and FPS at long range

[@revolutionmarine5693]

178 or 180 grain is the king for long range and it’s the best to use on Moose and Elk. 150 is perfect for deer.

[@zeke1eod]

I love 6.5 creedmoor and hunt with one, but would you PLEASE do this with 7mm rem mag. Thanks for sharing, God bless

[@zachmiller8818]

Really cool video can't wait for a 270 win video.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Well done. Thanks gents.

[@TheKyleawashburn]

Do a comparison of straight-wall cartilages lethality/performance.

[@user-yy5fj8dn2z]

This is excellent, thanks for all the work!

[@daltonv5206]

Love my 6.5 for whitetail in the east. Fun to target shoot with. Great for varmints. Doesn't beat you up. Plenty of power on medium game and under.

[@tomnguyen658]

Thank you for a great video, can you do a video for 6.5 prc? Thank you

[@duckhunter4660]

Very good vid!!! Thanks for being honest!! So many say the 65CM is the do all round for every situation. I really liked your terminal test. I shoot DPMS G2 hunter AR10 rifles in 308. Was thinking about trying a 6.5 CM barrel. I think the only real or worth wile advantage for the cost/money would be the recoil. Not that my 308's recoil that much but I like to be able to spot for myself. The 308 has just a little too much recoil to see my bullet impacts every time. IDK if its worth trying or not. Thanks for the great vid!!

[@nt_wicked_bunch2717]

Just a heads up, I swapped from a 308 to an 6.5c in an ar10 platform and was not aware of firing pin to primer issues. To shorten it up a bit the standard bolt firing pin hole is to large for CM’s for some reason which causes extreme primer flow, pierced primers, and sometimes even primers blown out of the pocket. This happened to me even with light factory loads. You can fix it by purchasing a $250-300 JP bolt but....

[@duckhunter4660]

@@nt_wicked_bunch2717 thanks for the heads up. The G2 DPMS rifles I run have a very large firing pin hole so JP it will be if they even make a G2 bolt. I may have to start from scratch with a gen 1 platform. Thanks for saving me a ton of headache!!! Much appreciated!!!

[@ChristopherKnN]

I love my 28 Nosler. A big part of felt recoil is the design and setup. I have to be careful taking it to the range because hitting the 1000yd target is so easy and satisfying with it. I can easily run throu 100 rounds. 10 range days and I'm rebarreling. It is immensely effective on game, and my particular rifle recoils less than any 30-06 I've shot. 175 grain bullets. I also have 6,5 Creedmoor and .308. I use the 6.5 for confidence. I use the .308 to work on skills.

[@Nick-sx6jm]

Just got a 28 nosler. So you usually get about 1000 rounds before you rebarrel? How much do the groups open up before you call it for the barrel and do you do like 3-5 shots before letting the barrel cool or after every round? Havent been able to find anyone who has burned out a barrel yet so im pretty curious.

[@ChristopherKnN]

@@Nick-sx6jm Personally I try to go easy on it. I will run 1 mag/5 rounds, then switch off to another firearm while it cools. I have a carbon wrapped barrel on mine, so it can be very difficult to judge barrel heat... no perceptible mirage. Barrel erosion happens at a different rate for every barrel, but can be increased by heat and pressure. A "burnt out" barrel is also subjective to a person. It involves the expected/needed accuracy for the intended use. I have approximately 400 rounds through mine and I can still place 5 rounds under 1.5" at 300 yards. For a hunting rifle that is exceptional accuracy. I live in west Texas, 300 yards is often a close shot. I would never consider 28 Nosler a competition cartridge. It is capable of being very accurate, but you would be re barreling every 3-4 weeks.

[@vickdamonsta6347]

I just recently bought a Tikka T3X Lite in 6.5 Creedmoor for my big game hunting and my bullet of choice is factory Hornady ELD-X 143 gr...6.5 Creedmoor can kill anything in North America within 300 yards, period. I can’t wait for next year to start harvesting my own meat 🥩...

[@backfire]

That’s a great setup. Excited for you to start hunting next year.

[@vickdamonsta6347]

Backfire oh yeah and forgot to mention scope Vortex Viper HS 4-16X44 MOA reticle.!! You guys said Vortex Warranty the best..