Shopping for a rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, you’ll find a lot of great options for a variety of shooting sports applications. From budget rifles like the Ruger American series or the TC Compass, all the way up to $5000 customs, there’s a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle for most any budget
and use. Below are some factors to consider if you are looking to purchase a rifle chambered in
Hornady Superformance 6.5 Creedmoor.
BARREL LENGHT
A 24“ barrel is considered optimal for 6.5 Creedmoor, but if you need something more nimble and compact (and light-weight), you won’t give up much by going
TWIST RATE
The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge was designed around a twist rate of 1:8 (one revolution for every 8“ of barrel length). While you can go a bit higher or lower, you can’t go wrong with 1:8 twist in a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.
ACTION
The 6.5 Creedmoor was designed for use in short-action, bolt–action rifles. If you are considering re-barreling a rifle or building a custom, you’ll want a short-action. If you are looking for a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle based on the AR platform, an AR-10 frame will be required.
PRECISION
Because hornady superformance 6.5 creedmoor is a performance cartridge, you’ll want a rifle of sufficient quality and precision in order to realize the potential of this cartridge. That doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money. Example: The TC Compass rifle is available and has a sub-MOA guarantee. The author has achieved
sub-3/8“ 5-shot groups at 100 yards with this rifle (different chambering). On the other hand, a high-end rifle will have better performance, handling, and longevity. It’s up to you to decide what “level” of rifle is best for your needs.
6.5 CREEDMOOR SPECIFICATIONS
Parent Case: .30 TC
Bullet Diameter: 0.264″ (6.706 mm)
Maximum COL: 2.800″
Maximum Case Length: 1.920″
Minimum Case Length: 1.900″
Case Trim Length: 1.910″
Primer: Large Rifle (As designed, cases also available in Small Rifle Primer)
Case Rim: Same as .308 Winchester, .243 Winchester, 30-06 and others
Rifle Action: Short (bolt action), AR-10 compatible
Bullet Weight Range Rifle: 120 grains – 143 grains (optimal weight range)
Twist Rate Maximum: 1:8 (typical, as developed)
SAMMI Pressure Case: 62,000 PSI
Capacity: ~52.0 gr H2O (varies by manufacturer)
Typical Applications: Long-range competition, hunting, long-range target shooting