6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics Calculator
Select a common 6.5 Creedmoor load below to generate a full ballistics table, or use the calculator with your own data.
Popular 6.5 Creedmoor Load Presets
140gr Hornady ELD-M
- Muzzle Velocity: 2710 fps
- BC (G1): 0.646
- Use: Long range precision & competition
143gr Hornady ELD-X
- Muzzle Velocity: 2700 fps
- BC (G1): 0.623
- Use: Hunting — deer to elk
147gr Hornady ELD-M
- Muzzle Velocity: 2695 fps
- BC (G1): 0.697
- Use: Extreme long range
6.5 Creedmoor Drop Chart — Reference Data
140gr Hornady ELD-M — 2710 fps MV — 100 Yard Zero
| Range (yds) | Drop (in) | MOA | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2569 | 2052 |
| 200 | -3.8 | 1.8 | 2433 | 1840 |
| 300 | -13.4 | 4.3 | 2301 | 1646 |
| 400 | -29.6 | 7.1 | 2173 | 1468 |
| 500 | -53.3 | 10.2 | 2049 | 1305 |
| 600 | -85.1 | 13.6 | 1930 | 1158 |
| 700 | -126.4 | 17.2 | 1815 | 1024 |
| 800 | -178.2 | 21.3 | 1705 | 903 |
| 900 | -242.0 | 25.7 | 1600 | 796 |
| 1000 | -319.3 | 30.5 | 1501 | 700 |
*Reference data calculated at sea level, 59°F, 50% humidity, no wind. Use the calculator above for conditions specific to your environment.
6.5 Creedmoor Ballistic Performance
High BC & Low Wind Drift
6.5mm bullets achieve ballistic coefficients above 0.6 (G1), retaining velocity significantly better than traditional calibers. At 1000 yards, the 140gr ELD-M drifts approximately 68 inches in a 10 mph crosswind — roughly 20% less than comparable 308 Winchester loads. This BC advantage compounds at every range increment beyond 400 yards.
Recoil & Practical Accuracy
With less felt recoil than 308 Winchester, the 6.5 Creedmoor enables better shot-to-shot consistency and faster follow-up shots. Match bullets remain supersonic past 1200 yards in standard conditions. The combination of low recoil, high BC, and excellent factory ammunition availability makes it the dominant cartridge in PRS-style competition.
6.5 Creedmoor FAQ
Why is 6.5 Creedmoor so popular?
The 6.5 Creedmoor combines high ballistic coefficients (0.6+ G1), low recoil, excellent factory ammunition availability, and outstanding barrel life. It dominates PRS-style competition because shooters can spot their own impacts, make fast follow-up shots, and maintain accuracy with less fatigue over long strings of fire.
Is 6.5 Creedmoor better than 308 Winchester?
For long-range ballistic performance, the 6.5 Creedmoor has measurable advantages: approximately 20% less wind drift and 15% less drop than 308 Winchester at 1000 yards with comparable match bullets. However, the 308 offers wider ammunition selection, lower cost, and better barrel life. See our detailed comparison for the full data breakdown.
What is the best 6.5 Creedmoor bullet for hunting?
The 143gr Hornady ELD-X is the most popular hunting bullet for 6.5 Creedmoor, offering a high BC of 0.623 (G1) and controlled expansion from 200 to 800+ yards. For deer-sized game, the 6.5 Creedmoor delivers over 1000 ft-lb of energy past 600 yards, making it effective for ethical shots at extended ranges.
How does 6.5 Creedmoor compare to 6.5 PRC?
The 6.5 PRC pushes the same bullets approximately 200 fps faster, resulting in flatter trajectories and greater energy retention — but with more recoil and shorter barrel life. The 6.5 Creedmoor remains the better choice for high-volume shooting and competition. See our 6.5 CM vs 6.5 PRC comparison for details.
Related Comparisons
See how 6.5 Creedmoor stacks up against other popular calibers.
Manufacturer Resources
Verify ballistic coefficients and load data from the bullet manufacturers:
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