6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics
The 6.5 Creedmoor has become the dominant long-range caliber in AR-10 builds. Moderate recoil, excellent ballistic coefficients, and wide ammunition availability make it ideal for precision shooting.
Cartridge Specifications
Common Bullet Weights and Types
Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length
Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length
Bullet Drop Table
Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.
| Load | Zero | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.5 | -15.5 | -30.5 |
| 120 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.5 | -15.5 | -30.5 |
| 120 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.5 | -15.5 | -30.5 |
| 140 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.5 | 0 | -5.9 | -16.5 | -32.2 |
| 140 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.5 | 0 | -5.9 | -16.5 | -32.2 |
| 140 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.5 | 0 | -5.9 | -16.5 | -32.2 |
| 147 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.6 | 0 | -6.1 | -17 | -33 |
| 147 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.6 | 0 | -6.1 | -17 | -33 |
| 147 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.6 | 0 | -6.1 | -17 | -33 |
Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind
Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.
| Load | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 gr ELD-M | 3.4 | 6.8 | 10.1 | 13.5 | 16.9 |
| 120 gr ELD-M | 3.3 | 6.6 | 9.9 | 13.2 | 16.6 |
| 120 gr ELD-M | 3.3 | 6.5 | 9.8 | 13 | 16.3 |
| 140 gr ELD-M | 2.2 | 4.4 | 6.6 | 8.8 | 11 |
| 140 gr ELD-M | 2.2 | 4.3 | 6.5 | 8.6 | 10.8 |
| 140 gr ELD-M | 2.1 | 4.2 | 6.4 | 8.5 | 10.6 |
| 147 gr ELD-M | 2.3 | 4.5 | 6.8 | 9.1 | 11.4 |
| 147 gr ELD-M | 2.2 | 4.4 | 6.7 | 8.9 | 11.1 |
| 147 gr ELD-M | 2.2 | 4.4 | 6.5 | 8.7 | 10.9 |
Effective Range by Application
Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations
Published Load Data
| Weight | Type | Barrel | MV (fps) | ME (ft-lb) | BC (G1) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 gr | ELD-M | 20 in | 2,910 | 2,256 | 0.486 | Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 120 ELD-M published load data |
| 120 gr | ELD-M | 22 in | 2,970 | 2,350 | 0.486 | Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 120 ELD-M published load data |
| 120 gr | ELD-M | 24 in | 3,020 | 2,430 | 0.486 | Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 120 ELD-M published load data |
| 140 gr | ELD-M | 20 in | 2,660 | 2,199 | 0.61 | Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 140 ELD-M published load data |
| 140 gr | ELD-M | 22 in | 2,720 | 2,299 | 0.61 | Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 140 ELD-M published load data |
| 140 gr | ELD-M | 24 in | 2,770 | 2,385 | 0.61 | Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 140 ELD-M published load data |
| 147 gr | ELD-M | 20 in | 2,580 | 2,172 | 0.697 | Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 147 ELD-M published load data |
| 147 gr | ELD-M | 22 in | 2,640 | 2,275 | 0.697 | Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 147 ELD-M published load data |
| 147 gr | ELD-M | 24 in | 2,695 | 2,370 | 0.697 | Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 147 ELD-M published load data |
Data Disclaimer
Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 120 ELD-M published load data; Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 140 ELD-M published load data; Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 147 ELD-M published load data. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.
Pick the right barrel
Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor.