Guide

6.5 Creedmoor Ammo 2026: Hunting, Match and +Peak Loads From the Makers

By Cole Harlan, EditorUpdated Nov 3, 2026How we verifyEditorial standards

We checked 54 current 6.5 Creedmoor loads from Federal, Hornady, Nosler, Berger and Remington on their own product pages on November 3, 2026. The bullet weights, velocities, energy figures, test barrels and statuses below are copied from the maker pages. We group the loads by the usage label the maker lists, or by product line where the maker gives no label. We don't use retailer prices or third-party ballistics. This is a comparison of popular loads, not every 6.5 Creedmoor load sold.

Hunting loads

Federal and Remington label these "Big Game, Long Range." Nosler lists them as "Deer Sized Game." Hornady and Berger print no usage label, so we placed their loads by product line, such as Precision Hunter, Superformance, Outfitter, American Whitetail and Berger's Hunter lines.

Load	Item #	Bullet	Muzzle velocity	Muzzle energy	Test barrel	Box	Maker status (Nov. 3)
Federal Terminal Ascent	P65CRDTA1	130 gr Terminal Ascent	2,800 fps	2,263 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Federal ELD-X	P65CRDELDX1	143 gr ELD-X	2,700 fps	2,315 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Federal Fusion	F65CRDFS1	140 gr Fusion Soft Point	2,725 fps	2,308 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Federal Fusion Tipped	F65CRDTFS1	140 gr Fusion Tipped	2,715 fps	2,291 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Federal Trophy Copper	P65CRDTC1	120 gr Trophy Copper	2,875 fps	2,202 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Federal Barnes TSX	P65CRDBTSX1	130 gr Barnes Triple-Shock X (TSX)	2,825 fps	2,303 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Federal Berger Hybrid Hunter	P65CRDBCH1	135 gr Berger Hybrid	2,775 fps	2,308 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Federal Swift Scirocco II	P65CRDSS1	130 gr Swift Scirocco	2,800 fps	2,263 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Check With Your Local Ammo Store For Availability
Federal Power-Shok	65CRDB	140 gr Jacketed Soft Point	2,725 fps	2,308 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Currently Unavailable
Remington Core-Lokt Tipped	29017	129 gr Core-Lokt Tipped	2,945 fps	2,484 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Remington Core-Lokt	27657	140 gr Pointed Soft Point Core-Lokt	2,700 fps	2,266 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Remington Premier CuT	R22334	120 gr Copper Tipped	2,935 fps	2,295 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Remington Premier Long Range	R21341	140 gr Speer Impact	2,715 fps	2,291 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Currently Unavailable
Remington Premier Scirocco	29344	130 gr Swift Scirocco Bonded	2,750 fps	2,183 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Hornady Precision Hunter	81499	143 gr ELD-X	2,700 fps	2,315 ft-lb	24 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Hornady Superformance	81496	129 gr SST	2,950 fps	2,493 ft-lb	24 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Hornady Superformance	814904	120 gr CX	3,050 fps	2,479 ft-lb	24 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Hornady Outfitter	814874	120 gr CX	2,925 fps	2,280 ft-lb	24 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Hornady American Whitetail	81489	129 gr InterLock	2,820 fps	2,277 ft-lb	24 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Hornady American Whitetail TIPPED	81509	129 gr SST	2,810 fps	2,261 ft-lb	24 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Berger Classic Hunter	31031	135 gr Classic Hunter	2,850 fps	2,435 ft-lb	26 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Berger Elite Hunter	31040	140 gr Elite Hunter	2,750 fps	2,351 ft-lb	26 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Berger Elite Hunter	31070	156 gr Elite Hunter	2,680 fps	2,488 ft-lb	26 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Nosler Ballistic Tip Hunting	40064	140 gr Ballistic Tip	2,650 fps	2,183 ft-lb	24 in	20	In stock (Nosler store)
Nosler Ballistic Tip	42050	120 gr Ballistic Tip	2,900 fps	2,251 ft-lb	24 in	20	In stock (Nosler store)
Nosler Expansion Tip	40398	120 gr Expansion Tip (lead-free)	2,850 fps	2,174 ft-lb	24 in	20	Out of stock (Nosler store)
Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond	60080	140 gr AccuBond	2,650 fps	2,183 ft-lb	24 in	20	In stock (Nosler store)
Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond Long Range	60105	142 gr AccuBond Long Range	2,600 fps	2,131 ft-lb	24 in	20	In stock (Nosler store)
Nosler Trophy Grade Partition (RMEF)	61016	140 gr Partition	2,650 fps	2,183 ft-lb	24 in	20	In stock (Nosler store)

Match and target loads

Federal and Remington label these "Competition, Long Range, Target Shooting" or "Long Range, Target Shooting." Nosler lists "Target/Match." Hornady's ELD Match and Berger's Target and Tactical lines are placed here by name. Hornady's American Gunner (81482) is here too. Hornady describes that line as popular "for their target shooting, hunting or self-defense needs."

Load	Item #	Bullet	Muzzle velocity	Muzzle energy	Test barrel	Box	Maker status (Nov. 3)
Federal Gold Medal Berger	GM65CRDBH130	130 gr Berger AR Hybrid OTM	2,875 fps	2,386 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Federal Gold Medal Berger	GM65CRDBH2	140 gr Berger Hybrid	2,725 fps	2,308 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Currently Unavailable
Federal Gold Medal CenterStrike	GM65CRDOTM1	140 gr CenterStrike Open Tip Match	2,675 fps	2,224 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Currently Unavailable
Federal Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing	GM65CRD1	140 gr Sierra MatchKing BTHP	2,675 fps	2,224 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Currently Unavailable
Federal American Eagle	AE65CRD2B	120 gr Open Tip Match	2,900 fps	2,241 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	50	Available
Federal American Eagle	AE65CRD2	120 gr Open Tip Match	2,900 fps	2,241 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Currently Unavailable
Remington Premier Match	27661	140 gr MatchKing Open Tip Match	2,675 fps	2,224 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Hornady ELD Match	81491	120 gr ELD Match	2,910 fps	2,256 ft-lb	24 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Hornady ELD Match	81500	140 gr ELD Match	2,710 fps	2,283 ft-lb	24 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Hornady ELD Match	81501	147 gr ELD Match	2,695 fps	2,370 ft-lb	24 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Hornady American Gunner	81482	140 gr BTHP	2,690 fps	2,249 ft-lb	24 in	50	No status shown on maker page
Berger Hybrid OTM Tactical	31021	130 gr Hybrid OTM Tactical	2,850 fps	2,345 ft-lb	26 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Berger Hybrid Target	31011	140 gr Hybrid Target	2,750 fps	2,351 ft-lb	26 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Berger Long Range Hybrid Target	31081	144 gr Long Range Hybrid Target	2,830 fps	2,561 ft-lb	26 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Berger Long Range Hybrid Target	31091	153.5 gr Long Range Hybrid Target	2,700 fps	2,493 ft-lb	20 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Nosler Match Grade	43455	140 gr HPBT Custom Competition	2,650 fps	2,183 ft-lb	24 in	20	In stock (Nosler store)
Nosler Match Grade RDF	60115	140 gr RDF	2,650 fps	2,183 ft-lb	24 in	20	In stock (Nosler store)

Varmint and predator loads

Federal labels its load "Long Range, Predator, Varmint," and Nosler lists "Varmint." Hornady's is the Varmint Express line. Berger and Remington have no varmint load in our set.

Load	Item #	Bullet	Muzzle velocity	Muzzle energy	Test barrel	Box	Maker status (Nov. 3)
Federal Varmint & Predator	V65CRDVM95	95 gr Hornady V-Max	3,300 fps	2,297 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Available
Hornady Varmint Express	81481	95 gr V-MAX	3,300 fps	2,297 ft-lb	24 in	20	No status shown on maker page
Nosler Varmageddon	65175	90 gr FB Tipped	3,300 fps	2,176 ft-lb	24 in	20	In stock (Nosler store)

Velocity and energy are the muzzle figures in each maker's ballistics table. Test barrel is the length the maker lists. Federal and Remington don't list one, so we don't guess. "Box" is the round count per box. Status is the maker's own wording on its product page, and it changes daily. Nosler's status comes from its online store. Hornady and Berger pages show none. Berger is the only maker here that lists an MSRP. Berger's "20ct MSRP" is $52.99 for items 31021, 31031, 31040, 31011 and 31070, and $54.99 for items 31081 and 31091. All pages checked November 3, 2026.

6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: Federal's 80,000 psi version

Federal calls +Peak "a high-pressure version of the trusted 6.5 Creedmoor." It says the loads have "the same external dimensions as a conventional 6.5 Creedmoor and is compatible with existing 6.5 Creedmoor rifles." They use a Peak Alloy one-piece case and are loaded to 80,000 psi, against 65,000 psi in brass cases, per Federal. Federal says muzzle velocities are 300 fps faster. Compare the same 130 gr Terminal Ascent bullet on Federal's pages: 2,800 fps in the standard load (P65CRDTA1) and 3,100 fps in the +Peak load (P65CRDPKTA1). Federal said it planned to ship to dealers in August 2026. All five +Peak product pages showed "Currently Unavailable" on November 3, 2026. Read our Federal 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak release page for the launch details.

Load	Item #	Bullet	Muzzle velocity	Muzzle energy	Test barrel	Box	Maker status (Nov. 3)
Federal Terminal Ascent +Peak	P65CRDPKTA1	130 gr Terminal Ascent	3,100 fps	2,774 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Currently Unavailable
Federal Fusion Tipped +Peak	F65CRDPKTFS2	155 gr Fusion Tipped	2,900 fps	2,894 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Currently Unavailable
Federal Berger Elite Hunter +Peak	P65CRDPKBH1	156 gr Berger Elite Hunter	2,850 fps	2,813 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Currently Unavailable
Federal Barnes LRX +Peak	P65CRDPKLRX1	127 gr Barnes LRX	3,050 fps	2,623 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Currently Unavailable
Federal Gold Medal Sierra Tipped MatchKing +Peak	GM65CRDPKTMK1	153 gr Sierra Tipped MatchKing	2,850 fps	2,759 ft-lb	Not listed on maker page	20	Currently Unavailable

Which bullet weight? What the makers' numbers show

Hunting loads in our table run from 120 gr to 156 gr. The 140 to 143 gr range is the most common weight. The fastest standard hunting load is Hornady's 120 gr CX Superformance at 3,050 fps from a 24-inch barrel. The varmint loads are faster still. Federal's 95 gr Varmint & Predator and Hornady's 95 gr V-MAX Varmint Express both list 3,300 fps, and so does Nosler's 90 gr Varmageddon. The highest standard muzzle energy is Berger's 144 gr Long Range Hybrid Target at 2,561 ft-lb, from a 26-inch barrel.

The same bullet can list the same numbers across makers. Federal's 143 gr ELD-X (P65CRDELDX1) lists 2,700 fps and 2,315 ft-lb. So does Hornady's Precision Hunter 143 gr ELD-X (81499), which Hornady tests on a 24-inch barrel. Federal lists no barrel. Loads with a similar bullet can also differ a little. Federal's Gold Medal Berger 140 gr (GM65CRDBH2) lists 2,725 fps, and Berger's own 140 gr Hybrid Target (31011) lists 2,750 fps from 26 inches.

The makers label loads "Big Game" or "Deer Sized Game." They don't tell you one weight is right for a species. The right choice depends on bullet construction, range and your state's rules. Check your state hunting rules and your state wildlife agency before you buy.

Test barrels and your rifle

Muzzle velocity depends on barrel length, so compare loads tested on the same barrel. Hornady and Nosler list a 24-inch test barrel, and Nosler also lists a 1:8 twist. Berger lists a 26-inch barrel at sea level, except the 153.5 gr Long Range Hybrid Target (31091), which Berger lists on a 20-inch barrel. Federal and Remington pages don't list a test barrel. SAAMI's velocity and pressure test barrel for 6.5 Creedmoor is 24 inches with a 1:8 twist. A rifle with a shorter barrel than the one listed will likely give different velocities than the box. See new hunting rifles of 2026 for barrel lengths by model.

6.5 Creedmoor basics: SAAMI specs

SAAMI lists the cartridge as "6.5 CM" in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4-2025, its centerfire rifle standard, approved February 10, 2025. The cartridge drawing was issued 06/17/2009. SAAMI lists a maximum average pressure of 62,000 psi, measured by transducer. It has not established crusher pressures. Its reference velocities, measured at 15 feet from the SAAMI test barrel, are 2,840 fps for a 127 gr bullet, 2,940 fps for 129 gr and 2,690 fps for 140 gr. The test barrel is 24.000 in with a 1:8 twist and 6 grooves. Bore is .256 in and groove is .264 in. Cartridge overall length runs from 2.700 in to 2.825 in.

Hornady says the cartridge was "Developed in 2007 after a casual conversation at the National Matches at Camp Perry" and "has become the world's most popular modern cartridge." That is Hornady's claim.

Keep the pressure numbers apart. 62,000 psi is SAAMI's maximum average pressure for 6.5 Creedmoor. The 65,000 psi brass-case figure and the 80,000 psi +Peak figure are Federal's own statements. SAAMI's standard doesn't list +Peak.

Not yet verified

These makers and loads are not in the tables.

Winchester: its 6.5 Creedmoor pages say "There is no ballistics data available at this time." That covers Supreme Long Range S65BC, Match S65CM, Expedition Big Game S65LR, Ballistic Silvertip SBST65CM, Super Match SM65CM, Deer Season XP X65DS, Copper Impact X65CLF and USA65CM. See our Winchester Supreme Long Range release page.
Barnes: the spec and ballistics tabs for VOR-TX LR 127 gr LRX (28986) and VOR-TX 120 gr TTSX (30815) didn't load in the page we could read.
SIG Sauer: its site blocked our check with a 403 error.
Hornady export-only: Hornady 81502 (140 gr SP Custom International) and 81517 (120 gr ECX) say "This product is for export only." We left them out.
Nosler: the 140 gr Whitetail Country (40105) has no ballistics table on its page. Nosler's 129 gr AccuBond Long Range page returned not found.

Rifles and suppressors chambered for 6.5 Creedmoor

We have covered these rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor: the Bergara Premier Cima Pro, Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Capra, Sako 90 Grizzly, Savage 334, Franklin Armory Prevail, Nemo Arms Electus, Bergara Platinum Stalker, Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed HD and the Browning X-Bolt 2 left-hand. The Barrett MRAD Covert is offered in .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor. The new FN SCAR comes in 5.56, 7.62 NATO and 6.5 Creedmoor. For suppressors, Taurus lists 6.5 Creedmoor for the Taurus TTX30, and the Banish Comp 6.5 covers .22 Creedmoor to 6.5 PRC. For a Hornady deer load, see the American Whitetail TIPPED release.

For more ammo, see every 22 Creedmoor factory load, 22 ARC ammo and 9mm ammo. Comparing cartridges? See 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250 and 22 Creedmoor vs 22 ARC. Also see new ammo of 2026, new hunting rifles of 2026, new rifle scopes of 2026 and all ammo releases.

Where to buy

We link only to maker pages, listed in the sources below. Federal and Remington show availability on their own product pages. Nosler shows it in its online store. Hornady and Berger pages don't. We don't track retailer stock or prices. Before you order, check your state's ammunition rules, because some states require a background check or restrict shipping.

Frequently asked questions

What grain 6.5 Creedmoor is used for deer and elk?

The makers don't name one weight. Federal and Remington label their hunting loads "Big Game," and Nosler lists "Deer Sized Game." Hunting loads in our table run from 120 gr to 156 gr, and 140 to 143 gr is the most common. We don't endorse a weight. The right load depends on bullet construction, range and your state's rules, so check your state wildlife agency.

What is 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak and can you buy it?

Federal describes +Peak as a high-pressure version of 6.5 Creedmoor with a Peak Alloy case, loaded to 80,000 psi, with muzzle velocities 300 fps faster. All five +Peak product pages showed "Currently Unavailable" on November 3, 2026.

What test barrel are 6.5 Creedmoor velocities measured on?

Hornady and Nosler list a 24-inch test barrel. Berger lists 26 inches, except its 153.5 gr Long Range Hybrid Target on a 20-inch barrel. Federal and Remington pages don't list one. SAAMI's test barrel is 24 inches with a 1:8 twist.

Which 6.5 Creedmoor loads are made for match shooting?

The match and target table lists Federal Gold Medal and American Eagle loads, Remington Premier Match, Hornady ELD Match and American Gunner, Berger's Target and Tactical loads, and Nosler Match Grade and Match Grade RDF. We don't rank them.

Is there lead-free 6.5 Creedmoor ammo?

Yes. The lead-free loads in our tables are Federal Trophy Copper 120 gr, Federal Barnes TSX 130 gr, Hornady CX 120 gr in the Outfitter and Superformance lines, Remington Premier CuT 120 gr and Nosler Expansion Tip 120 gr.

Is 6.5 Creedmoor a SAAMI cartridge and what pressure does it run?

Yes. SAAMI lists it as "6.5 CM" in Z299.4-2025 with a maximum average pressure of 62,000 psi. Federal's +Peak line is loaded to 80,000 psi, per Federal, and SAAMI's standard doesn't list it.

6.5 Creedmoor Ammo 2026: Hunting, Match and +Peak Loads From the Makers

Hunting loads

Match and target loads

Varmint and predator loads

6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: Federal's 80,000 psi version

Which bullet weight? What the makers' numbers show

Test barrels and your rifle

6.5 Creedmoor basics: SAAMI specs

Not yet verified

Rifles and suppressors chambered for 6.5 Creedmoor

Where to buy

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Keep exploring

Hunting loads

Match and target loads

Varmint and predator loads

6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: Federal's 80,000 psi version

Which bullet weight? What the makers' numbers show

Test barrels and your rifle

6.5 Creedmoor basics: SAAMI specs

Not yet verified

Rifles and suppressors chambered for 6.5 Creedmoor

Related guides

Where to buy

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Keep exploring

The Gun Release Report