What characterises 6.5 Creedmoor?
6.5 Creedmoor is often abbreviated to 6.5 CM. The cartridge is widely used in precision sport. It must be distinguished from 6.5 PRC, 6.5 × 47 Lapua and other similarly named cartridges. A similar diameter designation does not make complete cartridges interchangeable.
6.5 Creedmoor is often abbreviated to 6.5 CM. The cartridge is widely used in precision sport. It must be distinguished from 6.5 PRC, 6.5 × 47 Lapua and other similarly named cartridges. A similar diameter designation does not make complete cartridges interchangeable.
Different ammunition versions are sold as 6.5 Creedmoor. Match and hunting ammunition, for example, may use different bullet designs. A performance figure for one version therefore does not automatically apply to the whole family.
Comparison with .308 Winchester requires precisely identified products and comparable test conditions. A single velocity figure proves no overall superiority. Competition class and available ranges also matter. The data section explains external dimensions and cites performance examples. Any range figure remains tied to its particular context.
6.5 Creedmoor — Dimensions, energy and range
Dimensions in millimetres; angles as stated in the original. Open the drawing to enlarge it.
Drawing: Francis Flinch / Wikimedia Commons · CC0 1.0 · unchanged.
- Case length
- 48.80 mm
- Bullet diameter
- 6.72 mm
- Overall cartridge length
- 71.80 mm
- Muzzle energy E₀
- 3095–3290 J (source examples)
- Range context
- Sporting guidance according to PGM: 600 m / 656.2 yrd – 1000 m / 1093.6 yrd and beyond. Not a fixed performance limit.
What the dimensions mean
Case length measures the case without the bullet; overall length measures the complete cartridge. Bullet diameter is distinct from bore calibre. Sources may give nominal or maximum dimensions, so rounded figures can differ slightly. This overview is not a dimensioned standard drawing and does not establish interchangeability.
Understanding energy
E₀ is kinetic energy at the muzzle. It depends on bullet mass and velocity. These figures refer to selected examples from the sources, not every load of this calibre. Bullet design, barrel length and test conditions affect the result. A range of examples is neither a complete market comparison nor guaranteed minimum and maximum performance.
Understanding range
A sporting application distance describes a use case. Supersonic range is the distance over which a particular bullet remains faster than sound under specified conditions. Both differ from maximum flight distance. The cartridge name alone cannot provide a reliable range limit without load and condition details. These distances are neither hunting recommendations nor safety distances.
Data sources: Wikipedia · Wikipedia · PGM · Source check 2026-10-04