Check out the 6.5 Creedmoor
In recent years the 6.5 Creedmoor is a caliber that everyone is raving about. It is the go-to cartridge for long-range shooters due to its reputation of shooting precision groups at 500 yards…and beyond.
It is also becoming more popular among hunters. This means that it is an easy to find factory load with more options all the time. Wanting to learn what all the buzz was about, I decided to order my own Winchester 6.5 Creedmoor to see if it lives up to all of the hype.
In recent years the 6.5 Creedmoor is a caliber that everyone is raving about. It is the go-to cartridge for long-range shooters due to its reputation of shooting precision groups at 500 yards…and beyond. It is also becoming more popular among hunters. This means that it is an easy to find factory load with more options all the time. Wanting to learn what all the buzz was about, I decided to order my own Winchester 6.5 Creedmoor to see if it lives up to all of the hype.
The Nitty Gritty
If you are anything like me, you can tell me about numbers and ballistic coefficients. But what I really want to know is how the gun and ammunition actually perform and feel when shooting it. So here is what I personally experienced and picked up on while using my rifle this hunting season.
Go the Distance
My first outing with the 6.5 Creedmoor took place at the gun range; a long distance shooting range to be more specific. This is where I got my gun dialed in all the way out to 1000 yards.
The Accuracy is impressive
Prior to owning the 6.5 Creedmoor, I never shot beyond 300 yards. Even the thought of shooting an animal at that distance was out of my comfort zone. I consider myself to be an average shot with a rifle and in less. But in 15 minutes I was shooting my best-ever groups at 300 yards. Within the hour, I was hitting my mark at 1000 yards. The Creedmoor removed all of my accuracy doubts and never left me second guessing.
Low Recoil
I was amazed at the lack of recoil. I am used to shooting guns that pack a punch – right to the shoulder. However the 6.5 Creedmoor had very little recoil making it easier to re-rack and stay on target. I could easily shoot through a box and not have to worry about waking up to bruises the next morning. The lack of recoil is great especially for new shooters who are working to improve their skill set.
Take Down Power
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a great shooting gun. If it’s hitting the mark at 1000 yards, you know it will get the job done at 100 yards! I used this round on all of my deer this past season. Each shot went right where I intended it to, and I didn’t have to re-chamber another round. I used the 125 grain Deer Season XP on larger bodied deer up in New York and also on the smaller bodied deer in Texas – all resulting in the same outcome: Every deer I have harvested with this round either dropped in its tracks or went less than 50 yards.
Ammunition Matters
The 6.5 Creedmoor was developed with long-range competition in mind. However, with the right ammunition, it can do some serious damage to big game. Since getting the Creedmoor, I have been able to shoot all of these Winchester ammunitions: Match, Big Game Expedition, and Deer Season XP. Whether at the range or hunting for game you just have to match the bullet to the task at hand.
Optics make a difference
If you are shooting long-range, choosing the right scope is important. One of the factors that I take into consideration when choosing optics is glass quality. Clear, sharp glass makes it easier to read mirage and to see at a lower power. Reading mirage at the target is important so you can see what the wind is doing so you can adjust MOA (minute of angle) accordingly. I use the Swarovski X5(i).
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this caliber, I have had great success with it this season both on the range and in the field. The accuracy and low recoil of the 6.5 Creedmoor gave me confidence and helped me to fill the freezer! Let me know if you have tried out the 6.5 Creedmoor and share your thoughts with me.
