6.5 Creedmoor at 1000 Yards: What Can I Expect?

Introduction

I’ve been getting into long-range shooting and the 6.5 Creedmoor has caught my eye as a potential cartridge for my needs. I’m particularly interested in how it performs at 1,000 yards since that’s what I plan to be shooting.

Bullet Drop and Trajectory

One of the biggest questions I have is about bullet drop. I know that at longer distances, drop can be a significant factor, especially as you start to push towards 1,000 yards.

  • What kind of drop can I typically expect with the 6.5 Creedmoor?
  • Are there any specific bullet weights that work best for long-range shooting?

I’ve heard people mention how the 6.5 Creedmoor excels in this area compared to cartridges like the .308. I’d love to hear some concrete numbers if anyone has them.

Wind Performance

Another concern is how the 6.5 Creedmoor handles wind drift. Wind can push you off target after 1,000 yards, so understanding how this cartridge behaves in windy conditions is crucial.

  • How does it compare to other calibers in a crosswind?
  • Any real-world experiences would be appreciated!

Hunting Suitability

I’m also curious about its suitability for hunting at this distance.

  • Does anyone here use the 6.5 Creedmoor for hunting purposes?
  • What kind of game have you taken down, and how did it perform?

Conclusion

I know there are a lot of factors to consider, and every shooter has different experiences. I would really appreciate any insights, experiences, or recommendations based on your own long-range shooting with the 6.5 Creedmoor. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

3 Likes

I’ve had great success with the Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. It offers excellent accuracy at 1000 yards and is relatively affordable for its performance.

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That’s good to hear! I’ve been leaning towards the Tikka T3x at this distance. The build quality is impressive for the price.

I totally agree with Dday about the Tikka. It’s lightweight and has great out-of-the-box accuracy, plus it’s user-friendly for beginners!

You should definitely check out the Howa 1500 as well. It’s a solid rifle that can deliver impressive groups at long ranges.

I’ve heard good things about the Howa! What about its aftermarket support for upgrades?

The Howa has decent aftermarket options, but Tikka really shines in the aftermarket department for customization. Just make sure to get a good scope!

Don’t overlook the Christensen Arms Precision either. It’s pricier, but it’s not just about the cost; it offers a lightweight carbon fiber build that helps with recoil management.

That sounds fancy! Is the recoil truly manageable, or does it still kick like a mule?

Brian, it’s surprisingly manageable! The design really helps. But remember, practice is key to mastering that recoil.

What distance do you all think is the sweet spot for the 6.5 Creedmoor? Some guys at the range say it’s best around 600 yards.

I think 1000 yards is the sweet spot! The balistics of the Creedmoor really shine at that range. Just require good optics and ammo.

Absolutely, but I’ve found that the wind can be quite tricky at long distances. Any tips there?

Wind reading is vital. It’s all about understanding wind drift. I recommend practicing with a good wind meter if you’re serious about 1000 yards.

I love how technical this discussion gets! What do you guys think about factory ammo vs. hand-loading for accuracy?

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Hand-loading can yield better accuracy, but factory ammo is convenient for those who just want to get out shooting! Pros and cons to both.

Agreed! It’s also fun to experiment and tweak your loads to find what works best for your rifle.

For 1000-yard shooting, it’s crucial to use high-quality match-grade ammunition. I’ve had great results with Hornady ELD Match 140 grain cartridges. They offer excellent ballistic coefficients and consistent performance.

8 Likes

Absolutely! I’ve found that reloading can really enhance your results. Using Varget powder with a 147 grain bullet can yield amazing consistency at long ranges.

What do you think about using lighter bullets, like the 120 grain? I’ve heard mixed opinions on their performance at long distances.