6.5 Creedmoor longevity

[EchoM70]

Hi Guys,

Been thinking about getting a Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor. I've had a .260 rem before and I'm looking at something slightly different this time. Basically they're both the same cartridge with the 6.5 Creed handling the longer 140gr bullets a tad bit better.

Anyways, I handload and thinking about purchasing the die set and some brass now while I build up enough funds to purchase the Ruger. I'm just concerned on the fact Hornady is the only manufacture of brass and ammo. It's a little worrisome, as federal dropped the 338 federal brass and now the only way to load that is necking up .308 brass and I would prefer not to form brass for anything I reload.

So in short, how do you guys think the 6.5 Creed will hold up? It's getting a good hold in the long range crowd, at least I believe so. I feel hopeful, would just like to see other component manufactures hop on board as well.

I understand longevity of a cartridge is something hard to predict. They're are still people insisting the 300 WSM and 270 WSM have one foot in the grave.. Just looking for some feedback and opinions on the matter.

Thanks guys!

 

[LeonCarr]

Is the 6.5 Creedmoor its own case design or is it based on a necked up/necked down existing cartridge?

I personally would have a 6.5 cartridge based on an existing case design, like the .260, 6.5-284, or 6.5-06 just in case the factory formed brass goes away.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[EchoM70]

From what I understand, 6.5 Creedmoor brass can be formed from 22-250 brass without too much difficult.

.308 brass as well.

 

[LeonCarr]

Then rock on with the Creedmoor .

I have not shot a 6.5 Creedmoor, but a buddy has a Hart barreled Remington 700 in 6.5x47 Lapua with a 5.5-22 Nightforce that shoots five shots under an inch at 400 yards. Shoots like a house on fire, but the only one making brass is Lapua.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[EchoM70]

Thanks for the input LeonCarr!

"but the only one making brass is Lapua."

That would be a problem I wouldn't mind having. Thought about the 6.5x47 Lapua as well, some reason everything I've read took me right back to the Creedmoor.

 

[HOOfan_1]

Creedmoor and 30 TC use the same length brass

 

[rayatphonix]

Nosler has begun making 6.5 Creedmoor brass also. I'd be surprised if Lapua didn't join the group in the next year or two. A popular cartridge for LR has become the 6mm Creedmoor. The Creedmoor is here to stay.

 

[cfullgraf]

t's a little worrisome, as federal dropped the 338 federal brass and now the only way to load that is necking up .308 brass and I would prefer not to form brass for anything I reload.

As far as forming cases, I can understand an unwillingness to do so.

But, I find forming cases a nice diversion to the regular rat race of reloading. I generally will spend an evening or two forming a batch of cases and then I am good for a long time. The size of the batch depends on how much I shoot the firearm, 300 BLK and 38/45 Clerke batches are larger than 6.5x54 Kurz Mauser or 7mm Int Rimmed.

Also, by forming cases, I can enjoy firearms that ammunition is not commercially available. I even got forming dies for 221 Remington Fireball when it looked like those cases would go away so that i could keep shooting my 221 Rem FB rifles.

So, it sounds like parent cases are available to form 6.5 Creedmoor from. I would go for it.

But, I would understand if you decided not to.

 

[RVH]

i have not shot a Creedmoor, however the 6.5x55 cg63 swedish mauser is an awesome shooting machine.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

I'm a big fan of Ackley Improved cartridges in bolt guns, so I have nothing against the moderately "modern" Creedmore case. However, my next AR10 type build is likely to be a .260 Rem because there will always be .243 Win brass to neck up and there is no worry about 7.62mm magazines functioning flawlessly.

I don't think you can go wrong with a 6.5mm.

Mike

 

[itsa pain]

I cannot understand why the creedmore or less even got off the ground with the 260 Rem around. In a pinch you can form from 7mm 08 243 or 308 brass plus get 260 brass. The difference in them in flight is like the difference in pepsi and coke but main difference is the unlimited brass for the 260

 

[rayatphonix]

The 6.5 Creedmoor was originally designed with semi-automatic magazines in mind and according to the designers it will function better in a magazine than the 260. I have both and while I don't see how the Creedmoor is better than the 260, it's certainly an equal. I've never had a problem with either.

 

[itsa pain]

The 6.5 Creedmoor was originally designed with semi-automatic magazines in mind and according to the designers it will function better in a magazine than the 260. I have both and while I don't see how the Creedmoor is better than the 260, it's certainly an equal. I've never had a problem with either.

It may well be but the 308 parent case of the 260 has functioned through a few semi and full auto battle rifles lol.

 

[Txhillbilly]

I shoot both the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 260 Remington and love both calibers.
Neither caliber is going bye-bye anytime soon.
I make all of my 260 brass from 243 brass,and have started using 22-250 brass for my 6.5 Creedmoor.
Hornady has improved their brass problems some,but I still have some cases that the primer pockets get loose after a couple loadings,and I don't load hot.
I haven't tried the Nosler 6.5 CM brass yet,but I'm sure it will be top notch brass.

I'm building a 6.5-06 right now,and have to form all my brass for it out of 30/06 or 270 brass,but I've never minded forming brass for my rifles.Now if the barrel would just show up for this thing,I can load some ammo and shoot it!

 

[taliv]

i know it works in theory, but i'm pretty surprised you don't split 10% or more of your case necks. 22 to 260 is a long way to neck up. i split a few just going from 243 to 260 (I also make my 260rem from 243win). do you size up in 2 steps or more?

 

[Txhillbilly]

i know it works in theory, but i'm pretty surprised you don't split 10% or more of your case necks. 22 to 260 is a long way to neck up. i split a few just going from 243 to 260 (I also make my 260rem from 243win). do you size up in 2 steps or more?

Nope,just one step. Really slow,with lots of Imperial Sizing Wax.
I use once fired brass,and anneal the necks before sizing them up to 6.5mm,and I use Match Grade bushing dies.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

The 6.5 Creedmoor was originally designed with semi-automatic magazines in mind and according to the designers it will function better in a magazine than the 260. I have both and while I don't see how the Creedmoor is better than the 260, it's certainly an equal. I've never had a problem with either.

Well, the 260 has the same shoulder diameter at the 7.62/308. The Creedmoor is wider. The magazines were designed for 7.62 so I doubt it could be "better". It's probably like the way 300BLK noses inward a bit in many 5.56 magazines . . . good enough.

Mike

 

[itsa pain]

Nope,just one step. Really slow,with lots of Imperial Sizing Wax.
I use once fired brass,and anneal the necks before sizing them up to 6.5mm,and I use Match Grade bushing dies.

That is way to much work for me sounds like same amount of work to load a cap and ball revolver or flintlock