The 6.5 Creedmoor was originally a wildcat cartridge designed for incredible energy and dependable velocity. It also was created to work with existing LR 308 (or AR10) platforms with a few simple parts changed, making it a popular choice for both competition shooters and hunters.
Fans of the cartridge swear it creates a lower recoil next to similar rounds, but calculations say it packs a pretty decent punch. Let’s take a look at how the 6.5 Creedmoor recoil compares to other popular 30 caliber rounds, and how “felt recoil” can be a subjective term, subject to changes based on different factors.
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Defining the 6.5 Creedmoor Cartridge
The 6.5 CM is a modified .30 caliber round designed to provide incredible energy potential over long-range distances. It was created as a more comfortable competitive answer to the high recoil of the .308 Win and 30-06 without a sacrifice of power or accuracy. This has made it an optimal choice for long-distance hunting and competition, as it offers more energy than the .308 Win and outperforms the .30-06 – all with a lower recoil point.
Originally built and introduced by Hornady, it was made for supersonic performance and flat range shooting. To explain this further, it can hit a 1000 yard target with very little loss of force, and only offers a 1-inch drop over a 250-yard range.
How Recoil is Measured
Recoil results in three different measurements: Recoil energy (sometimes called “free recoil”), recoil velocity, and recoil impulse. Free recoil is measured in foot-pounds and is defined as the force you feel when the firearm pushes back against you upon firing.
Recoil velocity measures both speed and direction, or how fast the firearm pushes back against you. And recoil impulse is the measurement of the impact of these forces, or how it feels. The first two are the most important measurements as an impulse can be subjective in nature, and differ from one person to the next based on firearm modification for comfort, as well as what a person is wearing. The important thing to remember is the potential discomfort it can cause.
You only need four variables to calculate recoil: bullet weight, bullet velocity, powder charge weight, and firearm weight. Most of these values can be found from ammo manufacturers, and then you can simply place them into a Recoil Energy Calculator to work those numbers for you.
One of the best online resources for this is ShootersCalculator.com.
How the 6.5 Creedmoor Compares
The .30 caliber cartridge has become an iconic template for an excellent array of dependable, high-energy rounds. Necking down and resizing the original by gun enthusiasts created a range of wildcat cartridges customized to fit their shooting needs. Some of these have made their way into mass production after being introduced to the shooting world and inspired their own creations – since ammo manufacturers are in constant work improving what they have.
The 6.5 Creedmoor falls into this category and is regularly placed side by side against similar options that provide long-range power and accuracy.
Felt Recoil Factors to Consider
As mentioned earlier, the felt recoil of your firearm will differ based on various factors, many of which are in your control. This is why some people feel the 6.5 CM offers less kickback than any other cartridge in its category. Although measurably, this isn’t true, take a look at why many people may think this:
Gun Weight
The weight of your gun can help offset kickback as it absorbs more of the energy that forces it to move. Obviously, chances are you are shooting a 6.5 CM through a fairly lightweight option, but just a few added ounces can help make all the difference.
Buttstock Type and Length
The size of your gun in reference to your size also makes a difference, especially the length of your stock. If too long, it can make your recoil feel much stronger than it is due to a loss of overall control of the length for stability. Luckily, many rifles provide adjustability so you can find a comfortable shooting position. You can also add pads, as well as wear clothing that is protective.
Muzzle Devices
Muzzle devices, such as muzzle brakes and compensators, are designed specially to vent gas pressure in a controlled manner to help offset recoil by redirecting in more than one direction. This works to not only help reduce recoil by up to 50%, but also stabilize your barrel.
Wrapping it Up
If you own or have considered purchasing a Creedmoor 6.5 for long-distance competition or hunting, you are investing in a popular, powerful option that is shooter friendly and incredibly dependable. The round is made for accurate consistency and offers an incredible amount of power without the kickback of its parent cartridge, the .308 Win. It outshoots the majority of every popular,30 caliber option, and truly is a choice you can’t go wrong with.
Even though it doesn’t have the lowest recoil of comparative rounds, it is right up there in the “comfort” zone, which can further be offset with options concerning size, length, and muzzle devices.
We’d love to know about your experiences with the 6.5 CM and have the chance to answer any questions you might have. Let us know in the comments below. And, as always, please share!