Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart

The Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor is available in several factory ammunition options, including InterLock, ELD-X, ELD Match, SST and CX bullets. Each load has different ballistic characteristics, including muzzle velocity, retained energy and trajectory.

This guide presents Hornady’s published 6.5 Creedmoor ballistic figures, along with bullet specifications and ballistic coefficients. The main chart uses data from Hornady’s product catalogue.

Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart

The following table shows the published ballistic figures for Hornady’s 140-grain InterLock 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition, item number 81410.

Range	Velocity (fps)	Energy (ft-lb)	Trajectory (inches)
Muzzle	2,800	2,135	-1.5
100 Yards	2,590	1,736	+1.4
200 Yards	2,398	1,448	0
300 Yards	2,210	1,223	-6.0
400 Yards	2,031	994	-18.9
500 Yards	1,850	755	-38.6

Source: Hornady Product Catalogue. Hornady lists its ballistic data using a 24-inch test barrel unless otherwise specified.

Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor Ammunition Options

Hornady offers different bullet designs for the 6.5 Creedmoor. The following table identifies several factory ammunition options listed in its catalogue.

Bullet Weight	Bullet Type	Item Number
100 gr	ELD-VT	81504
120 gr	CX	81487
129 gr	SST	81509
140 gr	InterLock	81410
143 gr	ELD-X	81499
147 gr	ELD Match	81501

These loads serve different purposes. ELD-X is a hunting bullet, ELD Match is designed for target shooting, and CX uses a copper-alloy construction.

Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor Bullet Ballistic Coefficients

Ballistic coefficient (BC) describes how efficiently a bullet moves through the air. Hornady publishes multiple BC values for its ELD-X and ELD Match bullets because aerodynamic performance changes as velocity decreases.

143 Grain ELD-X

Velocity Reference	G1 BC	G7 BC
Mach 2.25	0.623	0.314
Mach 2.0	0.604	0.303
Mach 1.75	0.584	0.294

140 Grain ELD Match

Velocity Reference	G1 BC	G7 BC
Mach 2.25	0.646	0.326
Mach 2.0	0.637	0.320
Mach 1.75	0.616	0.310

147 Grain ELD Match

Velocity Reference	G1 BC	G7 BC
Mach 2.25	0.697	0.351
Mach 2.0	0.662	0.332
Mach 1.75	0.637	0.321

The BC figures above are published by Hornady. The Mach references represent different velocity ranges, allowing a more useful comparison of bullet performance.

Understanding the 6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart

Muzzle Velocity

Muzzle velocity is the speed of a bullet as it leaves the rifle barrel. In the published 140-grain InterLock chart, the starting velocity is 2,800 fps.

Downrange Velocity

A bullet gradually loses speed as it travels through the air. Hornady’s chart shows the 140-grain InterLock load decreasing from 2,800 fps at the muzzle to 1,850 fps at 500 yards.

Bullet Energy

Bullet energy is measured in foot-pounds. It decreases as the projectile loses velocity. The 140-grain InterLock load starts at 2,135 ft-lb and has 755 ft-lb listed at 500 yards.

Bullet Trajectory

Trajectory describes the bullet’s path relative to the sighting reference. In the Hornady chart, the 200-yard point is listed as zero, while the 500-yard figure is -38.6 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the muzzle velocity of Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition?

It depends on the specific factory load. Hornady lists 2,800 fps for its 140-grain InterLock load in the catalogue.

What is the ballistic coefficient of the 143-grain Hornady ELD-X?

Hornady lists a G1 BC of 0.623 and a G7 BC of 0.314 at Mach 2.25.

What is the ballistic coefficient of the 140-grain ELD Match?

The published figures are 0.646 G1 and 0.326 G7 at Mach 2.25.

What is the ballistic coefficient of the 147-grain ELD Match?

Hornady lists a G1 BC of 0.697 and a G7 BC of 0.351 at Mach 2.25.

How much energy does Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor retain at 500 yards?

The published 140-grain InterLock chart lists 755 ft-lb at 500 yards.

Does Hornady offer 6.5 Creedmoor ELD-X ammunition?

Yes. Hornady lists a 143-grain ELD-X factory ammunition option in its Precision Hunter range.

What barrel length does Hornady use for its ballistic data?

Hornady states that its catalogue ballistic data is based on a 24-inch barrel unless otherwise noted.

What is the difference between ELD-X and ELD Match?

ELD-X is designed as a hunting bullet, while ELD Match is designed for competitive and precision target shooting.

Why does ballistic coefficient change with velocity?

A bullet’s aerodynamic performance can change as it slows down. Hornady therefore publishes BC values at several Mach references for selected ELD-X and ELD Match bullets.

Is Hornady’s 6.5 Creedmoor trajectory chart the same for every rifle?

No. Actual results can vary with barrel length, ammunition lot, rifle characteristics and atmospheric conditions. Manufacturer figures are reference data, not a guarantee of identical performance from every firearm.