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Federal 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Ammunition - Is It Hot or Not?

Talyn

Emissary
Founding Member
Since the 6.5CM is my go-to hunting cartridge I have a self-imposed range limit on it of 300 yds, based on performance at that range, and my own druthers. With the 130 gr. Terminal Ascent round (which I've used before), with the extra 300 fps I estimated that would give me an extra 100 yds, but it will reinforce my confidence in a 300 yd. shot due to the better ballistics.

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Federal really went into the lab on this one to make a scorching fast version of the 6.5 Creedmoor that is actually safe to shoot out of your normal 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.


As per Federal...

Federal 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak - Features and Benefits

This new cartridge is compatible with most 6.5 Creedmoor rifles. You can visit HERE for a list of supporting rifle manufacturers. As I alluded to earlier, a madman from the Federal factory floor didn’t just jam a bunch of powder into a 6.5 Creedmoor and call it a day. There is a lot more going on here than that. In fact, it is quite a lot! Federal expands on all of the selling points in this list of features and benefits listed below:
  • Peak Alloy case technology allows higher pressures for faster velocities and better overall ballistic performance
  • 300 FPS faster than conventional brass case 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition
  • 100 FPS faster than 6.5 PRC through existing 6.5 Creedmoor rifles
  • Same velocity as a 24” barrel 6.5 PRC when fired through a 20” barrel
  • Maximizes ballistic performance through shorter barrels
  • High BC, heavier-for-caliber bullets minimize drop and drift for longer effective range
  • More power provides ample energy and terminal performance for bigger game like elk
  • Excellent for long-range target shooting and competition

What’s the Upsell? What’s the 30-Second Elevator Pitch?

So, what’s the upsell? What’s the metaphorical and literal 30-second elevator pitch? For the 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak ammunition, you’re looking at several prominent traits that might tip the scale in favor of this new round as opposed to other 6.5 cartridges at a similar price-point.
  • 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak is Reloadable - Federal is planning to offer first-run unprimed cases for handloaders
  • 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak can be fired in my existing 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles - Federal’s testing has shown 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak operates in a variety of 6.5 Creedmoor firearm platforms: bolt-action, lever-action, and semi-auto.
  • Peak Alloy Casings are less susceptible to Rust or Corrosion - Peak Alloy cases feature durable nickel plating that protects against corrosion and rust and provides next-level protection from the elements.
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Velocity - Chronograph Data

To test the velocity of this new and to see if it is as scintillating as Federal advertises it to be, the author fired 10 rounds un-suppressed (factory muzzle brake) and 10 rounds suppressed (noise tamed by my Nomad 30). For the un-suppressed rounds, my data looked like this:
  • Average Velocity: 3,101.6 FPS
  • Slowest: 3,073.8 FPS
  • Fastest: 3,122.4 FPS
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that will be something to try. i get about 2995fps with 120gr eldm right now without pressure problems. thats with peterson brass. id like to see what this peak stuff can do. hopefully not burn the barrel too quick. maybe try some of the heavies and see how they stack up in the long range shots.
 
I’m wondering about the life of the brass at that level. I would think a few firings and it would be toast.
 
About a year ago I finally got a 6.5 Creedmoor. A Savage no less! Prior to that I played with a variety of Swedes, a 6.5 Grendel, 260 Remington, and 6.5 x 284 Norma. So now it appears the Creedmoor may outperform the Swede!
 

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