Hornady Black 6.5 Creedmoor Review: Precision Shooting on a Budget?
Hornady Black 6.5 Creedmoor is designed to bridge the gap between performance and affordability. Marketed as a versatile factory load that works flawlessly in both bolt-action rifles and gas guns, it features a 140-grain Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP) projectile known for long-range stability and accuracy. But can it really deliver match-grade precision at a wallet-friendly price?
We’ll break down how it performs, stack it up against Hornady Match and custom handloads, and help you figure out which one’s right for you.
Specs at a Glance
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Bullet Weight: 140 grains
Bullet Type: BTHP (Boat Tail Hollow Point)
Muzzle Velocity: ~2,710 fps
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): 0.580
Intended Use: Precision target shooting, hunting medium game, tactical applications
Performance on the Range
Accuracy
Hornady Black consistently produces sub-MOA groups in well-built bolt guns and even holds around 1 MOA in quality AR-10 platforms. The 140 gr BTHP bullet is a proven design that resists wind drift and maintains velocity at longer ranges. It may not be as flashy as Hornady’s ELD Match line, but it’s impressively consistent for the price.
Consistency
Thanks to Hornady’s tight quality control, velocity deviations remain low typically in the 10–15 fps standard deviation (SD) range. This translates to fewer vertical stringing issues at long distances, making it a great choice for shooters dialing their turrets for precision hits.
Recoil and Handling
In both lightweight hunting rifles and heavier match guns, the recoil is smooth and manageable. You’ll notice clean-burning powder and reliable feeding even in semi-autos. It’s a load you can shoot all day without fatigue or reliability issues.
Hornady Black vs. Hornady Match vs. Handloads
To better understand where Hornady Black fits in, let’s compare it to two popular alternatives.
Velocity & Energy Comparison
Ammo Type | Bullet | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | Ballistic Coefficient (G1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hornady Black | 140 gr BTHP | ~2,710 | ~2,280 | 0.580 |
Hornady Match | 140 gr ELD Match | ~2,710 | ~2,280 | 0.610 |
Custom Handloads | Varies (130–147 gr) | 2,650–2,800+ | 2,250–2,350+ | Up to 0.625+ |
Performance Comparison Table
Feature | Hornady Black | Hornady Match | Custom Handloads |
|---|---|---|---|
Accuracy | ★★★★☆ (0.75–1 MOA) | ★★★★★ (0.5–0.75 MOA) | ★★★★★ (Sub-0.5 MOA possible) |
Consistency (SD) | ★★★★☆ (10–15 fps) | ★★★★★ (<10 fps) | ★★★★★ (<5–10 fps possible) |
Cost Per Round | ★★★★★ (~$1.25–$1.50) | ★★★☆☆ (~$1.75–$2.00) | ★★★★☆ (~$0.90–$1.20 avg) |
Ease of Use | ★★★★★ (factory ready) | ★★★★★ (factory ready) | ★★☆☆☆ (requires setup & time) |
Best Use | Training, Range, Hunting | Competition, Long-Range | Match Shooting, Load Tuning |
Rifle Compatibility
Hornady Black is designed to run smoothly in both bolt-action rifles and semi-auto AR-10s, with minimal adjustment needed. Whether you're shooting a Ruger Precision Rifle, Tikka T3x CTR, Savage 110 Tactical, or a gas gun like the Aero M5, this round performs consistently.
Platform | Hornady Black | Hornady Match | Handloads |
|---|---|---|---|
Savage 110 Tactical | Great | Great | Ideal |
Ruger Precision Rifle | Excellent | Excellent | Optimal |
Tikka T3x CTR | Excellent | Excellent | Optimal |
Springfield Waypoint 2020 | Very Good | Excellent | Best when tuned |
AR-10 Platforms | Smooth & Reliable | Accurate & Smooth | May need gas tuning |
Use Case Recommendations
You Are A... | Your Best Pick |
|---|---|
Precision Beginner or Budget-Conscious | Hornady Black |
Competitive Shooter | Hornady Match |
Handloading Enthusiast | Custom Handloads |
Hunter (Deer, Antelope) | Hornady Black or Handloads |
PRS/NRL Practice Shooter | Hornady Black |
Final Verdict: Is It Precision on a Budget?
Absolutely. Hornady Black 6.5 Creedmoor proves that you don’t need top-shelf match ammo to shoot tight groups. It gives you sub-MOA performance, clean burning powder, and exceptional consistency all at a price point friendly enough to train or compete regularly.
Whether you're a casual long-range shooter or just getting into precision rifle sports, Hornady Black delivers exceptional value and real-world performance. For those chasing perfection, Hornady Match or custom handloads offer that final edge but Hornady Black gets you surprisingly close for less.