quote:

Originally posted by swage:
The 6.5 Creedmoor has a pretty wide accuracy node. I think you'll find most factory ammunition will shoot well. American Eagle has a good reputation as well and is less expensive if you're looking for other factory ammo suggestions.

quote:

Originally posted by fritz:
I haven't shot Hornady's Black ammo in 6.5CM. I have shot Black products in 223 and 308 calibers, and the ammo shoots quite accurately.

I have only shot Hornady factory ammo in my 6.5CM bolt action. Bullets included 120 Amax, 140 Amax, 140 ELDM, and 147 ELDM. I didn't shoot enough of the 120 Amax at 100-yard paper targets to get a good feel for its ultimate accuracy, but it did hold verticals very well on steel plates out to 800-ish yards. I felt the BC of the 120 bullet was too low to justify further purchases.

In my rifle, factory Hornady ammo of all flavors of the 140 and 147 grain ammo repeatedly produce 1/2" or less groups at 100 yards -- of course when the shooter isn't being a sheep dip. This has been with all three Bartlein barrels I've used so far. When I'm having a really good day, group sizes shrink to .3" or less.

I have no experience with the 123 Amax bullets. I know guys who like their performance in 6.5 Grendel gas guns, but I don't know of people who use them in a 6.5CM bolt action.

The BC of the 147 ELDM is overstated. Badly. I suspect the 147's correct BC is somewhere between the stated numbers for the 140 and 147. It is an accurate bullet, however. It produced a .38" group for me at 100.

If you want to verify your own loading capabilities, compare your best 6.5CM load to that of Hornady factory 140 ELD ammo. You should be able to improve upon the factory's MV extreme spread. You may find it challenging to beat the factory ammo's accuracy.