The California-Friendly 6.5 mm Creedmoor

by
posted on October 19, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
creedmore.jpg

A recent “Latest Loads” column featured the 6.5 mm Creedmoor cartridge capped with Hornady’s new 143-gr. ELD-X bullet; however, the lead-core projectile cannot be used in California’s condor zone, ecological reserves and wildlife areas. Moreover, some hunters prefer to use leadless bullets due to their high-retained weights, which increases penetration depths. Whatever the reason, the recipe below is for you. Featuring the streamlined, all-copper Barnes 127-gr. Long-Range X Bullet (LRX), when propelled to 2705 f.p.s., the projectile—which has a ballistic coefficient (BC) of .468—drops 4.4", 18.9", and 42.2" at 300, 400, and 500 yds., respectively—when zeroed at 250 yds. The corresponding comeups in m.o.a. are 1.4, 4.5, and 8.1. And, with nearly 1,000 ft.-lbs. of energy still available at 500 yds., this “eco-friendly” load is bad news for all but the largest non-dangerous, big-game species.

Latest

Franchi Mule Gotw 1
Franchi Mule Gotw 1

Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE

One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?

Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications. 

Aero Precision Returns with New Owners

An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.

The Ladies Discover Sporting Clays Experience

The Ladies Discover Sporting Clays Experience, a specially tailored clinic designed to help new female shooters become familiar with the basics of firearm safety, shotgun-handling and sporting-clays shooting.

New for 2026: Bersa B-Series Suppressors

Bersa USA has updated its suppressor lineup in 2026 with its new B-Series cans, which cover the range from .22 LR all the way up to .300 Win. Mag.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.