Handloads: Other Powders For The 6.5 mm Creedmoor

by
posted on April 10, 2023
** 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. **
6.5 mm Creedmoor

6.5 mm Creedmoor specsHodgdon H4350 is so popular for handloading the 6.5 mm Creedmoor that the propellant is frequently unavailable or is in short supply as a result. However, the 6.5 mm Creedmoor is such a well-balanced cartridge that many other propellants perform just as well. A good problem is to pick one.

To set a reference point for selecting an alternative propellant, I loaded 41.5 grains of H4350 with Hornady 140-grain ELD Match bullets and shot the cartridges in a Ruger American Predator rifle. I also loaded and shot six other propellants with burn rates similar to H4350 while using the Hornady bullets. Reloder 17 and 23 produced slightly higher velocities, tighter groups and a similar standard deviation of velocity (Sd) as H4350. IMR 4451 and Norma URP shot groups not much larger than 0.5" with low Sds, however, their velocities were nearly 100 f.p.s. slower than H4350. Hybrid 100V pretty much mirrored H4350. Ramshot Hunter grouped Hornady bullets in 0.87" and fired them nearly 75 f.p.s. faster than H4350. The charge of Hunter was slightly compressed by a seated bullet, which aided in an even burn and an Sd of 11.

All six propellants would make a good replacement for H4350, but Reloder 17 and 23 and Ramshot Hunter particularly stood out. I settled on Hunter, and additional shooting confirmed it was a good choice. Hunter is a spherical propellant that flows precisely through a powder measure. The 45-grain charge of Hunter was dropped from a measure and produced an Sd of 12 across nine shots. The Ruger shot five, three-shot groups that varied in size from 0.64" to 1.28". 

Ramshot Hunter is commonly available, so there is no reason to lie awake at night worrying about a suitable propellant to handload the ever-popular 6.5 mm Creedmoor should Hodgdon H4350 not be an option.

Latest

Walther PDP Pro-X PMM
Walther PDP Pro-X PMM

Unfair Advantage: The Walther PDP Pro-X PMM

The latest “Pro” model in this famous German maker’s line of U.S.-assembled pistols leverages more than 100 years of experience in building service-size semi-automatics. And the results are better than even most experienced shooters should expect.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 8, 2025

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

Terminal Ballistics 101: What You Must Know As A Rifleman

It is easy to take a box of bullets for granted, but as a rifleman, it is important to understand all variables at play when it comes to terminal ballistics. This guide, from NRA Firearms Sourcebook, will help drill down on what is important.

Preview: BlackPoint Tactical Leather Wing—Light Mounted

The Leather Wing from BlackPoint Tactical is a hybrid OWB concealed-carry holster that pairs thermoformed front and rear Kydex shells with flexible leather side panels.

Bringing The 940 Back: Smith & Wesson & Davidson's Revive Classic Revolver

After a 27-year hiatus, the Smith & Wesson Model 940 revolver in 9 mm Luger is finally back, thanks to S&W's partnership with distributor Davidson's, Inc.

Preview: The Life Of Samuel H. Walker

Firearm enthusiasts will recognize the name of Samuel Walker due to his association with Sam Colt.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.