A specialized group from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is purchasing an undisclosed amount of 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition from Hornady for use in its long-range sniper platform. The branch tested and selected 6.5 Creedmoor for engagements ranging from 0 to 1,200 yards.
The purchase agreement coincides with a DoD decision to replace the MK13 bolt-action chambered in .300 Win. Mag. with a 20-inch semi-automatic AR-10 that chambers 6.5 Creedmoor. With reduced recoil the change will provide faster follow-up shots, if needed, and will deliver enhanced accuracy and performance. Another significant advantage is the reduction in ammunition and rifle weight when compared to the MK13 .300 Win. Mag. platform.
First introduced to enthusiasts by Hornady in 2007, the cartridge has gained an avid following among long-distance shooters and the company continues to provide world-class performance from its factory-loaded cartridges. The company’s loads are match-accurate and feature the kind of excellent cartridge-to-chamber relationship that enables them to shoot well in all guns.
A variety of commercially available rifles are produced in the chambering, including semi-automatics. This year FN America introduced a SCAR 20S for the cartridge, for example, and Shooting Illustrated recently gave it and the 6.5 Creedmoor a workout. “On my first range outing with the SCAR 20S in 6.5 Creedmoor, using Hornady Match-grade factory ammunition, we saw five consecutive hits on steel at 1,500 yards,” stated the author. “That’s beyond impressive, and it shows what kind of performance is capable in FN America’s signature gas gun.”
The 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition ordered by the DoD features proven Hornady bullets, specially selected cases, carefully matched powder and stringent quality control. Founded in 1949, Hornady Manufacturing Company is a family-owned business headquartered in Grand Island, NE, that manufactures its products in the United States.
