6.5x55 Swedish vs 6.5 Creedmoor
Typical factory loads side by side: speed, energy, BC, twist, range and what each one is built for.
The short answer
With typical loads, the 6.5 Creedmoor is about 100 ft/s faster at the muzzle (2,600 vs 2,700 ft/s).
The 6.5 Creedmoor carries about 11% more energy at the muzzle (2,315 vs 2,086 ft-lbs), which usually also means more recoil.
The 6.5 Creedmoor's typical bullet has the higher BC (0.623), so it holds speed better and drifts less in the wind at long range.
On the same size target, the 6.5 Creedmoor has the longer point-blank range (275 yd), so you can hold dead-on a bit farther without adjusting.
Side by side
| 6.5x55 Swedish | 6.5 Creedmoor | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Scandinavian service round famed for accuracy. | Designed for long-range target matches; adopted for deer, pronghorn and hogs. Elk with good bullets inside 400. |
| Typical load | 139 grm/41 spitzer | 143 grELD-X |
| Muzzle speed | 2,600 ft/s | 2,700 ft/s |
| Muzzle energy | 2,086 ft-lbs | 2,315 ft-lbs |
| Typical BC (G1) | ≈ 0.50typical, varies by brand | 0.623maker's published G1 |
| Twist rate | 1:7.87 | 1:8 |
| Practical range | — | 400–500 yd |
| Point-blank range | 253 yd6" vital zone | 275 yd6" vital zone |
| Recommended platform | Yes: a top moose, deer and target round in Europe. | Light or standard rifleLight recoil; fine in a 6–7 lb rifle |
Which one fits you?
6.5x55 Swedish: Scandinavian service round famed for accuracy.
6.5 Creedmoor: Designed for long-range target matches; adopted for deer, pronghorn and hogs. Elk with good bullets inside 400.
For most hunters, the right pick is the one you can shoot accurately and comfortably, in a rifle that fits how you hunt. Good shot placement and a bullet built for your game matter more than small differences on paper.
More
- 6.5x55 Swedish profile
- 6.5 Creedmoor profile
- .308 Winchester vs 6.5 Creedmoor
- .243 Winchester vs 6.5 Creedmoor
- 6.5 Creedmoor vs 6.5 PRC
- .270 Winchester vs 6.5 Creedmoor
- 6mm Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor
- 6.5 Grendel vs 6.5 Creedmoor
- All comparisons
Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Always check the ammo maker's data for your exact load.