The American bison is an iconic symbol of the Wild West and a majestic animal that demands respect. When hunting such a large game animal, it’s crucial to choose the right caliber rifle and ammunition that can quickly and humanely take down a bison. A popular question among big game hunters is whether the 6.5 Creedmoor has enough power to effectively kill a bison.
Overview of the 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor was originally designed in 2007 by Dave Emary and Dennis DeMille of Hornady Manufacturing. It was developed specifically for long range target shooting competitions, with unmatched accuracy and little recoil. Features include:
- Shoots very flat trajectories while maintaining energy downrange
- High ballistic coefficients for aerodynamic projectiles
- Ideal barrel twist rate to stabilize long, slender bullets
- Uses medium to large rifle magnum primer for uniform ignition
- Works well with a wide variety of powders and bullets
This combination makes the 6.5 Creedmoor capable of consistent 1,000+ yard shots in the right hands. It has rapidly gained popularity among hunters too due to its precision versatility, and moderate recoil.
Ballistics and Hunting Ability
With the right load, the 6.5 Creedmoor can absolutely take down even giant game like bison. Here are some key ballistics to consider:
- Muzzle velocities typically range from 2,700 to 3,000 feet per second
- Muzzle energy levels are around 2,000 to 2,500 foot pounds depending on the load
- Retains over 1,500 ft-lbs of energy at 500 yards, adequate for large game
- Bullets expand rapidly and penetrate deeply in live targets
These stats make the 65 Creedmoor suitable for hunting most North American big game given proper shot placement. Handloaded ammunition using premium controlled expansion hunting bullets can further maximize the 65’s performance.
Shot Placement Considerations
Shot placement is arguably more important than ballistics when hunting bison with the 6.5 Creedmoor Key factors include
- Must be capable of hitting the vital organs like heart and lungs
- Brain shot is ideal for quickest kill but highest degree of difficulty
- Quartering away shots into the shoulders/vitals are a good backup
- Avoid small profile shots like head on or straight behind
- Patience required for ideal broadside shot opportunity
Choosing quality optics and practicing regularly at long range is vital to ensure proper shot placement on such a large target under hunting conditions.
Advantages of Using 6.5 Creedmoor for Bison
Here are some of the benefits of using a 6.5 Creedmoor on a bison hunt:
- Flat shooting makes range estimation less critical
- Light recoil allows quick follow up shots
- Lower noise and concussion than larger magnums
- Wide range of bullet weights available from 120gr to 147gr
- Compatible with shorter action rifles like the Ruger Hawkeye
- Effective reach/knockdown out to 500+ yards in capable hands
The 6.5 Creedmoor provides a great blend of power, precision, and shooter-friendly traits for bison hunting.
Limitations and Challenges
However, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:
- Not recommended for inexperienced or less confident shooters
- Must be proficient in shot placement and range estimation
- Bullets may lack weight retention at extreme ranges
- Heavier bullets lose some velocity and trajectory benefits
- Not ideal for dangerous close range encounters
- May require handloading specific premium bullets for best performance
The 6.5 Creedmoor leaves little room for error – it demands skill and discipline to be effective on bison.
Recommended Loads
Here are some excellent 6.5 Creedmoor loads for bison hunting:
- Hornady 143gr ELD-X Precision Hunter
- Federal 140gr Nosler AccuBond
- Winchester 140gr Expedition Big Game
- Barnes 120gr or 130gr LRX Boat Tail
- Swift 130gr Scirocco II
Using high quality hunting bullets designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration is strongly advised.
Is the 6.5 Creedmoor Right for You?
The 6.5 Creedmoor can absolutely take down a bison cleanly with proper shot placement. However, hunters should carefully consider their capabilities and confidence in their equipment before using it. The 6.5 Creedmoor rewards skill and demands marksmanship – it is not a bullet hose. But in the hands of a competent marksman, it is a superb bison hunting tool.
Stop that stalk and take the shot with a 5 Creedmoor.
Photo by: Joe Ferronato
Sometimes it’s hard to choose the right caliber choice because there are so many to choose from. Obviously, the rifle you choose is important, and you shouldn’t forget about how well a new sporter fits and looks. If you want to be successful on any hunt in the world, there is only one cartridge that we think you should use. You can buy as many rifles as you want. Who needs more when you shoot the 6. 5 Creedmoor?.
If the author had been brave enough to shoot a 6 arrow, he wouldn’t have had to walk so far to get close to the big bison. 5 Creedmoor.
I remember the first time I shot this absolutely perfect load. The rifle spit out the 120-grain bullet like a dragon breathing fire, but the recoil felt more like a mother’s gentle hug than the kick I usually get from shooting bullets that deliver dirt. The 6. 5 Creedmoor can only be described as perfect. It scares me every time I take the little bee stinger out of the box and put it in the magazine. Any deer, elk, bear, or moose is at risk. Blood trailing? Never. It drops them on the spot every time.
Digital Editor, Dale Evans took this bull at 11 yards in mid-September. But who wants to work hard during archery season when you can wait for rifle season and shoot your 6 from 1000 yards? 5 Creed?.
Now, let’s talk about range capabilities. There isn’t a cartridge out there that is more inherently accurate than Creedmoor, and that’s at any distance. After falling in love at first shot, I started stretching the range. I was raining lead on steel at 1,200 yards for the first 10 rounds, stacking groups on top of each other with an average group size of about 1. 8 inches. As I’m not good at math, I think that’s a lot less than the sub-MOA guarantee that most rifle makers offer. And you know what? Maybe most rifles would shoot that well if they were only chambered in the 6mm. 5. Let’s be honest: we all know those guys who shoot bigger calibers—the sadists who like to feel pain and the sexists who feel like they need to prove something. Don’t be one of those guys; trust the process and shoot a Creedmoor.
Joe has a thing for making it tougher on himself than really necessary. That’s why he shot this mule deer buck with his . 338.
Don’t think those range capabilities are limited to just steel. Oh no, that’s one of the best things about this round: it’s light, but it packs a punch and will kill any animal at a distance. I personally enjoy extending the range on—what I would call the preferred quarry of 6. 5—elk because of its unparalleled lethality. While our Stone Age brethren try to get closer to these beautiful animals, we hunters with Creedmoor gear have to move back to give them a chance to hunt. Advertisement.
Cross-canyon shots are the best with the 6. 5. Hunters everywhere complain about wind and worry about drift when they take a long cross-canyon shot. The Creedmoor bucks the wind like it was designed to do so—cause it was. Even a 15-mph full-value wind won’t knock the 120-grain bullet of its mark. Hold true, squeeze the trigger and let it fly. Scratch that, just hammer that trigger to the back wall and let it go. The Creedmoor isn’t just great in the wind, but its forgiving of the shooter’s mishaps. Form is a thing of the past when shooting the 6. 5.
The author didn’t put in for only rifle tags in New Mexico. So, instead of having a civilized long-range hunt with a 6. 5, he had to get close and use a muzzleloader.
In North America and other places, hunting dangerous animals is one of the most addicting things to do. However, it’s probably the only kind of hunting I would choose a different caliber for. I know what you’re thinking, and no. It’s not because the 6. 5 Creedmoor is uncapable of the task. The contrary, rather. The 6. 5 is too good for the pursuit, and, honestly, it takes away from the experience. The rush of serotonin that you get when you’re close to an apex predator and don’t know who will live or die makes dangerous games very addicting. Carrying a Creedmoor solidifies the win in your favor.
Our Editor-in-Chief David Draper took this bear well before the 6. 5 Creedmoor was even invented. Wait, people actually hunted before the best cartridge ever was even developed?.
For any hunt around the world, 6. 5 Creedmoor is the magic bullet that will lead to success. If you don’t have one in your safe, you probably should get one. When you buy the famous Creedmoor, the only thing you’ll regret is how easy it is to kill game. But hey, who doesn’t like dealing dirt naps with a bit of certainty of the outcome. Advertisement.
April Fools’ – We wanted to have a little fun and give everyone a laugh! This is strictly a joke.
Lynn Burkhead, OSG Senior Digital Editor
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6.5 Creedmoor for Hunting Whitetail – REVIEW
FAQ
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