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

BATFE Report Dissects
BATFE Report Dissects

ATF Report Highlights Trends In NFA Sales, Manufacturing Numbers & More

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recently released a 61 page “Firearm Commerce Updates and New Analysis” report. Figures included are up to and including 2023, the latest available.

Preview: Bastinelli R.E.D. Fixed Stone Washed

Designed for operators in the French National Police’s elite RAID tactical unit, the Bastinelli R.E.D. Fixed Stone Washed knife is also eminently useful for everyday carry ...

Mossberg Introduces SPX & Professional Models To 940 Pro Tactical Line

Mossberg has expanded its popular 940 Pro Tactical shotgun line with SPX and Professional models, with each adding a slate of upgraded components and accessories designed to enhance the shotgun's capabilities.

Preview: Streamlight Sidewinder X

This high-output, multi-fuel, military-style light with a tilting head is perfect for hunters and home defenders looking for more than just a handheld light...

The Armed Citizen® July 4, 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.

A Guide To Double-Stack 1911s

The 2011 brings double-stack capacity and modular upgrades to the 1911 platform, but not every wide-body 1911 out there earns that name.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.