A Thorough Review of the Hornady Lock-N-Load 6.5 Creedmoor
As an enthusiastic shooter and reload enthusiast, I was excited to put the Hornady Lock-N-Load 6.5 Creedmoor to the test. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this precision rifle cartridge, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and providing an in-depth analysis of its performance.
Product Overview
The Hornady Lock-N-Load 6.5 Creedmoor is a hunting ammunition designed for precision and accuracy. It features a 135-grain boat-tail bullet with a sleek, aerodynamic profile and a polygonal jacket, ensuring optimal flight and penetration. The cartridge uses a flat-based, wide-mouthed primer and a reloadable brass case.
Out of the Box Performance
Upon opening the package, I was impressed by the even, consistent primer placement, which set the tone for a smooth loading experience. The initial inspection revealed a clear annealed neck and a clean, smooth case mouth. The Hornady Lock-N-Load 6.5 Creedmoor appears to be well-inspected and packaged for optimal reliability.
Loading and Firing Experience
I loaded the cartridges into my precision rifle, a bolt-action Remington 700, using a Savage Actions single-stage press and a Forster Co-Action Select reloading kit. The loading process was straightforward, with crisp, consistent seating and crimping. During the initial test firing, the Hornady Lock-N-Load 6.5 Creedmoor performed well, but I noticed some minor issues:
- Within 50 yards, the cartridge displayed reliable performance, with a 0.5 MOA spread.
- At 100 yards, the spread opened up to 1 MOA, which is slightly above average for this calibre.
- Beyond 200 yards, the cartridge’s precision began to waver, with a 2-3 MOA spread.
Reliability and Accuracy
While the Hornady Lock-N-Load 6.5 Creedmoor showed excellent performance at shorter ranges, its accuracy dropped off at longer distances. This is likely due to its relatively heavy 135-grain bullet, which creates more wind deflection and air resistance. The cartridge’s aerodynamic design and consistent weight may help improve accuracy, but it’s not a make-or-break feature for this particular cartridge.
Comparison to Other Cartridges
For comparison, I have used other popular hunting cartridges, such as the 6.5 Creedmoor’s closest competitor, the 6.5mm substances. These cartridges generally showed better accuracy at longer ranges, but the Hornady Lock-N-Load 6.5 Creedmoor still Excelled in terms of cost and availability.
Pros and Cons
Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of the Hornady Lock-N-Load 6.5 Creedmoor:
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Widespread availability, easily sourced at most shooting sports retailers
- Reloadable brass cases, making it a cost-effective option for frequent shooters
- Slick, even primer placement, ensuring smooth loading and rejecting
- Consistent quality control, with noticeable attention to detail in manufacturing
Cons:
- Accuracy concerns at longer ranges, particularly beyond 200 yards
- Limited precision potential compared to other, more specialized cartridges
- Heavier bullet weight (135 grains) may affect accuracy and flight
- No significant differentiation from other 6.5mm hunting cartridges, making it hard to justify the extra cost for a more reliable, but less impressive performance
Conclusion
The Hornady Lock-N-Load 6.5 Creedmoor is a solid, reliable choice for hunting and target shooting, but it falls short in terms of absolute accuracy and precision, particularly at longer ranges. Its affordability and widespread availability are significant advantages, but those seeking top-tier performance should consider alternative options. For casual shooters or beginners, the Hornady Lock-N-Load 6.5 Creedmoor provides a solid foundation for their shooting needs, while more experienced enthusiasts may find other cartridges more suitable for their needs.
In summary, while the Hornady Lock-N-Load 6.5 Creedmoor is a dependable and relatively affordable option, it may not be the best choice for those seeking exceptional accuracy or precision. I hope this review has provided a fair and balanced assessment of the product, helping fellow shooters make an informed decision about their .
