6.5 Creedmoor vs 6.5×47 Lapua – Which is More Powerful?

6.5x47 lapua vs 6.5 creedmoor
Alfred Mendoza
Latest posts by Alfred Mendoza (see all)
When comparing the 6.5×47 LAPUA vs 6.5 Creedmoor, we talk about powerful long-range capable ammo that most shooters prefer. Introduced by a Finnish company in 2006, the 6.5×47 LAPUA proved its name for long-range precision and target shooting, while the 6.5 Creedmoor is a medium-power cartridge comparable to the 6.5×47 LAPUA. When compared side by side, which would turn out to be the better choice for your hunting rifle?

What’s the Difference Between Creedmoor 6.5 & 6.5x47 LAPUA?

One significant difference is that the 6.5×47 LAPUA is a smokeless powder rimless bottlenecked rifle cartridge that was developed specifically for competition shooting. In contrast, the 6.5 Creedmoor has a relatively-higher sectional density and ballistic coefficients. The rifle competition features of the 6.5 Creedmoor made the ammo widely known.

Specification Chart

6.5×47 LAPUA

  • Brand: Copper Creek LAPUA Scenar
  • Model: 6.5×47 LAPUA
  • Bullet Size: 2.795 inches
  • Bullet Diameter: 0.264 inches
  • Shell Case Length: 1.850 inches
  • Bullet Weight: 139 gr
  • Energy (per 500 yards): 1,320 ft-lbs
  • Velocity (per 500 yards): 2,068 ft/s
  • Muzzle Energy: 2,454 ft-lbs
  • Muzzle Velocity: 2,820 ft/s
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6.5 Creedmoor

  • Brand: Hornady ELD-X
  • Model: 6.5 Creedmoor
  • Bullet Size: 2.825 inches
  • Bullet Diameter: 0.264 inches
  • Shell Case Length: 1.920 inches
  • Bullet Weight: 143 gr
  • Energy (per 500 yards): 1,308 ft-lbs
  • Velocity (per 500 yards): 2,030 ft/s
  • Muzzle Energy: 2,315 ft-lbs
  • Muzzle Velocity: 2,700 ft/s
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Comprehensive Comparison

LAPUA 6.5x47 vs 6.5 Ballistics & Trajectory

Ballistically-wise, the 6.5 Creedmoor has a higher Ballistic Coefficient in G1 with .625 against the .578 BC of the LAPUA 6.5×47. But when it comes to the trajectory, the LAPUA 6.5×47 has a better trajectory against the 6.5 Creedmoor. The 6.5 LAPUA has a relatively lower trajectory of -41.5 inches than the 6.5 Creedmoor with -44.4 inches at a range of 500 yards. With the given trajectory data, the LAPUA 6.5×47 takes its first win against the 6.5 Creed.

If you want an enhanced shooting experience, check out this Ballistic Advantage vs Faxon AR-15 barrels here.

Pricing

Although the 6.5×47 LAPUA is more prevalent in some states and could be almost always available, too, when it comes to the price category, the 6.5 Creedmoor offers more affordable ammo than 6.5×47 LAPUA.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is at par in ammo availability, provides a higher ballistic coefficient, and more energy and power, so the team decided to claim that 6.5 Creedmoor, being more budget-friendly, is a good point.

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money and bullet

6.5 & 6.5x47 Loading Type

The 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition has a good selection of bullets ranging from 85 grains to 160 grains in various styles. In the 6.5×47 LAPUA vs 6.5 Creedmoor comparison, the 6.5×47 LAPUA cartridge uses bullets ranging between 108 grains to 140 grains in weight. But since the 6.5 Creedmoor also uses a LAPUA brass and their bullet diameters are the same, our team decided to give this point to both ammo.

Also Read: Steps to Follow When Making Ballistic Gel

Bullet Weights

weighing bullet

When it comes to bullet loads, the 6.5 Creedmoor offers heavier and longer bullets than the 6.5×47 LAPUA. The case of 6.5×47 LAPUA is shorter vs the Creedmoor, reducing powder capacity and velocity.

Although lighter bullets usually mean faster air travel and longer staying power in the air, the 6.5 Creedmoor bullets have more advantages because they have features that outplay the specs of the 6.5×47 LAPUA.

For shooters who like ammo with a flat trajectory, more velocity, and more energy, the 6.5 Creedmoor still trumps over the 6.5×47 LAPUA in this category.

6.5 Creedmoor & 6.5x47 Recoil

One would expect that the 6.5×47 offers a bit less recoil for the same bullet weight as the 6.5 Creedmoor since its velocity is slightly lower. But truth be told, the differences in recoil between 6.5×47 LAPUA and 6.5 Creedmoor are so marginal that you won’t be able to tell the difference. In this category, the team decided to give the point to both ammo. The result is a draw.

6.5 Creedmoor Pros & Cons

PROS

  • More Affordable
  • High ballistic coefficients
  • Good sectional density
  • Flat trajectory
  • Heavier bullets

CONS

  • Shorthanded with bigger targets
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6.5x47 LAPUA Pros & Cons

PROS

  • Optimized for target bullets
  • High-pressure level
  • Ultra-strong case design
  • HIgh-quality brass
  • Proper long-range loads available as factory ammunition

CONS

  • Smaller case
  • Limited powder volume
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6.5 Creedmoor or LAPUA 6.5x47? We Choose...

In choosing between the 6.5×47 LAPUA vs 6.5 Creedmoor, we choose the 6.5 Creedmoor because not only is it more affordable, it also has a higher velocity, higher ballistic coefficient, and better sectional density than the 6.5×47 LAPUA. Although if the price isn’t too much of a problem with you, the 6.5×47 LAPUA can also be a good choice.

Are you looking for concealed carry pistols? We’ve got the S&W Shield and Bodyguard comparison here.

6.5 creemdor bullet

Our #1 Recommendation

6.5 Creedmoor

  • Higher velocity
  • Better sectional density
  • Higher ballistic coefficient
  • More affordable
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