The 6.5 Creedmoor has been the darling of the shooting world since its introduction in 2007. However, its meteoric popularity coincided with Ruger’s introduction of the Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) in 2015. The RPR was one of the first affordable precision rifles introduced by a large manufacturer, designed with modern features (modular, AICS compatibility, adjustable stock, etc.), and it also fell within the parameters of the PRS Factory Division (which was introduced in 2012). The stars aligned for success. Since the 6.5 CM’s introduction, several offspring have also come about. What started as wildcat cartridges has become mainstream. The first was a 6mm Creedmoor. What began as a joint project with Outdoor Life, Hornady, and GA Precision became one of the hottest PRS cartridges (at least for a time). Then there was the 22 Creedmoor—a hot rod of a varmint cartridge designed in partnership with Horizon Firearms. All that was left was the ugly stepchild, the 25 Creedmoor.
Until recently, manufacturers devoted little time to developing efficient, low-drag, 25-caliber bullets, mainly because few cartridges warranted such a demand. However, in 2018, Black Jack Bullets (which sadly no longer exists) introduced the .257 diameter 131 gr Ace projectile. Sierra Bullets manufactured the bullet, quickly supplying wildcatters a ballistically superior 25-caliber projectile. The 6.5 CM case became the obvious choice for wildcatters to start necking down. The result is an impressive cartridge that offers better ballistics than the 6mm CM while producing milder recoil than the 6.5. But what does the 25 Creedmoor provide shooters today?
First, the 25 CM loaded with 134 gr. ELD Match bullets falls within the power factor range for NRL Hunter competitors. This makes it one of the best options for the sport. Second, the 25 CM handles wind deflection better than the smaller .243 diameter bullets of the 6mm CM. This is huge for PRS shooters, where a single point routinely keeps people off the podium. The 25 CM also serves as an excellent hunting round for medium-sized game. Its softer recoil impulse is a great choice for new shooters and those who struggle with recoil management.
Hornady’s initial offerings include:
Hornady also supports reloaders with dies, brass, and bullets (including the 138-grain A-Tip). They also partnered with gun makers. Several notable ones include Christensen Arms, Horizon Firearms, Seekins Precision, and Weatherby (more are listed on the product page). The 25 Creedmoor, the latest addition to the Creedmoor family, might be the best of the bunch. Check it out when thinking of your next rifle build or purchase.
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