Minimum Barrel Length for 6.5 Creed

[25WSM]

Grendel wouldn't be better but it would match it with far less powder. The little Grendel just doesn't know it's little yet. It's my favorite over achiever cartridge.
Shep

 

[mnshortdraw]

Just for reference, I'm getting 2825fps from a 130 Berger at 22.5" barrel length.

 

[SavageHunter11]

Just for reference, I'm getting 2825fps from a 130 Berger at 22.5" barrel length.

Compared to my 16.5" barrel with 127gr. that's 25.83 FPS/inch of barrel for velocity lost

 

[DWier]

Why the sudden interest in short barrels? 22-24 inch is really not awkward. Even adding a can is not really a problem, just a little longer than a brake.

 

[25WSM]

I haven't seen any real intredt in my neck of the woods. I have a friend that wants a 20. Other than that 24 and 26 gets most play here.
Shep

 

[777guy]

Triarc Systems is building an AR-10 for me, 6.5 Creedmoor, 16" barrel.
They have barrels with new rifling design that should help retain velocity while increasing accuracy. They're recommending Hornady 129gr SST Superformance ammo. Promising sub moa out to 1000 yds.
I'll report back after I receive it in Feb 2020.

 

[shooter7]

Here's some good reading.

https://rifleshooter.com/2016/02/6-...el-length-on-velocity-cutting-up-a-creedmoor/

I was at the range last spring shooting next to a fella with a 20" barreled rifle. He was throwing 130 VLDs at 2830 fps with some RL26. If you're a handloader, then its still possible to get some pretty good performance with a short rifle.

 

[FEENIX]

Thinking about having a rifle built in 6.5 creedmoor. I plan to run a can and I'm wondering what is the minimum barrel length I can get away with, without limiting my shooting distance.

So we are not all speculating/guessing, you first need to establish what those parameters are. What are the shooting distance criteria? Target or game? What game (deer, elk)?

I have a 6.5x55 with an 18" barrel and "I" set the limit on a game at 300 yards for its intended purpose and current set-up, but that's just me.

 

[FEENIX]

Wouldn't the limiting factor be the cartridge?

Yep!

 

[John Klingenberg]

Here's some good reading.

https://rifleshooter.com/2016/02/6-...el-length-on-velocity-cutting-up-a-creedmoor/

I was at the range last spring shooting next to a fella with a 20" barreled rifle. He was throwing 130 VLDs at 2830 fps with some RL26. If you're a handloader, then its still possible to get some pretty good performance with a short rifle.

That was informative.

 

[rlspahn]

Here's a link to another article that gives some insight to the performance of a short-barreled (16-1/2") 6.5 Creedmoor:
https://rifleshooter.com/2016/05/16-6-5-creedmoor-synopsis-of-a-short-rifle/

And here's one with a +P throat, that can provide extra velocity over the standard chambering:
https://www.longrangehunting.com/th...-carbon-terminator-in-6-5-creedmore-p.208490/

The minimum barrel length that will work for you depends on your desired performance. Are you looking to hunt medium-sized game at 700 yards or 500 yards? Determine your performance requirements, and then see what minimum muzzle velocity/bullet combo will deliver it for you. Then with some info like the cited articles and others' experience, see what minimum barrel length will likely provide the needed muzzle velocity. But remember, it's only a prediction and your actual performance may be better or worse, as each rifle is unique.