Federal's +Peak Ammo Boosts 6.5 Creedmoor Velocity Without a New Rifle

Federal has found a way to squeeze magnum-level velocity out of the 6.5 Creedmoor without making shooters buy a new rifle, using a steel-alloy case that handles pressures standard brass can't.

Snapshot

American Rifleman tested Federal's new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak ammunition, which swaps brass cases for a reloadable steel-alloy case capable of running up to 80,000 psi, well above the 62,000 psi SAAMI limit for standard 6.5 Creedmoor. The reviewer fired 130-grain Terminal Ascent +Peak loads alongside standard loads from three rifles with different barrel lengths to check Federal's velocity claims.

Key points

• Stronger case, higher pressure: the +Peak steel-alloy case allows operating pressures as high as 80,000 psi, well beyond standard brass limits.
• Claimed velocity gains: Federal states +Peak ammo adds about 300 fps over standard 6.5 Creedmoor and 100 fps over 6.5 PRC.
• Same dimensions, existing rifles: the ammunition keeps standard external dimensions so it can be fired in many current 6.5 Creedmoor rifles, though Federal advises checking with the rifle manufacturer, and CVA has said its break actions are not compatible.
• No issues in testing: the reviewer reported no stiff bolt lifts or hard extractions across the three test rifles, none of which appeared on Federal's compatibility list.
• Selective use suggested: the reviewer notes that because higher pressure can increase barrel wear, +Peak ammo doesn't need to replace standard loads for every outing.

Quick take

For 6.5 Creedmoor owners chasing flatter trajectories and more downrange energy without buying a new rifle in a bigger caliber, +Peak offers a notable option, provided they confirm their specific rifle is rated for the higher pressure. As American Rifleman's reviewer put it, this looks like the next step after Federal's 7mm Backcountry in pushing metallic-cartridge performance forward.

Read the full story: americanrifleman.org