THE +PEAK PARADIGM SHIFT

This isn’t a new cartridge—it’s a whole new way to build ammunition that’s faster, more capable and easier to shoot than anything that’s come before.

INTRODUCING 6.5 CREEDMOOR +PEAK

The 6.5 Creedmoor has become one of the most popular modern cartridges for hunting and long-range target shooting. But Federal just unlocked its true potential with new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak. The high-performance cartridge uses the patented Peak Alloy case technology Federal pioneered in its 7mm Backcountry to beat 6.5 PRC. It boosts velocities 300 fps over standard 6.5 Creedmoor and 100 fps over 6.5 PRC with heavier-for-caliber bullets. Shooters get more energy, less drop, longer effective range without harsh recoil or the need to purchase a new firearm.

Krystal Dunn holding 65 Creedmoor + Peak
BEATS 6.5 PRC & 6.5 CREEDMOOR

Using patented Peak Alloy case technology, 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak is 300 fps faster than brass-case 6.5 Creedmoor and 100 fps over 6.5 PRC.

Terminal Ascent 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak box next to a suppressor rifle
SHOOTS IN 6.5 CREEDMOOR RIFLES

6.5 Creedmoor +Peak gives shooters the performance leap of a new cartridge through existing 6.5 Creedmoor rifles—there’s no need to buy a new rifle.

Terminal Ascent 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak bullet
HEAVIER-FOR-CALIBER BULLETS

The energy boost of the Peak Alloy case means 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak can push heavier-for-caliber bullets with higher BCs, for more energy and better ballistics.

WHAT IS IT?

All-new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak is a high-performance upgrade of the popular 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. Although its external dimensions are identical, 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak uses Peak Alloy case technology to increase velocities 300 fps over 6.5 Creedmoor and 100 fps over 6.5 PRC from a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.

Peak Alloy Case Technology logo

Patented Peak Alloy case technology is fundamentally different than brass cases. Created in response to U.S. military solicitations, it utilizes a proprietary steel alloy that includes other unique elements. This same alloy is used in manufacturing safes, nuclear reactors and other high-strength

applications. Peak Alloy allows Federal to safely increase chamber pressures far beyond the limits of brass case ammunition, significantly increasing velocity and energy. The Peak Alloy case is also reloadable when following Federal’s lab-tested processes and data.

7mm Backcountry case

TERMINAL ASCENT

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FUSION TIPPED

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RELOADABLE: UNPRIMED CASES COMING SOON

Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak is reloadable, and we’re offering unprimed cases for handloaders after launch.

Terminal Ascent 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak cases and cartrdige

SAME RIFLE. FASTER CARTRIDGE.

Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak high-performance ammunition has been developed and tested in conjunction with the following companies.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Whatever their background, the competitors, hunters and guides who’ve shot 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak have the same core takeaway: This changes everything.

BUILT ON BACKCOUNTRY

For more than 100 years, Federal has been designing the world’s best ammunition. In 2025, our 7mm Backcountry opened a whole new dimension to cartridge design and ammunition manufacturing. Its Peak Alloy case allows higher pressures to produce magnum power and trajectories with less felt recoil, shorter barrels and smaller cartridges. Now we’re using that same technology and applying it to existing cartridges—starting with the 6.5 Creedmoor. Ammunition has changed forever, and we’re not looking back.

hunter resting rifle against a tree while aiming

SUPPRESSOR OPTIMIZED

Like its 7mm Backcountry predecessor, 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak’s velocity advantage makes it ideal for suppressors. You get the same noise reduction and velocity through shorter barrels that keep rifles light and maneuverable with the addition of a suppressor.

TERMINAL ASCENT: 130 GRAIN

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Terminal Ascent rendering

BALLISTIC CHARTS

Velocity in feet per second
Muzzle 100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
2950 2769 2593 2424 2261 2105
Energy in Foot Pounds
Muzzle 100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
2515 2213 1941 1696 1476 1279
Average Range
100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
-3 -11.3 -25.4 -46.3
Height of bullet trajectory in inches above or below line of sight if zeroed at 100 yards. Sights 1.5 inches above bore line.

Velocity in feet per second
Muzzle 100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
3100 2915 2735 2560 2392 2231
Energy in Foot Pounds
Muzzle 100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
2774 2452 2158 1892 1652 1436
Average Range
100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
-2.6 -9.8 -22.4 -41.1
Height of bullet trajectory in inches above or below line of sight if zeroed at 100 yards. Sights 1.5 inches above bore line.

FUSION TIPPED: 155 GRAIN

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Fusion Tipped 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak rendering

BALLISTICS CHARTS

Velocity in feet per second
Muzzle 100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
2750 2600 2454 2313 2177 2046
Energy in Foot Pounds
Muzzle 100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
2602 2326 2073 1842 1631 1441
Average Range
100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
-3.6 -13.1 -29 -52.3
Height of bullet trajectory in inches above or below line of sight if zeroed at 100 yards. Sights 1.5 inches above bore line.
Long Range
100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
1.8 -7.6 -21.7 -43.1
Height of bullet trajectory in inches above or below line of sight if zeroed at 200 yards. Sights 1.5 inches above bore line.

Velocity in feet per second
Muzzle 100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
2900 2746 2596 2450 2310 2174
Energy in Foot Pounds
Muzzle 100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
2894 2594 2319 2066 1836 1626
Average Range
100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
-3.1 -11.4 -25.5 -46.1
Height of bullet trajectory in inches above or below line of sight if zeroed at 100 yards. Sights 1.5 inches above bore line.
Long Range
100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
1.6 -6.7 -19.2 -38.2
Height of bullet trajectory in inches above or below line of sight if zeroed at 200 yards. Sights 1.5 inches above bore line.

COMING SOON

GOLD MEDAL SIERRA TIPPED MATCHKING

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BARNES LRX

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BERGER ELITE HUNTER

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FAQs

Have questions about new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak? Let’s address them!

It is an all-new high-pressure version of the trusted 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. It has the same external dimensions as conventional 6.5 Creedmoor, but it’s loaded to 80,000 psi (opposed to 6.5 Creedmoor’s standard 65,000 psi), producing muzzle velocities that are up to 300 fps faster while maintaining similar perceived recoil.

Our testing has shown 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak operates in a variety of 6.5 Creedmoor firearm platforms. Refer to your rifle manufacturer for recommendations on compatibility with high-pressure ammunition.

While lubing your rifle after use is recommended for gun storage and maintenance, it is important to ensure your chamber is clean and dry before use. Using any ammunition, including ammunition with Peak Alloy cases, in heavily-lubed chambers may damage your rifle.

Yes, Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak is compatible with 6.5 Creedmoor rifles from Bergara.

Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak is compatible with some 6.5 Creedmoor rifles from CVA. However, 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak ammunition is not compatible for use in CVA break-actions, such as the Scout, Hunter and Apex models.

Consult your rifle manufacturer for recommendations on compatibility with high-pressure ammunition.

The added energy of 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak produces velocities approximately 300 fps faster (depending on the specific load and barrel length) than conventional 6.5 Creedmoor. This added velocity, combined with the inherently aerodynamic, heavier-for-caliber 6.5 bullets, reduces wind drift and drop, while providing the energy needed to handle a wider variety of North American big game.

By extracting enhanced performance from the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak provides ballistics that meet or exceed those of 6.5 PRC, with less felt recoil, less weight, less cost—and without buying a new rifle (consult your rifle manufacturer).

Yes, and Federal is planning to offer first-run unprimed cases for handloaders. Consult your reloading equipment manufacturer for recommendations pertaining to this cartridge.

Despite the gain in energy and velocity, perceived recoil is comparable.

Yes, to be loaded at a pressure of 80,000 psi and achieve velocity advantages over 6.5 Creedmoor.

Internal testing has shown that wear caused by 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak is comparable to that of wear caused by brass-case 6.5 Creedmoor. Refer to your firearm manufacturer resources for rifle-specific information.

Patented Peak Alloy case technology is fundamentally different than brass cases. It combines a proprietary manufacturing process and a unique steel alloy that allows for higher pressure cartridges than standard brass. Similar alloys are used in manufacturing safes, nuclear reactors and other high-strength applications.

Peak Alloy cases feature durable nickel plating that protects against corrosion and rust and provides next-level protection from the elements. As with all ammunition, 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak should be stored in cool, dry conditions to maximize shelf life.

The ability to run shorter barrels topped with a suppressor while maintaining high velocities is one of the many benefits 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak offers. Due to the variety of suppressor designs on the market, shooters are encouraged to contact their specific suppressor manufacturer for questions regarding the use of high-performance ammunition.

It is a completely different type of steel with superior mechanical properties. Peak Alloy cases are also nickel plated.

Federal is launching the cartridge with Terminal Ascent, Fusion Tipped, Barnes LRX, Berger Elite Hunter and Sierra Tipped MatchKing.

All available bullet weights of 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak are compatible with rifling in new and existing 6.5 Creedmoor barrels. No special twist rate is needed. Refer to your firearm manufacturer resources for rifle-specific information.

No, 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak performs equally well through both suppressed and unsuppressed rifles.

Federal is a proud partner of Silencer Central, and the company offers a variety of excellent suppressor choices.

Federal generated 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak velocities through standard, un-suppressed barrels.

Through developing 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak and its predecessor, 7mm Backcountry, Federal has pioneered a fundamentally new way of designing cartridges and building ammunition. Armed with this technology, it’s natural to expect new cartridges with different bullet diameters down the road. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on Peak Alloy technologies.

6.5 Creedmoor +Peak will be priced similarly to standard 6.5 Creedmoor offerings of the same bullet type.

Federal plans to begin shipping the full lineup of 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak products to dealers in summer 2026. Sign up to be notified at federalpremium.com.

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