Cull Buck Series – 6.5 Creedmoor 130gr ELD-M
The Cull Buck Series is built for hunters who demand serious accuracy, consistent performance, and devastating terminal effects—without paying top-shelf prices. Like our premier offerings, each round undergoes handloading, quality control, and multi-platform testing. The difference? We cut costs where it counts: using proven lower-cost brass and projectiles, while maintaining top-quality powders for reliable ignition, clean burn, and excellent temperature stability.
Overview
This 6.5 Creedmoor 130gr ELD-M load is one of our absolute favorites for serious deer hunters who also need to account for hogs or other game. Designed specifically for bolt-action rifles, this round has been field-tested for years on mule deer–sized animals and smaller game. The 130gr ELD-M strikes a balance between flat-shooting mid-range performance and long-range precision. Whether you’re hunting from a blind or spot-and-stalk in thick brush, this round offers versatile, ethical lethality across a wide range of conditions.
Specifications
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Cartridge: 6.5 Creedmoor
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Bullet: Hornady 130gr ELD® Match
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Ballistic Coefficient (G1): 0.554
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Ballistic Coefficient (G7): 0.279
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Minimum Recommended Velocity for Expansion: ~1600 fps
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Case Type: Brass (reloadable)
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Lead-Free: No
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Platform Fitment: Bolt-Action Rifles ONLY
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Packaging Options: 20-round, 40-round, and 100-round cans
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Country of Origin: USA
Velocity Chart
These are actual recorded velocities at 75°F. However, we've run these through our internal simulation model that accounts for barrel-specific performance at each length and includes temperature scaling to estimate cold-weather performance. All powders react to temperature changes—and unlike the big ammo companies, we tell you how.
Barrel Length | Velocity @ 75°F (fps) | Velocity @ 30°F (fps) |
---|---|---|
16" | 2,735 | 2,721 |
18" | 2,762 | 2,748 |
20" | 2,800 | 2,786 |
22" | 2,852 | 2,839 |
24" | 2,905 | 2,891 |
Note: These estimates are highly accurate, but it’s still best to chrono your own ammo for real-world validation from your exact rifle.
Why We Chose the 130gr ELD-M
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Proven on Game – We’ve tested this bullet extensively on real animals and it has earned a top-tier reputation for terminal results.
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Flat-Shooting Mid-Range Performance – In the 0–300 yard zone, the 130gr offers a flatter trajectory than many heavier options.
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Excellent Expansion at Long Range – With an expansion floor around 1,600 fps, this projectile is still opening up at long distances, making it highly effective even past 500+ yards.
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Our Top Pick for Deer & Mixed Game – When pigs are in the area but you’re targeting deer, this is our go-to round.
Field and Platform Notes
This round is designed specifically for bolt-action rifles. It is not recommended for semi-autos, as this load runs slightly higher pressures and has not been validated for gas gun reliability. While we’ve tested it in a variety of barrel lengths, we particularly like the 130gr for shorter bolt-action configurations. That said, it performs extremely well in longer barrels too, offering a great blend of velocity and manageable recoil.
Care & Maintenance Tips
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Store your ammunition in a cool, dry place to preserve performance.
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Clean your rifle bore every 80–100 rounds to prevent carbon ring formation, especially with high-pressure Creedmoor loads.
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Periodically check throat erosion in barrels with more than 800 rounds fired.
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Always inspect for signs of pressure and function during initial firing in your platform.
Legal Notice
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You must be 18 years or older to purchase rifle ammunition
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Always confirm your firearm is chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor
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All ammunition sales are final
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Know and comply with your local and state laws before ordering
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Contains lead – use proper precautions when handling and shooting