Federal’s Plus Peak 6.5 Creedmoor

[Blkram]

As I have a 6.5 PRC as well as the 6.5 CM, I see no need for me to try the Peak ammo, as I will just carry the other rifle if I feel I need the extra velocity and energy on a hunt.
But with proven on-game performance on a red stag ay 296 yards with the 130 gr Terminal Ascent ammo, (not to mention caribou, fallow buck, and Arapawa rams at closer distances - all with full penetration and quick, clean one-shot kills) with full penetration on that 450 lb animal, I will pack the PRC for game larger than caribou and our large mule deer. Otherwise the CM with this ammo will provide all the performance I will need for game of this size and smaller.
For those who choose to try it, I hope it performs to the expectations.

 

[Heavy Barrel]

Beings one of the FAQ's Federal has mentioned with this product on their website is to check with the manufacture for compatibility with existing rifles. I'm interested in knowing where the gun makers stand on this.

 

[3 Meter Para Bellum]

Well, I decided to take a look at ballistic science in my Encyclopedia Britannica (yes I have a set oddly enough), and I very quickly came to the conclusion that internal ballistics are far too complicated to make nuanced assumptions about. Everything comes into play when considering recoil, not just energy in and energy out, but how that energy is distributed across many factors. How much powder, how fast does it burn, yes, but also how much pressure is it producing in different parts of the barrel at different times during burn. It's a huge mess that is impossible to understand as a layman in any short amount of time. The encyclopedia said that there are a few common, complex algorithms that are used to make predictions, but they are usually run through computers and can only serve as best guesses.

So in conclusion, it is possible through more efficient burn patterns of a cartridge and powder combination to produce more energy out the barrel without noticeable increase in recoil. But as always my favorite solution to any scientific mystery is to just do it. No need to speculate when we can just shoot the thing, which I anticipate many will considering it should shoot fine out of many of the 6.5 rifles people already own. I will be curious to hear what the consensus is as people get the cartridge in hand.