The 6.5 Creedmoor case necked to .257 — running lighter, higher-BC .25 caliber bullets at higher velocities than the parent. A strong hunting/PRS crossover cartridge. Multiple barrel makers and handload data publishers have embraced it, placing it at the edge of wildcat and semi-commercial status.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 2016, United States
Parent case: 6.5 Creedmoor
Standardization: Wildcat
Bullet diameter: 0.257" (6.528 mm)
Case length: 1.92" (48.768 mm)
Overall length: 2.825" (71.755 mm)
Max pressure: 62,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Small Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:8
Muzzle velocity: 3050–3350 fps
Muzzle energy: 1800–3260 ft-lbs
Effective range: 400 yd
Common bullet weights: 87, 100, 110, 115, 131 gr
Primary use: hunting, target
Production status: Active
Also known as: 25 Creedmoor · .25 CM · 6.5 Creedmoor necked to .25
History: First developed by individual shooters around 2015–2016, the .25 Creedmoor gained rapid traction as hunters recognized the combination of 6.5 Creedmoor brass availability with high-BC .257 bullets like the 131-grain Berger Hybrid. Several custom barrel makers began chambering rifles in 2017–2018, and Hornady published load data by 2019. SAAMI standardization remains possible.