I'm building a M5 upper with an 18" Criterion Hybrid barrel and will be shooting test groups for a YT video.  I haven't had a 6.5 before and didn't realize there were SO many factory ammo choices.  I'll probably try 5 factory loads but I need your help to narrow them down.  It's kinda funny at my local shops, not a single round of 9mm or 5.56 anywhere, but multiple shelves of 6.5cm...

Looks like I can only do 6 options for a poll so that's not going to work very well...  Below is what I have available locally, please comment what your top 3 would be.

Nosler 120 Ballistic Tip
Nosler 140 Custom Competition
Hornady Outfitter 120 GMX
Hornady Superformance 120 GMX
Hornady American Whitetail 129 Interlock
Hornady Precision Hunter 143 ELD-X
Hornady Match 140 ELD-M
Hornady Match 147 ELD-M
Sig Sauer Elite Hunter 130 Controlled Expansion Tip
Federal Premium 130 Terminal Ascent
Federal Premium 130 Barnes TSX
Federal Premium 135 Berger
Federal Premium 140 Nosler Accubond
Federal Powershock 140 JSP
Federal Non Typical 140 SP
American Eagle 140 OTM
HSM 140 Sierra Gameking
HSM 140 Berger HPBT
Remington 140 Core Lokt
Remington Match 140 Open Tip
Winchester Match 140 BTHP


...that's about it.

So, which ones should I buy?

ETA: video in 13th post.

Fixed it, thanks!

A 2nd vote for Hornady 140 eldm. It’s done great in two of my large frame 6.5creedmoors. Easily capable of sub 3/4moa groups.

I’ve also had great luck with Federal gold medal 130otm and the Berger 130 otm load. The FGMM load is often found at Walmart, but you’ll likely have to order the Berger.

Of what you have locsl- 140, 147 Hornady Eldm and the Winchester 140’s.

I use Hornady 140 ELD-M out of my Aero which also has an 18" Criterion.

Neighbor had good luck with the Hornady loads, and surprisingly tiny groups with S&B 140gr SP. For what it is, a very inexpensive short range hunting load, it printed a hell of a group.

He has an axis and b14 hmr, both like the heavier loads.

Saw one guy yesterday using the 140gr? Hornadys out to 1400+yds with good effect. Had a massive shift between lot numbers, but the groups held.

I've never had luck with anything Remington. Pretty sure Hornady is the standard others are judged by.

My 6.5 loved the 140 eld match. They shot .6 to .7 moa out of my Savage.

I know neither one of these is precision ammo, but out of my JP 6.5CM, the 120gr Winchester shot 1.07 MOA, while the 140gr Hornady Gunner shot 1.93 MOA.  Seems my barrel likes the Winchester more.

Thanks everybody!  Here's how I ended up:

Just grabbed what you could?

I suggest you go through a quick break in using the AE. Maybe save 5 for later, but I wouldn't expect much out of it.

How do you plan to conduct your testing?

Federal 140 GMM and Hornady 120/140 ELDM both shot .5-.75 for me out of 20" Criterion Hybrid Aero M5 build.

If anybody is interested here's the video:

I’m just disappointed prime wasn’t listed anywhere...