Hornady 81501 Match 6.5 Creedmoor 147 gr ELD-M Ammunition: Precision Perfected for the Discerning Shooter

For serious precision shooters, competitive marksmen, and long-range enthusiasts who demand nothing less than absolute consistency and pinpoint accuracy, the Hornady 81501 Match 6.5 Creedmoor 147 gr Extremely Low Drag-Match (ELD-M) ammunition stands as a definitive choice. This isn't just ammunition; it's a meticulously engineered system designed to push the boundaries of long-range performance, ensuring every shot counts whether on the competition firing line, at the extended-range practice facility, or during critical field applications.

Are you consistently striving to tighten your groups at 600 yards, 1000 yards, or even beyond? Do you find yourself asking, "What's the best ammunition to maximize my 6.5 Creedmoor rifle's inherent accuracy?" Or perhaps, "How can I minimize external factors like wind drift and bullet drop to achieve more consistent impacts?" The Hornady Match 81501 is engineered precisely to answer these questions, offering a reliable, high-performance solution that reduces variables and enhances your capability to hit targets with unwavering precision. It addresses the core challenge of long-range shooting: delivering a bullet to the target with the utmost predictability and minimal environmental interference.

Unlocking Unrivaled Precision: The ELD-M Bullet Advantage

At the heart of Hornady's Match 81501 ammunition lies the revolutionary 147 grain Extremely Low Drag-Match (ELD-M) bullet. This isn't merely a heavy-for-caliber projectile; it's a testament to cutting-edge ballistic design and manufacturing. The ELD-M bullet family was born from an extensive research and development process, specifically targeting the need for bullets that retain their aerodynamic integrity and high ballistic coefficients (BCs) even at extreme distances. This is achieved through several proprietary technologies:

• The Heat Shield Tip: Unlike traditional polymer tips that can melt and deform under the intense aerodynamic heating experienced during flight, especially at high velocities, the Heat Shield tip on the ELD-M bullet is engineered from a proprietary polymer that resists heat-induced deformation. This innovative tip maintains its perfect meplat (bullet tip) shape from the moment it leaves the muzzle until it impacts the target, preserving the bullet's critical ballistic coefficient throughout its entire trajectory. This means less drag, less wind deflection, and more predictable flight paths, crucial for those critical long-range shots.
• Advanced Manufacturing Process (AMP) Bullet Jackets: Every ELD-M bullet features an AMP bullet jacket. Produced with a near-zero tolerance for concentricity and wall thickness uniformity, these jackets represent the pinnacle of bullet manufacturing. The precision of the AMP jacket ensures that the bullet spins perfectly true in flight, minimizing yaw and wobble that can degrade accuracy. This meticulous attention to detail in jacket production directly translates into superior ballistic consistency, which is paramount for match-grade performance.
• Optimized Secant Ogive Profile: The aerodynamic profile of the ELD-M bullet is specifically designed for optimal efficiency. The secant ogive geometry, combined with a boat tail, provides the lowest possible drag for a given bullet weight and caliber. This shape cuts through the air with minimal resistance, helping the bullet retain velocity over extended distances and reducing the impact of crosswinds.
• Doppler Radar Verified Ballistic Coefficients: Hornady stands alone in its commitment to providing real-world, verified ballistic data. The BCs for ELD-M bullets are not theoretical calculations but are rigorously proven using Doppler radar, capturing actual flight performance. This empirical data ensures that the BCs you use in your ballistic calculators are accurate and reliable, allowing for more precise trajectory predictions and come-ups, giving shooters unparalleled confidence in their long-range solutions.

The 6.5 Creedmoor Caliber: A Modern Masterpiece for Precision Shooting

The 6.5 Creedmoor has rapidly ascended to become one of the most popular and respected cartridges in precision shooting, and for very good reason. Its inherent design offers a perfect balance of ballistic efficiency, manageable recoil, and excellent barrel life. When paired with Hornady's 147 gr ELD-M bullet, this cartridge truly shines:

• Ballistic Efficiency: The 6.5mm caliber bullets, particularly those with high sectional densities like the 147 grain ELD-M, are inherently very efficient. They retain energy well, resist wind drift effectively, and offer flatter trajectories compared to many other popular long-range calibers.
• Manageable Recoil: Despite its impressive long-range capabilities, the 6.5 Creedmoor produces moderate recoil, allowing shooters to maintain their sight picture through the shot and spot their impacts more easily. This is a significant advantage in competitive scenarios where quick follow-up shots or accurate self-correction are vital.
• Versatility: While primarily known for target and competition use, the 6.5 Creedmoor with appropriate bullet choices is also capable for hunting medium-sized game. The 147 gr ELD-M, though designed for match accuracy, can be effectively utilized by ethical hunters where regulations permit, offering excellent precision for critical shot placement. However, its true domain remains the precision range.

Unwavering Quality Control: The Hornady Standard for Match Ammunition

What truly sets Hornady Match ammunition apart, particularly the 81501 load, is the unwavering commitment to quality control at every stage of production. This isn't just a marketing claim; it's a foundational principle that guarantees the consistency vital for achieving peak accuracy. Every box of Hornady Match ammunition undergoes rigorous scrutiny:

• Consistent Powder Charges: Powders are carefully selected and precisely metered for each load to ensure optimal pressure, velocity, and accuracy. This obsessive attention to detail eliminates shot-to-shot velocity variations that can lead to vertical stringing on target.
• Optimized Velocity and Pressure: Each load is developed to achieve an ideal balance of velocity and pressure, maximizing performance while maintaining safety and barrel longevity. The stated muzzle velocity of 2695 feet per second and muzzle energy of 2370 foot-pounds are not just numbers; they are precisely tuned metrics for peak performance.
• Proper Bullet Seating: Bullet seating depth is critical for consistency. Hornady's production process ensures precise and uniform bullet seating for every round, minimizing runout and maximizing concentricity as the cartridge enters the chamber, which is paramount for optimal bullet flight.
• Consistent Overall Length (OAL): Maintaining a consistent overall length across all cartridges in a lot is crucial for reliable feeding, consistent chamber pressure, and repeatable accuracy. Hornady's Match ammunition excels in this regard.
• Premium Brass Case Selection: Only the highest quality brass cases are selected for Hornady Match ammunition. These cases offer exceptional uniformity in weight, volume, and concentricity, contributing to consistent pressures and velocities. The durable brass also allows for multiple reloads for those who choose to handload their spent cases, further extending value.

This meticulous quality control ensures that when you open a box of Hornady 81501 Match 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition, you can trust that every single round will perform virtually identically to the last, eliminating ammunition as a variable in your pursuit of precision.

Real-World Applications and Expected Performance

The Hornady 81501 Match 6.5 Creedmoor 147 gr ELD-M ammunition is designed to excel in a variety of demanding shooting disciplines:

• Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and National Rifle League (NRL) Competitions: For competitive shooters participating in these dynamic, long-range events, the consistent accuracy and predictable ballistics of the ELD-M are invaluable. The ability to trust your ballistic solutions and hit targets at varying distances under time pressure is directly enhanced by the reliability of this ammunition.
• F-Class and Benchrest Shooting: In disciplines where the smallest groups win, the ELD-M's inherent precision and high ballistic coefficient make it a top contender. Shooters aiming for sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) performance will appreciate the meticulous engineering behind every round.
• Long-Range Target Practice and Training: For those looking to extend their effective range and refine their long-range shooting skills, this ammunition provides the consistency needed to accurately assess rifle performance, learn wind reading, and practice holdovers or dialing for elevation.
• Advanced Marksmanship Development: Instructors and serious students of marksmanship will find this ammunition an excellent tool for understanding external ballistics, optimizing rifle setups, and consistently achieving challenging accuracy goals.

With a muzzle velocity of 2695 feet per second, this ammunition delivers impressive downrange energy and a flat trajectory. Shooters can expect to achieve consistent sub-minute-of-angle (MOA) groups, often significantly better, from a capable rifle. This level of repeatable accuracy translates directly into higher scores in competition and greater satisfaction on the range.

Maximizing Your Potential with Hornady Match Ammunition

To fully leverage the capabilities of Hornady 81501 Match ammunition, consider these factors:

• Rifle System Optimization: Ensure your rifle's barrel, action, and optic are capable of precision. A clean, well-maintained barrel is crucial for consistent accuracy.
• Ballistic Calculator Usage: Utilize a reputable ballistic calculator (such as the Hornady 4DOF calculator) to generate precise firing solutions based on the Doppler radar-verified BCs of the ELD-M bullet. Input environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure for even greater accuracy.
• Consistent Fundamentals: While the ammunition is supremely consistent, solid shooting fundamentals—proper position, breath control, trigger press, and follow-through—remain paramount for realizing its full potential.
• Lot Consistency: For critical competitive applications, purchasing enough of a single lot number of ammunition can further enhance consistency, though Hornady's production standards minimize variations between lots.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hornady 81501 Match 6.5 Creedmoor ELD-M

What makes this ammunition "match grade" compared to standard hunting ammunition?
"Match grade" signifies a higher standard of precision and consistency. Hornady Match ammunition undergoes stricter quality control for bullet seating, powder charges, and overall length. It utilizes premium components like the ELD-M bullet with its Heat Shield tip and AMP jacket, which are designed for extreme accuracy and consistent ballistic performance, prioritizing tight groups over terminal expansion. Standard hunting ammunition focuses more on reliable expansion and terminal performance on game.

How does the ELD-M bullet perform at extreme distances, like 1000 yards or more?
The ELD-M bullet's high ballistic coefficient, coupled with the Heat Shield tip and AMP jacket, allows it to retain velocity exceptionally well and resist wind drift over long distances. This results in less bullet drop and wind deflection at 1000+ yards, making trajectory predictions more accurate and enabling consistent hits at extended ranges, especially when utilizing Doppler radar-verified BCs in your ballistic calculations.

Is this ammunition suitable for hunting?
While the 147 gr ELD-M bullet is primarily designed for precision target shooting and competition, its inherent accuracy can make it suitable for hunting certain medium-sized game where ethical shot placement is paramount and legal regulations permit. However, hunters seeking more aggressive terminal performance might consider Hornady's ELD-X (Extreme Low Drag - eXpanding) bullets, which are specifically designed for hunting applications while retaining excellent long-range ballistic properties.

What is the expected accuracy of Hornady 81501 Match ammunition?
From a quality rifle in capable hands, shooters can consistently expect sub-Minute of Angle (MOA) accuracy, often achieving groups significantly smaller than 1 inch at 100 yards. Many users report groups in the 0.5-0.75 MOA range, or even better, underscoring the exceptional precision engineered into this ammunition.

Where can I purchase genuine Hornady Match ammunition?
Genuine Hornady Match 6.5 Creedmoor 147 gr ELD-M (SKU 81501) ammunition, known for its consistent quality and performance, is available at reputable firearms retailers like DEGuns. When seeking the best in precision ammunition, ensure you purchase from trusted sources to guarantee authenticity and performance.

In conclusion, the Hornady 81501 Match 6.5 Creedmoor 147 gr ELD-M ammunition is a premium offering for shooters who refuse to compromise on accuracy and consistency. It’s an investment in superior performance, backed by Hornady’s legendary commitment to innovation and quality. For competitive shooting, serious long-range practice, or any scenario where precision is non-negotiable, this ammunition provides the reliability and ballistic excellence required to achieve your most ambitious shooting goals. Discover the difference that true match-grade ammunition can make in your rifle's performance, available at DEGuns.

Hornady Match 6.5 Creedmoor 147 gr ELD-M Specifications

Brand	Hornady
Model Line	Match
Caliber	6.5 Creedmoor
Bullet Type	Extremely Low Drag-Match (ELD-M)
Bullet Weight	147 grain
Muzzle Velocity	2695 fps
Muzzle Energy	2370 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
Casing Material	Brass
Primary Application	Target Shooting
SKU	81501
UPC	090255815016