Federal's +Peak Steel Cases Push 6.5 Creedmoor to Magnum Pressures

Federal has reworked the 6.5 Creedmoor with a steel-alloy case that runs at magnum pressures, and American Rifleman put it through testing in three different rifles to see if the velocity claims hold up.

Snapshot

Federal's new +Peak ammunition swaps brass for a reloadable steel-alloy case capable of handling up to 80,000 psi, well above the 62,000 psi SAAMI ceiling for standard 6.5 Creedmoor. American Rifleman writer tested the 130-grain +Peak Terminal Ascent load against the standard version across three rifles and barrel lengths to check Federal's velocity claims and real-world compatibility.

Key points

• Pressure jump: +Peak cases allow operating pressure as high as 80,000 psi, versus the 62,000 psi MAP limit for standard brass-cased 6.5 Creedmoor.
• Velocity claims: Federal states +Peak ammo gains roughly 300 fps over standard 6.5 Creedmoor and about 100 fps over 6.5 PRC, which the reviewer set out to verify with his own three-rifle test.
• Drop-in compatibility: The ammunition keeps standard external dimensions, so it chambers in existing 6.5 Creedmoor rifles; Federal directs shooters to check with their rifle's manufacturer, and CVA has flagged its Scout, Hunter and Apex break actions as incompatible.
• Military interest: The U.S. Army has secured Government Purpose Rights to the +Peak technology, and Federal is slated to supply 40 million rounds.
• Wear tradeoff: The reviewer notes higher pressure can mean faster throat erosion, but says shooters can reserve +Peak loads for when extra performance is actually needed rather than using them for everything.

Quick take

The reviewer at American Rifleman reports no stiff bolt lifts or extraction issues across his test rifles, and found the ammunition's ability to approach .270 Win. and .30-'06 Sprg. ballistics without a new rifle purchase the most compelling part of the package. For reloaders and long-range hunters already invested in 6.5 Creedmoor platforms, this looks like a notable step rather than a gimmick, though checking compatibility with your specific rifle maker remains the responsible move before loading up.

Read the full story: americanrifleman.org