224 Valkyrie vs 6.5 Creedmoor is two of the hottest long-range cartridges for general purpose use. There are many great long-range cartridges available, but we selected these two for a closer look for the same reason.
Let’s take a closer look at each and then compare them in several respects. This comparison will let you know which is more suitable for you.
Overview About 224 Valkyrie vs 6.5 Creedmoor
About 224 Valkyrie Ammo
.224 Valkyrie cartridges are developed by Federal Premium Ammunition and debuted at the 2018 SHOT Show.
The purpose of creating the 224 valkyrie cartridge was to produce an accurate and effective long-range model compatible with the MSR (modern sporting rifle).
About 6.5mm Creedmoor Ammo
The 6.5mm CM is the most popular big game hunting rifle cartridge available. Hornady and Creedmoor Sports launched this cartridge in 2007.
This short-action rifle cartridge is typically used for hunting and target shooting. It was famous for its light recoil, making it ideal for a long-range competition where lighter recoil is needed.
Pros And Cons
| 224 Valkyrie | 6.5 Creedmoor | |
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Key Differences
The 224 Valkyrie differs from the 6.5mm Creedmoor in several vital aspects, such as velocity, recoil, trajectory, loading types, and staying power. However, the differences can be difficult to discern as they are insignificant.
When talking about the ballistics comparison, the 6.5 cartridges use longer, sustained, and fatter bullets that are 0.264 inches in diameter and maintain a supersonic flight of over one thousand two hundred yards.
On the other hand, the 224 Valkyrie cartridges use bullets with a diameter of 0.224 inches, making them lighter, shorter, and maintain supersonic for over one thousand three hundred yards.
Head-To-Head Comparison
1. Recoil
Valkyrie’s most significant advantage is the smaller, lighter rifle that features less recoil.
The Valkyrie will stay on your target or at least keep your target within FOV off the less stable position. So the 224, no doubt, is the winner of this category.
The winner is the 224 valkyrie.
2. Bullet Weights
Unlike many cartridges, the 6.5mm Creedmoor and 224 Valkyrie get the weight mostly due to their bullet length.
Yes, as both models are initially mass-produced for a more extended range, even with the weight of their bullets. So, it is no surprise that they can travel in the air with a more extended stay and higher velocity.
The 224 Valkyrie’s bullet loads are a bit lighter than its 6.5 Creedmoor counterpart, compared to the 224 which beats the 6.5 CM in this round.
The winner is the 224 valkyrie.
3. Loading Type
The 224 utilizes the standard 0.224″ diameter bullet with typical loads that range from 60 to 90-grains, and 90 grains is the most common so far.
Meanwhile, the 6.5 CM cartridge uses 0.264″ diameter bullets and ranges from 120 to 147-grain weight in most cases. Its most common load is 140-grains.
When it comes to the bullets with more power, the 6.5mm Creedmoor is the best bet. Yet, the 224 is the way to go if you want the faster and lighter ammo. So in this round, no one wins.
The winner: Draw.
4. Shooting At Long Distance
The 6.5mm Creedmoor and 224 Valkyrie lose less pace over distance, allowing them to perform well at long range. That means these cartridges are ideal for longer-distance shooting.
The 224 is more accurate at the longer distance thanks to its higher velocity, flat trajectory, and maintaining more energy at the more extended range.
The 224 cartridge offers a similar result to some larger cartridges, such as the 6.5 CM, but with a smaller size. That said, the 224 cartridge gets one more win.
The winner is the 224 valkyrie.
5. Trajectory
There is no denying that the 6.5 CM and 224 Valkyrie trajectory is a concern of many shooters or hunters for the long-range shooting game.
Both cartridges are fast-moving models that maintain straight trajectories and great speed at a certain distance.
The 6.5 CM does not slow down quickly. The .224 outperforms in holding the velocity for a long time, so it will drop significantly less at a long range.
The .224 cartridge is lighter, so its trajectory tends to be straighter than the 6.5mm CM.
The winner is the 224 valkyrie.
6. Pricing
The 6.5 CM and 224 Valkyrie, no doubt, deliver almost comparable ballistics.
Yet, when talking about price, they vary. The 224 Valkyrie is more affordable than the 6.5mm Creedmoor.
For shooters and hunters who use the AR-15 platform and prefer shooting at an extended range, the 224 will be a star in long-range shooting but at a low price.
The winner is the 224 valkyrie.
Short Comparison Table
| The 224 Valkyrie | The 6.5mm Creedmoor | |
| Model | 224 Valkyrie | 6.5 Creedmoor |
| Bullet Diameter | .2245 inches | .264 inches |
| Bullet Size | .2245 inches | .2644 inches |
| Bullet Weight | 90 Grain | 120 gr (8 g) |
| Shell Case Length | 1.60 inches | 1,512 ft⋅lbs |
| Energy (For every 500 yards) (ft.-Lbs) | 1,961 | 1,150 |
| Velocity (For every 500 yards) (fps) | 2,700 | 2,078 |
| Muzzle Velocity (ft/s) | 3,013 | 3,010 |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 1,512 | 2,414 |
FAQs
1. What Are the Applications of the .224 Valkyrie?
This cartridge was designed to do one thing: Reach the target at extreme distances. It does that thing very well.
Its only real competition for distance shooting is the 6.5 Grendel.
While the 6.5 Grendel is a highly accurate long-range option, it has significantly more recoil (almost 75% more).
Moreover, the 6.5 Grendel is more affected by crosswind and loses supersonic velocity faster than the .224 Valkyrie.
On our website, we posted a detailed comparison between 224 Valkyrie and 6.5 Grendel article, you can read here!
2. What Is the 6.5mm Creedmoor Usually Used to Hunt?
The 6.5 CM is a good hunting cartridge and is useful in many hunting settings.
Unfortunately, many are misunderstood as this cartridge has more power than it really does. In my opinion, it works well for deer-sized or smaller hunting games.
While many bears, elk, and other animals have been taken with it, our experience with this cartridge has shown it not to be the ideal option for a game larger than deer.
The 6.5mm Creedmoor has limitations, and you should understand them.
3. What does a 224 Valkyrie compare to?
The 224 Valkyrie is a cartridge developed by Federal Premium Ammunition for use in AR-15 rifles. It is designed to provide long-range accuracy and high velocity, and has been compared to the 6.5 Creedmoor and the .22-250 Remington cartridges.
4. Is 224 Valkyrie good at long-range?
Yes, the 224 Valkyrie is known for its exceptional long-range capabilities. It was designed specifically for long-range shooting and offers high velocity, flat trajectory, and excellent accuracy at extended distances.
5. What is a 224 Valkyrie good for?
The 224 Valkyrie is a cartridge designed for long-range shooting and hunting, particularly for varmints and predators. It is capable of delivering high velocity and flat trajectory at extended distances, making it suitable for precision shooting competitions and target shooting as well.
6. How far can a 224 Valkyrie shoot accurately?
The effective range of a 224 Valkyrie can vary depending on factors such as barrel length, bullet weight, and environmental conditions. However, it is generally accepted that the cartridge can effectively shoot up to 1,000 yards with accuracy.
7. Can you deer hunt with a 224 Valkyrie?
Yes, you can deer hunt with a 224 Valkyrie. However, it is important to check the regulations in your state or hunting area to see if it is legal to use that caliber for hunting. Additionally, it is important to use appropriate ammunition and to ensure that the rifle is properly sighted and accurate for ethical hunting.
Which One Is Better?
After comparing 224 Valkyrie and 6.5 CM, our favorite pick is the 224 Valkyrie as it is cheaper and has a lighter loading type, less wind drift, and less recoil.
But it’s not too superior to the 6.5mm Creedmoor. You will be okay if you get a 6.5 Creedmoor. It is an excellent choice thanks to its outstanding ballistic performance.
Final Words
We’ve just provided you with the main differences between the 6.5mm CM and 224 Valkyrie ammo.
Overall, the difference is not significant. So whatever your choice, you can be proud that you have one of the best long-range cartridges.
Thanks for your time!
Last Updated on November 21, 2023 by
