Barnes Bullets 30166 Precision Match 6.5 Creedmoor 140 gr Open Tip Match Boat Tail Ammo

Unlocking Precision: The Barnes Precision Match 6.5 Creedmoor 140 gr OTM BT Ammunition

Are you a dedicated long-range shooter, a competitive marksman, or simply seeking the absolute best in accuracy and consistency for your 6.5 Creedmoor rifle? If so, the Barnes Precision Match 6.5 Creedmoor 140 gr Open Tip Match Boat Tail ammunition is engineered precisely for your demands. This isn't just another box of bullets; it's a meticulously crafted solution designed to eliminate variables and instill unparalleled confidence in every shot, whether you're engaging distant steel targets, competing in a Precision Rifle Series (PRS) match, or honing your skills at the range.

For shooters who ask, "What is the most reliable ammunition for consistent long-range accuracy?" or "How can I achieve tighter groupings and reduce my extreme spread (ES) and standard deviation (SD)?" – the answer often points directly to ammunition like the Barnes Precision Match. It addresses the core challenges faced by precision shooters: variability in velocity, inconsistent bullet performance, and sensitivity to environmental factors.

Why the 6.5 Creedmoor Caliber Stands Out for Precision Shooting

The 6.5 Creedmoor has rapidly ascended to become one of the most popular and respected cartridges in the precision shooting world. Its inherent design offers numerous advantages that complement the performance of Barnes Precision Match ammunition:

• Efficient Ballistics: The 6.5mm (0.264-inch) bullet diameter allows for the use of high ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets without excessive recoil. This means bullets slice through the air more efficiently, resisting wind drift and retaining energy over long distances.
• Mild Recoil: Compared to larger magnum cartridges, the 6.5 Creedmoor delivers a relatively mild recoil impulse. This allows shooters to maintain their sight picture, spot impacts, and spend more time practicing without fatigue, leading to improved consistency.
• Optimal Chambering: The cartridge was designed with modern rifle actions in mind, offering excellent feeding and reliable performance in a variety of platforms.
• Versatility: While renowned for precision target shooting, the 6.5 Creedmoor is also a capable hunting cartridge, though the 140 gr Open Tip Match (OTM) bullet is primarily designed for precision and target work, not terminal expansion for hunting.

When pairing your 6.5 Creedmoor rifle with ammunition like the Barnes Precision Match, you're leveraging the full potential of this cartridge for superior long-range performance.

The Engineering Behind Exceptional Accuracy: 140 gr Open Tip Match Boat Tail

At the heart of the Barnes Precision Match's stellar performance is its 140-grain Open Tip Match (OTM) Boat Tail bullet. This specific bullet design is a hallmark of precision ammunition and plays a crucial role in delivering the consistent accuracy that Barnes is known for.

• Open Tip Match (OTM) Construction: Unlike traditional hollow-point bullets designed for expansion, the open tip on an OTM bullet is a manufacturing byproduct that allows for extremely precise bullet construction. This meticulous process ensures exceptional concentricity and uniform jacket thickness, which are critical for flight stability. The open tip contributes to a more consistent center of gravity, translating directly into reduced wobble and tighter groups downrange.
• Boat Tail (BT) Design: The boat tail is a tapered base on the bullet, resembling the stern of a boat. Its primary purpose is to reduce aerodynamic drag, particularly in the transonic and supersonic regions of flight. By streamlining the bullet's rear, the boat tail minimizes the vacuum created behind the bullet as it travels, leading to a higher ballistic coefficient, less velocity decay, and reduced wind drift. This means your bullet arrives at the target faster, with more energy, and with less deviation from its intended path, especially at extreme distances.
• Optimal Bullet Weight: The 140-grain weight is a highly regarded sweet spot for the 6.5 Creedmoor. It offers an excellent balance of ballistic coefficient, energy retention, and manageable recoil, making it ideal for a wide range of shooting conditions and distances. This weight often stabilizes exceptionally well in common 6.5 Creedmoor barrel twist rates (typically 1:8 or 1:8.5), ensuring optimal gyroscopic stability throughout its flight path.

The Science of Consistency: Temperature-Stable Propellant and Premium Brass

Consistency is the bedrock of precision shooting. Even minor variations in muzzle velocity can translate into significant differences in point of impact at long ranges. Barnes addresses this directly with two critical components in their Precision Match ammunition:

• Temperature-Stable Propellant: One of the most common causes of velocity deviation is temperature fluctuation. A standard powder charge might produce a certain velocity at 70°F, but significantly different velocities at 30°F or 90°F. This can drastically impact bullet drop and shot placement. Barnes Precision Match utilizes a specially formulated, temperature-stable propellant that minimizes these velocity shifts across a broad range of temperatures. This means whether you're shooting in the heat of summer or the chill of winter, your point of impact remains predictable, eliminating a major variable that often frustrates precision shooters. This results in incredibly low extreme spreads (ES) and standard deviations (SD), which are key indicators of ammunition consistency.
• First-Quality, Premium Brass: The brass casing is far more than just a container for the powder and bullet; it's an integral part of the ammunition's performance. Barnes uses only first-quality, premium brass. This ensures:
  • Consistent Case Capacity: Uniform internal volume means consistent powder burn and predictable pressures, directly leading to consistent muzzle velocities.
  • Uniform Neck Tension: Critical for consistent bullet seating and release, which affects accuracy.
  • Durability and Reloadability: Premium brass is more robust, resisting deformation and allowing for multiple reloads for those who handload. This offers excellent value and further enhances consistency for reloaders using Barnes bullets.
  • Optimized Annealing: Proper annealing ensures the brass has the right metallurgical properties for reliable firing and extraction without premature wear or failure.

Performance Metrics: Muzzle Velocity and Muzzle Energy

The Barnes Precision Match 6.5 Creedmoor 140 gr OTM BT boasts impressive standard performance figures:

• Muzzle Velocity: 2700 feet per second (fps)
• Muzzle Energy: 2266 foot-pounds (ft lbs)

These figures, combined with the high ballistic coefficient of the 140-grain OTM boat tail bullet, translate to a flat trajectory, minimal wind deflection, and significant energy retention downrange. For a long-range shooter, this means less holdover and wind correction, simplifying shot calls and increasing hit probability on challenging targets. It's the kind of reliable performance that helps you confidently "send it" every time.

Who Benefits from Barnes Precision Match Ammunition?

This ammunition is specifically tailored for individuals and applications where precision is paramount:

• Competitive Shooters: Participants in disciplines like PRS (Precision Rifle Series), NRL (National Rifle League), F-Class, or similar long-range rifle matches will find the consistency and accuracy of Barnes Precision Match to be a significant competitive advantage.
• Long-Range Enthusiasts: If your passion is pushing the limits of your rifle and your skill at extended distances (600 yards, 1000 yards, and beyond), this ammunition provides the foundation for success.
• Hunters Seeking Precision: While primarily a match bullet, for hunters who demand ethical, precise shot placement at medium to long ranges on appropriate game (where non-expanding OTM is deemed suitable or legal), the inherent accuracy can be appealing. However, it's crucial to understand OTM terminal performance differs from expanding hunting bullets.
• Dedicated Practice: For any shooter serious about improving their long-range capabilities, using high-quality, consistent ammunition like Barnes Precision Match during practice is essential. It helps in isolating shooter error from ammunition inconsistency, allowing for more effective training.

Maximizing Your Performance with Barnes Precision Match

To truly leverage the capabilities of Barnes Precision Match ammunition, consider these factors:

1. Rifle Setup: Ensure your rifle is properly bedded, torqued, and equipped with a high-quality barrel (often a 1:8 or 1:8.5 twist rate for 140 gr 6.5mm bullets), and a consistent trigger. A well-tuned rifle is critical for realizing the full accuracy potential of premium ammunition.
2. Optics: A high-quality scope with clear glass, precise adjustments, and appropriate reticle for long-range shooting is essential for repeatable accuracy.
3. Shooting Fundamentals: Even the best ammunition cannot compensate for poor shooting fundamentals. Focus on consistent body position, natural point of aim, breath control, trigger control, and follow-through.
4. Data Collection: Chronographing your ammunition will provide real-world muzzle velocity data from your rifle, allowing for precise ballistic calculator inputs. Track your dope (data on previous engagements) for different distances and environmental conditions.
5. Environmental Awareness: Understand how wind, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure affect bullet trajectory. The temperature-stable propellant in Barnes Precision Match helps mitigate temperature-induced velocity changes, but external ballistics are always influenced by the environment.

Why Choose Barnes Bullets for Your Precision Needs?

Barnes Bullets has a long-standing reputation for innovation and quality in the ammunition industry. Their commitment to precision engineering and stringent quality control ensures that every round of Precision Match ammunition meets the highest standards. When you choose Barnes, you're investing in:

• Proven Performance: Barnes bullets have a track record of success in competitive shooting and among discerning long-range enthusiasts.
• Consistent Quality: From raw materials to the finished product, every step is controlled to minimize variation and maximize reliability.
• Confidence in Every Shot: Knowing your ammunition is consistent and accurate allows you to focus on your shooting fundamentals and environmental factors, leading to greater confidence and better results.

For shooters who demand the utmost in accuracy and shot-to-shot reliability, the Barnes Precision Match 6.5 Creedmoor 140 gr Open Tip Match Boat Tail is a top-tier choice. It is engineered to perform, enabling you to achieve your most ambitious long-range shooting goals. This premium ammunition is readily available from trusted sources like DEGuns.com, ensuring you have access to the components that will elevate your precision shooting experience.

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