The Hornady American Whitetail 6.5 Creedmoor 129 Grain InterLock ammunition delivers the proven performance and flat-shooting accuracy that deer hunters have trusted for generations, now paired with modern propellants and quality components for consistent, ethical harvests.
- 129-grain InterLock bullet delivers deep penetration and controlled expansion on deer
- Muzzle velocity of 2,820 fps for flat trajectories and extended effective range
- InterLock ring mechanically bonds core and jacket, preventing separation on impact
- Optimized 6.5 Creedmoor load balances recoil, accuracy, and downrange energy
- Hornady propellant blends ensure lot-to-lot consistency and reliable ignition
- Convenient 20-round box — ideal for a day of hunting or pre-season zeroing
Who This Is For
This load is purpose-built for whitetail deer hunters who shoot 6.5 Creedmoor rifles and want a dependable, field-proven cartridge without the premium price of match or hunting-tipped lines. It's equally well-suited to hunters pursuing mule deer, pronghorn, or similar-sized game at moderate to long range, and to shooters who want to confirm their zero before the season opens without burning through expensive ammunition.
Specifications
| Brand | Hornady |
|---|---|
| Product Line | American Whitetail |
| Caliber | 6.5 Creedmoor |
| Bullet Weight | 129 Grain |
| Bullet Type | InterLock Soft Point |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,820 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | ~2,277 ft-lbs |
| Ballistic Coefficient (G1) | ~0.485 |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Casing Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer, Non-Corrosive |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Item Number | 81489 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the InterLock bullet differ from a standard soft-point or polymer-tipped bullet?
The Hornady InterLock bullet features a raised ring inside the jacket that locks mechanically with the lead core, preventing the core and jacket from separating even at high impact velocities. This design ensures the bullet retains more weight and expands reliably across a wide range of distances — a key advantage over basic soft-points, and a cost-effective alternative to bonded or polymer-tipped bullets for deer-sized game.
Is this 6.5 Creedmoor load suitable for longer shots on deer, say 300–400 yards?
Yes. The 129-grain InterLock launched at 2,820 fps has a high ballistic coefficient (approximately 0.485 G1) that resists wind drift and retains energy well at distance. At 400 yards the bullet is still carrying over 1,400 ft-lbs of energy — well above the 1,000 ft-lb threshold commonly recommended for ethical deer hunting. Just be sure to confirm your zero and practice at range before the season.
Can I reload the brass cases after firing?
Absolutely. Hornady American Whitetail ammunition uses high-quality brass cases with Boxer primers, making them fully reloadable. The cases are known for their consistent wall thickness and dimensional uniformity, which helps them last through multiple reloading cycles when properly sized and annealed.
- Caliber:
- 6.5 Creedmoor
- Bullet Weight:
- 129 GR
- Bullet Type:
- InterLock
- Type:
- Rifle Ammunition
- Box Quantity:
- 20
- Case Quantity:
- 200
- Lead Free:
- No