American Eagle 6.5 Creedmoor OTM 120 Gr Box of 20
Introduction to American Eagle 6.5 Creedmoor OTM
In the world of precision shooting, few cartridges have made as dramatic an entrance as the 6.5 Creedmoor. And when it comes to affordable yet match-grade ammunition, the American Eagle 6.5 Creedmoor OTM (Open Tip Match) stands out as a go-to option for both competition shooters and tactical professionals.
Manufactured by Federal Premium Ammunition, American Eagle offers this load as a cost-effective training round that maintains excellent consistency and terminal performance, ideal for those practicing at long distances without breaking the bank.
What Does OTM (Open Tip Match) Mean?
OTM, or Open Tip Match, is a bullet design focused on precision rather than expansion. The small hole at the bullet’s tip isn’t for expansion (as with hollow points), but rather a byproduct of the manufacturing process. This design leads to:
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Improved bullet balance
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Reduced drag
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Exceptional accuracy at long distances
Key Benefits of OTM Bullets:
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Greater ballistic consistency
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Excellent flight stability
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Preferred in competition and military precision applications
OTM bullets are not designed for hunting, but are ideal for target shooting and tactical training.
Why Choose 6.5 Creedmoor for Long-Range Shooting?
Ballistic Efficiency
The 6.5 Creedmoor boasts an impressive ballistic coefficient, often outperforming the .308 Winchester at extended ranges. This allows for flatter trajectories, better resistance to wind, and higher retained energy beyond 500 yards.
Reduced Recoil
Another reason the 6.5 Creedmoor shines: it delivers these ballistics with less recoil than comparable long-range calibers, enabling quicker follow-up shots and less shooter fatigue.
American Eagle Brand Overview
American Eagle, a Federal Premium Ammunition brand, focuses on training and tactical-grade rounds. Known for delivering reliable performance at a budget-friendly price, AE’s OTM offerings bridge the gap between casual and match-level ammunition.
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Trusted by police and military marksmen for training
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High quality control backed by Federal’s legacy
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Consistent powder burn and bullet seating
Technical Specifications of AE 6.5 Creedmoor OTM
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Caliber | 6.5 Creedmoor |
Bullet Type | Open Tip Match (OTM) |
Bullet Weight | 140 grains |
Muzzle Velocity | ~2,700 fps |
Muzzle Energy | ~2,265 ft-lbs |
Case Material | Brass (reloadable) |
Primer Type | Boxer |
Rounds per Box | 20 |
Usage | Target / Precision / Training |
Ballistic Performance at Distance
Trajectory and Drop Charts
American Eagle 140-gr OTM offers exceptionally flat shooting out to 1,000 yards.
Distance (yards) | Drop (inches) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) |
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100 | 0 | 2,700 | 2,265 |
300 | -11.2 | 2,260 | 1,589 |
500 | -50.5 | 1,880 | 1,096 |
1000 | -320+ | 1,250 | 486 |
Wind Drift and Stability
With a G1 BC of ~.580, the 140-grain OTM holds exceptionally well against crosswinds, which is why so many DMR and PRS shooters favor it.
Precision vs Hunting Loads: AE OTM Compared
Feature | American Eagle OTM | Hunting Ammo (e.g., Nosler Ballistic Tip) |
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Expansion | No | Yes |
Terminal Damage | Low | High |
Accuracy | Very High | Moderate to High |
Ideal Range | 100–1000+ yards | 100–400 yards |
Price | Lower | Higher |
Use AE OTM for paper punching and steel hits, not deer hunting.
Ideal Use Cases: Competition, Training, and Sniping
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Competitive PRS & F-Class
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Military designated marksmen (DMRs)
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LE sniper training programs
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Civilian long-range training
AE OTM is affordable enough to train with in bulk, yet precise enough to score tight groups even at 800+ yards.
Firearm Compatibility and Chambering Notes
Compatible with any rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, including:
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Ruger Precision Rifle
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Savage Model 10/110
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Christensen Arms Ridgeline
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Tikka T3x
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AR-10 platforms (with proper chambering)
Always verify chamber markings and match twist rate (1:8 or 1:9 is ideal) for 140-gr bullets.
Cleaning and Maintenance After Match Shooting
Because AE OTM uses clean-burning powder, you’ll experience:
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Minimal barrel fouling
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Reduced carbon buildup
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Less copper fouling than budget FMJs
Still, after every 40–60 rounds of match fire, a light solvent patch and bore brush run is recommended.
Storage, Longevity, and Shelf Life
Store AE ammo in:
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Ammo cans with desiccant packs
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Dry, temperature-stable environments
Federal recommends a 10+ year shelf life, though many users report no degradation after 20+ years of proper storage.
Where to Buy American Eagle 6.5 Creedmoor OTM in 2024
You can purchase online from:
- Canada Shooters
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Palmetto State Armory
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Brownells
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Bass Pro Shops
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Local gun and sporting goods stores
FAQs About American Eagle 6.5 Creedmoor OTM
1. Is AE 6.5 Creedmoor OTM good for hunting?
No. OTM bullets aren’t designed to expand. Choose a bonded soft point or polymer-tip bullet instead.
2. Can I reload AE 6.5 Creedmoor brass?
Yes, the brass is Boxer-primed and reloadable.
3. Is this ammo non-corrosive?
Yes. It uses modern, non-corrosive primers.
4. What’s the effective range?
Most shooters report solid accuracy out to 1,000 yards, with sub-MOA groups up to 800 yards.
5. Is AE OTM suitable for gas guns?
Yes. It runs reliably in AR-10 and semi-auto platforms, assuming proper tuning and buffer setup.
6. What twist rate is ideal for this ammo?
A twist rate of 1:8 or 1:8.5 is ideal to stabilize the 140-grain bullet.
Conclusion: Who Should Use This Ammo?
If you’re a long-range shooter who demands consistent performance without the premium price, the American Eagle 6.5 Creedmoor OTM is an unbeatable option. It’s the perfect bridge between budget and precision, offering clean-burning powder, reloadable brass, and excellent groupings at a fraction of the cost of boutique loads.
Whether you’re training for PRS, zeroing in a new scope, or prepping for tactical competition, this round delivers results.
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