First Look: Federal Premium 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper

by
posted on September 1, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fedl_prem_65_creedmoor_tc_f.jpg

Federal Premium's Trophy Copper line of ammunition has been a staple in the hunting industry since its introduction, so it came as no surprise when the company added a 6.5 Creedmoor offering to the stable earlier this year. Why wouldn't you add one of the industry's fastest-growing cartridges to your signature product line? Here are five things you need to know.

1. It’s joining a well-regarded family of ammunition.
Federal’s Trophy Copper line is available in more than 20 additional ads, ranging from .243. Win. to .338 Win. Mag. It’s known for its copper, polymer-tipped bullet that retains 99 percent of its weight, penetrates deep and expands consistently.

2. It packs a punch.
The Trophy Copper 6.5 Creedmoor load features a 120-grain bullet, and should provide suitable power for medium and big game. Federal lists the muzzle velocity at 2875 f.p.s.

3. It has premium features.
Like its Trophy Copper brethren, the 6.5 Creedmoor load features copper construction that can provide up to 99 percent weight retention. It has a tipped bullet cavity that’s optimized for expansion across a broad velocity range, and a grooved bullet shank provides increased accuracy.

4. It can go long.
Though it's not meant to be Federal's new Edge TLR, the 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper is more than capable of reaching out and touching game animals at extended ranges. The polymer tip and boat-tail design increase the ballistic coefficient for higher downrange velocity and energy.

5. It works.
What better way to put a new cartridge to the test than to take it on a hunt? I put the new 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper to work on a recent New Mexico antelope hunt, and it didn't let me down. Though we weren't able to recover the bullet, it had little trouble dropping my pronghorn at 200 yards—devastating the vitals and breaking a shoulder on the exit, to boot. Hard to argue with that.

Latest

BTB 7Mm RUM Lead
BTB 7Mm RUM Lead

Behind the Bullet: 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum

Launching a 160-grain bullet in excess of 3200 fps, the 7mm RUM is among the fastest commercially loaded 7mm cartridges available.

USFWS Debuts 2025-2026 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps

The 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp—commonly known as the Duck Stamp—became available for purchase on June 27, 2025.

Tested: Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener

Digital Associate Editor walks viewers through the features of the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener, the perfect tool for a hunter looking to keep all his knives factory sharp season after season.

Recipe: Green Curried Black Bear

Green curry sauce is an excellent base for simmering bear meat, making it flavorful, tender, and safe to consume. Read on for another instant classic recipe from Brad Fenson.

Coyotes to Competitions: An AR-Build for Accuracy

ARs make great coyote guns. But what would the absolute best coyote rifle look like? Digital Associate Editor David Herman builds his take on the best AR for shooters who like to plug coyotes in the winter, and ring steel all summer long.

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Sunday Hunting Bill

Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law on July 9.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.