What job is the 140-grain ELD Match load built for?

Hornady Match 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition with the 140-grain ELD Match bullet is factory target ammunition. It belongs in the paper, steel and rifle-evaluation lane—not the hunting lane simply because its weight is close to a 143-grain hunting bullet.

Hornady continues to list item 81500 in its 2026 catalog. GCA does not currently have this product in stock, so this page serves as an accurate product reference rather than an active recommendation.

Published factory configuration

Cartridge: 6.5 Creedmoor
Bullet: 140-grain ELD Match
Product line: Hornady Match
Manufacturer item number: 81500
Published muzzle velocity: 2,710 fps
Published G1 ballistic coefficient: .610
Package: 20 factory-loaded rounds

Published velocity is a manufacturer reference value, not a prediction for every rifle. Barrel length, chamber, conditions and the individual firearm affect measured results.

How it differs from GCA’s current 140-grain match option

This Hornady load and the in-stock Federal Gold Medal 140-grain Berger Hybrid Target load occupy the same broad match-ammunition lane but use different bullet designs and factory loading systems. Neither can be declared universally superior. The useful comparison is the one made in your rifle: group size, point of impact, reliable function and measured velocity when chronograph data matters.

Choose by the job—not the title

Use match ammunition as a candidate for paper, steel and precision-oriented evaluation.
Use purpose-built hunting ammunition when terminal performance is part of the job.
Do not assume nearly equal bullet weights mean equal intended use.

For the immediate hunting-versus-target decision, read 6.5 Creedmoor 143-Grain Hunting Load vs. 140-Grain Match Load. For broader context, continue into the 6.5 Creedmoor Cartridge Master Compendium.

Safety and verification

Use only in a firearm marked for 6.5 Creedmoor and in safe operating condition.
Follow the firearm and ammunition manufacturers’ instructions and warnings.
Confirm function, zero and point of impact in the rifle that will be used.
Do not treat published velocity or ballistic coefficients as measured results from your rifle.

tn-11 reference load

Hornady Match 6.5 Creedmoor 140gr ELD Match — Target Ammunition, 20 Rounds