U.S. Navy Secures Major 6.5 Creedmoor Ammunition Supply Through $40 Million Contract
Author: Marko L. | Publish Date: Aug 23, 2025 | Fact checked by: Aleksa Miladinovic
Black Hills Ammunition Wins Competitive Bid for Special Operations Requirements
The Naval Surface Warfare Center has finalized a substantial ammunition procurement contract, awarding Black Hills Ammunition Inc. of South Dakota a maximum $40 million deal to supply 6.5mm Creedmoor rounds for Special Operations forces and Marine Corps units. The Pentagon's announcement this week confirmed that Black Hills successfully outcompeted five rival manufacturers in the bidding process.
Contract Specifications and Scope
Ammunition Requirements
The comprehensive supply agreement covers the delivery of 17,367,760 rounds of DODIC AC58 6.5x49mm Special Ball Long Range Ammunition, as detailed in the pre-solicitation notice released in December of the previous year. This massive quantity underscores the military's growing reliance on the 6.5 Creedmoor platform for precision applications.
Performance Timeline
- Manufacturing Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
- Contract Completion: August 2030
- Contract Value: $40 million maximum award
Evolution of 6.5 Creedmoor in Military Applications
Cartridge Development History
Originally developed and introduced by Hornady in 2007, the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge was engineered as a long-range, flat-trajectory round that maintains exceptional accuracy while producing manageable recoil characteristics. This balance of performance and shootability made it an attractive option for precision shooting applications.
Military Adoption Timeline
The cartridge's military journey began with comprehensive testing by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command in 2017 under the Precision Intermediate Caliber Ammunition program. Following successful evaluation, USSOCOM officially qualified the round for operational use in 2018, paving the way for broader military adoption.
Current Military Weapon Platforms
Rifles and Machine Guns
Several weapon systems have been configured to utilize the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge:
- FN SCAR 17 and SCAR 20 rifle variants
- MK 48 light machine gun
- SIG MCX Spear rifle system
- M110A3 variant of the Knight's Armament M110 sniper rifle
Recent Platform Addition
In late 2023, Geissele Automatics unveiled the MRGG-S (Mid-Range Gas Gun, Sniper), a specialized 6.5 Creedmoor rifle featuring:
- 20-inch barrel configuration
- Full-time suppression capability
- MOA accuracy guarantee
- Fully adjustable stock system
The MRGG-S subsequently secured a $23 million SOCOM contract and received the military designation Mark 1 Mod 0 rifle.
Contract Context and Precedent
This latest ammunition procurement builds upon previous military investments in 6.5 Creedmoor capabilities, including a notable 2020 contract awarded to Hornady. The continued investment in this caliber reflects the military's commitment to precision shooting platforms and the proven effectiveness of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge in operational environments.
Author:
Marko Lalovic
Marko is a dedicated aviation enthusiast whose passion began with an unforgettable encounter with fighter jets at an air show in his home country. As an audiophile and sound engineer by training, Marko was initially captivated by the distinctive sonic signature of military aircraft—the thunderous roar of afterburners and the precise mechanical symphony of aviation systems. This auditory fascination evolved into a comprehensive interest in defense technology, particularly firearms engineering and ballistics acoustics.