The argument over 6.5 Creedmoor never seems to stop. There's been many occasions when I've mentioned the cartridge in my writings and there's been some degree of confusion about the cartridge. So let's look at how buy 6.5 Creedmoor is and what it doesn't offer as a novice shooter is concerned.
The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge is essentially, an Americanized version of the 6.5x55mm Mauser round that fits into almost anything that's sized to fit a .308 Winchester/7.62x51mm. Before you get the detractors out, know that there's not any debate about this. A quick glance through the 2018 Hodgdon Reloading Manual will show it is there are two powders available: 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5x55 are quite similar as regards powder charge for most powders, with 6.5x55 being slightly superior in terms of capacity and velocity.
It's nothing revolutionary about firing 140gr 6.5 bullet at speeds of 2500-2700 fps Don't be fooled by the modern gun press that can appear as if it's some sort of technological breakthrough. The Swedish military used an 6.5x55mm cartridge known as"SK PTR M/94 PRJ M/41 PRICK." SK PTR M/94 PRJ M/41 PRICK, which fired the 139.9gr spitzer bullet that was loaded to fly at 2600fps from an Mauser rifle. Mauser rifle.
The trajectory of this load is just a few inches shorter than the most contemporary 6.5 Creedmoor factory loads of similar bullet weight. The point I'd like to make to the novice shot is: 6.5 Creedmoor isn't really brand new, but it's extremely efficient. It's what it does is 6.5 Creedmoor does is bring this efficiency to guns we have already used and that's why it's typically an alternative barrel for an .308 Win gun.
For those who are just beginning or who is new to shooting rifles and shooting, it is recommended to use the 6.5 Creedmoor is a great cartridge. It fires long-for-its-caliber, aerodynamic bullets that are backed by a stout case and thick powder column. This cartridge was created to be used in matches and with precision and therefore it's difficult to find a firearm which doesn't shoot it properly. It's an excellent beginner's cartridge as it can perform almost everything. However, novices should realize that it's not a death beam.
It's the 6.5 Creedmoor has developed its reputation as a target shooter for a good reason, but novice shooters (and many of the experienced shooters) should be aware that this is not a legal cartridge for hunting at long ranges. It's actually rather small in contrast to its counterparts.
It's within the same range of performance similar to rounds such as the .257 Roberts, .243 Win 7mm-08 and other rifle cartridges of a mid-sized size. I would, for the vast majority of hunts, consider that the 6.5 Creedmoor to be a 300 yard cartridge , with the possibility of going even further, perhaps 400-450 yards on smaller deer or game.
There are those who argue about this as well, and they're entitled to their own opinions however, the novice shooter -- particularly newcomers to the long-range rifles -- need to know that there's nothing right or noble about hurting animals at long ranges simply because you're using an unbalanced-shooting cartridge. The well-known .30-06 as well as .270 are much better hunting cartridges that are available to all shooters. They have heavier bullets, as well as higher muzzle velocity to match the weight of the bullet.
Perhaps you're wondering what I'm going to do about the big issue by comparing it with .308 Win. Sure, I'll do it at least for a few seconds.
A beginner shooter is good served with either of the rounds depending on what they wish to accomplish. There's plenty of .308 criticisms however, it's not warranted. The latest article by Jeremy was entertaining and funny on his 6.5 Creedmoor vs. .308 Win comparison. It also ruffled some feathers.
He did make an outstanding point about semi-auto rifles and bolt actions. Should I have to choose the day, I'd pick an action bolt in 6.5 and semi-autos in .308. It's all about what you intend to achieve and what your final objective is. If you're looking for this to be an 6.5 against .308 contest I don't have spend the time debating the apples and bananas , so you'll need to look it up elsewhere.
Some useful suggestions for anyone who is new to the 6.5 Creedmoor are:
Relatively low recoil Despite not being an extremely powerful cartridge in the first place The 6.5 Creedmoor has very low recoil. It is able to be reduced by muzzle brakes. Young hunters is well-served by this cartridge. It's easy and comfortable to shoot for those with small-statured, sensitive to recoil/pain, and female hunters.
Excellent accuracy As you will observe from this 6.5 Creedmoor is an inherently precise cartridge that seems to aim at what you shoot it at. It is a great ballistics gun that can go over 1,000 yards, and is the most popular to shoot steel and paper plates in games like PRS.
A low cost for ammunition, in contrast to other match-grade cartridges, this 6.5 Creedmoor can be had at a relatively low cost. Match ammo that is good from top manufacturers typically costs around $1.00 up to $1.50 in cartridges.
Solid rifles The rifles that are made to fire 6.5 Creedmoor were rarely designed for this caliber. The majority of them started as .308 Win guns, and because they both have the same dimensions for the head for the case and overall length, it's a simple change. Both use identical magazines for the majority of the time. This is a sign that due to the saturation of ff .308 firearms as well as systems that are out on the market the 6.5 Creedmoor has inherited mature platforms, which has allowed its popularity.
There are a few drawbacks for shooting the 6.5 Creedmoor, especially for shooting for the first time include:
The barrel's life is relatively short. In contrast to the 6.5x55mm that features a longer throat, ample case volume as well as lower chamber pressure (51,000 PSI), and consequently a very long lifespan and that 6.5 Creedmoor has to go all the way to around 60,000 PSI to reach similar velocities. This means that barrels wear out faster. Shooters who are high volume will shoot 3,000 rounds of rifle per rifle in a competition time, that's typically the life expectancy of an 6.5 Creedmoor barrel. Comparatively to the .308 is a barrel that has a precise lifespan that extends beyond 8-9000 rounds or nearly double that of 6.5 CM. A competitive shooter could be considering an annual change of barrel or so, depending on their needs.
Overstated performance The 6.5 Creedmoor is a fantastic and precise cartridge. I am in love with it and appreciate the things it has accomplished for long-range shooting. I'm not happy the fact that it's been over-played to the extent it has been. The new shooter who purchases an 6.5 Creedmoor will still have to work as hard as the guy using .223 or .308. It's not going to help you become an improved shooter however, it could remove certain rough spots especially when it comes down to understanding the wind and how to correct drop. But drop and wind are evident when shooting this 6.5 Creedmoor, despite what you might be reading.
A comparatively smaller selection of ammunition issue of 6.5CM and all modern cartridges is that they're built and destroyed by the availability of ammunition. Cartridges such as that of the .308 and .30-06 offer a significant advantage for casual shooters because they're both mature and readily accessible. There are increasing options for 6.5 Creedmoor all the time however, this may be affect some shooters.
A few great rifles worth taking to look at which can be chambered with 6.5 Creedmoor are listed below. There are obviously some which I did not mention, just as I do with every CFB piece, but give me some slack since I'm trying to keep this down to 2500 words.
Ruger Precision Rifle, and Gunsite Scout These rifles both brought the gun industry with a vengeance and for the right reasons. Ruger is very skilled at making the rifles shooters want and it's no different for the two. Its RPR is a top-of-the-line bolt-action with a vast range of precision-enhancing features and is ready to join the competition line straight out from the box. It is the Gunsite Scout, already a standard for many riflemen, is available in 6.5 in the present and has clean, classic lines with enough modern flair to make it nearly essential.
Savage Arms offers over two dozen models that chamber 6.5 Creedmoor. This includes their famous bolt action and their brand new AR-10 design MSR 10. Like you would expect from Savage the new models are as accurate as they are beautiful to see.
Howa is among the few companies to offer barreled actions to the enthusiast builder. These actions are available as well as stocks and other accessories at Brownell's. On Brownell's website, you can buy all the pieces you require to construct your custom Howa on the 6.5 Creedmoor barreled action.
It doesn't matter if you like it, love it or simply don't understand it it's the 6.5 Creedmoor is a little lot of everything, all in one stunning, often not understood package. Anyone who is new to the game can accomplish amazing activities with this gun however, they must know their limitations in terms of hunting and their own capabilities. We expect the 6.5 Creedmoor to continue to achieve great things in the coming years and to grow from there.