6.5 Creedmoor

[vikkz]

Anyone out there had any dealings with this calibre.What are the pros and cons of changing to this from a 300wm
Any advise is greatly appreciated.

[saddler]

Pro would be cheaper bullets, less powder used & lower recoil

Con would be another set of dies & brass etc. to source

[The Gun Pimp]

Well, the 300 Win Mag was designed for knocking over large animals at short ranges - if this is what you do, forget the Creedmoor.

But, naming a cartridge 'Creedmoor' is indicating its range heritage and it just might be a decent target round at medium to long ranges. It has slightly greater powder capacity than the Lapua 6.5x47 - which has proved itself to be a great cartridge out to 600 yds and maybe beyond. Like the Lapua, it will load into a 308 magazine so could be attractive for tactical-style events.

Is the Creedmoor a better bet than the Lapua? Depends how good the brass is and if the large primer will allow it to run at similar pressures to the small primer Lapua.

[BamBam]

.300 Win Mag is a long action cartridge and 6.5CM a short action, would be a rifle swap rather than a barrel change.

6.5CM is popular over the pond with the Precision Rifle Series competitors and Ruger are offering their new RPR in 6.5CM.

[Brian838]

.300 Win Mag is a long action cartridge and 6.5CM a short action, would be a rifle swap rather than a barrel change.

6.5CM is popular over the pond with the Precision Rifle Series competitors and Ruger are offering their new RPR in 6.5CM.

If I was only shooting out to 1000 yards, would the 6.5 Creedmore have any significant and worthwhile advantage over .308 Win or is it only when shooting out to 1500 yards say? I don't reload and I can't find anyone near me who stocks 6.5 Creedmore. I am keen on the Ruger RPR but not sure if I should go with the .308 or 6.5 when it comes to availability of factory ammo.

[saddler]

I am keen on the Ruger RPR but not sure if I should go with the .308 or 6.5 when it comes to availability of factory ammo.

In that case, the 6.5CM will never be in the running in the UK, as .308 can be bought in the majority of gunshops.
IF you don't reload, then the ballistic advantages of a 6.5 over a .308 will be lost to you.

Reloading IS an easy thing to do & it adds to the shooting hobby...plus it's one of the few hobbies that will pay for itself within a short time of taking it up.

[meles meles]

We're facing the same dilemma, ooman. We intuitively prefer 6.5 for 1000 mards, but feel that there is a wider choice of canned bangs to be had in 7.62

[BamBam]

I would find out if the importers will be bringing in supplies of 6.5CM to go with the RPR and then try to get a cost of this ammo beforehand.

In the US the 6.5CM factory match (140gr) ammo is cost comparable to the .308 match in 175gr. There will be no cheap bulk ammo from the likes of GGG in 6.5CM.

If you're only concerned with the long range performance, then a RPR in 6.5CM would seem to be the choice, but if you're a frequent club shooter at medium ranges then the .308 would still be the more cost effective solution using off the shelf ammo. Bear in mind the RPR in .308 has a 20" barrel, the 6.5 has a 24".

Going down the same road in deciding calibre choice for a RPR, looking at options and the typical distances I shoot and that I have an open .308 slot... Leaning towards .308, as much as the ballistics of the 6.5CM appeal, I'd want to start shooting with factory ammo and then develop my own load from that baseline with the once fired brass.

[TJC]

It is an outstanding calibre but it is more popular in the U.S because you can buy quality ammo at a sensible price. It will never happen in the UK so you have to reload in which case you are better advised to go with .260 Rem which has identical performance and better brass availability. If you don't reload then you can buy .260 ammo but it costs £189 per 100 for 140gr bullets ie stick with .308

[saddler]

...and don't forget the original 6.5 = 6.5x55/6.5 Swedish

Around since 1894 or so....and a very capable performer

Even better, it is available in classic rifles AND modern sporting/target types - so something for everyone.

Ammo easy to find in all sorts of offerings; FMJ, OTM, HP, SP, etc.