6.5 CM or 260 Rem

[Bstick]

wanting to build a hunting rifle for out west and the occasional pig. Ranges will vary from 100 yards to 800ish.

Thinking about using the hammer bullets or Berger target VLDs but not sure yet.

What the are the pros and cons of the 6.5 creedmoor vs 260 rem?

Thanks.

 

[sea2summit]

.260 has better characteristics for gas guns, more case capacity, faster velocities out especially out of hand loads.

6.5, very close in capabilities and available on the shelf almost everywhere to include Walmart.

I run .260 but am thinking about switching to 6.5 just for availability.

 

[silverhair]

I did a lot of research before buying a 6.5 CM. What I found was that performance of 6.5 CM vs .260rem was pretty much a wash. But ammo had a wider selection and greater available at reasonable prices. Maybe there's a better selection of .260 today, but a quick glance at SGAmmo.com a minute ago seems to verify that there is a MUCH greater selection of ammo for 6.5 CM.

Unless you're going to build your gun from parts (and even then) there is a greater selection of 6.5 CM than .260rem.

Addendum: I was purchasing a bolt action gun. Other designs may have different selection criteria.

 

[Barrelnut]

The big plus for the 6.5CM is the incredible selection of factory match grade low cost ammo for it. Otherwise, it is pretty much a wash.

If I were building a 6.5 for 800 yards out west, I would probably step it up a notch and go for something like the 260AI, 6.5 PRC or a 6.5x284.

 

[Rick Richard]

Depending on what you want to hunt out west, those calibers mentioned may be in the light side for the larger game. Just my opinion.

 

[Bstick]

I'll be hunting whitetail, mule deer, elk, and the occasional pig down south.

 

[Milepost]

Ballistics wise, they are identical with almost the same case capacity. The 6.5 creed is shorter and so you can load longer, heavier high BC bullets in a BDM format. Ammunition is available everywhere, both for target or hunting.

If you plan to hand load then go with the 260 but do the AI version. It will do everything the Creed does with another 100 fps of added speed.

IMO - it is too light for 1000 lb.bull elk, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it on 600 lb.cow elk under 500 yards

 

[Rick Richard]

I'll be hunting whitetail, mule deer, elk, and the occasional pig down south.

Not to say you can't kill an elk size animal with the calibers you have listed, but I would definately limit my distance and take nothing but optimum shot placement. These would not be my choice for an elk rifle. Just my opinion.

 

[MudRunner2005]

.260 Remington

 

[Barrelnut]

If I was gonna have one rifle for western hunting that would include a elk tag every year or so, I would pick something like the 280AI, 7RM, or 300 WSM. I carried a 7RM for 25 years out west for elk and deer, no problems. My favorite carry rifle now for elk is the 300 WSM. It could do deer really well to with lighter bullets or just use a 180 Gr bullet for everything. A brake or just a good recoil pad can make a 300 WSM very easy to shoot.
Elk hunting can get kinda expensive and more often than not you will get one shot and it is probably not gonna be an optimal shot either.

I actually have two 6.5CM. Loaning one to my brother for an antelope hunt next month. I just personally wouldn't pick one for elk.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I have a .260 Rem and love it but if I had to make the choose e today ii would go with the 6.5 Creedmoor. ( I got the .260 in 2013 )

 

[Bstick]

I've read that these new 6.5 bullets out perform a lot of the 30 cals.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

I've read that these new 6.5 bullets out perform a lot of the 30 cals.

It's true to an extent. If were talking like 308 sized case then ya 6.5s are better. If you have a case that can really drive those 30 cal bullets then the 30s will come out on top in general with the exception of some unicorn 6.5 bullets like the 150 smk which will definitely close the gap but not really better.

 

[Barrelnut]

I've read that these new 6.5 bullets out perform a lot of the 30 cals.

They do good at keeping the drop and wind drift to a minimum, but they don't often beat a 30 cal in delivered energy, which is important in hunting.

Now Berger is finally delivering their new 6.5 156 Gr. Elite Hunter next month. That could be a bit of a game changer. I think a 6.5 156 gr. bullet out of a 6.5x284 in a long action and throated for it would probably be awesome.