6.5 creedmoor vs 308 for deer

[Robster80]

After handling one of the new Bergara B14 Hunter rifles i must have one. Was pretty much decided on a 308 but after researching the 6.5 creedmoor im considering it also. Anyone use the 6.5 on deer? Is the 308 more versatile? I notice theres not much factory ammo for the 6.5creed out there

 

[Zen Archery]

I've had 6.5 for 1 month dropped 3 hogs and 4 coyotes dead in their tracks with Hornady 143 ELDX boxed ammo. If ammo cost and variety are a concern stick to the .308.

 

[RevJim]

For deer, its 'sixes". My BIL has been using the 308 and 150gr Sierra GK for way over 40 years now in Texas. I've used the 308 and 165 NBT on Axis deer with great results. The Creedmoor would do the same thing. For deer, they are the same and its "only when you get up into big, thick skinned animals" that the 308 "could be" more versatile. However, the right bullet choice and the Creed will kill elk efficiently. For fun to shoot, off season varmints/targets, etc...pick the Creedmoor.

 

[Kansaswoodguy]

Nothing wrong with a 308 but if the rifle you want is chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm-08 those would be my choices over 308.

 

[Robster80]

Is it true barrel life is much less with the 6.5?

 

[RevJim]

Not in the Creedmoor, from what I can read about it. They sau that about the overbore cartridges, i.e. 264 Win Mag, but I have another friend has used the same Mod 700 264 mag down in Texas since late 70's! Him and now, his three grown sons have all killed deer/hogs with it. He "might" clean the bore every three years or so too! Go figure!

 

[snarkscarbine]

Yes, barrel life will be shorter, but unless you're shooting $1k+ rounds a year you'll never notice. 6.5 will last you 3-4000 rounds, .308, 6-8000.

Barrels are consumables. Meh.

 

[STEEL SLINGER]

In my humble opinion, I believe that bullet weight to bullet weight, the 6.5 is more ballistically superior over .308 - speaking in terms of bullets, not cartridges! That being said, I shoot a 6.5x55 Swede in a Remmy 700 and a .308 Win in a Ruger M77 both with 22" tubes. I shoot 140gr. A-Max @ 2865 fps. from the Swede and 155gr. A-Max @ 2910 fps. from the Winny.

6.5x55 140gr. A-Max .623 BC

100 yd. 2654 fps. 2189 ft. 0"
300 yd. 2375 fps. 1753 ft. -12.4"
500 yd. 2113 fps. 1388 ft. -49.6"


.308 Win. 155gr. A-Max .435 BC

100 yd. 2687 fps. 2485 ft. 0"
300 yd. 2290 fps. 1806 ft. -12.3"
500 yd. 1929 fps. 1280 ft. -51.4"

With the heavier bullet by 15 grains, the .308 Win holds it's own in the short race under 300 yards, but in the long race the 6.5 shines and carries the muzzle velocity and energy better with a lighter bullet. Granted it is not much of a difference and I do not think a deer shot through the boiler room is going to know the difference between the two, so pick your poison! Ammo availability and bullet selection definitely goes to the .308 Win, but all else would lead me to a 6.5.

 

[redhaven85]

I have used both on whitetails, and both have given me the same result. Venison in the freezer.

.308 ammo is easier to find in small towns, but the Creedmoor is coming on strong. If you ever went after anything bigger than a deer, the .308 might have an edge with heavier bullets. But for just deer, its a toss up.

 

[6point5x284]

Use either with confidence. Bullet selection is more important than cartridge selection. In other words, whether you are going to use the 6.5CM or .308, use a quality hunting bullet in both and you'll have a dead deer. Don't accidentally get a match or competition oriented bullet as many of the 6.5CM selections are geared towards this. The ELD-X would be a good choice.