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What Hunters and Shooters Need to Know About 6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308.

6.5 Creedmoor Vs .308: Which is the Better Rifle Cartridge?

When choosing a rifle cartridge for long-range shooting or hunting, the 6.5 Creedmoor and the .308 Winchester often come up in the discussion. Both cartridges have their strengths and weaknesses. Choosing between them ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

I'm Lisa, content editor at Bulk Cheap Ammo. Continuing our journey of comparing popular rifle calibers, we will compare the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.

6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester

In our previous topic, we compared the 6.5 creedmoor with 270 win and found out which was better suited for different purposes. The following sections will dive into the differences between 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at 6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308 and provide a breakdown of their unique features. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision and select the best caliber that suits your specific requirements. So, let's get started!

6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308: Quick Facts

Overall, the 6.5 Creedmoor offers a flatter trajectory, less recoil, and a higher ballistic coefficient than the .308 Winchester. It also has a longer effective range and a higher muzzle velocity. However, the .308 Winchester has a heavier bullet and a longer barrel life. Both cartridges are widely available and popular among shooters, but the 6.5 Creedmoor has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in long-range shooting and hunting applications.

Metric 6.5 Creedmoor .308 Winchester
Bullet Diameter 6.71mm 7.62mm
Bullet Weight 120-147 gr 150-180 gr
Muzzle Velocity 2500-2950 fps 2500-2800 fps
Muzzle Energy 1900-2600 ft-lb 2300-2800 ft-lb
Recoil Moderate Heavy
Effective Range 1000 yards 800 yards
Ballistic Coefficient High Medium
Barrel Life 2500-4000 rounds 5000-10000 rounds
Availability Widely available Very common

In this blog post, we'll look closer at the similarities and differences between the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester and help you determine which one is right for you.

6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308: Overview And History

The 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester (or 7.62x51 NATO) are two popular rifle cartridges with a significant following in the hunting and shooting communities. Here's an overview and history of the two cartridges:

6.5 Creedmoor:

The 6.5 Creedmoor was introduced in 2007 by Hornady. It was designed to offer long-range accuracy with low recoil, making it ideal for precision shooting and long-range hunting. The cartridge features a relatively small case with a long, narrow bullet with a high ballistic coefficient, meaning it retains its velocity and energy better than most other cartridges. The 6.5 Creedmoor has gained a reputation for being a consistent and accurate round at ranges up to 1,000 yards. Another popular caliber developed by Hornady in 2017 was 6.5 PRC. To kknow the difference between 6.5 PRC vs 6.5 Creedmoor, click here.

.308 Winchester:

The .308 Winchester, also known as 7.62x51 NATO, was introduced in 1952 and has been used by military and law enforcement agencies ever since. It is a versatile cartridge capable of handling various hunting and shooting scenarios. The cartridge features a larger case with a shorter, wider bullet than the 6.5 Creedmoor. It has a reputation for being reliable, accurate, and powerful, with a wide range of ammunition options available.

Comparing the two cartridges, the 6.5 Creedmoor generally offers better long-range accuracy and lower recoil than the .308 Winchester. However, the .308 Winchester has a wider range of bullet weights, making it more versatile for hunting and shooting scenarios. Additionally, the .308 Winchester has been used for over half a century and has a proven reliability and effectiveness track record. Ultimately, the choice between the two cartridges will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the shooter.

Performance and Design

6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308: Case Comparison

The 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) are two popular rifle cartridges used for hunting, competition shooting, and tactical applications. Both cartridges have their unique characteristics, including their cases. Here's a comparison of the cases of the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester:

6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308:  Case Comparison
  • Case Dimensions: The 6.5 Creedmoor has a case length of 1.920 inches, while the .308 Winchester has a case length of 2.015 inches. The Creedmoor has a slightly smaller diameter than the .308, at .473 inches versus .4735 inches.
  • Case Capacity: The case capacity of the 6.5 Creedmoor is smaller than that of the .308 Winchester. The Creedmoor has a case capacity of around 52 grains of water, while the .308 has a case capacity of around 56. This means the .308 can hold more powder and generate higher velocities than the 6.5 Creedmoor.
  • Pressure: Both cartridges operate at similar maximum pressures of around 62,000 PSI.
  • Neck Length: The neck of the 6.5 Creedmoor is longer than that of the .308 Winchester, allowing for a longer bullet seating depth. This can help with accuracy and consistency in long-range shooting.
  • Brass Availability: Brass for both cartridges is widely available, although the .308 Winchester has been around longer and is thus more common. The 6.5 Creedmoor has recently gained popularity, but brass availability has improved.

Overall, the 6.5 Creedmoor has a slightly smaller case and lower case capacity than the .308 Winchester, but its longer neck can allow for greater accuracy and consistency in long-range shooting. Both cartridges have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them depends on the shooter's intended use and personal preferences.

6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308: Weight

Both the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester (commonly known as the .308) are popular rifle cartridges used for hunting and long-range shooting. When it comes to grain weight, both cartridges can accommodate a range of bullet weights, but there are some differences to consider.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is known for its high ballistic coefficient, which means it maintains its velocity and trajectory better than some other cartridges. It is commonly used with bullets in the 120- to 140-grain range for hunting and the 140- to 147-grain range for long-range shooting.

On the other hand, the .308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge that can accommodate a wide range of bullet weights, from 110 grains to 200 grains. It is commonly used with bullets in the 150- to 180-grain range for hunting and 168- to 175-grain range for long-range shooting.

Both cartridges have a wide range of bullet weight options, but the 6.5 Creedmoor is typically used with lighter bullets for hunting and long-range shooting. At the same time, the .308 Winchester is more versatile and can be used with a wider range of bullet weights. Ultimately, the choice of bullet weight will depend on the intended use of the rifle and the shooter's personal preferences.

6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308: Power and Range

In terms of power, the .308 Winchester has a slight edge over the 6.5 Creedmoor. The .308 has a larger case capacity and a wider range of bullet weights, which allows it to generate more muzzle energy and deliver greater stopping power at longer ranges. This makes it a popular choice for big game hunting and tactical applications.

6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308:  Power and Range

On the other hand, the 6.5 Creedmoor has better long-range ballistics and less recoil than the .308 Winchester. Its sleek, aerodynamic bullets maintain their velocity and energy better than the .308's heavier, less streamlined bullets, which makes it more accurate and effective at longer ranges. This makes it a popular choice for precision shooting and long-range competitions.

6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308: Recoil

When it comes to recoil, the 6.5 Creedmoor generally has less recoil than the .308 Winchester. This is due to the 6.5 Creedmoor having a lighter bullet and less powder behind it, generating less recoil energy.

The recoil of a rifle is affected by several factors, including the weight of the rifle, the weight of the bullet, and the amount of powder used in the cartridge. The 6.5 Creedmoor typically uses bullets in the 120-147 grain range, while the .308 Winchester typically uses bullets in the 150-180 grain range. Additionally, the 6.5 Creedmoor uses less powder than the .308 Winchester, contributing to less recoil.

6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308: Terminal Ballistics

Terminal ballistics refers to the behavior of a bullet upon impact with a target, including factors such as penetration depth, expansion, and energy transfer. The 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester (often referred to as just "308") are both popular cartridges for long-range shooting and hunting, and both have been extensively tested for their terminal ballistics.

The following chart compares the terminal ballistics of the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester using data from manufacturer specifications and independent tests. The chart assumes similar bullet weights and designs for each cartridge, as these factors can greatly affect terminal ballistics.

Terminal Ballistics 6.5 Creedmoor .308 Winchester
Muzzle Velocity (fps) 2,850 2,800
Muzzle Energy (ft-lb) 2,385 2,650
Maximum Effective Range (yd) 1,400 1,200
Bullet Weight (gr) 140 168
Bullet Type Hollow Point Soft Point
Penetration Depth (in) 12-18 14-20
Expansion Diameter (in) 0.5-0.8 0.6-0.9
Energy Transfer (ft-lb) 800-1,300 900-1,600
Recoil Energy (ft-lb) 15.1 20.2

As seen in the table, the 6.5 Creedmoor has a slightly higher muzzle velocity than the .308 Winchester, while the .308 Winchester has slightly higher muzzle energy. The maximum effective range of the 6.5 Creedmoor is slightly greater than that of the .308 Winchester.

Both cartridges are comparable in terms of penetration depth and expansion diameter, although the .308 Winchester may have a slightly larger expansion diameter due to its heavier bullet weight.

Regarding energy transfer, both cartridges can deliver a significant amount of energy to the target, with the .308 Winchester having a slight edge due to its higher muzzle energy.

Finally, the recoil energy of the .308 Winchester is noticeably higher than that of the 6.5 Creedmoor, making the 6.5 Creedmoor more comfortable to shoot for extended periods.

Overall, both cartridges are capable of excellent terminal ballistics, and the choice between them will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the shooter.

6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308: Supersonic and Subsonic Ammunition

The 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 (7.62x51mm NATO) are both popular cartridges for long-range shooting and hunting. While they have some similarities, there are also significant differences between them, especially when it comes to supersonic and subsonic ammunition.

Supersonic Ammunition

Both the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 are capable of shooting supersonic ammunition, which means the bullet travels faster than the speed of sound (around 1,126 feet per second at sea level). This type of ammunition is typically used for long-range shooting and hunting, offering better accuracy and flatter trajectory at longer distances.

6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308: Supersonic

The 6.5 Creedmoor was designed specifically for long-range shooting, and its high ballistic coefficient (BC) allows for excellent long-range performance. Its supersonic ammunition typically has a muzzle velocity of around 2,700 to 2,900 feet per second, depending on the bullet weight and powder charge.

The military and hunters have used the .308 for decades, and its supersonic ammunition typically has a muzzle velocity of around 2,600 to 2,800 feet per second. It has a shorter effective range than the 6.5 Creedmoor but still performs well at medium to long-range distances.

Subsonic Ammunition

Subsonic ammunition travels below the speed of sound and is often used in suppressed firearms for stealthy shooting. While both cartridges can shoot subsonic ammunition, they perform differently due to their design and intended use.

6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308 Subsonic

The 6.5 Creedmoor's subsonic ammunition typically has a heavier bullet and travels at around 1,050 to 1,100 feet per second. It is often used for target shooting and hunting small to medium games, as it has a lower recoil and is more accurate at shorter distances.

The subsonic 308 ammunition typically has a lighter bullet and travels at around 1,000 to 1,050 feet per second. It is often used for suppressed shooting and has a similar trajectory to supersonic ammunition, making it a good choice for snipers who need to make adjustments quickly between suppressed and unsuppressed shooting.

Final Thoughts

Selecting a hunting cartridge that can take down most North American game animals, both the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester are excellent choices, provided you choose the right bullet and take well-placed shots within the effective range of each cartridge. If you prefer a more efficient cartridge with less recoil, the 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent option. On the other hand, if you want more flexibility in bullet weight, the .308 Winchester might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and shooting style.

FAQ Of 6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308

Q:- Is a 308 more powerful than a 6.5 Creedmoor?
Ans:- Yes, in terms of muzzle energy the 308 is more powerful.

Q: Which cartridge is better for long-range shooting?
Ans:- The 6.5 Creedmoor is generally considered to be better for long-range shooting.

Q: Which cartridge has more recoil?
Ans:- The .308 Winchester has more recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor.

Author:
Lisa Earnest

Lisa Earnest

Mar, 11, 2023

Lisa Earnest has been a part of the Bulk Cheap Ammo team since 2018 and serves as the editor of Bulk Cheap Ammo content.

With a flair for language and an unwavering dedication to shooting sports, Lisa's diverse expertise combines to create an unforgettable experience for our audience.

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