Let’s get the basics out of the way - the 6.5 Creedmoor is not the same round as the .308, and their creators didn’t design them for the same purposes. 6.5 Creedmoor was built and designed for performance target shooting by Hornady, and the .308 Winchester was a purpose-built cartridge for hunting by Winchester for commercial markets.

So, why compare them if they aren’t the same?

The 6.5 Creedmoor gained an exceptional reputation in shooting circles for its flat trajectory and better performance of the bullet fired from the cartridge. As a result, it has become a popular hunting cartridge despite the ballistics indicating a smaller, less heavy round.

The .308, on the other hand, has a storied history in nearly all applications: hunting, competitions, target, military and law enforcement. It is considered a staple hunting round alongside the .243 Winchester and the .30-06 since its release in 1952 as a mainstay cartridge for shooters worldwide.

In the current era, the 6.5 Creedmoor performance has many hunters that have traditionally leaned on the legacy .308 Winchester (your father’s hunting round) trying this flat shooting bullet in the wild - some with great success. As the 6.5 Creedmoor has grown in popularity, so have the debates around shootability.

Background on the 6.5 Creedmoor

The 6.5 Creedmoor was designed in 2007 by Hornady for competition and long-range target shooting. Its development included two key players, an employee - Dave Emary - in partnership with Dennis DeMille, the vice-president of product development at Creedmoor Sports (hence the “Creedmoor” name).

The cartridge is a modification of the .30 Thompson Center and was initially available in two loads: the 140-gr. A-Max and the 120-gr. A-Max. From a 24-inch barrel, shooters could expect 2,710 fps from the 140s and 2,910 fps from the 120s. Because of the high ballistic coefficient of these bullets, their trajectories left the .308 in the dust.

Applications of the 6.5 Creedmoor

The use case scenarios exploded, with the performance metrics outpacing many existing cartridges. Many applications can apply, but the primary ones that are the most popular include:

• Long-range target shooting: The 6.5 Creedmoor’s design makes it increasingly popular in long-range target shooting, where accuracy and precision are essential. The cartridge’s high ballistic coefficient and low recoil make it a great choice for hitting targets at distances 1000 yards and beyond.
• Hunting: The 6.5 Creedmoor has become an increasingly popular hunting choice, particularly for medium to large game such as deer, antelope, and elk. Its high velocity, flat trajectory, and good penetration make it a practical choice for taking down game at varied distances.
• Tactical and law enforcement applications: Some law enforcement agencies have adopted the 6.5 Creedmoor for use in tactical situations. Its long-range accuracy and low recoil make it a good choice for snipers.
• Military applications: The 6.5 Creedmoor is not yet widely adopted by military forces. However, some experts believe it could be a good choice for snipers and special operations forces. Its long-range accuracy and relatively low recoil could make it an excellent alternative to larger, heavier cartridges such as the .300 Winchester Magnum.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is a versatile cartridge efficiently utilized in various shooting scenarios. Its accuracy, precision, and relatively low recoil make it popular for target shooting, hunting, and tactical applications. The purposeful design has extended to all types of use cases. In the short history of this new cartridge, it’s clear that this round has had a significant impact on the shooting world.

The Storied History of the .308 Winchester

The .308 Winchester was introduced by Winchester in 1952 as a commercial hunting cartridge, shortly before the adoption of the 7.62x51mm NATO T65 cartridge by NATO (of which the .308 Winchester shares many characteristics). Winchester branded and introduced the cartridge to the commercial hunting market, and it quickly became the most popular short-action, big-game hunting cartridge worldwide.

The cartridge was initially optimized for semi and fully-automatic firearms and was dubbed the “T65” cartridge during development for U.S. military service.

In the hunting world, the .308 Winchester takes down various game, including deer, elk, moose, bear, and even those on the African plains. Its flat trajectory, moderate recoil, and ability to deliver heavy, controlled expansion bullets make it a popular choice for hunters who require a versatile and powerful cartridge for a wide range of hunting situations.

Core Use Cases for the .308 Winchester

Some popular hunting rifles chambered in .308 Winchester include brands like Winchester, Remington, Ruger American, and Savage. Many hunters use the .308 Winchester in semi-automatic rifles, such as the popular AR-10 platform.

Here are some of the core use cases for the .308 Winchester:

• **Hunting: **The .308 Winchester is a popular choice for hunting, particularly for medium to large game such as deer, elk, and bear. Its relatively high velocity and good accuracy make it a practical choice for taking down games at moderate distances.
• Law enforcement and tactical applications: The .308 Winchester is a popular choice for law enforcement agencies and military forces for use in tactical situations. Its high accuracy and good penetration make it a good choice for snipers and designated marksmen.
• Target shooting: The .308 Winchester is also popular, particularly in long-range target shooting. Its good accuracy and flat trajectory make it a compelling choice for hitting targets at distances up to 1,000 yards or more.

Overall, the .308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge for use in a variety of shooting scenarios. Its high accuracy, good penetration, and relatively high velocity make it popular for hunting, law enforcement and military applications, and target shooting.

The 6.5 Creedmoor Performance

The 6.5 Creedmoor has gained a reputation as one of the most accurate cartridges on the market, with many competitive shooters choosing it for long-range competitions. Its flat trajectory and high ballistic coefficient (BC) allow for easier compensation for wind and other environmental factors, making it a favorite among precision shooters.

For hunters, the 6.5 Creedmoor’s combination of accuracy and energy retention at long range makes it an excellent option for taking down a game at longer (think 1000+ yards) distances. The lower recoil ensures a degree of popularity among those who prefer a more effortless shooting experience and preservation of their shoulder - though many rifles and modern stocks can help with any control and issues with felt recoil.

In addition to its performance at longer ranges, the 6.5 Creedmoor’s popularity has also resulted in numerous major manufacturers producing the cartridge among the stables of popular calibers. Many major manufacturers now offer rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. The cartridge can be found in various bullet weights and styles, making it a versatile choice for shooting applications.

Why Choose the 6.5 Creedmoor for Medium and Big Game Hunting?

At a baseline, without spending an abundant amount of time explaining all of the .308 variants and their ballistics specs and the information surrounding the various rifle platforms that use the cartridge, there are some clear reasons why you may want to use the 6.5 Creedmoor, of course, this depends on the hunt.

The round is ideal for deer and elk, with elk being heavier for larger game. Due to its ballistics, the bullet is almost guaranteed penetration to the vitals on any larger game. Still, it can be suitable for varmints, especially for animals like coyotes, which are harder to get close to. While you can utilize it on smaller species of bear, the recommendations typically fall well below the ranges the round can reach. You’ll want to accent that with a heavier bullet - probably above 144 grain.

Regardless, you won’t be left wanting with the 6.5 Creedmoor. Whether for hunting, plinking, or tactical purposes, this round has quickly joined the ranks of the elite. You can check out our offerings in 6.5 Creedmoor and find ammo for sighting and hunting today!