6.5 Creedmoor vs 308

ReloadKy · March 23, 2018, 07:46 PM

I am looking for info from experienced shooters of both calibers. As far as recoil goes is there a noticeable difference between the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 win? Thinking about a new purchase and I have shot a 308 before but never a 6.5. Trying to get some good info so I can make an informed decision.

oldscot3 · March 23, 2018, 08:02 PM

Recoil on the shooters end is a subjective topic; some folks are just more sensitive than others, however, as far as the physics go the 308 does produce more rearward thrust when launching heavier bullets than a 6.5 Creedmoor. How much more depends on which two loads from each caliber you compare and how weights compare in each of the two rifles.

I shoot both calibers and neither bother me but both my rifles are pretty heavy. I would describe the recoil of my moderately heavy Ruger Hawkeye Predator in 6.5 CM as about on par with shooting a "typical" 243 caliber hunting rifle(say a 6 1/2 to 7 lb. gun).

There seems to be online calculators for everything these days, perhaps you could find one to input your specific values and do a comparative evaluation.

jmr40 · March 23, 2018, 08:19 PM

Recoil from a 7.5 lb rifle. These are my actual loads calculated with an online recoil calculator.

6.5 Creedmoor/143gr ELD-X @ 2650 fps 12 ft lbs recoil
308/178 gr ELD-X @ 2620 fps 18 ft lbs recoil

I don't own a 243, but typical recoil is around 10-11 ft lbs.
30-06 will be in the 20-22 ft lbs range.

With 150 gr loads a 308 will be around 15 ft lbs recoil, but the 178's are a more fair comparison since the BC's and on game performance are closer.

The difference in there, but it may not be as noticeable as the numbers show. Most people can't tell any difference until they see 4-5 more ft lbs difference. The 308 isn't really considered a hard recoiling rifle and I'm sure a lot of people couldn't tell the difference between a 140 gr 6.5 load and a 150 gr 308 load. Most people don't have much issue with recoil until they get over 20 ft lbs.

At least for a few rounds. If you start shooting 50 or more rounds in one session even small differences in recoil start becoming more noticeable.

I like the 6.5 a lot, but other than recoil there isn't much difference until you get out to about 600-700 yards. After that the 6.5 starts pulling away.

But the 6.5 is enough better that it is the cartridge of the future. The 308 will never go away, but will gradually be surpassed by the 6.5 Creedmoor. Even the military Special Forces are moving that way

http://soldiersystems.net/2018/03/23...adopts-6-5-cm/

RC20 · March 23, 2018, 10:23 PM

Mostly shoot 308. I have shot the 6.5 a bit.

Its more like a 223.

Lower push, you can shoot all day without any recoil issues (and trust me, after shoot 30 caliber stuff 308 and bigger for 7 hours it does have an affect)

Both reach out a long ways with advantage out at 1000 and more to the 6.5.

So it really depends on what you are after.

If I was not into 30 caliber stuff, 6.5 would be a choice. I might go with an exotic like 260 Remington or 6.5 Sweed, but 6.5 yes.

Shooting wise they use it in Scandinavia extensively for Moose.

You can take anything up to a moose then, elk as well. Might come up shy on a bit AK moose and not a choice for Brown bears but all else......

Water-Man · March 23, 2018, 11:05 PM

I had a Tikka Hunter in both 308 & 6.5x55 SE.

I could definitely notice the difference in recoil, the 6.5 being the lesser of the two.

emcon5 · March 23, 2018, 11:49 PM

Something is wrong here. It has been almost 5 hours, and so far none of the hardcore .308 fans have popped in to drop their knowledge that 6.5 anything is a fad.

ed308 · March 24, 2018, 12:52 AM

I prefer the 6.5 CM over the .308. I've been shooting .308 in ARs and a bolt for many years. It's hard hitting and easy to load. But I find it a beast due to the recoil. Have started shooting 6.5 in the last year and like it. So much so, that I plan to replace on my .308 bolt to 6.5 Creedmoor.

hooligan1 · March 24, 2018, 05:36 AM

Well I have a .308 and a 6.5 Creedmoor, both Mausers.
I dont know physically that Ive felt a huge difference in Recoil, generally speaking I shoot more 7mag, .270 win., and 6.506, 7×57 mauser, then the Creedmoor or .308, so they are quite a pleasure to shoot.
The Steyr 1912 is heavy enough to absorb some of the recoil, and my Creedmoor is a tad heavier than a commercial Creedmoor rifle package, say like a Savage or Ruger American...

kraigwy · March 24, 2018, 07:45 AM

I have a lot of 308s and a couple 6.5 CMs. I dont find the recoil of the 308 objectionable, but it does recoil a bit more then the 6.5s.

Best compairson is shooting each in the same gun. My wife has a RPR in 6.5 CM, my son has a RPR in 308. The RPR is heavy, there didnt seem to be much recoil shooting son's 308, that is until you shot the wife's 6.5 CM. There is a big difference.

Regardless, you can put a brake on either or both.

tobnpr · March 24, 2018, 08:27 AM

Recoil difference isn't noticeable enough to me when using "similar" weight bullets to be a driving factor.
You should make the call based on your application .

Do you handload? If not- you're going to pay a lot more for factory 6.5 than some of the .308 that's available, including surplus for "plinking".

Barrel life...how much do you shoot? A lot of variables- but barrel/throat life is significantly less with the 6.5 than the .308, (somewhere around 1/3 to 1/2) a fact which is often ignored.

If all your shooting is inside 500-600 yards, I see only downsides to the 6.5 as there's no significant ballistic advantage that would outweigh the " minuses ". The 6.5 Creedmoor is a great round, but don't buy into the marketing hype that its a " magic bullet" for everyone it's not...

Hunter Customs · March 24, 2018, 10:01 AM

Before long you can add 6mm credmore to the mix as it seems to be gaining in popularity.

zipspyder · March 24, 2018, 10:44 AM

Both are excellent rifle calibers. On average since a 6.5CM is purchased a lot more in AR styles they have even less recoil than .308's regardless. You get more of a push from an AR vs. bolt. But both can be comfortably shot all day with good stocks/recoil pads.

HankC1 · March 24, 2018, 11:47 AM

To me the recoil difference is not significant enough to justify ammo cost and barrel life differences while I don't compete or shooting long range.

Don Fischer · March 24, 2018, 01:31 PM

What anyone else thinks of recoil makes no difference at all. If you could fine someone with those cartridge rifle's maybe you could get them to let you try them. That's the only way you'll really know. Case's are both about the same size but bullet dia and weight goes up. That usually means more recoil. Good hunting wt bullet in 6.5 is 129/130 class bullet's, I use 140gr bullet's. In 308 I mostly used 165gr bullet's. Depending on how much recoil bother's you felt recoil will be greater in the 308. Go t a 150 gr bullet in the 308 and felt recoil will come down some. Only way to really find out is get someone with those rifle's to let you try them. But for myself, neither has bad recoil and I don't care for recoil!

RC20 · March 24, 2018, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Barrel life...how much do you shoot? A lot of variables- but barrel/throat life is significantly less with the 6.5 than the .308, (somewhere around 1/3 to 1/2) a fact which is often ignored.

Good point, not owning one I miss on that.

2500 rounds maybe. If you shoot a lot then you want a Savage that allows a lower cost barrel change than most other brands (lots of pre fits available from a lot of mfgs) - unscrew em, screw on the new one, head space it and off you go.

You can gain longevity if you reload and don't push them to the maximum.

Whistlebritches · March 24, 2018, 11:02 PM

Depends......are you looking for a hunting rifle for medium to large game?If so the 308 is the obvious choice regardless of what the Creedmoor cheerleaders tell you.

Are you punching paper out to 600 yards and beyond?Then the Creedmoor is your friend.

emcon5 · March 25, 2018, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whistlebritches

If so the 308 is the obvious choice regardless of what the Creedmoor cheerleaders tell you.

Discussed in great detail here.

https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=593867

The short version:

There are certainly better cartridges for any specific application, but the 6.5 CM (and .260Rem and even 6.5 Swede for the most part) offer excellent LR target ballistics, plus the capability to kill any game animal in North America (short of the big bears) at any ethical hunting range, all in a compact rifle with a relatively mild recoil and a decent barrel life. A deer or elk hit with a .270 or .308 in the vitals won't be any more dead than if they were hit with a 6.5CM.

It isn't magic, it is just a really good sweet spot of bore size, BC, SD, and packaging (which the Swedes have known about since 1894) combined with good marketing so hunters and shooters are now aware of it.

The esteemed Mr Whistlebritches would have you believe that because the .308 has a whopping ~14% more energy at 100 yards than the 6.5, that it is useless as a hunting round, even though the 6.5 has as much energy at 300 yards as a 30-30 has at 50 (and shoots a little flatter and has a little less wind than the .308)

RC20 · March 25, 2018, 01:37 PM

Love the guy above!

Quote:

Depends......are you looking for a hunting rifle for medium to large game?If so the 308 is the obvious choice regardless of what the Creedmoor cheerleaders tell you.

And it should be your mission to Ecaliberize those fools in the Scandinavian countries who have been highly successfully shooting moose with a totally inadequate caliber since 1894!

Cretins, they live in Northern Latitudes and their brains must have frozen over.

I sure the Vikings needed larger swords as well.

zipspyder · March 25, 2018, 01:41 PM

Great, here come the purse swingers with spreadsheet ballistics...shoot what you like.

stagpanther · March 25, 2018, 03:25 PM

Ah jeeez...not again!

Zen Archery · March 25, 2018, 03:50 PM

I shoot both with two completely different purposes.
.308 Bolt Gun Long Range Precision
6.5 CM Gas Gun Eradicate Hogs
Both perform exceedingly well for the intention they were built.
Both have muzzle brakes. Recoil is non-existent in a 30lb rifle.
Recoil on the 6.5CM maybe a .223.
I don’t favor one over the the other. But I’m not lugging a 30lbs through the woods for 6-8 hours that’s for sure! I run a thermal in my 6.5 so not taking that to the 2000 Yd Range.
How do you intend to use it?
What is realistic distance you can push it?

Whistlebritches · March 25, 2018, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emcon5

Discussed in great detail here.

https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=593867

The short version:

There are certainly better cartridges for any specific application, but the 6.5 CM (and .260Rem and even 6.5 Swede for the most part) offer excellent LR target ballistics, plus the capability to kill any game animal in North America (short of the big bears) at any ethical hunting range, all in a compact rifle with a relatively mild recoil and a decent barrel life. A deer or elk hit with a .270 or .308 in the vitals won't be any more dead than if they were hit with a 6.5CM.

It isn't magic, it is just a really good sweet spot of bore size, BC, SD, and packaging (which the Swedes have known about since 1894) combined with good marketing so hunters and shooters are now aware of it.

The esteemed Mr Whistlebritches would have you believe that because the .308 has a whopping ~14% more energy at 100 yards than the 6.5, that it is useless as a hunting round, even though the 6.5 has as much energy at 300 yards as a 30-30 has at 50 (and shoots a little flatter and has a little less wind than the .308)

I never said the CM was useless as a hunting round.......your words not mine.It would appear your alligator mouth has once again overloaded your hummingbird azz.I said the 308 is a better hunting round.You seem to be oblivious to facts so I won't repost them here.

Shoot what you like and like what you shoot.

Tallest · March 28, 2018, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hooligan1

Well I have a .308 and a 6.5 Creedmoor, both Mausers.
I dont know physically that Ive felt a huge difference in Recoil, generally speaking I shoot more 7mag, .270 win., and 6.506, 7×57 mauser, then the Creedmoor or .308, so they are quite a pleasure to shoot.
The Steyr 1912 is heavy enough to absorb some of the recoil, and my Creedmoor is a tad heavier than a commercial Creedmoor rifle package, say like a Savage or Ruger American...

Can I ask in what mauser you shoot the 6.5cm? That platform has been on my mind for several months now, but I'm not near a choice yet.

hooligan1 · March 28, 2018, 06:57 PM

My Creedmoor is built on a Turkish M38 action.
It has:
1.Douglas premium XX airguaged, 24" 1:8" twist, #2 contour.
2. Tubbs Speedlock firingpin and spring.
3. Canjar trigger.
4. PTG 3 position Swing safety.
5. Redfield 1 piece base, with Leupold, 30mm rings.
6. Vortex Viper 4-12×44 BDC reticle.
7. Richards Microfit Ultralite laminate stock, Devcon bedded.
8. Kick EEz butt pad.
Also I added a magazine block made of Lexan in the rear of magazine, that uses an Arisaka follower, ( because it fed better than a mauser follower.)

RC20 · March 28, 2018, 07:25 PM

Quote:

I said the 308 is a better hunting round.

And there are those of us who totally disagree.

Quote:

are you looking for a hunting rifle for medium to large game?If so the 308 is the obvious choice

No, then a 30-06 or a 270 is the obvious choice.

March 23, 2018, 07:46 PM	#1
ReloadKy Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2018 Posts: 191	6.5 Creedmoor vs 308 I am looking for info from experienced shooters of both calibers. As far as recoil goes is there a noticeable difference between the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 win? Thinking about a new purchase and I have shot a 308 before but never a 6.5. Trying to get some good info so I can make an informed decision.

March 23, 2018, 08:19 PM	#3
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,803	Recoil from a 7.5 lb rifle. These are my actual loads calculated with an online recoil calculator. 6.5 Creedmoor/143gr ELD-X @ 2650 fps 12 ft lbs recoil 308/178 gr ELD-X @ 2620 fps 18 ft lbs recoil I don't own a 243, but typical recoil is around 10-11 ft lbs. 30-06 will be in the 20-22 ft lbs range. With 150 gr loads a 308 will be around 15 ft lbs recoil, but the 178's are a more fair comparison since the BC's and on game performance are closer. The difference in there, but it may not be as noticeable as the numbers show. Most people can't tell any difference until they see 4-5 more ft lbs difference. The 308 isn't really considered a hard recoiling rifle and I'm sure a lot of people couldn't tell the difference between a 140 gr 6.5 load and a 150 gr 308 load. Most people don't have much issue with recoil until they get over 20 ft lbs. At least for a few rounds. If you start shooting 50 or more rounds in one session even small differences in recoil start becoming more noticeable. I like the 6.5 a lot, but other than recoil there isn't much difference until you get out to about 600-700 yards. After that the 6.5 starts pulling away. But the 6.5 is enough better that it is the cartridge of the future. The 308 will never go away, but will gradually be surpassed by the 6.5 Creedmoor. Even the military Special Forces are moving that way http://soldiersystems.net/2018/03/23...adopts-6-5-cm/ __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

March 23, 2018, 10:23 PM	#4
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	Mostly shoot 308. I have shot the 6.5 a bit. Its more like a 223. Lower push, you can shoot all day without any recoil issues (and trust me, after shoot 30 caliber stuff 308 and bigger for 7 hours it does have an affect) Both reach out a long ways with advantage out at 1000 and more to the 6.5. So it really depends on what you are after. If I was not into 30 caliber stuff, 6.5 would be a choice. I might go with an exotic like 260 Remington or 6.5 Sweed, but 6.5 yes. Shooting wise they use it in Scandinavia extensively for Moose. You can take anything up to a moose then, elk as well. Might come up shy on a bit AK moose and not a choice for Brown bears but all else...... __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not

March 24, 2018, 05:36 AM	#8
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,585	Well I have a .308 and a 6.5 Creedmoor, both Mausers. I dont know physically that Ive felt a huge difference in Recoil, generally speaking I shoot more 7mag, .270 win., and 6.506, 7×57 mauser, then the Creedmoor or .308, so they are quite a pleasure to shoot. The Steyr 1912 is heavy enough to absorb some of the recoil, and my Creedmoor is a tad heavier than a commercial Creedmoor rifle package, say like a Savage or Ruger American... __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

March 24, 2018, 07:45 AM	#9
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I have a lot of 308s and a couple 6.5 CMs. I dont find the recoil of the 308 objectionable, but it does recoil a bit more then the 6.5s. Best compairson is shooting each in the same gun. My wife has a RPR in 6.5 CM, my son has a RPR in 308. The RPR is heavy, there didnt seem to be much recoil shooting son's 308, that is until you shot the wife's 6.5 CM. There is a big difference. Regardless, you can put a brake on either or both. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

March 23, 2018, 08:02 PM	#2
oldscot3 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2007 Location: texas Posts: 997	Recoil on the shooters end is a subjective topic; some folks are just more sensitive than others, however, as far as the physics go the 308 does produce more rearward thrust when launching heavier bullets than a 6.5 Creedmoor. How much more depends on which two loads from each caliber you compare and how weights compare in each of the two rifles. I shoot both calibers and neither bother me but both my rifles are pretty heavy. I would describe the recoil of my moderately heavy Ruger Hawkeye Predator in 6.5 CM as about on par with shooting a "typical" 243 caliber hunting rifle(say a 6 1/2 to 7 lb. gun). There seems to be online calculators for everything these days, perhaps you could find one to input your specific values and do a comparative evaluation.

March 23, 2018, 11:05 PM	#5
Water-Man Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 2,126	I had a Tikka Hunter in both 308 & 6.5x55 SE. I could definitely notice the difference in recoil, the 6.5 being the lesser of the two.

March 23, 2018, 11:49 PM	#6
emcon5 Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 1999 Location: High Desert NV Posts: 2,850	Something is wrong here. It has been almost 5 hours, and so far none of the hardcore .308 fans have popped in to drop their knowledge that 6.5 anything is a fad.

March 24, 2018, 12:52 AM	#7
ed308 Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2016 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,147	I prefer the 6.5 CM over the .308. I've been shooting .308 in ARs and a bolt for many years. It's hard hitting and easy to load. But I find it a beast due to the recoil. Have started shooting 6.5 in the last year and like it. So much so, that I plan to replace on my .308 bolt to 6.5 Creedmoor.

March 24, 2018, 08:27 AM	#10
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	Recoil difference isn't noticeable enough to me when using "similar" weight bullets to be a driving factor. You should make the call based on your application . Do you handload? If not- you're going to pay a lot more for factory 6.5 than some of the .308 that's available, including surplus for "plinking". Barrel life...how much do you shoot? A lot of variables- but barrel/throat life is significantly less with the 6.5 than the .308, (somewhere around 1/3 to 1/2) a fact which is often ignored. If all your shooting is inside 500-600 yards, I see only downsides to the 6.5 as there's no significant ballistic advantage that would outweigh the " minuses ". The 6.5 Creedmoor is a great round, but don't buy into the marketing hype that its a " magic bullet" for everyone it's not... __________________ Remington 700/Savage Rebarreling /Action Blueprinting 07 FFL /Mosin-Nagant Custom Shop/Bent Bolts Genuine Cerakote Applicator www.biggorillagunworks.com

March 24, 2018, 10:01 AM	#11
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	Before long you can add 6mm credmore to the mix as it seems to be gaining in popularity.

March 24, 2018, 10:44 AM	#12
zipspyder Junior member Join Date: June 13, 2017 Posts: 429	Both are excellent rifle calibers. On average since a 6.5CM is purchased a lot more in AR styles they have even less recoil than .308's regardless. You get more of a push from an AR vs. bolt. But both can be comfortably shot all day with good stocks/recoil pads.

March 24, 2018, 11:47 AM	#13
HankC1 Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 531	To me the recoil difference is not significant enough to justify ammo cost and barrel life differences while I don't compete or shooting long range.

March 24, 2018, 01:31 PM	#14
Don Fischer Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2017 Posts: 1,868	What anyone else thinks of recoil makes no difference at all. If you could fine someone with those cartridge rifle's maybe you could get them to let you try them. That's the only way you'll really know. Case's are both about the same size but bullet dia and weight goes up. That usually means more recoil. Good hunting wt bullet in 6.5 is 129/130 class bullet's, I use 140gr bullet's. In 308 I mostly used 165gr bullet's. Depending on how much recoil bother's you felt recoil will be greater in the 308. Go t a 150 gr bullet in the 308 and felt recoil will come down some. Only way to really find out is get someone with those rifle's to let you try them. But for myself, neither has bad recoil and I don't care for recoil!

March 24, 2018, 11:02 PM	#16
Whistlebritches Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2017 Location: Northwest Texas Posts: 107	Depends......are you looking for a hunting rifle for medium to large game?If so the 308 is the obvious choice regardless of what the Creedmoor cheerleaders tell you. Are you punching paper out to 600 yards and beyond?Then the Creedmoor is your friend.

March 25, 2018, 01:41 PM	#19
zipspyder Junior member Join Date: June 13, 2017 Posts: 429	Great, here come the purse swingers with spreadsheet ballistics...shoot what you like.

March 25, 2018, 03:25 PM	#20
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,752	Ah jeeez...not again! __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

March 25, 2018, 03:50 PM	#21
Zen Archery Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2005 Posts: 274	I shoot both with two completely different purposes. .308 Bolt Gun Long Range Precision 6.5 CM Gas Gun Eradicate Hogs Both perform exceedingly well for the intention they were built. Both have muzzle brakes. Recoil is non-existent in a 30lb rifle. Recoil on the 6.5CM maybe a .223. I don’t favor one over the the other. But I’m not lugging a 30lbs through the woods for 6-8 hours that’s for sure! I run a thermal in my 6.5 so not taking that to the 2000 Yd Range. How do you intend to use it? What is realistic distance you can push it? __________________ Video Hunting Library

March 28, 2018, 06:57 PM	#24
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,585	My Creedmoor is built on a Turkish M38 action. It has: 1.Douglas premium XX airguaged, 24" 1:8" twist, #2 contour. 2. Tubbs Speedlock firingpin and spring. 3. Canjar trigger. 4. PTG 3 position Swing safety. 5. Redfield 1 piece base, with Leupold, 30mm rings. 6. Vortex Viper 4-12×44 BDC reticle. 7. Richards Microfit Ultralite laminate stock, Devcon bedded. 8. Kick EEz butt pad. Also I added a magazine block made of Lexan in the rear of magazine, that uses an Arisaka follower, ( because it fed better than a mauser follower.) __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

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