6.5 Creedmoor vs. .308 Win.
The 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester are both popular rifle cartridges, each with distinct characteristics that suit different shooting applications. The 6.5 Creedmoor, developed by Hornady, is designed for long-range accuracy and precision, while the .308 Winchester is a military-origin cartridge that has been a go-to for hunting and target shooting for decades.
In terms of ballistic performance, the 6.5 Creedmoor generally has a flatter trajectory and less wind drift than the .308. This is due to the high ballistic coefficient of the 6.5mm bullets, which are longer and slimmer, making them more aerodynamic. The Creedmoor's reduced recoil compared to the .308 allows shooters to stay on target more easily for follow-up shots, making it particularly attractive for competitive shooting and long-range hunting.
The .308 Winchester, on the other hand, offers more energy at shorter ranges and is widely considered a versatile, hard-hitting round for big-game hunting, such as elk and bear, at typical hunting distances (under 400 yards). It also benefits from a wider availability of factory ammunition, more rifle options, and generally lower ammunition costs, making it a reliable and accessible choice for hunters and tactical shooters alike.
However, the .308's heavier bullets tend to experience more drop and wind drift at longer distances compared to the 6.5 Creedmoor. Beyond 500 yards, the Creedmoor often outperforms the .308 in terms of precision, making it a preferred choice for long-distance shooters.
In terms of barrel life, the .308 generally lasts longer due to the lower pressures it generates, while the 6.5 Creedmoor may wear out barrels faster because of its higher velocities. Ultimately, the choice between these two cartridges comes down to specific needs: the 6.5 Creedmoor for long-range accuracy with lighter recoil, and the .308 Winchester for heavier impacts at moderate distances.
6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a popular rifle cartridge that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It was developed by Hornady and Remington in 2007, and is based on the .308 Winchester cartridge. The 6.5 Creedmoor has been used for many different types of shooting, including target shooting, hunting, and competitive shooting.The 6.5 Creedmoor is known for its accuracy and low recoil, making it an ideal choice for long range shooting. It is also capable of taking down large game animals such as deer and elk with ease. The cartridge has been used to great success in competitions such as the National Rifle League (NRL) and the Precision Rifle Series (PRS).
.308 Win. (7.62 x 51)
The .308 Winchester was developed in 1953 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company and is based on the well-known 30-06 Springfield cartridge. It's a popular round used primarily for hunting large game at mid to long range distances and is considered one of the most accurate cartridges available.The .308 Win has been embraced by many rifle shooters due to its impressive performance in a cost effective package and it has also become a mainstay among police and military forces around the world. Its accuracy, moderate recoil, versatility, affordability, and wide availability makes it an exceptional choice for target practice, competition shooting, hunting, law enforcement and military applications.The popularity of this caliber led to many manufacturers designing rifles specifically for this cartridge. In the US companies such as Remington, Savage and Sako all began producing rifles chambered for .308 Win while overseas companies like FN Herstal of Belgium created the FAL battle rifle which went on to be adopted by over 90 nations from 1955 onward.When it comes to ammo selection there are plenty of options available from both common and more specialized brands that offer different weights, styles, coatings and projectiles. Reloaders also benefit from being able to utilize common components such as Lapua brass casings in order to customize their own ammunition for specific purposes or competitions.In general the .308 Winchester has proven itself as an effective hunting cartridge capable of taking down even some of the largest game animals with ease while maintaining accurate shot placement at longer ranges. Its use throughout various branches of service has made it one of the most popular cartridges worldwide and its performance speaks for itself when used properly in suitable conditions.