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.308 Winchester vs. 6.5 Creedmoor: Which Round is Best?
.308 Winchester vs. 6.5 Creedmoor: Which Round is Best?
When it comes to choosing the right round for your precision/bolt-action rifle, it can be a difficult decision. Two popular options among shooters are the .308 Winchester and the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Each round has its own unique characteristics and performance capabilities, so it is important to consider the intended use of the firearm, such as hunting or competitive shooting, as well as the distance and type of targets that will be engaged.
In this article, we will be comparing these two rounds to help you make an informed decision on which one is best for you.
Basics
.308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester is a near identical round to the 7.62×51 NATO, developed in 1952. It has higher pressure loads than the 7.62x51mm and is still in use today for various weapons platforms used by militaries and is also popular with civilians and hunters.
The .308 Winchester has a large bullet diameter of .308 inches and a case length of 51mm, which gives it a larger powder capacity and energy. It is well suited for short-medium-long(ish) ranges while maintaining energy upon impact.
6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor, on the other hand, was developed in 2007 by Hornady and was designed specifically for long-range shooting. It has a flatter trajectory and has gained popularity among competitive shooters and hunters due to its accuracy at longer distances and lower recoil.
The 6.5 Creedmoor has a bullet diameter of .264 inches and a case length of 48.8mm. Its lower powder capacity and lighter bullet result in less energy but higher velocity and less recoil for more accurate shots.
Additionally, the 6.5 Creedmoor has a higher ballistic coefficient, making it more aerodynamic and retaining velocity better than the .308 Winchester.
Ballistics (.308 Winchester vs. 6.5 Creedmoor)
As a general rule, a faster, heavier bullet will have more energy than a slower, lighter one. However, a lighter, smaller bullet can have more energy if it’s moving faster.
The .308 Winchester at short to medium ranges has the 6.5 Creedmoor beat in terms of energy on target, with only a slight deviation in bullet drop and trajectory. The longer the distance, the shorter the gap becomes, and eventually, the 6.5 Creedmoor outperforms the .308 Winchester.
For example, when comparing .308 168 grain match grade ammo to 6.5 CM 140 grain match grade ammo at 700 yards, the .308 has a -145″ bullet drop, a velocity of 1555 fps, and 902 ft./lb. of energy.
While the 6.5 CM has a -127″ bullet drop, a velocity of 1623 fps, and 819 ft./lb. of energy.
At 1000 yards, the .308 has a -390″ bullet drop, a velocity of 1214 fps, and 550 ft./lb. of energy while the 6.5 CM has a -350″ bullet drop, a velocity of 1289 fps, and 517 ft. lb. of energy, showing that the energy on-impact difference is not as dramatic as the bullet drop when shot at these longer distances, giving the 6.5 CM the advantage when shooting at extreme or more difficult ranges.
Unknown barrel length/twist for the chart above. Use as general rule/average.
Other Considerations
When choosing between the .308 Winchester and the 6.5 Creedmoor, there are other factors to consider as well. One of these factors is barrel life.
The .308 Winchester has an average lifespan of 7,000 rounds before needing to be replaced.
While the 6.5 Creedmoor has an average of 3,000 rounds.
Additionally, the cost of ammo is typically cheaper for the .308 Winchester, especially when shooting non-match-grade ammo.
In terms of rifle selection, the .308 Winchester comes in a variety of rifle types from semi-automatic battle rifles to precision bolt-action types and many reputable manufacturers have a wide range of weapons to choose from chambered in .308.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is the newer of the rounds but is becoming more common in not just bolt-action precision-type platforms but semi-automatic battle rifles as well.
Final Thoughts on .308 Winchester vs. 6.5 Creedmoor
Both the .308 Winchester and the 6.5 Creedmoor are popular choices among shooters and hunters, but each round has its own unique characteristics that make it better suited for specific purposes. The .308 Winchester is known for its versatility and is well suited for short-medium-long(ish) ranges, while the 6.5 Creedmoor is designed specifically for long-range shooting and has a flatter trajectory. The 6.5 Creedmoor also has a higher ballistic coefficient, making it more aerodynamic and retaining velocity better than the .308 Winchester.
When comparing the two rounds, the 6.5 Creedmoor has a slight advantage over the .308 Winchester at longer distances, but the .308 Winchester has more energy upon impact at short to medium ranges.
Other factors to consider when choosing between the two rounds include barrel life, ammo cost, and rifle selection. Ultimately, the choice between the .308 Winchester and the 6.5 Creedmoor comes down to the intended use of the firearm and personal preference.
In simpler terms, the .308 Winchester is best for hunting, while the 6.5 Creedmoor is best for long-range precision shooting. It ultimately comes down to the intended use of your rifle.
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