308 Win VS 6.5 Creedmoor (308W VS 6.5CM)

January 20, 2024 Jeremy Compiegne

Choosing a caliber for long-range shooting: 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Winchester?

Table No. 1: Comparison of fall performance

Long-range shooting is a fascinating discipline, where precision, consistency and self-control combine to achieve maximum performance. When a sports shooter decides to embark on this adventure, the choice of caliber becomes a crucial question, especially for distances of 500 to 1,000 meters, or even more for the most ambitious. Among the most popular options, two calibers stand out: the 6.5 Creedmoor and the .308 Winchester. But which one should you choose to start long-range shooting? Here is an analysis to help shooters make an informed choice.

1. The .308 Winchester: Tradition and versatility

The .308 Winchester is one of the most popular and proven calibers in the world of precision shooting. This caliber has proven itself through decades of use, both in the military and sporting fields. Its qualities make it a safe choice for beginners, with a reputation as an all-purpose, reliable and versatile caliber.

Advantages of the .308 Winchester

Versatility and availability : The .308 Win is a very common caliber. It is therefore easy to find ammunition of various quality at often affordable prices, as well as a very large choice of weapons.
Barrel life : Compared to other long-range calibers, the .308 tends to be less aggressive on barrels. This means that a .308 gun will be able to offer a longer barrel life, which is an advantage for a beginning shooter. Expect up to 8,000 rounds for the most durable barrels.
Performance : Although the .308 Win has a bit more drop and requires more compensation at long range, it remains accurate at intermediate distances (500 to 800 yards), so it can be an economical choice for learning the basics of long-range shooting.

Disadvantages of the .308 Winchester

Long Range Ballistics : Beyond 800 meters, the .308 shows its limitations compared to more recent calibers. The velocity of the projectile decreases more quickly, and it is more sensitive to wind, making precision shooting more difficult.
Backward : The .308 has more recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor. For recoil-sensitive shooters or those planning on shooting long sessions, this can be a disadvantage.

2. The 6.5 Creedmoor: Modern Precision

Launched in 2007, the 6.5 Creedmoor has quickly become a popular caliber among long-range shooting enthusiasts. Designed specifically for long-range accuracy, it has become the new benchmark for sport shooters. The aerodynamic profiles offered by the heavy 6.5mm caliber projectiles and its low sensitivity to wind make it a caliber particularly well suited to long distances.

Advantages of the 6.5 Creedmoor

Flat trajectory and better wind resistance : The 6.5 Creedmoor has a high ballistic coefficient, which allows it to have a tighter trajectory and be less affected by wind at long distances. This feature makes learning wind compensation and trajectory easier.
Reduced recoil : Compared to the .308, the 6.5 Creedmoor generates less recoil. This detail allows you to shoot more comfortably, while maintaining better control of the weapon, which is valuable for long shooting sessions.
Long distance accuracy : Due to its design, the 6.5 Creedmoor remains stable and accurate beyond 1,000 yards. This increased range opens up new possibilities for the shooter wishing to venture to even longer distances.

Disadvantages of the 6.5 Creedmoor

Availability and cost of ammunition : Although the 6.5 Creedmoor is gaining popularity, its ammunition is often more expensive and less available than that of the .308.
Barrel life : The 6.5 Creedmoor is more "wearing" on the barrel. For heavy use, the barrel may need to be replaced more frequently than a .308 barrel, which is an additional cost. Expect to use between 3000 and 4000 rounds before replacement.

3. Comparison of the two calibers for a beginner

Criteria	.308 Winchester	6.5 Creedmoor
Ammunition availability	Very good availability, moderate price	Less common, more expensive ammo
Backward	More pronounced	Softer
Long distance accuracy	Less efficient beyond 800 m	Excellent stability beyond 1,000 m
Barrel life	Long	Shorter
Wind sensitivity	More sensitive	Less sensitive

4. What to choose for a beginner?

The choice between the .308 Winchester and the 6.5 Creedmoor depends on the beginning shooter's priorities.

For those looking for versatility and economy : The .308 Win remains an excellent choice. Its availability, low ammunition cost and long barrel life make it a safe caliber to learn the basics without breaking the bank. Although it has some limitations at long range, it allows you to learn the fundamentals at distances of 500 to 800 meters with honorable performance.
For those aiming for long distance performance : The 6.5 Creedmoor is the ideal choice for serious shooters looking to maximize their results beyond 800 yards. Its exceptional accuracy and reduced wind sensitivity allow for longer ranges with an easier learning curve. However, ammunition costs and a shorter barrel life are considerations.