Creedmoor for Deer Rifle
- Thread starter quadbike
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6.5 Creedmoor is the cartridge Remington wanted the .260 Rem to be, or so the theory goes. You can fascinate yourself for hours reading all the different opinions on the two.
It is only at longer ranges (lets say 500m+) that the Creedmoor starts to pull away from the .260 Rem due to the Creedmoor’s case design and ability to seat long for calibre bullets without sacrificing case capacity (30 deg vs 20 deg, etc etc). It’s at proper long range (1,000m) that the Creedmoor excels, which is what it was designed for from the ground up (whereas the .260 Rem is really only an adaptation of the .308).
We have started to use 6.5 Creedmoor because (a) we want to use the highest BC hunting bullets available in the 130-150gr weight range; (b) we like cheap, low recoiling, heavy barrelled rifles that are easy to shoot and pinpoint accurate at 400-600m+ without having to spend a fortune customising them; (c) we want readily available reloading components at sensible prices; (d) we have been sucked in hook, line and sinker by all the hype.
6.5 Creedmoor has become incredibly popular very quickly here, and supplies of rifles, ammunition and reloading components are easy to come by. We are shooting deer, goats and pigs at medium ranges and finding the terminal performance of the 6.5 Hornady pills to be comparable to any of the non-magnum 7mm or .308 pills. Lots of bang-flops at 400-600m, short distance staggers, etc. I have no qualms at all recommending the cartridge for medium game. In the last 2-3 weeks, two more 6.5 CMs have appeared amongst my hunting buddies.
Bottom line though is that at normal UK hunting ranges neither you, nor the deer, are going to know the difference between a .260 Rem or 6.5 Creedmoor. Buy either, you will kill deer, if you want to learn proper long range shooting, get the Creedmoor.
It is only at longer ranges (lets say 500m+) that the Creedmoor starts to pull away from the .260 Rem due to the Creedmoor’s case design and ability to seat long for calibre bullets without sacrificing case capacity (30 deg vs 20 deg, etc etc). It’s at proper long range (1,000m) that the Creedmoor excels, which is what it was designed for from the ground up (whereas the .260 Rem is really only an adaptation of the .308).
We have started to use 6.5 Creedmoor because (a) we want to use the highest BC hunting bullets available in the 130-150gr weight range; (b) we like cheap, low recoiling, heavy barrelled rifles that are easy to shoot and pinpoint accurate at 400-600m+ without having to spend a fortune customising them; (c) we want readily available reloading components at sensible prices; (d) we have been sucked in hook, line and sinker by all the hype.
6.5 Creedmoor has become incredibly popular very quickly here, and supplies of rifles, ammunition and reloading components are easy to come by. We are shooting deer, goats and pigs at medium ranges and finding the terminal performance of the 6.5 Hornady pills to be comparable to any of the non-magnum 7mm or .308 pills. Lots of bang-flops at 400-600m, short distance staggers, etc. I have no qualms at all recommending the cartridge for medium game. In the last 2-3 weeks, two more 6.5 CMs have appeared amongst my hunting buddies.
Bottom line though is that at normal UK hunting ranges neither you, nor the deer, are going to know the difference between a .260 Rem or 6.5 Creedmoor. Buy either, you will kill deer, if you want to learn proper long range shooting, get the Creedmoor.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a great chambering, but there is a lot of hype around it. It's main benefit for the LR shooting is that you can get factory ammo loaded with the Hornaday ELD bullets which are very slippery. The same bullets are very difficult to get in factory loads in other 6.5 chamberings.
The bullet flatters the cartridge, but that doesn't make it bad, they are a great combination. If you home load and have an 8 twist barrel you will achieve the same results with 6.5x55, 260 Rem and 6.5 Lapua.
It has swept through the US and is now gaining a strong foothold in the rest of the world. It's here to stay.
I shoot larger species of deer with a 6.5 Lapua. 129 grain ABLR at 2900 fps. Very similar to a Creedmoor in energy delivered out to 300 meters. It works exceptionally well and with the very slippery VLD bullets you deliver the same energy at 300 meters as a 270 Win using 130 grain bullets with significantly less recoil.
6.5 Creedmoor is a great choice for UK deer and you can play at long range to boot.
The bullet flatters the cartridge, but that doesn't make it bad, they are a great combination. If you home load and have an 8 twist barrel you will achieve the same results with 6.5x55, 260 Rem and 6.5 Lapua.
It has swept through the US and is now gaining a strong foothold in the rest of the world. It's here to stay.
I shoot larger species of deer with a 6.5 Lapua. 129 grain ABLR at 2900 fps. Very similar to a Creedmoor in energy delivered out to 300 meters. It works exceptionally well and with the very slippery VLD bullets you deliver the same energy at 300 meters as a 270 Win using 130 grain bullets with significantly less recoil.
6.5 Creedmoor is a great choice for UK deer and you can play at long range to boot.
ChesterP
Well-Known Member
There's nothing to choose between any of the 6.5 rounds at deer hunting distances...zip. It boils down to ammo availability if shooting factory, and rifle availability.
I have a Creedmoor and it's an excellent rifle and sits happily amongst my other calibres in the gun cabinet and is there to stay. The only advantage over 260 Rem is the case shoulder angle which in theory ensures more consistent concentricity for long range accuracy. Effective case volume is roughly the same as the Remington as the bullets aren't seated as deep within the CM case, even though the Rem uses a larger case.
There's arguably more choice of 260 Rem factory ammo knocking about so if that is a major consideration, that would be the wise choice. From what I've seen shooting LR with others, there's nothing really to choose between the 260 or the CM at 1000 yards. Both shoot exactly the same bullets (hand loads) with similar ballistics due to similar velocities being achievable. Homeloads are where the CM just starts edging away for tuning loads where with some hybrid designs or scenars, you can load them close up and personal to the lands. Many factory chambered 260s may be a different story but it doesn't seem to stop those who use them shooting really well with them.
As a deer rifle, I'd probably prefer a 6.5 x 55 for it's centenarian pedigree
(even if a long action).
Great penetration due to relatively high sectional density is a good reason to pick any 6.5 for slightly extended ranges.
I have a Creedmoor and it's an excellent rifle and sits happily amongst my other calibres in the gun cabinet and is there to stay. The only advantage over 260 Rem is the case shoulder angle which in theory ensures more consistent concentricity for long range accuracy. Effective case volume is roughly the same as the Remington as the bullets aren't seated as deep within the CM case, even though the Rem uses a larger case.
There's arguably more choice of 260 Rem factory ammo knocking about so if that is a major consideration, that would be the wise choice. From what I've seen shooting LR with others, there's nothing really to choose between the 260 or the CM at 1000 yards. Both shoot exactly the same bullets (hand loads) with similar ballistics due to similar velocities being achievable. Homeloads are where the CM just starts edging away for tuning loads where with some hybrid designs or scenars, you can load them close up and personal to the lands. Many factory chambered 260s may be a different story but it doesn't seem to stop those who use them shooting really well with them.
As a deer rifle, I'd probably prefer a 6.5 x 55 for it's centenarian pedigree
(even if a long action).Great penetration due to relatively high sectional density is a good reason to pick any 6.5 for slightly extended ranges.
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HeavySako
Well-Known Member
So far I've only taken Roe and Muntjac with my 6.5 Creedmoor, but everything dropped on the spot. Mixed results in meat damage, but I think that's a common factor with the 6.5 bullets? The Creedmoor only starts to out perform other similar 6.5's beyond 500 yards + and with the likes of the Rem 260 those margins are insignificant. It's a long range Competition/hunting tool that also does very well at shorter distances, but then so will the 55 Swedish or the Rem 260 ! I would simply make a choice based on your ability to source factory ammo in your chosen caliber.
On a positive note, having recently emailed GMK and EB, they are starting to import more 6.5 CM ammo, so It shouldn't be too difficult to get your hands on some quality factory hunting ammo if you do decide to go the CM route.
All the best HS
On a positive note, having recently emailed GMK and EB, they are starting to import more 6.5 CM ammo, so It shouldn't be too difficult to get your hands on some quality factory hunting ammo if you do decide to go the CM route.
All the best HS
I have a friend that is a long time 270 win fanatic and he recently purchased a creedmore. This was to be used as a hunting round for normal - mid range shots. Overall I think he is disappointed with it performance compared to his beloved 270 win which he rates as a more emphatic killer.
Don’t ask me about what ammo he has used haven’t a clue but it was expensive.
So I ask the question if you take the average deer hunter who uses a sporting rifle , shooting to say out to max of 500yds ,is the creedmore going to provide a significant advantage over the other non magnum 6.5 offerings? If we assume we we are using proper hunting bullets .
Don’t ask me about what ammo he has used haven’t a clue but it was expensive.
So I ask the question if you take the average deer hunter who uses a sporting rifle , shooting to say out to max of 500yds ,is the creedmore going to provide a significant advantage over the other non magnum 6.5 offerings? If we assume we we are using proper hunting bullets .
Odders
Well-Known Member
Interesting report on the 6.5Creedmoor vs .270Win.
If I do decide pick up a 6.5, it'll be the Swede & probably for the wrong reasons.
If I do decide pick up a 6.5, it'll be the Swede & probably for the wrong reasons.
In our sport we have become experts in Vaguelish!
(That’s not aimed at you Huntsman, just a general comment on how we express perceived differences. I have yet to decide how I would quantify death’s emphaticness... Answers on a postcard...)
No.
The differences between the 6.5 Creedmoor and the others have been very well explained in this forum, and elsewhere, far better than I can. I think its pretty obvious. Particularly with the .260 Rem. Somewhere out there on the interweb, someone has photographed the Hornady COAL gauge with the modified case for the .260 Rem, with the 147gr ELD-M in its forwardmost position (touching the lands).... versus the modified case for the 6.5 CM with the same bullet. I think the rifles were a Rem 700 vs a Howa 1500, but that’s immaterial, its all about the chambering dimensions. Obviously, it was the difference in the bullet seating depth that the exercise was designed to illustrate. I’ll see if I can find it again, at the moment its escaping me.
It will be an excellent choice for UK deer taken with a suitable bullet at the usual ranges we shoot at here. I have been very pleased with my .260 Rem and have shot in the company of 6.5 x 55 users who have been equally effective. A 6.5 is a good all round choice for our quarry and conditions. In the field there is no practical difference between them. Ammunition availability and cost is probably a greater consideration if you don’t reload.
I could not find this review earlier, of the Winchester XPR in 6.5 Creedmoor.
I have one in 7mm-08 as an all-weather rifle, and it shoots about .75 inch groups with all my loads and with Hornady, Remington and Winchester 140-gr ammo.
Gun Review: Winchester XPR sets new standard for budget rifles
I have four 7mm-08s, a 7x57mm, and 7x57R, and the fact is that they will shoot with the 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem or 6.5x55mm, using 150-gr Accubond, 150-gr ELD-X, or 154-gr SST... just a we bit more recoil. If you already have a 7mm-08 or 6.5x55mm, you don't NEED a Creedmoor. Actually, for deer hunting, the ranges are going to be under 400 yards, so whatever you already have will do just as good a job as the new whiz bang cartridges.
I have one in 7mm-08 as an all-weather rifle, and it shoots about .75 inch groups with all my loads and with Hornady, Remington and Winchester 140-gr ammo.
Gun Review: Winchester XPR sets new standard for budget rifles
I have four 7mm-08s, a 7x57mm, and 7x57R, and the fact is that they will shoot with the 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem or 6.5x55mm, using 150-gr Accubond, 150-gr ELD-X, or 154-gr SST... just a we bit more recoil. If you already have a 7mm-08 or 6.5x55mm, you don't NEED a Creedmoor. Actually, for deer hunting, the ranges are going to be under 400 yards, so whatever you already have will do just as good a job as the new whiz bang cartridges.
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A good customer of mine changed from 308 to 6.5CM mainly for Roe and is very happy with the results. Stoked up hot load with 147 ELD M seems his favourite. He shoots 6-10 Roe per week for an estate. He sends me plenty of pictures and we discuss effectiveness and meat damage. As usual if you hit bone there is some carnage. Mostly it seems to be a bit more destructive than his old 308 168 a-max load. The only problem he noticed was on boar where he lost one or two even with lung bits lying where the shot hit. He say's no match to the 308.
Maybe the 7-08 is the wiser choice.... or even a 7x57 ... didn't we know that all along?
I would really like to try a 6.5 CM but mainly instead of a 243 meaning for long range fox or Sika calf/hind.
edi
Maybe the 7-08 is the wiser choice.... or even a 7x57 ... didn't we know that all along?
I would really like to try a 6.5 CM but mainly instead of a 243 meaning for long range fox or Sika calf/hind.
edi
Agree with all you say Edi, especially the bit about the 7mm08. However, it would be really interesting for your friend to try the 129 or 142 ABLR in his 6.5. Construction is more robust than the ELD-M and he may find he gets less carcass damage and a better terminal effect. I have been using them to great effect in a 6.5 Lapua.
The deer man
Well-Known Member
260 or 6.5 Creedmoor as far as factory ammunition availability goes in the UK, the Creedmoor now has it.
As has already been said if you had a 7mm-08 or 7x57 there's no need for the above, I'm still finding it hard to find a match Creedmoor load that betters a 7mm-08 although I'm assured one exists?!
The Creedmoor is just another 6.5, all of which are good, but it's a marketing gimmick that's working!
As has already been said if you had a 7mm-08 or 7x57 there's no need for the above, I'm still finding it hard to find a match Creedmoor load that betters a 7mm-08 although I'm assured one exists?!
The Creedmoor is just another 6.5, all of which are good, but it's a marketing gimmick that's working!
tackb
Well-Known Member
I re-barrelled my 260 after I shot it out in Creedmoor and I'm delighted , is it better past 500m than the 260 ? NO ! it's the same bullets at broadly the same velocities, you do the maths!
now this is subjective but I have found the Creedmoor to be easier to find an accurate load for , I don't know why ? maybe it's the case design or maybe I just got lucky but for some reason the 260 needed a lot more fettling to shoot well ?
factory ammo for my 260 shot just plain awful and I tried all I could get hold of ! the selection of ammo for the creed is broader and it all seems to shoot better ? for example the 140 eld-m hornady match will shoot ragged holes out of my rifle whereas the 260 rem stuff struggled to better 1.5 moa.
any off the 6.5's are about perfect for UK deer in my opinion.
all the 6.5's are great but the Creedmoor's success can be attributed to hornady supporting it so well with ammo , it's everything the 260 could have been if rem had supported it with decent ammo!
now this is subjective but I have found the Creedmoor to be easier to find an accurate load for , I don't know why ? maybe it's the case design or maybe I just got lucky but for some reason the 260 needed a lot more fettling to shoot well ?
factory ammo for my 260 shot just plain awful and I tried all I could get hold of ! the selection of ammo for the creed is broader and it all seems to shoot better ? for example the 140 eld-m hornady match will shoot ragged holes out of my rifle whereas the 260 rem stuff struggled to better 1.5 moa.
any off the 6.5's are about perfect for UK deer in my opinion.
all the 6.5's are great but the Creedmoor's success can be attributed to hornady supporting it so well with ammo , it's everything the 260 could have been if rem had supported it with decent ammo!
I. Farticus
Well-Known Member
The 6.5Creedmoor is a great example of marketing $$$s working extremely well...
Hornady is a marketing machine, and has captured the US 6.5 market the way that any European chamberings couldn't - the most recent example being 6.5x47 Lapua (I'd have thought?)
If you have a 6.5 in the cabinet already, why change. I'm sticking with my x55 as it does everything that any newer 6.5 will. Ok, you could argue action size, barrel twist, case capacity, additional x00 fps etc., but it'll fall on deaf ears
Hornady is a marketing machine, and has captured the US 6.5 market the way that any European chamberings couldn't - the most recent example being 6.5x47 Lapua (I'd have thought?)
If you have a 6.5 in the cabinet already, why change. I'm sticking with my x55 as it does everything that any newer 6.5 will. Ok, you could argue action size, barrel twist, case capacity, additional x00 fps etc., but it'll fall on deaf ears
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