6.5 creed for Sika? (🪖💣)

[rem284]

I've shot sika and red with 6.5x47, 260, 6.5-284. All kill well. Put the correct designed bullet in the right place, job done. Out of the 6.5x55 and 6.5cm I would choose the cm, modern case design, short action, loads of factory rifles and ammo to choose from

 

[JH83]

With sika in dense cover my general thoughts are to neck or pin shoot, I have shot them with 6.5, 25/06, 308 and 7mm RM and if heart shot in the rut, or generally alert they’ll run quite far. Either of the aforementioned shot placements negate this.

Shot placement is far more important than calibre IMO

 

[Donkey Basher]

Been beaten to it by the above - having shot more than a few Sika they can be very 'determined' not to succumb to the terminal effects of your bullet during the rut or if they know something is up. My advice is think about the type & weight of bullet you need to get the job done & then look at availability of same in the different cartridge options.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Purchasing a new rifle and seriously considering the 6.5 creedmoor or the 6.5x55.. Have really took a liking to the Sauer 100 field shoot in the 6.5 creed, haven't really found a stand out rifle in the 6.5x55.

The only other caliber and gun that has caught my eye is the Haenel Jaeger 10 in .308

Will be targeting Sika mostly but do have a alot of permission for shooting Reds, just don't like shooting Reds because of they're size.

The creedmoor seems to have more haters than lovers without much background in the hunting department. Will also be shooting at the range aswell where we can stretch right out to 650 meters. Any advice would be very much appreciated!

I have a Sauer 202 in 6.5x55, a rifle that I got after using a mates. I reload so ammunition supply (components allowing) are not really an issue. But if I was relying on shop bought then that would be my first question. What can I get a good consistent (as much as it is atm) supply of ammo wise.
Preferably with a choice of weights makes and non toxic.
As far as suitability they use 6.5x55 for Moose, and CM launches the same bullets at similar speeds. So I wouldn’t be worried about using it for anything in the UK.

 

[GeorgeC]

Shot placement is far more important than calibre IMO

This!

Either will do the job, so take them down to the range and try them out for yourself.

 

[eldon]

I have a 308 and a 6.5 creed.
As the 6.5 is a lightweight outfit with a dpt mod, the heavy barrel 308 wearing a t8 rarely goes out these days: the 6.5 creed off sticks has been very effective.
These were taken on a single stick at about 100/125m and 10m apart.

 

[cjm1066]

What rifle? A Tikka T3 is only available in long action so 6.5x55 270 etc etc as well as shorter cartridges. A Sako 85 is available in a action the ideal length for the Creedmoor, other examples of differing cartridge specific action lengths are available?

 

[Hook'N'Bullet]

I've got a 20" tikka in .308. Thing shoots like a dream. 150gr pills drop sika on the spot with H/L shots. Haven't had one run more than 5-10 meters. I usually keeps shots to about 200 meters but that's just my capabilities. The gun will outshoot me much farther than that.

 

[Utectok]

My current guns are .308 and 6.5 and they both worked fine in all uk species of deer. Personally the .308 is a bit of a jack of all trades calibre whereas the 6.5 seems to be a little more precise at range and lower recoil . I reload for my 6.5x55 but if your factory get a CM which is pretty much the same ballistically. Generally I’d shoot 120gns through a 6.5 I think the traditional 140s are a little slow for modern bullets

 

[Gm81]

The gamechangers are an absolutely amazing bullet and are reliable at range. I absolutely love the things, it's just a shame they're few and far between nowadays!

I want to say I chronod mine with the gamechangers at around 2850fps or so, certainly puts reds down with authority

Everything is hard to get at the minute!
I really couldn't fault them either.

 

[Leroux]

Get the rifle and calibre that will make you happy. They will do the same job. I happen to have a 6.5 x 55 that I like a lot but you should ignore the creedmore haters if that is what you want.

 

[260madman]

If you yearn for the way life was the previous century get the Swede. If you like avocado toast, hand sanitizer, soy lattes, and pronouns, you know which one to get. Be a man among men and get a 260.

 

[Rutland lad]

My ‘go to’ rifle is a 6.5x55 shooting 124 grain home loaded Fox Classic Hunter out of a 51cm barrel.
Love it. Deals with muntjac, fallow, roe and sika on a regular basis.
Agree with above comments - a 120 grain bullet doing around 2900fps has the same energy no matter what the chamber shape it left the breech from.

 

[Muir]

Same old argument: what gives you the most variety if you don't hand load? It will always be the Creedmoor whether is be ammo, or as mentioned, the variety of weapons you can purchase it in.
6.5 CM kills elk every year here, in a country that has all but forgotten what it ever knew about the 6.5x55 and not felt the lack. Half the people that badmouth the Creedmoor in favor of the Swede have probably never shot the Creedmoor. If they had, and were honest about it, they would give you tell you there really isn't a speck of practical difference between the two. ~Muir

(Eleven 6.5x55 and seven 6.5 Creedmoors)

 

[Andy seatrout]

Like it or not, the Creedmor has “won” the 6.5mm argument. If you are intent on a 6.5 you need a very good reason not to go CM.

I have shot a couple of lorry loads of Sika with 120gr BT’s from my old 260. Big old 140gr swede loads are not a good answer for Sika. Some velocity is required.

We shoot Sika with 6.5 x 55 using 140gr Hornady SST factory…. Muzzle velocity is circa 2730 fps, my reloads are touching 2800…. So far they’ve all dropped on the spot…. As an earlier post has stated they’re not bullet proof. If you want to go faster there’s 129g SST and a load for 120gr copper 2870fps.

Personally I could be accused of bias as I’ve a 6.5x55 and not a creedmoor, but with the modern Swede actions you can load to a higher pressure ( look for SCAN data) which means there’s practically bugger all in it…. Pick the rifle you want. There’s nowt in it really…..

 

[Andy seatrout]

My ‘go to’ rifle is a 6.5x55 shooting 124 grain home loaded Fox Classic Hunter out of a 51cm barrel.
Love it. Deals with muntjac, fallow, roe and sika on a regular basis.
Agree with above comments - a 120 grain bullet doing around 2900fps has the same energy no matter what the chamber shape it left the breech from.

Logical and true!!

 

[Dunwaters]

While here’s nothing wrong with the Creedmoor it’s not ideal for sika. I use a Swede and a .270, the 270 hits noticeably harder.
Neither caliber gives a reliable blood trail, sika seem to be able to plug the exit hole with fat or other tissue, run like hell and hide even when well hit.
In your place I think I’d go with the .308 with a 130Gr copper bullet for everything except targets, but as always, your money, your choice.

 

[cjm1066]

Go for a 260 Remington and handload.

Probably some 2nd hand bargains to be had.

Line up all 3 and ask the deer the difference.

 

[Heym SR20]

Sika - you really need a 338 Lapua as a min. 50 BMG not too small.

 

[PaddyMac]

While here’s nothing wrong with the Creedmoor it’s not ideal for sika. I use a Swede and a .270, the 270 hits noticeably harder.
Neither caliber gives a reliable blood trail, sika seem to be able to plug the exit hole with fat or other tissue, run like hell and hide even when well hit.
In your place I think I’d go with the .308 with a 130Gr copper bullet for everything except targets, but as always, your money, your choice.

I'm stuck between .308 and 6.5 creed, Im never going to tackle anything beyond 250-300 yards anyway... Target shooting is more of a pastime it's not competitive and to get the 2 boys out of the house and let them plug away with the .22lr lol