280ai or 6.5 creedmoor

MattB

WKR
Joined
Sep 29, 2012
Messages
5,743
Obviously you weren't/aren't aware of how it came to be because you said it was "marketing". The cartridge was pushed for and requested by a certain segment of shooters and competitors that wanted exactly what it offers- something no other factory cartridge does.

If that segment of shooters/competitors was the only segment buying guns chambered for the cartridge, I would agree with you - but that most obviously isn't the case. Why?

If you don't ever shoot beyond MPBR, or can not comprehend inexpensive factory ammo with excellent terminal and external ballistics, low recoil and guns setup to shoot that ammo..... Then yes, I suppose it's "marketing".

Do you believe the mass market shoots beyond MPBR and comprehends the benefit of inexpensive factory ammo with excellent terminal and external ballistics? The majority of people who buy a gun in this cartridge can't (and hopefully won't try to) realize its full potential. Practically speaking, there is very little difference between the 6.5 CM and the .260 or a 7mm-08 out to 300 yards where the vast majority of game is shot.
 

GKPrice

Banned
Joined
Sep 27, 2014
Messages
2,442
Location
Western Oregon
I've been following this thread and thinking about near every post, what I'm understanding here is that nearly every other cartridge noted herein could have the exact same arguments made in it's favor - I have not seen any one detail about the CM that sets it apart from any other well designed cartridge except for the "marketing" side of it - .280 AI wins the practical argument hands down where performance and versatility stand out and the 7mm-08 again wins in the short, handy AND performance argument - I too sometimes get passionate about something and find myself arguing double ended points which clearly is the case here - As a detailed point that's been erroneously stated, the 260 comes in 1:8 twist from some manufacturers (I've been that route before with 7mm, slow twist barrel that didn't sent the heavy bullet as expected but then limited my other choices - VERSATILITY trumps "next big thing" for me all day long
 

Formidilosus

Super Moderator
Shoot2HuntU
Joined
Oct 22, 2014
Messages
10,438
If that segment of shooters/competitors was the only segment buying guns chambered for the cartridge, I would agree with you - but that most obviously isn't the case. Why?



Because the same qualities that make a great LR field competition cartridge, also make a great medium range hunting cartridge.





Do you believe the mass market shoots beyond MPBR and comprehends the benefit of inexpensive factory ammo with excellent terminal and external ballistics? The majority of people who buy a gun in this cartridge can't (and hopefully won't try to) realize its full potential. Practically speaking, there is very little difference between the 6.5 CM and the .260 or a 7mm-08 out to 300 yards where the vast majority of game is shot.


I know without a doubt the amount of hunters that "care" about shooting past MPBR is significantly more than what older conventional hunters believe. Strict hunters do not account for nearly the amount of sales of ammunition and guns as they believe they do. The reason the WSM's, the .204 and the Ultra Mags aren't as common is because they are almost purely hunting rounds. 50-60 years ago hunters did account for a lot of ammo a guns, now it is the competition and shooting communities that do.
 
Joined
Jan 29, 2015
Messages
1,981
Location
Kalispell
All i know is i like shooting my 6.5 :) if i had a .280 AI - i would enjoy shooting it too :) they both kill stuff.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
 

MattB

WKR
Joined
Sep 29, 2012
Messages
5,743
Because the same qualities that make a great LR field competition cartridge, also make a great medium range hunting cartridge.

I know without a doubt the amount of hunters that "care" about shooting past MPBR is significantly more than what older conventional hunters believe. Strict hunters do not account for nearly the amount of sales of ammunition and guns as they believe they do. The reason the WSM's, the .204 and the Ultra Mags aren't as common is because they are almost purely hunting rounds. 50-60 years ago hunters did account for a lot of ammo a guns, now it is the competition and shooting communities that do.


It is my experience that most guys who shoot a lot handload and hence don't buy much in the way of ammunition. Many also have guns custom built or build them themselves rather than buy off the shelf. It's like archery shops, which don't make their money so much on the experienced archers who buy high end bows (and buy the most of the rest of it online) as the newbies who buy lower dollar, higher margin equipment - and all of it from the shop because they don't know any better. The salient point here is I believe you are overstating the amount of the market that serious shooters represent of factory rifle and ammunition sale. Bullets, brass and powder maybe, but not rifles and ammo.

But its more analogous to cars that can do 0-60 in 3.5 seconds or trucks that make 400+ HP. Very few people need or use either, but buyers get sucked into buying the capability because they want to think of themselves as the sort of guy who may need to accelerate that fast....or tow that much....or shoot 400 yards in 15 mph crosswind. Many want to think of themselves as guys who do and buy the capability, even though they aren't. Lucky for manufacturers the addressable market extends way beyond people who actually intend to take advantage of the full capabilities of their purchase.
 

MattB

WKR
Joined
Sep 29, 2012
Messages
5,743
Hornady marketing:

The first production cartridge EVER developed from the ground up to be a TRUE match cartridge, is now being loaded with Hornady hunting bullets that will take advantage of this true modern rifleman’s cartridge.

Originally developed from the ground up to give competitive shooters a factory-loaded cartridge that would allow them to compete and win in the highest levels of competitive shooting. With pedigree firmly rooted in precision shooting, the 6.5 Creedmoor is making its way into the world of hunting. Chambered in various hunting rifles, the 6.5 Creedmoor is making its debut as a hunting round in our Superformance, line of ammunition. Loaded with both the 120 grain GMX and the venerable 129 grain SST, the 6.5 Creedmoor brings a world of precision-based performance to the hunting arena, and it’s light recoil make it a DREAM to shoot for extended periods. It’s perfect for any North American game up to and including Elk.

In addition to the Superformance load, Hornady offers the 6.5 Creedmoor in our Match ammunition, loaded with the 120 gr. A-MAX and the 140 gr. A-MAX bullet. Hornady A-MAX bullets feature revolutionary AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Process) bullet jackets. Stringent quality control ensures proper bullet seating, consistent charges and pressures, optimal velocity, and repeatable accuracy.

Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Ammunition :: Rifle :: Choose by Caliber :: 6.5 Creedmoor
 

luke moffat

Super Moderator
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Messages
114
You could probably add 100# packs to that list too.

All i know is I am WAY more likely to hike 12 miles in a day with 100 pounds than to kill an animal over 400 yards. Have done both, just the 100 pound pack for 12 miles more ;)

But both I can count on less than one hand...combined ;)
 
Top