6.5 CM or .243

[Longranger]

Several years ago I used my 300 RUM on a few goats and extended ranges and it was definitely overkill but when the winds are blowing on the prairie it’s nice to have a high BC Bullet moving a a good pace. Unless you have a fast twist barrel on the 243 so you can run the 103 eldx or Berger I would highly recommend going with the 6.5. Bullet selection is great and it packs more energy.

But if you shoot the 243 better go with that cause a well placed shot it what matters the most.

 

[mooserpete]

I’d go 6.5, but can’t go wrong with either one. Good luck!

 

[locofife]

I don't have any experience with the 6.5, but my boys and I have killed several antelope with my .243. It's an awesome caliber and works great as long as you put the shot in the right place.

 

[AGdent07]

I like the 6.5 for versatility of rounds and better performance in the wind. Shot my pronghorn at 410 yards. Be prepared and spend some time at the range

 

[Coloradoantelope]

Get a 25.06, best antelope gun hands down

 

[PonoHunt]

6.5

 

[Mitch291]

6.5 will have a better barrel life. 243 load hot are really hard on the throat. And 6.5 will buck the wind better


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Shotshill]

6.5 no jive
Not a long shot at 195yds but I had to shoot thru a varmint fence ( 15 yds ) as it quartered away walking uphill. As others said, shoot often and know your rifle.. Good luck.

 

[TreyPound]

enough advantage over 223 for me to justify buying one.

There are far more options for really great bullets and factory loads in 6.5 Creedmoor. Recoil is between 243 and 308, but much closer to 243. One of the huge advantages of 6.5 Creedmoor is that Hornady has made very good match grade factory loads readily available and reasonably priced. You can get match grade factory loads priced at about $30/box. Their American Whitetail hunting ammo is under $20/box. You won't see it at Walmart yet, but is in any decent gun shop or online.

If you compare 140-147 gr 6.5 loads to 150 gr 308 loads the 308 starts out 100-150 fps faster. But by having virtually the same bullet weight in 26 caliber vs 30 caliber means you'll get a much longer bullet and much better penetration on game with the 26 caliber bullet. Beyond about 200 yards the 6.5 is moving faster, has more energy and shoots flatter than 308 with 150's.

If you compare 6.5 to 270, both with 130 gr bullets the 270 only has a 100 fps advantage at the muzzle. But the better 6.5 bullets will pass the 270 at about 300 yards and out perform it at longer ranges. With 2/3 the recoil.

 

[JWP58]

Either/or

It will make zero difference.

 

[Chugaglug]

6.5 or 25-06

 

[LetItFly43]

I vote for 6.5. Never used one on an antelope, but I know it’s deadly on whitetail. super accurate. I know it’s the fad, but it’s the fad right now for a reason. Lots of great factory loads now available and the stores are stocking them more and more.

 

[Shotshill]

Lots of options, my spouse is now shooting a 6.5cm as well as me. I use a 308 for boar. Used the 6.5cm for the antelope last fall.
I concur with the gents that you need to put rounds down range.. I find bird hunting an excellent training method to rifle shooting in terms if locating/ focus/ squeeze on a target.
Your only shot may be a second or two sometimes. Good luck

 

[Mediocre Archer]

A 6.5 works too.
143 eldx at 340-something..Wyoming. Surprisingly wasn’t windy.

View attachment 88215

I absolutely love the 143 eld-x! Great goat!

 

[ClearCreek]

I know for a lot of people (me included) the planning and anticipation of a trip is very exciting.

But, don't over think it. With the firearms you mentioned, either will work just fine. As has been said, get into comfortable range and shoot an antelope; simple as that!

ClearCreek

 

[rjschill]

Another vote for the 6.5

 

[Kimber7man]

A 6.5 Creed or 260 with 130 VLD hunting works great...

 

[RTSJ]

Got both but love my T3x creed! Just so easy to get to shoot! It just loves 139 Scenars and RL26.


Roy

 

[Boo Radley]

Lots of good info. Both are deadly. My .243 loves 105gr VLD’s, and has handled a couple of nice Wyoming bucks. Good luck on your hunt.

 

[deerkiller]

unless a head shot about 98% will make a death dash when hit, does not seem to matter what they're hit with