6.5 CM vs 1:9 twist 243

[timbernomad]

just a hypothetical question. If you had a choice to always hunt with either a 6.5 CM or a 1:9” twist 243, which would you choose? The lighter recoil of the 243 is obviously a huge upside, but the creedmoor lets me take advantage of high BC bullets like the 147 ELD-M. I understand things would be different if we were talking a fast twist 243 or a 6mm CM that could shoot 108’s.

In this thought experiment, basically any kind of North American hunting is on the menu. I have total confidence in the 243 to kill. I’m just wondering if the efficiency of the 6.5 CM makes it a better choice.

 

[RWT]

6.5. I can go low with 95’s or as high as 156’s

Hopefully someone will build a 125 6mm with a .700+ BC plastic tip that sheds 4 petals losing 80 grams of weight leaving the last 30% to remain as a lead core that turns sideways and takes out the offside rib leaving a goofball size exit hole. It then falls to the ground.

 

[Chris in TN]

just a hypothetical question. If you had a choice to always hunt with either a 6.5 CM or a 1:9” twist 243, which would you choose? The lighter recoil of the 243 is obviously a huge upside, but the creedmoor lets me take advantage of high BC bullets like the 147 ELD-M. I understand things would be different if we were talking a fast twist 243 or a 6mm CM that could shoot 108’s.

In this thought experiment, basically any kind of North American hunting is on the menu. I have total confidence in the 243 to kill. I’m just wondering if the efficiency of the 6.5 CM makes it a better choice.

For the distances I'm comfortable shooting at game animals, I simply don't think it matters.

My reasoning behind 6.5cm was a) wide availability of components/rifles, and b) good ballistics for practice at ranges beyond what I consider my hunting range. But I certainly wouldn't turn overlook a 9 twist .243 I already owned.

 

[AZ Gator]

For me, I wouldn’t want the limits of a 9 twist 243 barrel.

 

[Rich M]

6.5 does not have a lot of recoil. And yes - it can go lighter and heavier.
243 is basically 85 to 100 gr for deer.

Higher BC is for long range shooting. Bullet is still a soft cup and core, just slightly diff shape.

If you want to dream about shooting long range, or actually do it, then go 6.5. Nothing wrong with 6.5.

I bought a 243 this year. Not envisioning anything fancy in the future. Some target shooting, deer/antelope inside 400 yards. 243 is good enough for me.

 

[swampy14]

I would choose a 6.5 as I see it as the 21st century 308win.
(people don’t like when I say that )

It has an incredible range of bullet weights and my personal experience has been great.
I’ve shot at coyotes/bobcats all the way to red deer. All animals have been one shot kills. I lean heavy on using copper for max penetration.

 

[83cj-7]

So much more factory ammo for the 6.5 CM but I’m die hard .243. Im on my 4th 243 barrel shooting the 105 Amax at 2950 to 3100 fps. I can tell you that there is virtually no difference out to 700 yards between the two. Wind drift is nearly the same and deer don’t know the difference between the two. Just my $.02 and the 5000+ rounds of experience behind a .243.

Oh, the 105 will stabilize in a 9 twist.

 

[General RE LEE]

6.5 Creedmoor. I think the 6 ARC in a bolt action is a better spread if one owns a 6.5 Creedmoor. The 6 ARC you get even less recoil than 243 and it becomes a real utility.

 

[AZ_Hunter]

For me, I wouldn’t want the limits of a 9 twist 243 barrel.

Exactly. Same, I sold my old school 243.

A fast twist 243 is different. But between the OP’s choices, 6.5cm all day. With a can and good position, you can spot your impacts