6.5 Creedmoor vs 300 win mag

[pkgtot66]

I am purchasing a x bolt stalker long range, that is decided unless the HC LR comes down in price.


I will be using mostly for Whitail and elk, when I can get west. I wanted a rifle that I can take down just about anything and have fun shooting and honing skills for long range. The kick on the 300 doesn’t worry me as I shoot a 10 gauge 3 1/2” pump with goose loads all the time. Shooting will be within 400 yards for game as of now I shoot under 200 yards because luckily they come close. I will be stretching skills when I learn more to 1000 for target.

I would like help to understand the 6.5 vs 300 when comparing them for my one work horse rifle. I have had many tell me the 6.5 isn’t great at short range but, I am looking to this forum. You all usually provide quantitative and quality info.

Thanks,

 

[Desk Jockey]

Hmmm. There are a hell of a lot more informed people than me running around here to comment.

I would say you aren’t comparing apples to oranges but they are definitely different tools. More like a nice sweet tangerine to a big ass juicy grapefruit. Both are great but it really depends on your preference. Both will be good medicine for whitetail. Elk? Maybe the 6.5 is a little light. I don’t know. Each will do 400 yards Fine and 1000 is doable with both as well. The 300 will hit harder regardless of distance.

If you do a lot of paper punching the 6.5 will be cheaper and nicer to shoot. The 300 with be a longer action, likely heavier gun. Shorter barrel life and higher cost per round.

Both are great. Just at opposite ends of the North American big game caliber debate. Fortunately they will both be great regardless of which you choose.

 

[Ashy Larry]

I would almost split the difference and go 7mm mag. Large differences between the two. Kinda like 12 gauge vs 410. 308 vs 6.5 is almost a better comparison, and of those I would go 308 if you're wanting some elk action.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

You couldn’t have picked cartridges that are much different. You’re comparing a short action cartridge vs a magnum cartridge. Either will work for your application, but the 6.5 CM is on the light side for elk. Of the choices that are offered in the stalker long range, I personally would choose any of the cartridges in the middle as an all a rounder (308, 270, 30-06, or 7 mag). It’s worth remembering that factory ammo for the magnums will be significantly enough more expensive. If I could have two rifles, one for deer and one for elk, I would get the 6.5 for deer and the 300 win for elk. Neither is the most practical all arounder in my personal opinion, but either would work.

 

[hodgeman]

I hunt with both and I agree with the previous posters...these really aren't cartridges in the same league.

If you routinely hunt game bigger than deer...go with a .300. If you're a deer hunter who might occasionally hunt an elk...the 6.5 might be the right choice.

The 6.5 will certainly take down an elk, but I have a hard time thinking it's a great elk rifle in the same way you can kill the heck out of a deer with a .300...but it's really the wrong tool for that job.

I have a hard time considering the 6.5 or the .300 as a "one rifle" proposition unless you're a whitetail specialist or hang out in Alaska.

Answer your own question by what you hope to do with it. The 6.5 will be much more pleasant at the range, and considerably cheaper to shoot.

 

[blkqi]

You are comparing two very different chamerings and, honestly, neither is a good all rounder for your style of hunting. Look for something in between. Example: a 7mm-08 would give you a very similar results to a 6.5CM on paper, but allow you to load heavier bullets for hunting closer ranges.

 

[Mr Drysdale]

Both will and have killed a lot of animals but are totally different. I think you get both.

 

[dah605]

From my perspective, it should be an "and" instead of "or" if those 2 calibers are the options. As others have noted, they are very different. If you are looking for a single rifle that can do the job, I would look at a 7mmRM or a even a 308Win. Both will meet your short term requirements, but the 7mmRM will meet the longer range requirements down the road.

 

[howl]

Shotgun to rifle recoil does not compare well because of velocity of recoil and how you use them. Put the 10 gauge on sand bags on the bench. Try to put high velocity, heavy loads through the same hole in a target 20 times in a row. You'll get very tight patterns to see this at ~15 yards with a full choke. Maybe you are one of those who thinks that sort of thing is fun. Plenty do.

The similarity between the two cartridges is you can get them to fly the same. Owning one each would be a good choice. Use the 6.5 for everything unless you need the smack of the .300. The which will be hardly ever. I'd get the 6.5 for deer and targets, if those are truly the intended uses. If you do go elkin', pick up a cheap .300 and move the scope over from the 6.5. You can often find a good deal on a .300 mag from someone who bought an elk rifle they didn't really need.

Using picatinny mounts and a quality scope with accurate turrets makes moving your scope around quicker and easier.

 

[Josh Wright]

Of the two, I'd get the Creed.

If you want to go with a 6.5 that will outperform the .300, get a 26 Nosler.

 

[pkgtot66]

Thank you for the input. I should also note I have a 30-30, .243, and will inherit a 270. My wife has access to a 30-06 and it will eventually be ours. I realize the difference in the two but, figured they were a closer comparison for LR thank you!

I have always been fascinated with the 300 win mag and can find its ammo anywhere. To be 100% honest it’s been the round I’ve always wanted, second only to 338 LaPua.

I appreciate all of the comments and like to continue the convo on why one over the other. I will be buying more rifles but, this is to be my go to until I can have both.

 

[bhylton]

30-06?

 

[wannakillabigbull]

I appreciate all of the comments and like to continue the convo on why one over the other.

Alright thanks for the additional info, that helps. At this point I think it comes down to the fact that you want a stalker long range.

For the model rifle you want the 300 win is only 3/4” long and 5 oz heavier. To me neither of those would be deal breakers. If the creedmoor were a lot shorter and lighter I might suggest that, but the differences aren’t much. The gun also comes with a brake. With all that said I think you should go 300 win. It’s going to be just as easy to maneuver with as the creedmoor in the rifle you want, and the brake should negate the recoil concern. With the creedmoor I might be concerned about being a little light for elk. You’ll never feel that way with the 300 win.

 

[Steve O]

There is no better “do it all” cartridge than the 300 Win. There is no comparison between the puny 6.5 Creedmore on the 300 Winchester.

 

[pkgtot66]

30-06?

I have access to a 30-06 and there are two in the family. So, I don't really want another 30-06 but, as many say its kind of the go to rifle in NA.

Thanks for keeping the convo going. My father-in-law and I have dreamt of going west for an elk and he is getting to the age now, where we need to go sooner versus later to ensure he can get through the hiking. So, we have put it on the books for 2018 or 2019 pending we find somewhere to go. We are always looking for someone to exchange a hunt here in Missouri for a hunt west but, we can start another thread on the correct page for that.

Since the 300 has a known recoil, that is one of the reasons I went with the stalker because it comes with a muzzle break and a heavy barrel. I know the weight doesn't make it an ideal mountain option but, I am pretty athletic and fit and will make it work. My local shop mentioned the 300 also because of the wide variety of options in ammunition for all kinds of game.

Stupid question- When considering optics and a magnum caliber, is there anything I should know or consider? Currently looking at the Leupold VX-5 HD 3x15 and not sure of the type.

I appreciate all the input and want to continue learning...

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

I have 2 Creedmoors and a 300 winny. As far as elk go I would not have a problem shooting one with the 6.5 but I also have elk right outside my door. If I were traveling to hunt elk then the 300 would go with for sure. If you need some help finding a place to hunt elk, get a point here in Wyoming next year then draw a general tag the following year and pm me. Or better yet get a point next year and draw a type 6 cow/calf tag and go hunt!

 

[elkguide]

Having seen elk killed with every caliber including 25:06; 30-30; 44 mag and all the way to a 338 Lapua. I was happiest to see a hunter come into camp carrying a .300 that they were familiar with. I hunt whitetails, mule deer and elk and while a have many rifles to choose from, it seems like the rifle I always grab is a .300 Win Mag. (in the last 2 years, a cow elk at 360 and 7 deer from 50 - 326 yards)

But I would really suggest buying one of each as both are great calibers.
Now to decide which breed to go with?????????

 

[howl]

If I'd always wanted one, I'd get that. With so many options that will all work well enough, personal preference is as valid a criteria for a decision as any.

Don't get a muzzle break unless you have the extraordinary ability to ensure you wear hearing protection for every shot; no matter how much time you have or how forgetful you are. Mess up once with a braked .300 and you'll likely hear that ringing in your ears for the rest of your life.

 

[pkgtot66]

If I'd always wanted one, I'd get that. With so many options that will all work well enough, personal preference is as valid a criteria for a decision as any.

Don't get a muzzle break unless you have the extraordinary ability to ensure you wear hearing protection for every shot; no matter how much time you have or how forgetful you are. Mess up once with a braked .300 and you'll likely hear that ringing in your ears for the rest of your life.

Can you explain in more detail? This comes with a seamless muzz break. I always shoot with eyes and ears but, need to get some electronic ears to wear while hunting/shooting so I can hear game.

I will gladly take you up on the hunt. Pm me so we can discuss the details.

The stalker offers a lot of bang for your buck and they fix brownings here by my house. (Arnold,mo). I take my shotguns there once every couple years to have them do a deep clean.

 

[pkgtot66]

I have 2 Creedmoors and a 300 winny. As far as elk go I would not have a problem shooting one with the 6.5 but I also have elk right outside my door. If I were traveling to hunt elk then the 300 would go with for sure. If you need some help finding a place to hunt elk, get a point here in Wyoming next year then draw a general tag the following year and pm me. Or better yet get a point next year and draw a type 6 cow/calf tag and go hunt!

Pm me so we can chat