I'm referring to BC, more on this below.
You bring up a fair point. I and many others tend to look at 6.5 creed ballistics based on the many high BC 6.5 bullets available. That is the use case that the cartridge was designed around but that doesn't mean that people/manufacturers only load high BC bullets in them. When it doesn't take advantage of the sleek 6.5 mm bullet options things don't look as good on paper. Shooting light for caliber low bc bullets, a creed just doesn't have the case capacity to compete in the speed game. So if people judge a cartridge simply by trajectory it is unimpressive regardless. Folks in the precision rifle disciplines have long emphasized consistency, BC, and manageable recoil to shoot best because gravity (trajectory) is a constant. Most hunters lock onto trajectory numbers based on a long history of MPBR focus.
To generalize, a 6.5 creedmoor can push a 140 class bullet roughly the same speed as a 30/06 pushes a 180 class bullet. With the sleeker designed bullets, a 140 class 6.5 bullet typically has a slightly better BC than a 180 class .308 bullet. If two loads have roughly the same muzzle velocity but one has a little better BC and significantly less recoil, the hit percentages are going to favor that one.
Good points as well.
Recoil is definitely an advantage.
Of all the available cartridges 6.5 CM gets the most attention and an array of responses positive/negative/neutral. After seeing this for yers, I too, finally thought to myself what gives and started running some numbers. Mostly out of curiosity and maybe some interest. LOL
140 grain ELM-M has a sectional density .287. I compared that to a 30-06 178 grain ELD-X which has a sectional density .268. Not the exact same bullet but very close sectional densities with different jacket thickness.
At 500 yards, both have exactly the same drop 48". Wind drift 16.5" for CM 19.2 for 30 cal. Velocity at 500 yards within 50 fps so a wash but 6.5 CM a touch faster. Energy goes to 30 cal by 322 ft/lbs. Bullet hole and wound channel would go to 30 cal. Recoil 6.5 CM.
At 750 yards which I don't shoot but to understands 6.5 CM benefits: CM drops by 3" less, CM wind drift 7" less, velocity spread increased to 80 fps with CM still faster, energy still favors 30 cal by 196 ft/lbs. Bullet hole and wound channel 30 cal. Recoil 6.5 CM.
I can see the benefits of the 6.5 CM in particular for the long range guys/gals. The wind bucking benefits are clear. As to your point, more accurate with lots of shots same day due to less recoil couldn't agree more. Just makes sense. Also benefits those who don't like or prefer to avoid higher recoil cartridges.
If you want a bigger hole, bigger wound channel, and not recoil sensitive, well 30 cal.
Not sure I'll change. I don't shoot a ton. Not recoil sensitive. BUT I can see where this cartridge has a definite niche. For me, I can see it as a great Pronghorn and Mule Deer rifle. Not sure if I would give it the nod over my 30 cal for Elk. I would feel more comfortable with a bigger hole and wound channel. Just my preference.
Thanks for the direction and helping me understand where to run my comparison!!
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