Order of importance

[Lowedown]

As asked by OP, In order from most important to least of those 3 for me:

Impact Spotting
Wind Number
Drop

 

[Aussie Dan]

Get the 6 creed, yeah the extra 2in isn't exactly what you want, but thats an easier fix than having a rifle chambered in a cartridge you aren't 100% sold on.

 

[schmidty3]

Most guys wish they had 2" more, but you are wanting 2" less?

6 creed seems obvious to me.

Id save your pennies on cutting it, and buy an og6s to get some length back, and/or ammo. Shoot that barrel out and get a shorter one next time.

 

[TradLife406]

It's only like $150 max to get a barrel cut n threaded. I'd go 6 Creed. You have plus peak for it shortly. Cut it to 18 and go.
6.5 recoil can be stout in my experience in a light gun. I think they're full of that plus peak won't recoil any more than standard.

 

[43.6N]

D.Wilson mfg.
$175 to cut/thread. Not including any shipping/insurance.
3-4 week lead time.

Shop around, and if you can’t find a place that can do it faster or cheaper, I’ll personally vouch for this guys work.

He also runs sales during most major holidays.
4th of July was 17.76% off.

 

[DangerRanger]

Factory ammo changes this to being 100% a creed win

 

[Chris in TN]

The good news is, there's no bad choice here.

I reload almost exclusively and I bought a 6.5cm for the kids, last year, and I'd have no reservations whatsoever about any of your three choices, but I believe I'd go on and get the 6CM and have it chopped to 18".

Mainly, because while you can get a 20" 6.5cm now, I think - after a year with the one I bought - 20 with a can, is too long. 18" seems close to the sweet spot. Some people will say go 16" and I won't argue with them, but my .223 is 18" and it suits me incredibly well right now.

I agree that spending the money on having it chopped stings a bit, but do it anyway. YMMV and you'll get by with any of the choices you have.

 

[Marbles]

I would go 6 Creed and live with the long barrel for now. 20" is still too long anyway.

Not reloading, second choice would be 6.5 Creed.

Last would be 243.


Now, as I personally reload my preference order is 243>6 Creed>6.5 Creed.