Shorty 6.5 creedmoor for big game

[BilboBaggins]

I really like wood/stainless rifles and the Ruger Hawkeye Hunter series is exactly that. Also want to suppress so the 16.6” model in 6.5 creed really caught my attention. I’d use it primarily for whitetail, no problems there, but how handicapped would I be when it comes to black bear or elk? I like the idea of having one do it all rifle so I’m considering buying the 22” 6.5 prc instead and chopping it to 17”. But would be nice to have a factory threaded version, not to mention money saved buying the shorty in creedmoor. Plan to throw on a 3-9x Trijicon and a scythe suppressor. Any thoughts?

 

[BilboBaggins]

Would I just be limited to sub 400 yards on big game?

 

[Ajsomp]

You’d be limited to 1800FPS terminal velocity. Depends on where you’re at. Plenty of guys rocking shorter creeds, but you get more range with a 6mm or 22 creed in the same length. If you don’t plan or care to shoot past 400 you’re probably able to get that in a 16”. Especially if you shoot 129 sst or 130s

 

[Seeknelk]

With my 16.5" tikka and hand loads with 140 eldm, I don't hit 1800 till past 700 yards. Factory loads would probably be 500 ish? Don't know, haven't shot em...

 

[RWT]

I am at 520’ above sea level. Shooting the Hornady Eldx 143 at 2428 FPS. 16” factory tikka lite running a TBAC 7 I am good to 500 yards at 1810 fps. At 6200 where I have a hunt planned I am above 1800 to 625 yards.

 

[43.6N]

There was a good thread over the weekend about 16 and 18” 65creed velocities.

500-600yds of useable hunting velocity is achievable with pretty standard reloading. 130gr bullets are my personal favorite.

 

[TradLife406]

Might be better going to a 6 or 22 creed in that barrel length. They're not punished as hard in velocity loss in a shorter barrel.

I could get close to 2700 in my 18" 6.5 if I stomped on the powder. By that point it wasn't fun to shoot.

Went to the 22 Creed at 16" and now I'm around 3k depending on bullet. And no recoil.