The creeds

[4phw]

Have an opportunity to get a new rifle.
-for sure a factory tikka
-factory loads for now
-western big game

I’ve been looking at 6.5 creed, 6creed, and a little bit at the 243. I know I shoot much better with lower recoil. I’m looking at a factory roughtech 6.5 with a 20” barrel, or 6mm with an 18” (chopping it when I get it). Velocity is very similar with 108 and 140gr ELDM. Is there any reason to buy the 6.5 over 6 besides barrel life and ammo availability? I’ve read through all the threads between the 6 and 6.5. Is there something I’m missing? Just want to make the most informed decision as possible. Both will be topped with a SHV or 1.2. Both suppressed as well. Anything else I’m missing?

What would you do in my shoes?

 

[nm.otter]

6mm offers lower recoil, but at the cost of shorter barrel life and limited options for factory ammo. Those things may or may not matter to you.

 

[RWT]

6.5 CM. You will have 10X the ammo selection.

 

[UnckleBob]

Why not keep the velocity of a 20" 6 CM if you are considering it against a 20" 6.5 CM?

 

[Aussie Dan]

Bith are more than capable options, so Id look at the whole picture like this.

Which option has-
The most ammo factory options?

Longest barrel life?

Has the velocity needed for the game youre targeting At the distances youre hunting?

Which cartridge has the most component availability for when you reload?

Is 1 or the other substantially cheaper to shoot for you? you might find a bargain on factory ammo or components to suit one or the other which might help sway your decision.

 

[Slick8]

I know it's not the sexy choice but I say the 6.5 creed.

Much larger ammo selection being the top factor for me.

It also beats the 6 in barrel life by 2x or 3x plus the 6 creed isn't made by Tikka, that I know of.

A 243 Win in Tikka wouldn't be a bad option but is there very much in the line of heavy / high BC bullets which makes the 6 creed so popular?

 

[4phw]

Why not keep the velocity of a 20" 6 CM if you are considering it against a 20" 6.5 CM?

Factory 6.5 comes in 20” barrel that I’m okay with. 6creed is 22” and I’d chop it to 18 since I’m cutting it anyway.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

6cm available now and not sure why you need a whole bunch of ammo options.
Nice if you’re a tinkerer.
Find one that works or a load and get 500.
If strictly a hunting rifle and not doing a bunch training that will last years.
Can’t go wrong with either though.