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.

 

[4phw]

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.

Yeah after form on the exo podcast, sounds like 6mm is the way.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I have one in 6.5, it’s been stupid easy to make good loads for it. Additionally, when I was shooting factor ammo, I only found one that it didn’t like. I think it was hornady American white tail or something wierd like that.

 

[4phw]

I have one in 6.5, it’s been stupid easy to make good loads for it. Additionally, when I was shooting factor ammo, I only found one that it didn’t like. I think it was hornady American white tail or something wierd like that.

I’m excited. Had a tikka 7mm rem superlite for a season, found forms info, immediately sold it for a 6.5 creed. Shot a few animals but missed my tikka, so now I’m going to try the 6! Just wish it had a short barrel.

 

[BigDaddycornbread]

I have a 6 CM and 6.5 CM that I love !! I have a great deal of time and experience with both rounds and can’t imagine not owning both. That said if I had to get rid of one of them and only use one. I would stay with the 6mm. Flatter and easier to spot shots. (( not that the 6.5 is a high recoil rifle but the 6mm is half the recoil. In my opinion. 143 vs 108.

When it comes to killing power on game the 6mm has proven its worth and if I can’t do it ethically with the 6mm I shouldn’t be doing it with the 6.5 IMHO
And I have shot elk to 600 with the 6.5 CM

 

[schmidty3]

I dont see barrel life being a huge factor either unless you are doing competitions. And if you shoot enough near term to wear out a barrel you've got enough money to get a new barrel.

My 24" 6.5 creed tikka absolutely blooped factory 147s...2585 fps. (My handloads were like 2675. But I moved on to 140 hybrids at 2750 (real mild), and 144s at 2680 (also super mild). NRL context. )

Point being. 6.5 factory ammo gave me about a 600 yard terminal range.

6 creed probably adds 150 yards to that (?)

I'll be testing out an 18" 6 creed this year. Shooting for 116 tmks at 2750. That should get me to 700. Although if I think my shot will be over 400-500 I'll be toting my 25 prc. And if 22 creed was legal in Colorado I probably would've went that route. As it sits ive got a CO cow elk tag. Might just be a good test for a 116.

 

[43.6N]

Don’t compromise. Life’s too short.
If in your heart of hearts you really would prefer to have an 18” 6mm, then brother you need to make it happen.
Let the barrel life and factory ammo options land where they may.