As many have mentioned, keep your 6.5 Creedmoor, no need to invest in another rifle, especially if you are recoil sensitive. I have a 300 Win Mag, 6.5 CM and a 6.5 PRC. I love shooting the 6.5s they are so mild mannered and easy to shoo, with the opportunity of longer ranges on smaller critters.
I also agree that bullets are much more important than caliber. Look at Barnes copper TSX or TTSX bullets, they are a solid copper bullet with unmatched weight retention. You’ll want that for the bigger critters (elk, moose). For the little guys, your 6.5CM will give them a bad day.
I bought my 300 WM for moose in Newfoundland. Thinking I was going to be shooting out to 4-500 yards. Not realistic. I made the longest shot at 330 yards. The rest of the guys were at 100 yards and under. I bought the 6.5 PRC to set up for my girlfriend to go to Newfoundland. It will be plenty with a well made shot.
I’d rather use a smaller ridge that can be handled well, versus a bigger riffle that cannot be handled.
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