Marketing from the gun and ammunition companies. I think most the guys responding aren’t using them. No reason you couldn’t use one if you wanted to though.
6.5 CM as a hunting cartridge... why?
- Thread starter Justabirdwatcher
- Start date
I think @Justabirdwatcher is lonely…
ismith
Well-known member
Negative, 256 Newton is a 6.5 and very close to the 6.5x06.
Thread has been great. With the bullets and powder we get to use every rifle is potentially a hunting rifle. And we got some pictures.
I forgot about that. I found a case antelope hunting years ago, to look at them you couldn't tell the difference. With the bullets available you probably couldn't either.
Justabirdwatcher
Well-known member
He says with 352 more lonely posts in two fewer years... LOL
Nah, I was just genuinely curious. But curiosity will get a guy killed too, so...
Justabirdwatcher
Well-known member
What about the suppressor made you come to that conclusion?
Forkyfinder
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2023
- Messages
- 2,920
@Justabirdwatcher - you shoot crossbows?
cgasner1
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2016
- Messages
- 3,274
Hearing the impact and the deer I killed at 200 yards I doubt a creedmore could of handled her
ismith
Well-known member
He's still a die hard 338 Win Mag fan, but he likes killing stuff with his 22-250 too.
Wind Gypsy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2017
- Messages
- 2,147
Yeah, cant complain about threads that bring out PSinclair pics detailing big dead animals shot with interesting rifles while donning the latest in mountain athlete technical apparel.
Justabirdwatcher
Well-known member
with a rimfire?
The Hedgehog
Well-known member
The 6.5 Creedmoor has seen a surge in popularity within the big game hunting world for several reasons. This cartridge, introduced in 2007 by Hornady, has quickly become one of the most sought-after calibers for hunters and long-range shooters alike. The factors behind its rise are multifaceted, encompassing ballistic performance, versatility, ease of use, and rifle compatibility. Below are the key reasons why the 6.5 Creedmoor is gaining traction in the big game hunting world:
1. Exceptional Ballistics Performance
High Ballistic Coefficient (BC): The 6.5 Creedmoor's projectiles, especially those with a high BC, are known for their superior aerodynamic efficiency. This results in less drag and more retained velocity at longer ranges, making it effective at longer distances than many other traditional hunting cartridges.
Flat Trajectory: The combination of a high BC and moderate velocity results in a relatively flat trajectory, meaning the shooter has to make fewer adjustments when shooting at varying distances. This is especially beneficial for hunters who may have to take longer shots in open landscapes.
Less Wind Drift: The 6.5mm bullet design, particularly with the use of modern polymer-tipped projectiles, offers excellent resistance to wind drift, a common challenge in long-range hunting and shooting.
Minimal Recoil: The 6.5 Creedmoor produces noticeably less recoil compared to larger calibers like the .300 Win Mag or .338 Lapua. This makes it easier for shooters, especially those who may be new to long-range shooting, to stay on target for follow-up shots. It's also less fatiguing over extended shooting sessions.
2. Efficiency for Long-Range Shots
Effective at Long Range: One of the major selling points of the 6.5 Creedmoor is its ability to reach out and touch targets at impressive distances while maintaining accuracy. Hunters, especially those who hunt in vast open areas or mountainous terrain, find the cartridge particularly useful for shots beyond 300 yards, and often even beyond 600 yards.
Lower Muzzle Velocity Loss: Even at extreme ranges, the 6.5 Creedmoor maintains good velocity and energy, ensuring that the bullet retains sufficient terminal energy to humanely take down large game like elk, deer, and even African plains game, depending on the bullet type.
3. Adequate Power for Big Game
Effective Energy Delivery: While it’s not the largest caliber available, the 6.5 Creedmoor offers a well-balanced mix of velocity, energy, and bullet construction, making it effective for medium-to-large game, such as elk, deer, antelope, and black bear.
Bullets and Expanding Projectiles: The availability of premium hunting bullets like Hornady's ELD-X, Nosler AccuBond, and Sierra GameKing ensure that the 6.5 Creedmoor can deliver adequate expansion and penetration to ethically take down big game. These bullets are designed to expand on impact, creating wound channels that provide quick and humane kills.
Moderate Recoil Helps with Accuracy: The lighter recoil means that shooters can make accurate follow-up shots without the distraction or fatigue that comes with heavier calibers, which is crucial when hunting larger game.
4. Rifle Availability and Compatibility
Wide Range of Rifles: The 6.5 Creedmoor is chambered in a variety of rifles, from lightweight hunting rifles to precision tactical models. This wide selection makes it accessible to a broad range of hunters, from those using bolt-action rifles to semi-autos or even AR-style platforms.
Availability of Ammunition: As demand has increased, ammunition availability has expanded. This has made the 6.5 Creedmoor a practical choice for hunters, as finding ammo is typically easier compared to some other niche cartridges.
5. Modern Design and Engineering
High-Pressure Design: The 6.5 Creedmoor is designed to operate at higher pressures, which allows for a more efficient powder burn and better overall performance. It allows manufacturers to load the cartridge to its optimal potential, providing more consistent velocity and accuracy.
Optimized for Modern Rifles: The 6.5 Creedmoor’s design is optimized for modern sporting and precision rifles, particularly in terms of magazine length and overall cartridge dimensions. This ensures the cartridge functions smoothly and reliably in a wide range of platforms.
6. Versatility
Hunting and Precision Shooting: While originally designed for long-range target shooting, the 6.5 Creedmoor has crossed over into hunting circles because of its excellent balance between power and accuracy. The cartridge’s ability to perform well at long distances, while still maintaining manageable recoil and effective terminal ballistics, makes it versatile for hunters who need to make precision shots in varied environments.
Multiple Game Species: While the 6.5 Creedmoor is well-suited for medium game like deer and antelope, it’s also effective on larger game such as elk when paired with the right bullet. This versatility across species adds to its appeal for hunters who pursue a wide range of big game animals.
7. Accuracy and Precision
Precision-Driven Popularity: The 6.5 Creedmoor was designed for long-range precision shooting, and it has earned a reputation for being one of the most accurate hunting cartridges available. Many factory rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor have exceptional accuracy out of the box, which appeals to hunters who want a reliable rifle for precision shooting at distance.
Shorter Barrel Lengths: The 6.5 Creedmoor performs well in shorter barrel lengths, which makes it a great option for hunters who prefer compact rifles. Despite its shorter barrel, it still delivers impressive velocity and accuracy, which is a distinct advantage for hunters who need to pack light but still shoot accurately at long range.
8. Reduced Barrel Wear and Maintenance
Lower Pressure and Velocity Compared to Larger Calibers: The 6.5 Creedmoor’s lower chamber pressures (compared to larger calibers like the .300 Win Mag) result in less stress on the barrel, meaning hunters can expect a longer barrel life and less frequent barrel replacement.
Cleaner Burn and Less Fouling: Because of its efficient powder burn, the 6.5 Creedmoor typically leaves less residue and fouling in the barrel, making it easier to clean and maintain, which is especially important for hunters who are on the go.
9. The Tactical Influence
Cross-Over from Military and Law Enforcement: The 6.5 Creedmoor gained early popularity in the military and law enforcement circles for its precision and long-range capabilities. The cartridge’s popularity in these fields has trickled down to civilian hunters, especially as hunters look for tools that offer precision similar to that seen in tactical applications.
Social Media and Influence: With a growing presence in tactical shooting sports, and increasingly visible on social media platforms, the 6.5 Creedmoor has become a popular choice for precision and long-range hunting enthusiasts who share their experiences and successes with the cartridge.
Conclusion
The 6.5 Creedmoor’s growing popularity in the big game hunting world can be attributed to its optimal combination of manageable recoil, flat trajectory, impressive long-range accuracy, and effectiveness on medium-to-large game. Hunters benefit from its versatility, widespread rifle availability, and ammunition choices, making it a highly attractive option. Whether for long-range precision hunting or shorter-distance shots, the 6.5 Creedmoor is proving to be a modern, effective, and reliable cartridge that meets the needs of a broad spectrum of hunters.
1. Exceptional Ballistics Performance
High Ballistic Coefficient (BC): The 6.5 Creedmoor's projectiles, especially those with a high BC, are known for their superior aerodynamic efficiency. This results in less drag and more retained velocity at longer ranges, making it effective at longer distances than many other traditional hunting cartridges.
Flat Trajectory: The combination of a high BC and moderate velocity results in a relatively flat trajectory, meaning the shooter has to make fewer adjustments when shooting at varying distances. This is especially beneficial for hunters who may have to take longer shots in open landscapes.
Less Wind Drift: The 6.5mm bullet design, particularly with the use of modern polymer-tipped projectiles, offers excellent resistance to wind drift, a common challenge in long-range hunting and shooting.
Minimal Recoil: The 6.5 Creedmoor produces noticeably less recoil compared to larger calibers like the .300 Win Mag or .338 Lapua. This makes it easier for shooters, especially those who may be new to long-range shooting, to stay on target for follow-up shots. It's also less fatiguing over extended shooting sessions.
2. Efficiency for Long-Range Shots
Effective at Long Range: One of the major selling points of the 6.5 Creedmoor is its ability to reach out and touch targets at impressive distances while maintaining accuracy. Hunters, especially those who hunt in vast open areas or mountainous terrain, find the cartridge particularly useful for shots beyond 300 yards, and often even beyond 600 yards.
Lower Muzzle Velocity Loss: Even at extreme ranges, the 6.5 Creedmoor maintains good velocity and energy, ensuring that the bullet retains sufficient terminal energy to humanely take down large game like elk, deer, and even African plains game, depending on the bullet type.
3. Adequate Power for Big Game
Effective Energy Delivery: While it’s not the largest caliber available, the 6.5 Creedmoor offers a well-balanced mix of velocity, energy, and bullet construction, making it effective for medium-to-large game, such as elk, deer, antelope, and black bear.
Bullets and Expanding Projectiles: The availability of premium hunting bullets like Hornady's ELD-X, Nosler AccuBond, and Sierra GameKing ensure that the 6.5 Creedmoor can deliver adequate expansion and penetration to ethically take down big game. These bullets are designed to expand on impact, creating wound channels that provide quick and humane kills.
Moderate Recoil Helps with Accuracy: The lighter recoil means that shooters can make accurate follow-up shots without the distraction or fatigue that comes with heavier calibers, which is crucial when hunting larger game.
4. Rifle Availability and Compatibility
Wide Range of Rifles: The 6.5 Creedmoor is chambered in a variety of rifles, from lightweight hunting rifles to precision tactical models. This wide selection makes it accessible to a broad range of hunters, from those using bolt-action rifles to semi-autos or even AR-style platforms.
Availability of Ammunition: As demand has increased, ammunition availability has expanded. This has made the 6.5 Creedmoor a practical choice for hunters, as finding ammo is typically easier compared to some other niche cartridges.
5. Modern Design and Engineering
High-Pressure Design: The 6.5 Creedmoor is designed to operate at higher pressures, which allows for a more efficient powder burn and better overall performance. It allows manufacturers to load the cartridge to its optimal potential, providing more consistent velocity and accuracy.
Optimized for Modern Rifles: The 6.5 Creedmoor’s design is optimized for modern sporting and precision rifles, particularly in terms of magazine length and overall cartridge dimensions. This ensures the cartridge functions smoothly and reliably in a wide range of platforms.
6. Versatility
Hunting and Precision Shooting: While originally designed for long-range target shooting, the 6.5 Creedmoor has crossed over into hunting circles because of its excellent balance between power and accuracy. The cartridge’s ability to perform well at long distances, while still maintaining manageable recoil and effective terminal ballistics, makes it versatile for hunters who need to make precision shots in varied environments.
Multiple Game Species: While the 6.5 Creedmoor is well-suited for medium game like deer and antelope, it’s also effective on larger game such as elk when paired with the right bullet. This versatility across species adds to its appeal for hunters who pursue a wide range of big game animals.
7. Accuracy and Precision
Precision-Driven Popularity: The 6.5 Creedmoor was designed for long-range precision shooting, and it has earned a reputation for being one of the most accurate hunting cartridges available. Many factory rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor have exceptional accuracy out of the box, which appeals to hunters who want a reliable rifle for precision shooting at distance.
Shorter Barrel Lengths: The 6.5 Creedmoor performs well in shorter barrel lengths, which makes it a great option for hunters who prefer compact rifles. Despite its shorter barrel, it still delivers impressive velocity and accuracy, which is a distinct advantage for hunters who need to pack light but still shoot accurately at long range.
8. Reduced Barrel Wear and Maintenance
Lower Pressure and Velocity Compared to Larger Calibers: The 6.5 Creedmoor’s lower chamber pressures (compared to larger calibers like the .300 Win Mag) result in less stress on the barrel, meaning hunters can expect a longer barrel life and less frequent barrel replacement.
Cleaner Burn and Less Fouling: Because of its efficient powder burn, the 6.5 Creedmoor typically leaves less residue and fouling in the barrel, making it easier to clean and maintain, which is especially important for hunters who are on the go.
9. The Tactical Influence
Cross-Over from Military and Law Enforcement: The 6.5 Creedmoor gained early popularity in the military and law enforcement circles for its precision and long-range capabilities. The cartridge’s popularity in these fields has trickled down to civilian hunters, especially as hunters look for tools that offer precision similar to that seen in tactical applications.
Social Media and Influence: With a growing presence in tactical shooting sports, and increasingly visible on social media platforms, the 6.5 Creedmoor has become a popular choice for precision and long-range hunting enthusiasts who share their experiences and successes with the cartridge.
Conclusion
The 6.5 Creedmoor’s growing popularity in the big game hunting world can be attributed to its optimal combination of manageable recoil, flat trajectory, impressive long-range accuracy, and effectiveness on medium-to-large game. Hunters benefit from its versatility, widespread rifle availability, and ammunition choices, making it a highly attractive option. Whether for long-range precision hunting or shorter-distance shots, the 6.5 Creedmoor is proving to be a modern, effective, and reliable cartridge that meets the needs of a broad spectrum of hunters.
The Hedgehog
Well-known member
That was faster than typing JFC big bird!
BAKPAKR
Well-known member
You could write for American Hunter.
TheJason
Well-known member
I’ve killed a pretty good pile of animals with my 6.5 and monos. 124 Hammers at 2990 FPS from a 22”barrel. Killed a deer, bear and elk with it this year.
I’ll sing its praises.
Last edited:
Time flies when you’re having fun I guess
Similar threads
