16” to 18” 6.5 creedmoor

[Tbugg90]

What is everyone’s opinion on a short barrel 18”6” to 18” 6.5 creedmoor for hunting whitetail deer out to 250 - 300 yards, or if going that short would it be better to go 308? It would be used with factory ammo as I do not have a reloader.

[shooterrex]

I have a 16" barrel Creedmoor that has hit steel @850yds.( Verry windy day)

I can regularly hit steel at 450 yds.

250-300 yds is a chip shot for that gun.

There is commercial ammo that that gun likes and others it doesn't shoot near as well.

For a hunting gun your not going to miss the extra 2" of weight or the slight decrease in muzzle velocity.

Edited January 21, 2023 by shooterrex

[sketch]

You could have either one.  Neither is short. Ammo is in your area. Available or not? Practice with what you have. R u buying a complete rife or parts.?  

[MtnMike]

If you get or build something with a quality barrel, either caliber will easily make shots in that range.  It is my understanding that the 6.5 Creedmoor's main advantage is a flatter trajectory beyond 300 yds.  I personally went with .308 for the increased availability and lower cost of ammo.  I have 2 different 16" barrel 308 AR rifles.  Using a bench and a shooting sled, one will shoot 2.5" groups at 250 yds and the other sub 2" at 250 yards.  The main limiting factor is me.  Interestingly (to me anyway) is the two guns like very different ammo.  One likes 150g, the other 178g.  I believe most Creedmoor loads use a lighter bullet still.  But I also know my old Remington .270 Win. bolt gun, using 130g rounds has always been more than adequate for taking whitetails. My only advice - is make sure you have a good quality barrel.

[Magwa]

I have killed many elk and deer with a 16 inch 308 loaded with Barnes 168 grain TTSX bullets factory ammo it is a deadly combo I am sure it would be fine for deer but not bigger game the 308 would be more versatile.....