Deciding Between Creedmoor and .308 Rounds

[ustasc]

Deciding Between Creedmoor and .308 Rounds
By Evan Avnet, USTASC

Deciding which type of round to use for your next hunting trip or competition can be an overwhelming decision, especially when it comes to the Creedmoor vs .308 debate. Both rounds are known for their accuracy and power, so it can be difficult to determine which one will give you the best performance. Let’s break down the differences between these two rounds so that you can make an informed decision about which is right for you.

The Creedmoor Round
The most common version is the 6.5mm, but each size offers different benefits depending on your needs. The modern Creedmoor was first developed in 2006 by Hornady Manufacturing Company and is typically used by long-range shooters. This round has a short neck design that gives it a higher ballistic coefficient than other rounds, resulting in increased accuracy at longer distances. It also has less recoil than some other rounds, making it easier for shooters to stay on target when firing multiple shots in rapid succession. Lastly, the Creedmoor round is known for its high velocity, which makes it ideal for long-distance shooting.

The .308 Round
The .308 round is a full-power rifle cartridge developed by the U.S. military in 1952 as a replacement for the 30-06 Springfield cartridge used during World War II and Korea. It is also widely used by law enforcement agencies as well as hunters around the world due to its accuracy and power at medium ranges (up to 1,000 yards). The .308 is available in a variety of bullet weights ranging from 150 grains to 200 grains, with heavier bullets offering better stopping power but less accuracy at long range distances than lighter bullets do.

Comparison
Both the Creedmoor and .308 rounds offer excellent performance at long range shooting distances up to 1,000 yards or more depending on your chosen bullet weight (heavier bullets will have less effective energy over longer distances than lighter bullets). However, when comparing these two rounds side-by-side there are some clear advantages that emerge:

-The Creedmoor typically has significantly less recoil than the .308 making it easier to shoot accurately over long distances without being distracted by recoil or muzzle rise;

-Due to its lower recoil impulse and increased powder capacity compared to other cartridges like the .30-06 Springfield or 7mm Remington Magnum; the Creedmoor offers superior accuracy over longer distances;

-Finally, while both rounds offer excellent ballistic performance at longer ranges; the Creedmoor excels at shorter ranges (100-400 yards) due to its higher velocity compared to other popular large caliber cartridges like the .30-06 Springfield or 7mm Remington Magnum; making it ideal for hunting or target shooting applications where shots may need to be taken quickly at closer ranges before game animals move out of sight again.

Ultimately, whether you choose the Creedmoor or the .308 round depends entirely on your intended application. If you plan on doing mostly long range shooting then either one should serve you well but if you plan on doing mostly short range shooting then perhaps consider opting for the lighter recoil of a Creedmoor round instead of a full powered .308 round.. No matter which option you choose just remember that practice makes perfect! With enough dedication and practice you can turn either one into an extremely accurate weapon capable of taking down game animals from hundreds of yards away! Good luck!

 

[pbharvey]

Some consideration should be given to ammo cost, .308 is about 30% less expensive isn't it?

 

[Squaregrouper]

My 2 cents...
Under 500yds the only advantage the 6.5 Creedmoor has over .308 is less recoil. From 500yds to 1000yds the Creedmoor starts showing its purpose. Beyond 1000yds, 6.5 Creedmoor is the superior round.

 

[Squaregrouper]

Some consideration should be given to ammo cost, .308 is about 30% less expensive isn't it?

Yes.
With the rapid rise in the Creedmoor's popularity, that gap is shrinking quite a bit. It has become really mainstream in the past 3-5yrs. Don't quote me, but I recall reading that in 2015, 6.5CM ammo sales weren't even in the top 20 rifle rounds and now its only beaten by .223 and .308 Win.

 

[AssMan]

My 2 cents...
Under 500yds the only advantage the 6.5 Creedmoor has over .308 is less recoil. From 500yds to 1000yds the Creedmoor starts showing its purpose. Beyond 1000yds, 6.5 Creedmoor is the superior round.

That's the way I see it, but depending on the gun, the recoil from .308 isn't that big of a deal anyway. I have a Creedmore rifle that I never shoot because of ammo $$ and availability. I may as well sell it.

 

[RFBfromDE]

NATO compatibility matters.

.308

 

[2500yards]

If you reload yourself, both 308 and 6.5CM will be expensive, but you will save money in the long run. Actually the 308 reloads cost me more than my 6.5 CM. Both great guns and capable beyond 1000. If it helpful, I hardly notice much of a difference in recoil between my AR-10 308 and AR-10 6.5 CM.

 

[RRomig]

I had a Creedmoor AR 10 for sale for weeks and after numerous people asking about 308 I switched the barrel and bolt and sold it within the hour. I still have one of each and there is little difference in day to day use but I find it easier to feed the 308

 

[steves1911]

I think the 308 is more versatile. Covers everything from 110gr varmint bullets to 220gr subsonic and everything in between. 308 seems to loose less velocity in 20" and shorter tubes too.