The 6.5 Creedmoor took the long-range shooting world by storm for many reasons. Is having comparable performance to the 300 Winchester Magnum one of them?
In this 6.5 Creedmoor vs. 300 Win Mag comparison, we’ll dive into the characteristics that matter most to a majority of shooters and hunters. In doing so, we’ll help you determine which is better for your situation.
Let’s get started with the differences between the 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 Win Mag.
Differences Between 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 Win Mag
True to its name, the 300 Win Mag is a magnum cartridge, which (among other things) means it requires the longest of actions. Conversely, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a short-action cartridge, and therefore compatible with substantially lighter and more compact rifles.
Let’s begin by observing the differences in these rounds’ specifications. We’ll then compare each cartridge’s performance relative to the other’s, including recoil, trajectory, barrel life, and many others. This article won’t make you an expert, but it should help you decide which of the two rounds you should prefer in any given scenario.
Cartridge Specs
There’s no mistaking these cartridges for one another at first glance. The 300 Win Mag is wider, longer, and evidently more powerful than the 6.5 Creedmoor. The 300 Win Mag also has a belt: a raised ring near the base of its case, where the 6.5 Creedmoor has none.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is based on the 30 Thompson Center cartridge. Its design includes a 0.2644” diameter bullet, 0.295” diameter case neck, 0.4703” diameter base, and a 1.92” case length; and an overall length of 2.825”. The case contains up to 52.5 grains H2O of propellant and has a maximum pressure of 62,000 psi.
The 300 Win Mag is based on the 375 H&H Magnum cartridge. Its design includes a 0.308” diameter bullet, 0.339” diameter neck, 0.513” diameter base, a 2.62” case length, and an overall length of 3.34”. The case contains up to 93.8 grains H2O of propellant (approximately) and has a maximum pressure of 64,000 psi.
As you can see, the 300 Win Mag is a behemoth of a cartridge. But is bigger always better? Continue reading to learn the relative pros and cons of having so much more oomph than the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Recoil: 6.5 Creedmoor vs. 300 Win Mag
I do not recommend either of these cartridges to a beginner because both have stout kick.
For most shooters, less is always better when it comes to recoil. The lower the recoil, the lower the discomfort. Lower recoil also produces less muzzle rise, which shortens the amount of time the shooter has to spend restoring their aim on target. Lower recoil often causes the shooter to flinch less while firing, which does even more to promote better accuracy.
The amount of recoil a shooter actually feels is subjective. Basing any comparison on felt recoil would therefore be pointless. Free recoil energy, on the other hand, is purely objective, as it is the product of four measurable variables: projectile weight, propellant weight, muzzle velocity, and firearm weight.
6.5 Creedmoor free recoil is about 18.5 ft-lbs (143 grain bullet, 2,650 fps muzzle velocity, 8-pound rifle). That’s not light like the 5.56 NATO, but it’s also not a shoulder bruiser.
300 Win Mag free recoil is about 31.5 ft-lbs (180 grain bullet, 2,960 fps muzzle velocity, 8-pound rifle). The magnum cartridge approaches shoulder-bruising territory for many shooters, which is why 300 Win Mag rifles are frequently outfitted with muzzle brakes.
The 6.5 Creedmoor’s significantly lower recoil wins this section.
Continue reading 6.5 Creedmoor vs. 300 Win Mag: Is a Magnum Cartridge Really Better? on Ammo.com
