I'm looking to purchase a new rifle. I'm looked through forums at nosia trying to compare 6.5 vs 308. The information I'm truly looking for I cant find. That is these 2 calibers at close range. I like the idea of the 6.5 for less recoil. But how does it do from 20-200 yards where most my Wisconsin hunting shots occur. Every time I Google the 2 all I get is how superior the 6.5 is at long range. But what about your normal 70 yard shot. Or even 20. Would love to hear from you guys/gals on this matter. Would probably shoot 143 eld x out of the creed or 150 accubond out of the 308.

Nothing against the 6.5CM my son shoots it and its plenty enough for deer and pigs, he's killed numerous pigs and deer from 80yds-350ish with no problem. I can't imagine you having any problems 20-200 yards, I'd say anything in that range would be pretty dead. The sectional density is nearly the same as a .308 On the other hand a .308 is hard to beat, either will exceed your expectations at the mentioned ranges with cup/core bullet. The .308 had the same hype when it first came out.

For your stated purpose I would go with the .308, unless you ever intend to shoot past 500-600 yds. My reasons for that answer 1) Heavier bullet options with the 308 if you wanted to step up to a 165-175.
2) Availability of 308 ammo off the shelf almost everywhere you go (at least until the next crisis occurs).
The 308 will do a fine job of taking animals inside 400-500 yds, and certainly from 200 in.

Both will work just fine, up close. Beyond 500 yards the 6.5mm hits a little harder.

Really, 200 yards and in, it's a flip of a coin. Both cartridges have tons of great factory ammo available, as well.

Coin flip. I would go with the Creedmoor for less recoil. Who is to say that you might have an opportunity to hunt elsewhere that would require long range shots. For those, the Creedmoor is the clear winner.

Thanks for your honest opinion, basically i think the .308 is loosing popularity.

I would also say a coin flip. In my opinion either would be fine within range limitations for anything in north America except maybe bear and I wouldn't feel scared to shoot the bears with either of them.

There are still quite a few people buying new rifles in .308, even tactical rifles for long-range (600+) shooting. I'm a member of the Tikka Facebook page and you wouldn't believe how many people buy new CTRs and TACs in .308. If anything, the LR game has breathed some new life into .308 sales. That may change in 20 years but it's not going to in the next 5.

I have both and agree with 68A, inside 500 I'm picking the .308. I find it highly likely I would never shoot a game animal beyond that distance anyway.

I vote 308 and would say 150 Accubonds are great but I used 150 NBTs at 2875 FPS and got full penetration and DRT on a mature mule deer, 2 whitetail, 2 Javelina and a 200 LB hog the last 2 years at ranges from 20 yards to 150 yards.

As far as recoil, there won't be a discernible difference between a 150 grain 308 at 2800 fps and 143 gain 6.5 bullet at 2700 fps.

It's been a NATO round since 1957 so it will always be popular an plentiful.

I have both like a lot of people and agree with this "As far as recoil, there won't be a discernible difference between a 150 grain 308 at 2800 fps and 143 gain 6.5 bullet at 2700 fps"

Now, you could also include the 7mm08 or even the 243 if recoil is a big concern

With decent hunting bullets they will also cleanly and easily kill game within a few hundred yards.

Having said that, my primary hunting rifle for the upcoming deer season will probably be a 16" 308

Military is testing 6.5 Creedmoor.

http://soldiersystems.net/2018/03/23/ussocom-adopts-6-5-cm/

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army...he-m4-and-5-56/

https://taskandpurpose.com/5-things-know-armys-plan-pick-new-rifle/

I think it is pretty obvious that for long range use the 6.5 is a better choice.. but for "normal" hunting distances.. I don't think it matters one bit..

I have used a 6.8 SPC for about 10 years and killed a LOT of deer and hogs with it..
I used to get into arguments with a friend who was obsessed with long range and everything HAD to be about high BC bullets.. He couldn't get it through his thick skull than inside of 300 yards it just really didn't matter.

He occasionally hunted with a 270 and would proclaim "it works" but I would tell him that he really should be running a 280 because it is a "ballistically superior round".. he would just stick with his "I kill stuff with my 270 fine within a few hundred yards"

exactly..

with the 6.5 creedmoor only being introduced a few years ago, it's incredible that anyone was ever able to hit a piece of paper out past 600 yards before now. it's revolutionary!, will change your life! and a host of other key words to make you think it's that much different than any one of 50 other rounds.

For those bucks up north with HUGE bodies...I'd go 308 with a 165-168 gr bullet. If recoil is a concern, get a little heavier rifle.

I can tell you didn't read the other posts in this thread.

I have both calibers and still use both. I use the 6.5 a little more often, just because it has a shorter barrel and it's handier in a blind. I still love the .308 and I think it's one of the best deer hunting calibers ever.

For shooting over 800 yards, I'll take a 6.5 Creedmoor over the .308, hands down. My 20" .308 stays supersonic with 175s to 900 yards. My 20" 6.5 Creedmoor stays supersonic with 143s to 1400 yards.

how do you know if someone shoots a creedmoor?

don't worry.... they'll tell you soon enough.

Hey did I tell you about the rifle I have...

308 based on availability and different bullet weights

If you get the 6.5CM don't rush to brag to any competent shooter, its equivalent to the guy who drives up in a Camaro running his mouth but yet he has the V6 wanna be Camaro.

When there was the ammo shortage, it was the common calibers that were the first ones back on the shelves. But it was the odd calibers like the Creedmoor that were the last ones on the shelves as the shortage started.

You may be right about the popularity thing, but who cares. Something else to consider... some future hunts(public or private) could require 30 caliber or greater on large game. You might not be interested now, but could be later. I own and enjoy rifles in both calibers. Either will do what you want.

This is something that I never considered. Good fruit for thought.

6.5 and don't look back