I have changed my mind about as many times as my wife choosing a place to eat last night. I have exhausted all of the ballistic comparison articles and forum threads on the subject. The main purpose will be whitetails and hogs out to 400 yards, and I don't really punch paper besides a few practice sessions before season. I don't reload but will in the future. I currently have a Kimber Hunter in 30-06 that packs quite a punch since it is so light, and a Rem 700 in 243 that is a little underwhelming in the senderos in South Texas. Looking for more of a happy medium of recoil/shootability and performance downrange. I have narrowed it down to the Bergara B14 Ridge in two different calibers - 6.5 Creedmoor and 7mm-08... Yes, I know the fangirls will want to post just the caliber in the comments, but I am really looking for the why behind your preferred caliber. Pictures of performance on game would be even better. Thanks for reading and any advice you can share!

You’re not going to see noticeable performance difference on game. Pick one, it makes little difference between these two.

Had to do it, 6.5 CM.

Considering that you do not currently load the 6.5 is the way to go for ammo variety and availability. If you’re serious about starting to load soon then the 7-08 will put you into slightly larger game capabilities. Both are excellent cartridges.

I own both. I like both. Either will anchor a deer at 400 yards in the hands of a capable shooter. Like the poster above said, if you don't hand load go with the 6.5. It just seems to accurately eat all ammo and performs really well with production ammo at that.

^^Yup, yup

It’s pretty simple....

Do you own a pair of white sunglasses?
Do you wear flat billed hats?
Do you have a manbun?
Do you own a white belt?
Does your truck have the Cali lean?
Do you leave karts in the parking lots versus putting them where they go?

If you answered no to all the questions above...then you can buy a 7-08. Yes to any of those and you would fit in much better with the Creedmoor club.

Either one would be great for your needs. It really is a blonde vs. brunette type question.

6.5prc

Buy whichever one you can locate ammo for.

In the real world I don’t think you would ever notice a difference on game between the two. The 6.5 creedmoor might have a slightly less recoil in identical rifles depending on the exact load you shoot. I use a 7mm-08. I traded a 7 mag for it and the only reason I went with a 7mm-08 over a creedmoor was because I found the gun I wanted in 7mm-08 first.

.308?????

This. All things being equal once we get past the ammo shortage, it’s the most versatile of the three.

Haha this is very gun-dork funny.
I don't own either but I'd go 7-08. It seems like it comes down to a little more speed or a little more weight on impact. I think I'd rather have the extra weight and cross sectional area than a little more speed.

That is hilarious!

I'm guessing Judd either got beat by a 6.5 in a competition or he was bullied in school by a dude named Creedmor. We're here for you little buddy.

He drives a jacked up 4 door jeep, uses a step stool to get in it and would have a man bun if he had the hair. He doesn't go to grocery store anymore because he used a basket to get into his jeep when he forgot his stool, now he has it delivered via a phone app..... You know germs and all...


OP- Barneywho summed it up to a T

You have a 30-06 and .243. All bases are covered for hunting. Of course, that’s never stopped me from buying another gun.

Creedmoor for ammo availability and its just great as is the 7mm08

but for you, not being a reloaded, go Creedmoor

HEY, I love Judd, he's my go-to ballistician and build consultant

The .30-06 is never a mistake.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

FWIW I've seen Judd wearing white Oakleys

Ballistically speaking pick your poison....not enough different to see on game as far out as they should be used.
Now as far as anecdotal evidence it will be hard to find as many 7MM/08 users as there are Creedmoor users.... I think I know maybe 3 folks personally who have 7/08’s compared to Creedmoor users I couldn’t even count that high.

I have both. I'd pick the Creed if I was shooting factory ammo. The 143 ELD-X will outperform any bullet you can get in factory 7-08 ammo.

Thank you all for the great advice. It seems like the 6.5 is the way to go right now, but that just leaves the door open for a 7-08 short barrel build later once I start reloading.



This has me cracking up I'm honored to qualify though.



Exactly ^^^

Follow up question - what is your preferred factory ammo out of the 6.5 for whitetail and pigs? The two loads I have looked at is the 140 gr Accubond and 140 grain Federal Fusion for a slightly cheaper round.