The debates between the 7mm-08 and 6.5 Creedmoor have never seemed to reduce the heat. These two cartridges are among the highest-quality ammunition for long-range rifles.
Which is better among the 7mm-08 vs 6.5 Creedmoor? If you have narrowed your selection to two cartridges, I will help you figure out the more suitable one.
After reading this post, you can gain more insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and core differences. Keep scrolling down right now!
What is 7mm-08?
The 7mm-08 is a popular cartridge used in firearms. It combines the bullet diameter of 7mm with the case of the .308 Winchester, resulting in a versatile and effective round. It’s like a fusion of the best qualities from both calibers!
The 7mm-08 offers a good balance between manageable recoil and impressive ballistic performance. It’s often chosen for hunting various game, including deer, elk, and even some larger species. The bullet selection is quite diverse, with options ranging from light, fast rounds for smaller game to heavier bullets for larger animals.
One of the advantages of the 7mm-08 is its versatility. It provides excellent long-range accuracy and sufficient stopping power while still being comfortable to shoot. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters alike, which makes it a popular choice for hunters and target shooters.
If you’d like to dig deeper into the technical details or want to explore further, I recommend checking out reputable firearms websites such as the National Rifle Association’s website (www.nra.org) or the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (www.saami.org). These sources can provide you with more specific information, including ballistics data and recommended bullet types.
What is 6.5 Creedmoor?
6.5 Creedmoor is a popular rifle cartridge known for its exceptional long-range accuracy. It was introduced in 2007 by Hornady, a well-respected ammunition manufacturer. The cartridge is named after the Creedmoor range in New York, which has a rich history in precision shooting competitions.
One of the main reasons 6.5 Creedmoor gained popularity is its excellent ballistic performance. It’s designed to be very aerodynamic, which means it maintains a stable flight path even at long distances. This makes it a fantastic choice for precision shooting and long-range competitions.
The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge uses a .264-inch diameter bullet and has a relatively moderate recoil compared to other long-range cartridges. This makes it more accessible to a wider range of shooters, including those who are new to long-range shooting or those who prefer less recoil.
The cartridge has gained a strong following among hunters and precision shooters alike. Its accuracy and long-range capabilities make it effective for hunting medium to large-sized game, such as deer or elk, even at extended distances.
In terms of availability, you can find 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition and rifles in many firearm stores and online retailers. It has become quite popular, so sourcing both the ammunition and firearms chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor should not be a problem.
If you’re interested in learning more about 6.5 Creedmoor or firearms in general, there are several reputable sources you can explore. You can visit the official website of Hornady, the company that developed the cartridge, at www.hornady.com. They provide detailed information about 6.5 Creedmoor and other ammunition they manufacture.
Additionally, there are numerous online forums and communities dedicated to firearms and shooting sports where you can find discussions, tips, and personal experiences related to 6.5 Creedmoor. Some popular forums include www.ar15.com and www.snipershide.com.
The Differences Between The 7mm-08 Vs 6.5 Creedmoor
The design and size of a pellet are the main factors that affect its shooting performance. Let’s first take a look into the core differences regarding the sizes and specs of these two cartridges.
| Features | 6.5 Creedmoor | 7mm-08 |
| Parent Casing | 0.308 Win | Nato |
| Bullet Size | 0,256 inches | 0,224 inches |
| Bullet Diameter | 0,264 inches (6,7 mm) | 0,284 inches (7,2 mm) |
| Rim Diameter | 0,473 inches (12 mm) | 0,473 inches (12 mm) |
| Case Capacity | 52,5 gr (H2O) | 52,2 gr (H2O) |
| Case Length | 1,92 inches (48,8 mm) | 2,035 inches (51,7 mm) |
| Wind Drift (100 yards) | 0,7 inches | 0,7 inches |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 2183 (140 gr) | 2481 (140 gr) |
| Muzzle Velocity (FPS) | 2650 (140 gr) | 2825(140 gr) |
| Max Pressure | 62,000 psi | 61,000 psi |
7mm-08 Vs 6.5 Creedmoor Balistics
7mm-08 Balistics
| Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 100 yards (inches) | 200 yards (inches) | 300 yards (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 2,900 | -1.2 | -3.7 | -8.3 |
| 140 | 2,800 | -0.9 | -3.1 | -7.1 |
| 150 | 2,750 | -0.8 | -2.8 | -6.3 |
| 160 | 2,700 | -0.6 | -2.4 | -5.5 |
| 175 | 2,650 | -0.5 | -2.0 | -4.7 |
6.5 Creedmoor Balistics
| Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 100 yards (inches) | 200 yards (inches) | 300 yards (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 2,800 | 2,192 | -1.6 | -4.7 | -10.6 |
| 129 | 2,800 | 2,265 | -1.6 | -4.7 | -10.5 |
| 140 | 2,700 | 2,310 | -1.6 | -4.6 | -10.4 |
| 143 | 2,675 | 2,338 | -1.6 | -4.6 | -10.3 |
| 147 | 2,625 | 2,408 | -1.7 | -4.9 | -11.1 |
7mm-08 Vs 6.5 Creedmoor Cartridge Sizes
| Cartridge | Bullet Diameter (inches) | Case Length (inches) | Overall Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7mm-08 Remington | 0.284 | 2.035 | 2.8 |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 0.264 | 1.920 | 2.825 |
Since the 7mm-08 and 6.5 Creedmoor are designed for short-action rifles, they feature a similar rim diameter, standing at 0.473 inches.
There are slight differences between the case length of these cartridges: 1,92 inches for the Creedmoor and 2,035 inches for the 7mm-08.
Despite the Creedmoor being shorter than the other, they can store more powder, which is 52.5 gr (0.3 gr higher than the 7mm-08).
The most prevalent bullet weights for each cartridge overlap significantly.
In general, many factories use the bullet between 120-160 grains for the 7mm-08 cartridge, while the 6.5 Creedmoor uses the bullet from 95 to 160 grains.
For this reason, the 6.5 Creedmoor provides shooters with more options in bullet weight. Last but not least, these two cartridges have nearly identical max pressure, around 61,000 to 62,000 psi.
7mm-08 Vs 6.5 Creedmoor Availability
| Availability | 7mm-08 | 6.5 Creedmoor |
|---|---|---|
| Ammunition Brands | Widely available from multiple manufacturers | Widely available from multiple manufacturers |
| Rifle Models | Available in a variety of bolt-action rifles and some semi-automatic rifles | Available in a variety of bolt-action rifles and some semi-automatic rifles |
| Local Retailers | Commonly found at most well-stocked firearm stores | Commonly found at most well-stocked firearm stores |
| Online Retailers | Readily available from numerous online retailers | Readily available from numerous online retailers |
| Price Range | Prices can vary but generally falls within a moderate to higher price range for both ammunition and rifles | Prices can vary but generally falls within a moderate to higher price range for both ammunition and rifles |
The 6.5 Creedmoor is one of the most common cartridges in the USA nowadays.
The 7mm-08 might not be as prevalent as its counterpart. However, this cartridge type is still popular with a large number of loyal users.
Since they are very prevalent among shooters, many top ammunition manufacturers understand the consumers’ needs and provide a wide range of quality 6.5 and 7mm-08 cartridges for hunting and shooting competitions.
Both types of ammunition are often relatively simple to find and are compatible with many firearms. The shooters have a wide selection of 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm-08 ammo in stock.
7mm-08 Vs 6.5 Creedmoor Recoil
| Recoil | 7mm-08 | 6.5 Creedmoor |
|---|---|---|
| Felt Recoil | Moderate | Moderate to Light |
| Recoil Energy (Approximate) | 15.5 ft-lbs | 11.5 ft-lbs |
| Recoil Velocity (Approximate) | 10.3 ft/s | 9.4 ft/s |
The 6.5 Creedmoor and 7mm-08 have built their reputation due to the light recoil. When you compare these pellets to the other types of cartridges on the market, they are relatively easy to handle.
In the elaborate shooting test, the 7mm-08 cartridge generated more recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor. The measured recoil velocity of the 6.5 Creedmoor stood at 13,86 fps, while the figure for the 7mm-08 is 15,24 fps.
This difference in recoil is insignificant in the shooting or hunting competition, according to many experienced shooters. Unless you pay particular attention, the shooting experience with two cartridges is nearly the same.
These cartridges are ideal for newcomers as they surely bring them more comfort in handling during the usage process.
7mm-08 Vs 6.5 Creedmoor Velocity
| Velocity | 7mm-08 | 6.5 Creedmoor |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,700 – 3,000 fps | 2,600 – 2,900 fps |
| 100 Yards | 2,500 – 2,800 fps | 2,400 – 2,700 fps |
| 200 Yards | 2,300 – 2,600 fps | 2,200 – 2,500 fps |
| 300 Yards | 2,100 – 2,400 fps | 2,000 – 2,300 fps |
Velocity is a critical factor in comparing these cartridges as it impacts the other categories such as recoil, trajectory, and stopping power of the pellet.
Regarding velocity, the 7mm-08 cartridge is the winner with higher muzzle velocity and energy than its counterparts. The muzzle velocity of the 7mm-08 measured is 2700 fps, while the figure for the 6.5 Creedmoor is 2800 fps.
The stable velocity can significantly increase the cartridge’s accuracy and damage. It’s extremely important for hunting games since you have to take down the target with only one shot.
The 6.5 cartridge offers more stability with light recoil at every long shot. This makes it the best bullet for long-range shooting competitions or hunting prey from long distances.
7mm-08 Vs 6.5 Creedmoor Trajectory
| Trajectory | 7mm-08 | 6.5 Creedmoor |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Weight (grains) | 140 | 140 |
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 2,800 | 2,700 |
| Sight Height (inches) | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Zero Range (yards) | 100 | 100 |
| Drop at 200 yards (inches) | -2.6 | -2.5 |
| Drop at 300 yards (inches) | -10.8 | -9.2 |
| Drop at 400 yards (inches) | -24.8 | -20.2 |
| Drop at 500 yards (inches) | -47.1 | -38.6 |
Similar to the recoil power, these two cartridges feature flat traveling trajectories with no significant difference. I have tried shooting the 140-grain 7mm-08 and 6.5 Creedmoor at various shooting distances to testify the result.
At 100 yards, the 6.5 Creedmoor dropped by 0,7 inches before it hit the target.
Meanwhile, the 7mm-08 with the same bullet grain dropped by 0,6 inches. Obviously, this difference won’t affect the shooting accuracy much.
Overall, the 7mm-08 is the winner, with less wind drift measured when increasing the shooting distance. Nevertheless, both cartridges are ideal options for competition shooting since they possess a flat trajectory.
7mm-08 Vs 6.5 Creedmoor Range
| Range | 7mm-08 | 6.5 Creedmoor |
|---|---|---|
| Short Range (up to 300 yards) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Medium Range (300-600 yards) | Very Good | Very Good |
| Long Range (600-1,000 yards) | Good | Good |
At a distance of around 1,400 yards, the 6.5 Creedmoor will fulfill your shooting needs. They can easily take down any prey or destroy any target at this distance.
On the other hand, the 7mm-08 is ideal for short-range shooting with stable trajectories and velocity.
For instance, the 6.5 and 7mm-08 pellets have the ability to fulfill many deer hunters in the 400-500 yards distance. It depends on how much time you have to aim at the target.
If you need more in-depth comparisons between these two cartridges, consider watching the video below.
FAQs
Q. What is the effective range of the 6.5 Creedmoor?
The range of the 6.5 Creedmoor is typically around 800-1000 yards.
Q. What type of ammunition is best suited for the 6.5 Creedmoor?
The 6.5 Creedmoor is best suited for a variety of bullet types, but generally performs better with heavier bullets, such as 140 grain or higher.
Q. What is the difference between the 6.5 Creedmoor and other popular rifle calibers?
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a relatively new rifle caliber compared to other popular calibers like the .308 Winchester or .223 Remington. The 6.5 Creedmoor is designed to be an incredibly accurate long range shooter, and it is capable of taking down game at distances up to and beyond 1,000 yards.
It achieves this accuracy by having a very low recoil, an efficient powder burn, and a high ballistic coefficient. The 6.5 Creedmoor is also able to fire heavier and longer bullets than other popular rifle calibers, which also contributes to its accuracy.
Q. What is the recoil of the 6.5 Creedmoor like?
The 6.5 Creedmoor has a low recoil, making it a great choice for long-range shooting or inexperienced shooters. It is easy to shoot accurately, due to its low recoil and smooth recoil impulse.
Q. What is the best rifle platform for the 6.5 Creedmoor?
The best rifle platform for the 6.5 Creedmoor is the Ruger Precision Rifle. It has been designed specifically for long-range accuracy and is an excellent choice for both target shooting and hunting.
Q. What type of game is 7mm-08 ammo best suited for?
7mm-08 ammo is best suited for hunting, target shooting, and informal competition shooting.
Q. What are the benefits of using 7mm-08 ammo?
The benefits of using 7mm-08 ammo include increased accuracy, increased range, increased terminal performance, and reduced recoil. It is also a very affordable round, making it a great choice for hunters and target shooters alike.
Q. What is the typical muzzle velocity when using 7mm-08 ammo?
The typical muzzle velocity when using 7mm-08 ammo is around 2,570 to 2,800 feet per second (fps).
Q. What type of rifle is most commonly used when shooting 7mm-08 ammo?
The most common rifle used when shooting 7mm-08 ammo is the Remington 700.
Q. What is the effective range of 7mm-08 ammo?
The effective range of 7mm-08 ammo is typically considered to be about 300 yards or less.
Final Verdict
Overall, the 7mm-08 and 6.5 Creedmoor feature similar sizes and specs, as well as shooting performance. While the 7mm-08 cartridge gives lighter recoil and a flatter trajectory, the 6.5 Creedmoor provides greater damage and ballistic.
However, these differences are insignificant, and these two cartridges can fulfill all your shooting purposes. They are both ideal for hunting, shooting competitions, and self-defense.
Therefore, it eventually boils down to your personal preference and affordability. If you prefer one pellet’s design and brand to the other one, just go for it.
I hope that the comparisons and insights provided in this post can satisfy you. Thank you for reading!
Last Updated on November 21, 2023 by
What caliber is a 7mm-08 comparable to?
The 7mm-08 Remington is a popular cartridge that is derived from the .308 Winchester cartridge. It uses a necked-down .308 Winchester case to hold a 7mm projectile.
In terms of bullet diameter, the 7mm-08 uses a 7mm (.284 caliber) bullet. The cartridge is known for its versatility and has gained popularity for hunting various game species due to its balanced ballistics.
While the 7mm-08 has its own unique characteristics, it is often compared to other cartridges of similar caliber and performance. One notable comparison is the .270 Winchester, which is another popular cartridge for hunting. Both the 7mm-08 and .270 Winchester offer similar bullet diameters and ballistic performances, making them suitable for a wide range of game hunting.
However, it’s important to note that each cartridge has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference, specific hunting conditions, and the availability of ammunition.