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  4. 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo vs. 308 Winchester
Aug 31, 2025

6.5 Creedmoor Ammo vs. 308 Winchester

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Andy Kloss
Table of Contents
  • Overview and History of 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Winchester
  • Power and Knockdown Ability
  • Range and Accuracy
  • Recoil and Handling
  • Bullet Styles and Weights
  • Ammo Availability and Price
  • What Cartridge is Best for You?

Overview and History of 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Winchester 

When it comes to long-range shooting, the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 308 Winchester are two well known long-range cartridges that shooters have banked their trust in. The 308 Win, born in the 50s, has a longer track record than the 6.5 Creedmoor, the newer kid on the block, but both have become rivals in the realms of hunting and target shooting. Determining which cartridge is better suited for you can be a challenging task. However, by knowing the pros and cons of each cartridge, you can make the best decision for your scenario. Read this Big Green blog and let Remington help determine the best rifle ammo for you! 

6.5 Creedmoor 

The 6.5 Creedmoor was developed in 2007. Production for the consumer market began in 2008. The cartridge sat dormant in the back for a few years, but it eventually gained traction among shooters. Slowly, shooters began to take note of the affordability compared to other long-range cartridges and platforms. Designed initially for long-range applications, the 6.5 Creedmoor has also gained a following of big game hunters. This short-action cartridge is loaded with a variety of different bullets, allowing it to be precisely tuned for various shooting applications, making it ideal for both hunters and range-goers. With proper scope adjustments and a sturdy firing position, 6.5 Creedmoor ammo provides consistent long-range performance, even at distances you expect in competition.  

6.5 cartridge

308 Winchester 

The 308 Winchester was developed in the 1940s by the U.S. military as an effort to create a shorter, lighter cartridge comparable to the 30-06. Notably, the 7.62x51 mm NATO was used as a benchmark for the design of the 308 Winchester. By 1952, the 308 Win became available for civilians. Folks quickly experienced the renowned performance of the 308 Win, earning it a reputation for accuracy, efficiency, and its short action. The early success led to widespread production and adoption. Further down the line, the 308 Win has been the parent for many other successful short-action cartridges such as the 243 Win, 260 Remington, and 7mm-08 Remington. It's safe to say that the 308 Win ammo has been around the block a time or two and has a long list of shooting enthusiasts to back its performance.  

308 Winchester cartridge

Power and Knockdown Ability  

6.5 Creedmoor 

Starting with the 6.5 Creedmoor, you can expect a bullet in Remington’s line to be between 95 and 140 grains. These lighter bullets can be propelled at high velocities, but their lighter weight results in momentum and energy levels that are less than those associated with larger calibers. Simply put, the heavier the bullet, the greater the momentum and energy. Momentum helps the bullet drive itself through tough bone and hide. The 6.5 Creedmoor certainly has enough power to knock down deer, hogs, black bears, and even elk, at moderate ranges, but you can’t just pick any old box off the shelf; you need to be specific with your load selections. A heavier controlled expansion bullet needs to be loaded if you’re chasing deer-sized game, Canadian black bears, or screamin’ Rocky Mountain bulls out west and taking moderate range shots. Check out this 6.5 Creedmoor ammo if you’re a big game fanatic.  

308 Winchester 

 Looking at 308 Win ammo, you can expect the bullet weights to start with 150 grains and top out at 180 grains for Remington’s products. The heavier hunting bullets loaded in a 308 Win round can retain greater momentum over range compared to lighter 6.5 Creedmoor bullets. The increased momentum results in a higher amount of energy being transferred to the target upon impact, especially with long-range shots. So, if you’re a big game hunter who encounters longer shots, the 308 Win ensures a reliable and robust transfer of energy upon impact, ensuring adequate terminal performance on big game. That being said, always ensure that the bullets loaded in your 308 cartridges for hunting are controlled expansion bullets, just as you would with the Creedmoor.  

hunter standing in tall grass with a dead caribou

Range and Accuracy  

6.5 Creedmoor 

 When discussing new feats of engineering in the ammunition field, 6.5 Creedmoor is a common talking point. These modern engineering principles yield projectiles that can evade wind drift and maintain velocity better than some traditional cartridges, resulting in higher Ballistic Coefficients (BC’s). These factors enable 6.5 Creedmoor ammo to perform with a high level of accuracy over range, making it a long-range steel ringer. It’s challenging to keep pace with the advances made every year in the ammunition industry. It’s just a fact that some advances yield cartridges with better performance in some areas compared to their legacy counterparts. It’s how the game goes. If you’re a long-range target shooter, you should pull the trigger on a 6.5 Creedmoor to see the performance for yourself.  

shooter holding rifle, Remington cartridges and a target

308 Winchester 

Cartridges that are head stamped with 308 Win are loaded with a burley 30 caliber bullet. This bullet has the reputation of transferring impressive energy on game and hittin’ the steel out far. Compared to the 6.5 Creedmoor, shooters will experience a slight ballistic disadvantage from the 308 Win when the range is stretched to nearly 1000 yards. Its heavier bullet weight causes it to drop off ballistically at a quicker rate than the 6.5 Creedmoor, and the difference is evident at these ranges. However, if the deer woods are your calling, the 308 Win ammo can cover those common shots like down a big clear cut or up closer in some brush with ease and efficiency. No surprise here, but the 308 consistently hits hard and true, and will continue to do so for future generations.  

Recoil and Handling  

6.5 Creedmoor 

Compared to the 308 Win, the 6.5 Creedmoor has less recoil. The lighter recoil from the 6.5 Creedmoor is attributed to its smaller case size and lower charge. For new shooters who don’t want to be spurred by recoil, the 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent choice. This also affects the levels of shooter fatigue. For you range-goers, you can shoot through boxes of the 6.5 Creedmoor and experience less fatigue than you might with a 308 Win. For you hunters, less recoil means you can get back into the gun more easily and can fire a quicker follow-up shot if needed. Additionally, reduced recoil can make the rifle easier to manage when hunting from a hang-on tree stand, a climber, or a tree saddle.  

308 Winchester 

Speaking on recoil and handling, the 308 Win will hit the shooter harder than the 6.5 Creedmoor, but not by much. Even though this cartridge is not as stout as magnum-caliber loadings, it still delivers a noticeable punch to the shooter. Let’s put it this way: a 308 Win will surely break you from any early morning drowsiness, if you’re a deer hunter who likes to nap. If you practice and know what’s coming, the 308 Win won’t leave you disheveled to the point where you can’t make a follow-up shot. To get around any second thoughts about recoil, think about what you get in return: a powerful and iconic 30-caliber cartridge known for creating havoc on big game. Why does the 308 Win come in hotter in terms of recoil? This can be attributed to a larger case, more charge, and heavier bullets. We’ll consider the 308 Win as a cartridge with moderate recoil. 

308 Win Core-Lokt Tipped box on a tailgate

Bullet Styles and Weights  

6.5 Creedmoor 

Let’s talk about internals. Pieced together by a .264 caliber bullet is the 6.5 Creedmoor. This .264 caliber bullet is long and has a sleek profile. This bullet profile can yield traditionally higher BC’s compared to many 30-caliber bullets. BC’s measure the bullet's ability to overcome air resistance and drag during flight. Remington 6.5 Creedmoor ammo is loaded in six different bullet styles, five of which are designed for hunters, and one that is optimized for target shooters. The bullet weights of Remington’s 6.5 Creedmoor ammo range from 120 to 140 grains.  

Hunting Usage 

For hunting, the bullet loaded in Remington’s 6.5 Creedmoor ammo can be a traditional Core-Lokt, Core-Lokt Tipped, Copper Tipped, Swift Scirocco, or Speer Impact. These rounds are designed for hunting use as they reliably expand upon impact in a controlled fashion. Controlled-expansion bullets yield deadly results for hunters. Although the new kid on the block, it performs relentlessly alongside quality Remington products. 

Target Shooting  

For the target shooter, Remington offers Premier Match. Remington’s highest-quality target ammo, Premier Match, is loaded under special practices with match-grade bullets and premier components. Premier Match fully optimizes the capability of the 6.5 Creedmoor through its bullet design and internal engineering, and gives an added benefit to those taking long-range shoots. 

Remington Swift Scirocco box next to a shooter

308 Winchester 

Loaded with a 30-caliber bullet, the 308 win provides the shooter with a handful of options. . The 30-caliber bullet is renowned for its power and long-range potential, and is also loaded in 30-06 SPRG ammo, 300 Win Mag ammo, and other 30-caliber cartridges. Remington offers a wide variety of 308 Win ammo, with six options for big game hunters and three for the avid target shooters. Bullet weights for Remington products will range from 150 grains to 180 grains, a bit heavier than what you’ve learned about the Creedmoor. 

Hunting Usage 

Coming in with six product line offerings for the big game hunter, the 308 Win is loaded in the same product lines as the 6.5 Creedmoor, plus an additional Core-Lokt Copper. Here they are: three different grain weights in the traditional Core-Lokt, three different grain weights in the newer Core-Lokt Tipped, and one load in Core-Lokt Copper, Copper Tipped, Swift Scirocco, and Speer Impact. Additionally, expect the heavier bullet in a 308 Win to yield greater momentum and energy down range compared to many of the lighter bullets in 6.5 Creedmoor.  

Target Shooting  

Target shooters, you’re in luck. Remington offers three variations of target ammo. Target ammo doesn’t need the mechanics engineered into hunting bullets; they just need to be an FMJ. The best target ammo simply shoots and hits the target consistently on every trip to the range. Check out Remington’s line of UMC 308 Win ammo, High Performance Rifle ammo, and our high-end Premier match ammo. 

 

Ammo Availability and Price 

6.5 Creedmoor 

Price 

On the price side, allot a few extra dollars for a box of 6.5 Creedmoor ammo. Even though the price is slightly above the 308 Win, you’re paying for a modern cartridge design, long-range performance, and high BCs. Keep in mind that, compared to other long-range cartridges, the 6.5 Creedmoor will be on the budget-friendly side. 

Availability 

The boom in popularity has skyrocketed demand, making retailers increase the availability of products on the shelves. It’s hard for a new cartridge to push its way into a market saturated with legacy cartridges. However, the 6.5 Creedmoor has proven to hold its own and become a fan favorite worldwide.  

308 Winchester 

Price 

Expect more purchasing power with fewer dollars for 308 Win ammo. As you know, hunting product lines will be slightly higher in price than target shooting rounds because of their performance on game. When you purchase a box of 308 Win ammunition, you are investing in more than just the round; you are investing in its legacy. The 308’s roots are deep, and time has tested it for decades. You will be welcomed to the 30-cal family with open arms. 

Availability 

Due to its deep roots in the ammunition world, you can expect 308 Win to be slightly more common at retailers with a greater selection of product lines. This is a true testament to the success of the 308 Win and its widespread use across the world.  

What Cartridge is Best for You? 

At the end of the day, both the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 308 Winchester are performers in the field and on the range. Suppose you’re a shooter who values legacy cartridges that offer hard-hitting power on big game at ranges, widespread availability, and a cartridge that’s been trusted for generations. In that case, you should consider and test the 308 Winchester. On the other hand, if you value a modern cartridge, a rifle you can shoot all day at the long-range targets, and will spend the time to find the correct rifle ammo, get a feel for the 6.5 Creedmoor. Only thoughtful consideration and time behind the gun will lead you to your answer. Who knows, you may find you like both cartridges enough to buy each! Rifle hunting season is getting closer by the day. Whether you are in the market for these two cartridges or enjoy shooting another, check out Remington’s enormous selection of rifle ammo. Good luck this season and shoot straight! 

shooter looking down the scope of a rifle
Featured Products

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