16” 6.5 Creedmoor barrel worth it?

[turnburglar]

I noticed a difference when I went from a 18" rifle gas to a 16" intermediate gas. The recoil got harsher as the other poster noted that 6.5 is a very high pressure and gassy round. My velocity took a hit as well. Lost about 75 FPS cutting off 2" of barrel on my 140gr IMR4350 handloads. Despite the objective draw backs I still really like my 16" creed moor. It's very short and compact for how far it shoots. Even at 16" I can still move a 140gr HPBT at 2550 FPS; which is ballistically similar to a 175gr at 2500 FPS which is what a lot of 24" 308 bolt guns make. I think it was only 10.5 Mils to 1k if I remember correctly.

I am looking into trying some of the lighter for caliber loads in 6.5 CM. Right now the 95gr V-max and 108gr Lapua look like a good choice.

[markm]

My gut reaction is Hell No. Even at 18" I'm a little meh. But I'm still stumped at what I'd do instead for a "compact" hammer. We have a buddy who shoots 155 TMKs out of like a 13.5 .308 gasser and loves it. I would never do a 308 that short. But he's really happy.