I’m looking at building a new rifle. I want low recoil and impressive ballistics. I’ve narrowed my choices down to 2 cartridges.
6XC which will launch a 115gr DTAC with a G1 BC of .585 at about 3000-3050fps.
6.5 Creedmoor which will launch a 140gr Amax with a G1 BC of .550 at about 2850fps.
Both will run from short action DBM’s.
Both offer superior ballistic performance with the edge going to the 6XC.
Both will run best in a 26" or longer tube.
On one hand, I’m drawn to the 6XC, but the DTAC is really the only bullet I’d want to shoot… and I have no idea how they behave on game. I want to be able to get good terminal performance on flesh as well as be able to punch steel way out there. I know that the 140 Amax will be lethal.
On one hand, I’m drawn to the 6.5 creedmoor because of availability of brass… but then several companies are making 6XC brass now as well.
I’m wondering if any of you have personal experience with both, or each cartridge individually? Any drawbacks that would push you toward one over the other?
Brass availability isn’t really a concern, as all seem to be available now. I looked at the 260, and it just seems that the creedmoor is a more efficient and easier to deal with cartridge.
So, given the 140 amax near-equal BC… that makes me feel a little better about going that route.
However the velocity difference seems vast. Are my expectations not correct on the velocity? From what I’m reading on the 6XC, they can push the DTAC at 3050 pretty easily. From what I’m seeing on the creedmoor it tops out around 2900. That would still give the ballistic advantage to the 6XC even with similar BC’s.
I shoot 6.5CM and really like it. I know you reload a lot, but I just buy mine factory and they still group under 1/2 min. I’ve not chronoed mine, but my dope is consistent w/ 2800 fps. I’m running a 25 inch hart barrel on a trued 700 action. I’ve got around 600 rounds down it so far. Barrel life is much longer w/ the CM vs the XC
With velocities shoulder angles, neck lengths, and powder charges being around about the same… I wouldn’t think there would be a noticeable difference between the two.
What kind of round counts are you seeing before accuracy drops off and a new tube is required?
I view barrels as wear items anyway… but this stuff is always good to know.
Yeah… I realize that. I was drawing my data from what people are seeing in the real world and reporting on various forums, and averaging it. Got the data via google, in other words.
If my velocity estimates for each cartridge are off… then tell me what you’ve personally experienced. That is what I’m after, hence the reason for this thread.
My stuff is at the smith so this thread will most likely be buried by then. I spoke with Rob01 about the 6.5CM and he reports 2830 with the factory 140 Hornady from his 28" Krieger. I’m going with the 28" and Krieger as well since that’'s what he advises and I respect his experience from shooting one for some time.
I was looking for opinions on both, not restricted to handloads. … and as I’ve been reloading for about 20 years, I’m pretty familiar with the fact that handloads are different than factory ammo. I was asking if the velocities I’ve posted were what people were seeing. When someone asks me a question directly… I answer it directly. I very much appreciate the same in return.
In any event I’ll likely be going 6.5 creedmoor. Seems to be much more support behind it.
