6.5 Creedmoor vs. .270 Winchester

The truth is, once you Google “6.5 Creedmoor vs,” the primary auto-fill possibility is “270.” Hunters are clearly desirous about how these two uber-popular cartridges stack up, and we’re right here to settle that debate.

As a basic rule, the .270 Win. presents extra velocity and vitality than the 6.5 Creedmoor.

To match apples to apples, we’ll use as examples these 120-grain Trophy Copper 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges and these 130-grain Trophy Copper .270 Win cartridges. The 6.5 flies at 2,870 feet-per-second (fps) on the muzzle to ship 2,202 foot-pounds (ft.-lbs.) of vitality whereas the heavier .270 flies 3,060 fps to ship 2,703 ft.-lbs. of vitality. The 6.5 has shrunk that velocity hole to 85 fps at 500 yards, however it has nonetheless dropped 4 extra inches than the .270 at that distance.

It’s possible you’ll discover exceptions to this rule (and never all manufacturing unit knowledge is real-world verifiable), however most comparisons will appear like this one. When evaluating bullets of comparable weights, even when the .270 is barely heavier, the previous Winchester flies sooner and hits tougher at most cheap looking ranges.

The 6.5 does retain some benefits. As a comparatively new cartridge, the Creedmoor advantages from fashionable cartridge and chamber design that gives higher accuracy in manufacturing unit rifles. Customized .270 rifles can shoot each bit as precisely as a 6.5, however my expertise with budget-friendly manufacturing unit rifles offers the accuracy edge to the 6.5.

The Creedmoor was designed from the get-go with heavy, excessive ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets in thoughts, so most manufacturing unit rifles additionally include quick 1:8 twist barrels. Which means that in most head-to-head matchups, the 6.5 will normally be loaded with larger BC bullets than its .270 counterpart. This Fusion 6.5 Creed possibility from Federal, for instance, has a .439 BC whereas this .270 Fusion possibility has a .400 BC.

The Creed’s larger BC permits it to buck the wind in addition to the .270 despite the fact that the bullet is touring slower and drops extra. In some instances, the 6.5 will truly drift lower than the .270 because of the lengthy, modern bullet designs.

Whether or not a couple of extra inches of wind-bucking skill and a barely extra correct rifle tip the scales in the direction of the 6.5 depends upon a hunter’s specific wants. However in the case of sheer ballistics, this spherical goes to the Winchester.

Each cartridges are broadly accessible and comparatively cheap, and neither is named a piledriver. However in case you’re on the lookout for an awesome bullet-velocity-to-recoil ratio, the Creedmoor is the way in which to go. The Creed is the extra environment friendly cartridge, utilizing 20% to 40% much less powder for less than a ten% to fifteen% velocity discount. That effectivity implies that despite the fact that the Winchester wins a footrace out to 500 yards, the older cartridge goes to supply extra felt recoil. The 6.5 Creedmoor is normally reported as delivering about 13 ft.-lbs. of recoil vitality whereas the .270 delivers about 17 ft.-lbs. Neither cartridge is a shoulder-breaker, however primarily based on my expertise with every, the 6.5 presents noticeably much less recoil.

It is uncommon for newer cartridges to compete with established choices in the case of price and availability, however the Creedmoor wins this class as effectively. Halfway USA, one of many largest on-line ammunition sellers, presents 92 Creedmoor choices however solely 68 choices in .270. Bass Professional Outlets presents a wider collection of 6.5 Creedmoor, as does Brownells. You’re virtually certain to seek out each cartridges at your native sporting items retailer, but when the large ammo sellers are any indication, they’re extra prone to have a wider collection of 6.5 Creedmoor.

The Creedmoor can be barely cheaper. Halfway USA presents 6.5 for $1.25 per spherical whereas the most cost effective .270 is about $1.45. The identical holds true at Brownells, the place 5 6.5 Creedmoor choices are cheaper than the most cost effective .270 Winchester.

Excessive-quality looking ammo doesn’t at all times comply with this sample. Whereas you will discover each cartridges for about $50 for a field of 20 rounds, Federal places a premium on its 6.5 choices. The 6.5 Creed Trophy Copper talked about above, for instance, is $61 per field whereas the .270 is $57.

Since most hunters buy way more rounds for apply than for looking, the 6.5’s general decrease price and recoil give it the sting on this class.

When two cartridges use bullets of comparable weights touring comparable velocities, you possibly can wager they’ll be able to taking down the identical vary of sport animals.

Each the 6.5 Creedmoor and the .270 Win. could be discovered with bullets starting from round 90 grains to round 150 grains, with the overwhelming majority of choices within the 120- to 150-grain vary. Which means that each can function comfortably within the medium-to-large sport class (deer, elk, black bear) whereas additionally shifting right down to varmints with mild, quick-expanding bullets.

Some contemplate the .270 Win. to be underpowered for very giant sport like moose, however a contemporary looking bullet with good shot placement is greater than as much as the duty. You might say the identical in regards to the 6.5, however the .270’s superior vitality permits it to deal with this class of sport extra comfortably.

Rifle versatility can be comparable. Sportsman’s Information presents 49 rifle fashions in .270 Winchester and 52 in 6.5 Creedmoor. There are extra semi-auto rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor because of its similarities to the .308 Win., however bolt-action rifles represent the huge, overwhelming majority of each calibers. It’s secure to say you received’t have any bother discovering a bolt gun in both cartridge.

This class is the closest thus far, however the .270’s skill to punch above its weight class give it the nod right here.

There’s no query that inside 500 yards, the .270 flies sooner and hits tougher. That velocity benefit implies that even given the 6.5’s superior BC, the .270 shoots flatter inside that vary. The 6.5 begins to catch up previous 600 yards, however most hunters by no means take photographs at these distances.

Regardless of this ballistic benefit, I personally are inclined to favor the 6.5 Creedmoor. For the sort of looking I do, an correct, low-recoiling, low-cost, reasonably powered cartridge does the trick. I’d additionally advocate the 6.5 over the .270 for brand new whitetail hunters for precisely these causes.

However Caliber Battles don’t play favorites. Because the winner of two out of three classes, the .270 Win. takes this one house.

Total Winner: .270 Winchester