6.5 Creedmoor or 30-06?

[SunnySlopes]

Mostly target shooting. Some medium game hunting.

Entirely subjective, I know, but what's your preference?

The Creedmoor would be in a Tikka TX3 Lite. The ought 6 would be in a Remington 700.

 

[Nature Boy]

You’ll probably appreciate the creed if you’re spending most of your time banging away at the bench. The recoil of the ‘06 will get old, quick.

 

[someguy2800]

For mostly target shooting 6.5C is a slam dunk choice. 30-06 would be among my last choices for that.

 

[mustanger98]

Having some experience with '06, it's a great round when you gotta kill something, but depending on stock fit and ammo, it can get pretty unpleasant as a all-day paper puncher.

Tell you what... get both. You'll be glad you did. You know you want to.

 

[GooseGestapo]

For hunting, without a doubt, the .30/06. Especially if elk or moose are included.
For a dedicated target rifle, absolutely a 6.5.

I suggest you get both.
I’m not “anti-6.5”. I own a .260Rem. Have taken several deer with it. Lost some, too. But, for hunting, it doesn’t live up to the hype in my experience.
The .30/06 is never a bad choice.
Also, I don’t consider the ‘06 to be a heavy kicker. A .300RUM, yes.

 

[Slamfire]

I burned out a couple of 30-06 barrels in NRA highpower competition. It kicks too much for a target cartridge.

I do have a exceptionally accurate M70 in 30-06.





But you know, it kicks too much. It is hard not to be bucking like a jackass around shot seven. Try to shoot a 30-06 standing SF. I did that recently in a Garand match. I was waving around like a weather vane anticipating the recoil. You can get real philosophical around shot 11, trying to find meaning in a pointless endeavor.





If you really want an accurate load, mostly to punch paper, maybe shoot at game, the 6.5 Creedmoor is the way to go. The range master on the 600 yard range at CMP Talladega was busting golf balls at 600 yard with his Rem M700 in 6.5 Creedmoor. Then it blew up with a 140 SMK and 42 grs of H4350. I have no idea why, he described his reloading practices, and they sounded pretty careful.

 

[rdnktrkr]

I enjoy all my 06's I started shooting them in the 70's now I have a few from a single shot to garands. Basically they have been around over 100 yrs and i think they will be around for another 100. My 700 and my howa are the most accurate I have

 

[rdnktrkr]

Also you can get bullets from 55gr accelerators to 220 grain thumpers, i load some 110 and 130gr that are soft shooters for anyone recoil sensitive

 

[ExAgoradzo]

As someone who would love to have a Tikka T3 in 6.5 Creed, and as you said Rem 700 so the choice is simple 6.5 all the way.

I want the Creed because I’d like something for a lighter build shooter like my daughter. To target shoot the ‘06 is fine for a while, but the Creed is better for target purposes.

when hunting you’ll never notice the recoil or blast so ‘06. But, if you want a deer gun only, get the Creed; if you want versatility, get the Springfield. I love my more-accurate-than-me M70.

If I could only have one I’d get the ‘06 then someday a .223/5.56 bolt gun for targeting.

Greg

 

[Frostbite]

Mostly target shooting.

The rational answer to your question is 6.5 Creedmore.

The .30/06 is never a bad choice.

That is still as right today as it has ever been.


I am glad I knew so little about rifles and calibers available when I chose my first rifle: if it was today, I am not sure I would pick a rosewood BAR in .270 Winchester... And I would make a big mistake.

Go to a real gunstore and pick a rifle you will be proud to own. That should be your hunting rifle.

Then, ask for an accurate .223 Remington (or .308 Winchester if you have a range to shoot passed 300 yards and want to invest in a 3000$ scope). That rifle can be as ugly as they make them: Savage is a good example. When it will be shot out, sell it, buy another .223 Remington, but a nice one this time. Order a replacement barrel when you have chosen it for when it is going to be shot out. Shoot it. Enjoy life at its best!

 

[mustanger98]

I enjoy all my 06's I started shooting them in the 70's now I have a few from a single shot to garands. Basically they have been around over 100 yrs and i think they will be around for another 100. My 700 and my howa are the most accurate I have

Also you can get bullets from 55gr accelerators to 220 grain thumpers, i load some 110 and 130gr that are soft shooters for anyone recoil sensitive

This kinda depends on what kind of target shooting somebody's into... I was just thinking of a Winchester M1885... the Highwall... with a good quality aperture sight system in .30-06. That big octagon barrel's probably heavy enough to soak up a good bit of the recoil. Depending on the twist rate, a handloader can craft loads with jacketed bullets from 110grs to the aforementioned 220's, as well as cast lead between 160 and 220grs.

 

[SunnySlopes]

Having some experience with '06, it's a great round when you gotta kill something, but depending on stock fit and ammo, it can get pretty unpleasant as a all-day paper puncher.

Tell you what... get both. You'll be glad you did. You know you want to.

I've got a Ruger #1 in 30-06 and a Garand, also 30-06. The Ruger kicks more than the Garand as the latter's semi auto action does absorb some of the recoil.

Thanks to all for the responses. There's no hurry. BTW, I'll be mounting a Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10 scope on it.

 

[Goosey]

You said "mostly target shooting" and "some medium game hunting" so I don't see any reason to pick the '06.

 

[ontarget]

I love my 30-06 rifles. They have never let me down. Target or hunting, I just love them. With that said, I decided a while back to pick up a .223 bolt action for a dedicated target rifle. Cheaper ammo than 30-06 or 6.5CM and less recoil. Btw, they are all more accurate than I am.

 

[If1HitU]

My wife bought me a BLR LT Monte Carlo 30-06, 22" barrel 5 rounds box magazine black walnut stock. I can't pick it up for ten days at my local FFL.I will post a picture when I bring it home in ten days.

 

[mustanger98]

I've got a Ruger #1 in 30-06 and a Garand, also 30-06. The Ruger kicks more than the Garand as the latter's semi auto action does absorb some of the recoil.

Thanks to all for the responses. There's no hurry. BTW, I'll be mounting a Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10 scope on it.

While the Rem. M700 is historically a fine rifle, it sounds to me like you have .30-06 covered. Have you ever thought about loading lighter in the Ruger?

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I recently bought a new rifle---had considered the 6.5 but came home with a .308----more oooommmppphhh and way cheaper ammo.

 

[IndianaBoy]

I own a 30-06. If I were buying today, 6.5 Creedmoor. I'm not going to sell my 30-06 but if you aren't already invested, go Creedmoor.

 

[Sniper66]

6.5 for target and the 30-06 for game. Actually the 6.5 is a good game cartridge too. The 06 will kick the crap out of you. 06 will have better and cheaper availability fo ammo...you can find it anywhere. Why not buy both?

 

[Garandimal]

Mostly target shooting. Some medium game hunting.

Entirely subjective, I know, but what's your preference?

The Creedmoor would be in a Tikka TX3 Lite. The ought 6 would be in a Remington 700.

Why the limited choice?

For "Mostly target shooting. Some medium game hunting."...?

Any 6.5mm ->7mm-o8 would do nicely.


The 30-06 is comfortable to shoot all day long - out of a 10.5 Lb. M1 Garand.


And in a Sporter rifle for "Mostly medium game hunting. Some target shooting."...?

Hands down .270 WIN.




GR

 

[Kabic]

The good thing about 30 06 is any hardware store that sells ammo will have it on hand. I would probably have to travel farther and look a little harder to get 6.5.

 

[js8588]

6.5x55. All the nostalgia of the 30-06 with identical performance to the 6.5 Creedmoor...a touch more if you hand-load.

Of the 2? Creedmoor all day every day...but yeah, get both. Actually, get both AND a Swede

 

[LoonWulf]

6.5x55. All the nostalgia of the 30-06 with identical performance to the 6.5 Creedmoor...a touch more if you hand-load.

Of the 2? Creedmoor all day every day...but yeah, get both. Actually, get both AND a Swede

.....well, that's very likely where IM going to end up, with the inclusion of the 6.5-284.....

Is go 6.5 unless big stuff in poor conditions is on the list.

I own both the 6.5, and 30-06......and I usually use my .250AI, 7mm, or .375.....go figgure....

 

[js8588]

.....well, that's very likely where IM going to end up, with the inclusion of the 6.5-284.....

Is go 6.5 unless big stuff in poor conditions is on the list.

I own both the 6.5, and 30-06......and I usually use my .250AI, 7mm, or .375.....go figgure....

Skip the 6.5-284 and just grab a 6.5 PRC. JP Sauer is offering them...

https://www.eurooptic.com/Sauer-100-Classic-65-PRC-Rifle-S1W65P.aspx

I have a 4 day "weekend" coming up after I work the next 6 in a row...may have to take a day trip up to Euro-Optic (about 3 hours from where I live) and have a look.

 

[LoonWulf]

Skip the 6.5-284 and just grab a 6.5 PRC. JP Sauer is offering them...

https://www.eurooptic.com/Sauer-100-Classic-65-PRC-Rifle-S1W65P.aspx

I have a 4 day "weekend" coming up after I work the next 6 in a row...may have to take a day trip up to Euro-Optic (about 3 hours from where I live) and have a look.

Already built the x284 lol.
Let us know how those Sauers are in person!