Posted on 05/21/2019 5:07:13 AM PDT by w1n1
Inside the gun community there are always talks about which is the better caliber, such as .308 vs the .243 or 9mm against the .45 ACP. Then of course there’s the long range rock star competitive round 6.5 Creedmoor against the .223/5.56 combat load issue of the military.
For those in hunting and competitive long range shooting circles all know that there isn’t much to compare when viewed only through long range superiority. Now for hunting or home defense there are some considerations. Lets take a look at some basic factors for hunting, home defense/tactical and competitive shooting.
Ballistics Coefficient
The 6.5 Creedmoor stands out in many ways such as sectional density. Sectional density is about longer and thinner bullets that are more aerodynamic than short fat ones.
Quality .223 bullets have about .400 BC. The CM has .510 BC, many higher end 6.5 Creedmoor bullets are even better. For precision long range shooting the 6.5 Creedmoor bullet is less likely to drift in the wind and lose velocity.
Hunting
If you’re hunting small game like a coyote it doesn’t matter if you’re running the .223 or 6.5 CM. But if you're trying to harvest a deer or bigger like an elk, the .223 is too small, plus for ethical reasons. Again, going back to sectional density, the 6.5 Creedmoor prevails over the .223 in more penetration and momentum.
At distance inside 300 yards the 6.5 CM and the .308 are equal. Yes, with a custom 6.5 CM rifle, 24″ barrel with 1:8″ twist can put down a game at 800 – 1000yd. But in reality, most hunters will ever hit targets past 200 yards.
Personal Defense
The .223/5.56 was design for close quarter combat with the low recoil, multiple shots can get on target quickly. The 6.5 CM was design for going up against the .308 in competitive long distance shooting.
what about barrier penetration? Is this a thing to consider for home defense? Some thoughts on this is that most home defense scenario is not going to be room to room fighting in your home. This is what we usually see in the movies.
Overall, the .223 does not have good penetration compared to the 6.5 CM. Some preppers and defender groups would probably go with the 6.5 CM even though its not the ideal general purpose combat round, but it is better than the .223. Read the full 6.5 Creedmoor vs 223.
Somebody really needs to check their grammar before they post an article.
I reload all calibers I own. I also buy surplus Ammo in bulk for the time when the SHTF. (My choice currently was the now depleted Greek 30-06 in enblock clips) I’m not an AR guy. Neither am I opposed.
If I was an AR guy I’d buy up cases of surplus of .223/5.56 ammo I could get my hands on. (People successfully take down deer with the .223. I use .30, .35, .45 calibers for deer. They tend to anchor them well for me)
When and if the 6.5 becomes the standard round, then that would change my acquisition trends.
I laid in 2,000 of Lake City green tip back before the Obama craziness. I think I paid $129/m delivered from Ammoman. All I really wanted was the brass. I hate that stupid bullet they load it with.
Once I shoot it I load reload it with a 62 grain soft point. It’s far superior for social work.
L
Good grief. I bet everyone who thinks the .223 isn’t enough for deer has never even taken a poke with one.
Thanks :/
The 6.5mm Creedmoor is typically compared to the 7.62mm. Why are they comparing it to 5.56mm?
Another stupid comparison between two completely different classes of rounds.
Insides the guns community there are always talks about which is the better calibers, such as .308 vs the .243 or 9mm against the .45 ACP. Then of course there’s the long range rock stars competitive rounds 6.5 Creedmoor against the .223/5.56 combats loads issues of the military.
Better?
I read up until this sentence. I can't read anyone who does not care about the quality of their product. This guy doesn't know ANYONE who can take a look at his articles before he posts them?
In other words, about average for 'Am Shooting Journal'.
Exactly. I like the 5.56, I own an AR... But I wouldn’t stack it up against anything for “long range shooting.” Ok, maybe if you define long range as anything out of pistol range. But you’re on target, these are two very different types of ammunition.
Exactly.
It is at best marginal for deer and, here at least, illegal to use.
If it goes bang and hurls a piece of lead at hundreds of feet per second, it will do for a home defense round.
What might be my favorite 'stupid cartridge comparison' (if anyone ever writes it ;^) would probably be ".577/450 Martini-Henry vs. 5.7x28mm FN"...
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