264 Win Mag Vs 6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart
When it comes to long-range shooting, choosing the right cartridge is crucial. The 264 Winchester Magnum and 6.5 Creedmoor are two popular options for long-range shooters. In this article, we will compare the ballistics of these two cartridges to help you decide which one is best for your needs.
264 Winchester Magnum
The 264 Winchester Magnum was introduced in 1958 and was designed for long-range shooting. It uses a .264-inch diameter bullet and has a case capacity of 82 grains of water. The cartridge has a maximum average pressure of 64,000 psi.
The 264 Winchester Magnum can shoot bullets that range in weight from 90 to 160 grains. Its muzzle velocity ranges from 2,800 to 3,300 feet per second, depending on the bullet weight. The cartridge has a maximum effective range of around 1,000 yards.
The 264 Winchester Magnum is a powerful cartridge that is capable of taking down most North American game. However, its high recoil and limited availability of ammunition make it less popular than other cartridges.
6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor was introduced in 2007 and has quickly become a popular cartridge among long-range shooters. It uses a .264-inch diameter bullet and has a case capacity of 52 grains of water. The cartridge has a maximum average pressure of 62,000 psi.
The 6.5 Creedmoor can shoot bullets that range in weight from 85 to 160 grains. Its muzzle velocity ranges from 2,500 to 3,200 feet per second, depending on the bullet weight. The cartridge has a maximum effective range of around 1,400 yards.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is known for its accuracy and low recoil. It has become a popular choice for competitive shooting and is also capable of taking down game at long ranges.
Ballistics Chart Comparison
When comparing the ballistics of the 264 Winchester Magnum and 6.5 Creedmoor, there are several factors to consider. The chart below shows a comparison of the two cartridges using a 140-grain bullet.
| Cartridge | Muzzle Velocity | 100 Yards | 200 Yards | 300 Yards | 400 Yards | 500 Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 264 Winchester Magnum | 3,025 fps | 2,758 fps | 2,500 fps | 2,252 fps | 2,014 fps | 1,787 fps |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 2,700 fps | 2,476 fps | 2,257 fps | 2,042 fps | 1,830 fps | 1,622 fps |
As you can see from the chart, the 264 Winchester Magnum has a higher muzzle velocity and retains more energy at longer ranges than the 6.5 Creedmoor. However, the 6.5 Creedmoor has less recoil and is more accurate than the 264 Winchester Magnum.
Conclusion
Both the 264 Winchester Magnum and 6.5 Creedmoor are capable cartridges for long-range shooting. The 264 Winchester Magnum is a more powerful cartridge that is capable of taking down larger game at longer ranges. However, it has more recoil and is less accurate than the 6.5 Creedmoor. The 6.5 Creedmoor is a more accurate cartridge with less recoil, making it a popular choice for competitive shooting. Ultimately, the choice between these two cartridges comes down to personal preference and intended use.