338 Lapua Vs 6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart
The 338 Lapua
The 338 Lapua is a long-range cartridge that was developed in the early 1980s. It was designed for snipers and other military personnel who needed a cartridge that could reach out to long ranges and deliver a lot of energy on target. The cartridge has a maximum effective range of around 1,500 meters, and it can deliver up to 5,000 foot-pounds of energy on target.
The 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a relatively new cartridge that was introduced in 2007. It was designed for long-range shooting competitions and hunting applications. The cartridge has a maximum effective range of around 1,200 meters, and it can deliver up to 2,500 foot-pounds of energy on target.
Ballistics Comparison
When it comes to ballistics, the 338 Lapua has the edge over the 6.5 Creedmoor in almost every aspect. The 338 Lapua has a larger and heavier bullet, which means it can deliver more energy on target at longer ranges. It also has a higher muzzle velocity, which means it can maintain its energy better over longer distances.
However, the 6.5 Creedmoor is still a very capable cartridge, especially at ranges under 1,000 meters. It has a more efficient design, which means it can maintain its velocity and energy better than other cartridges with similar ballistics. This makes it a great choice for long-range shooting competitions and hunting applications where ranges are typically under 1,000 meters.
Accuracy
When it comes to accuracy, both cartridges are capable of delivering sub-MOA accuracy when used with the right equipment and ammunition. However, the 6.5 Creedmoor has gained a reputation for being more accurate than the 338 Lapua at ranges under 1,000 meters. This is due to the fact that the 6.5 Creedmoor has less recoil, which makes it easier to shoot accurately. It also has a flatter trajectory, which makes it easier to make accurate shots at longer ranges.
Recoil
One of the biggest differences between the two cartridges is recoil. The 338 Lapua has significantly more recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor, which can make it difficult to shoot accurately, especially for novice shooters. The 6.5 Creedmoor, on the other hand, has relatively low recoil, which makes it easier to shoot accurately and consistently.
Price
Another factor to consider when comparing the two cartridges is price. The 338 Lapua is significantly more expensive than the 6.5 Creedmoor, both in terms of ammunition and rifles. This can make it difficult for some shooters to justify the additional expense, especially if they only plan on shooting at ranges under 1,000 meters.
Conclusion
Both the 338 Lapua and the 6.5 Creedmoor are excellent cartridges that are capable of delivering excellent accuracy and long-range performance. However, they are best suited for different applications. The 338 Lapua is a great choice for military and law enforcement snipers who need to engage targets at ranges over 1,000 meters. The 6.5 Creedmoor, on the other hand, is a great choice for long-range shooting competitions and hunting applications where ranges are typically under 1,000 meters.