6.8 Western Vs 6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart
Introduction
When it comes to shooting, choosing the right cartridge is crucial. The 6.8 Western and the 6.5 Creedmoor are two popular cartridges among hunters and shooters. These cartridges have their own unique features and advantages. In this article, we will compare the 6.8 Western vs 6.5 Creedmoor ballistics chart to help you choose the right cartridge for your shooting needs.
Overview of the 6.8 Western
The 6.8 Western is a new cartridge that was introduced in 2020 by Winchester. It is designed for long-range shooting and hunting. This cartridge has a larger case capacity than the 6.5 Creedmoor, which means it can hold more powder and generate higher velocities. The 6.8 Western has a bullet diameter of .277 inches and a case length of 2.030 inches. It is compatible with short-action rifles.
Overview of the 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a popular cartridge among long-range shooters and hunters. It was introduced in 2007 by Hornady. This cartridge has a smaller case capacity than the 6.8 Western, which means it generates lower velocities. However, it has excellent accuracy and a low recoil. The 6.5 Creedmoor has a bullet diameter of .264 inches and a case length of 1.920 inches. It is compatible with short-action and long-action rifles.
Ballistics Comparison
Let's take a look at the ballistics comparison between the 6.8 Western and the 6.5 Creedmoor:
- Muzzle Velocity: The 6.8 Western has a higher muzzle velocity than the 6.5 Creedmoor. The 6.8 Western can achieve a velocity of up to 3,000 feet per second, while the 6.5 Creedmoor can achieve a velocity of up to 2,900 feet per second.
- Energy: The 6.8 Western generates more energy than the 6.5 Creedmoor. The 6.8 Western can generate up to 2,800 foot-pounds of energy, while the 6.5 Creedmoor can generate up to 2,500 foot-pounds of energy.
- Drop: The 6.8 Western has a flatter trajectory than the 6.5 Creedmoor. At 500 yards, the 6.8 Western drops 36.1 inches, while the 6.5 Creedmoor drops 41.8 inches.
- Wind Drift: The 6.8 Western is less affected by wind drift than the 6.5 Creedmoor. At 500 yards, the 6.8 Western drifts 6.8 inches, while the 6.5 Creedmoor drifts 8.2 inches.
Overall, the 6.8 Western has a higher velocity, more energy, and a flatter trajectory than the 6.5 Creedmoor. However, the 6.5 Creedmoor has excellent accuracy and a low recoil, which makes it a popular choice among long-range shooters and hunters.
Uses of the 6.8 Western and the 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.8 Western and the 6.5 Creedmoor are both versatile cartridges that can be used for various shooting activities. Here are some of their common uses:
- 6.8 Western: The 6.8 Western is suitable for long-range shooting and hunting, especially for big game animals such as elk, moose, and bear.
- 6.5 Creedmoor: The 6.5 Creedmoor is ideal for long-range target shooting and hunting, especially for medium-sized game animals such as deer and antelope.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cartridge for your shooting needs can be challenging. The 6.8 Western and the 6.5 Creedmoor are both excellent cartridges that have their own unique features and advantages. The 6.8 Western has a higher velocity and more energy, while the 6.5 Creedmoor has excellent accuracy and a low recoil. Consider your shooting activities and preferences before choosing between the two cartridges.