4th_point - I've a RAR Predator in .243W and while accuracy is just 'so,so' right now I'm sure hand-loading will make it better. Same for a Savage SS Warrior in 7mm-08. LGS availability for 6.5 Creed ammo/components is just hit/miss (hate waiting on the big brown truck). Good as the 6.5 Creed is it needs a bigger audience and user group. It is bucking the 6.5 Swede and .260 rem after all. Homesteader
A couple weeks ago people were predicting that factory 140gr AMAX ammo would get scarce, especially with the release of the Ruger Precision rifle. Rumor had it that Horny was getting ready to make another batch but current inventory at that time was low everywhere. We literally watched it evaporate off of local shelves and online in a couple of days. Not sure if the Precision rifle has anything to do with it, but the Creed seems to have a decent following right now.
Personally, I like the 7mm-08 with 162 AMAX. And 243 on the low recoil end. I don't see myself getting a 6.5 Creed but can see the appeal.
Some may disagree, but for long range not a .243 fan. Nice and flat shooting, but those 100 gr bullets (at least in my experience) lack the mass for a consistent exit wound. If elk were even in the equation, yet another strike against the .243.
No experience with the other two calibers so no comment on them.
"Put none but Americans on guard tonight." -George Washington
7mm-08 for game. Great selection of bullets, ballistics similar or better than the 7x57 which Mr. Bell used on elephant. Can be used for LR target/varmint work.
6.5 would be next on my list. I have heard a few make the point that the moose in Sweden are not the size of the moose in the U.S.? Not sure if that would change the outcome of the 6.5 on them as long as it reaches the vitals it would kill them.
Either of these would be my choice for the game you plan on hunting, with a little bias going towards the 7mm-08.
In a factory 10 twist barrel I wouldn't even really consider a .243 Win. With a factory 9.25 twist (Savage or Rem) shooting 105 Amax, well that's a different animal all together. Custom 7-8 barrel and I'd run it against anything the CM OR 7-08 has to offer at long range.
For what OP is shooting the 6.5 CM RAR Predator is a no-brainer. It's the only rifle twisted right to maximize his use of bullets available for the 6.5mm. Put a custom 8 twist tube on the Tikka's and it changes the dynamics of things greatly.