Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles How much difference between 6.5 creedmoor & 257 wby mag

You're welcome.

Hmmm. Ok�


Using those numbers and assuming MPBR zeros for a 6� diameter target (295 yards for the .257 Weatherby, 258 yards for the 6.5 Creedmoor) and 10mph crosswinds:

100 yards
6.5CM = 2855fps, 2173fpe, +2.55�, 0.46� drift
.257W = 3299fps, 2658fpe. +2.25�, 0.45� drift

500 yards
6.5CM = 2253fps, 1353fpe, -29.5�, 13.8� drift
.257W = 2579fps, 1624fpe, -19.1�, 12.6� drift

700 yards
6.5CM = 1982fps, 1047fpe, -84.0�, 28,9�� drift
.257W = 2259fps, 1246fpe, -59.0�, 26.2� drift
26� barrel

1000 yards
6.5M = 1617fps, 696fpe, -236.5�, 65.2� drift
.257W = 1822fps, 811fpe, -173.8�, 58.9� drift

Note that these numbers are for a 26� barrel for the .257W (Nosler @ 3480fps) and a 28� barrel for the 6.5 CM (Wikipedia, referencing Hornady data).

Also note that the Creedmoor burns far less powder (44.5g H414 @ 2960fps in a 24� barrel per Hodgdon) compared to the Weatherby (71.0g IMR7828 @ 3480fps in a 26� barrel per Nosler).

My personal choice for long range is a 6.5-06AI with 130g Swift Scirocco II�s, BC .571 @ 3161fps and a 24� barrel. Powder consumption is about 58g. It beats the 6.5CM in every category (fps, fpe, drop, drift, MPBR) and both in the wind drift category. At 600 yards it is a hair behind the Weatherby in fps (2410fps vs. 2416fps) but surpasses it shortly thereafter. In terms of fpe it starts out slightly behind the Weatherby (2644fpe vs. 2658fpe @ 100 yards) but quickly pulls ahead. At 700 yards the 6.5-06AI retains 1523fpe vs. 1246fpe for the Weatherby. The Weatherby shoots flatter (-19.1� vs -23.6� @ 500 yards, -59.0� vs. -67.4� @ 700 yards) but loses the drift race by about the same margins (12.6� vs 9.9� @ 500 yards, 26.2� vs. 20.3� @ 700 yards).

That�s a lot of ballistic gack as some would call it, but the facts are these:

1. For most jobs 6.5CM will do what needs to be done with less powder and a shorter, lighter and handier rifle than the .257 Weatherby.
2. The Weatherby is arguably a better choice than the 6.5CM for long range killing (ignoring any factors of personal preference regarding rifle characteristics and going only by velocity, energy, drop and drift).
3. Neither is ideal for all situations.

As long as we're doing gack, consider that in the above comparison, one of the higher BC .25 bullets is being compared to one of the medium BC 6.5 bullets. Throw a 140gr VLD in the mix, one of the bullets that is making the 6.5 so popular, for long range, things change. By 500, the 6.5 CM is beats the .257 Wby on the wind, and the gap widens after that. If you use a range compensating reticle or turrets, elevation is easy. Wind is voodoo. Any bullet that helps cheat the wind is where its at regardless of headstamp. Better comparison would be .257 Wby with it's best bullet compared to a .264 Win with it's best. Don't get me wrong, I love the .257 Wby. For a max PBR rifle there's hardly any better. But really start stretching things out and the higher BCs win� Every time� As Stick always says, bullets matter more than headstamps.

Here's the windage figures for a 6.5 CM shooting a 140gr VLD at 2800, using nearly 30gr less powder than a .257 Wby�

100: .5"
200: 1.9"
300: 4.3"
400: 7.9"
500: 12.2"
600: 18.6"
700: 26.0"
800: 34.9"
900: 45.5"
1000: 57.8"

John

OP - I would sell the ammo or trade, for your 6.5 components/ammo.

NOTHING a good 6.5 will not handle in NA, though big bears might want more convincing or time to consider, so a larger round can be prudent.

It's all dope, mental masturbation. Dial drop/drift as needed, or use Kentucky Windage Bullets destroying vitals kills. Everytime.

6.5's are a great place to be. Better BC's and SD's than anything smaller, and for the most part they handle the same big game animals as the larger calibers while being mild on the shoulder. 6.5's aren't mainstream in this country, but they should be.

Amen! He is the ebola virus of this forum!

Not trying to be a smart azz here Boxer, cause I honestly don't know, but will a factory 1-9.125, or like most factory tubes at 1-10, stabilize a .547 target bullet? (Assuming your talking about the Berger 105 Hybrid Match) If so, that's impressive.

Bergers twist calculator says 6mm, 105 hybrid,.547B.c., at sea level, 62deg. and 3000fps with a 9.25 and 9.125 twist marginal stability, possibly affecting B.C. by 10%, of course Boxer knows better than Berger as he has done it all and knows all.





Stability Analysis
Your bullet is MARGINALLY STABLE.
Your bullet stability is marginal. You may shoot good groups under these conditions, but the BC of the bullet will not be optimized.
SG = 1.03
Bullet BC (G7):
0.278
Adjusted BC for 1 in 9.125" Twist:
0.239
Your BC is being compromised by:
14%
Minimum Twist Recommended:
1 in 7.50"
Alternate Bullets Recommended For Greater Stability In Your 1 In 9.125" Barrel
Part # Bullet Description SG G1 BC G7 BC
24313 6mm 69 Grain Match Grade High BC FB Varmint 1.80 0.291 NA
24321 6mm 80 Grain Match Grade FB Varmint 2.07 0.306 NA
24323 6mm 88 Grain Match Grade High BC FB Varmint 1.52 0.391 NA
24404 6mm 62 Grain Match Euwin BR Target 2.08 0.253 NA
24407 6mm Match BR COLUMN Target 2.49 0.277 NA
24408 6mm 65 Grain Match BT Target 2.14 0.270 0.138
24409 6mm 65 Grain Match WEB BR Target 2.18 0.265 NA
24411 6mm 68 Grain Match FB Target 2.28 0.280 NA
24425 6mm 90 Grain Match BT Target 1.64 0.411 0.210
24524 6mm 87 Grain Match Grade VLD Hunting 1.55 0.412 0.211
24570 6mm 95 Grain Match Grade Classic Hunter 1.61 0.427 0.219



SG = 1.01
Bullet BC (G7):
0.278
Adjusted BC for 1 in 9.25" Twist:
0.237
Your BC is being compromised by:
15%
Minimum Twist Recommended:
1 in 7.50"
Alternate Bullets Recommended For Greater Stability In Your 1 In 9.25" Barrel
Part # Bullet Description SG G1 BC G7 BC
24313 6mm 69 Grain Match Grade High BC FB Varmint 1.75 0.291 NA
24321 6mm 80 Grain Match Grade FB Varmint 2.01 0.306 NA
24404 6mm 62 Grain Match Euwin BR Target 2.02 0.253 NA
24407 6mm Match BR COLUMN Target 2.42 0.277 NA
24408 6mm 65 Grain Match BT Target 2.08 0.270 0.138
24409 6mm 65 Grain Match WEB BR Target 2.12 0.265 NA
24411 6mm 68 Grain Match FB Target 2.22 0.280 NA
24425 6mm 90 Grain Match BT Target 1.59 0.411 0.210

Sounds to me like screw them both and get a 264 Win Mag...

Now yer talkin'!

Or a .26 Nosler.

Having a couple hundred rounds of a cartridges is not a great reason for getting a rifle chambered for that cartridge. Once the cartridges are gone you will still have the rifle, whether you like it or not.

Ammunition for the .257 Weatherby tends to be on the expen$ive side and a �couple hundred rounds� really won�t last long if you do much shooting. BobinNH suggested a .264WM, which I would prefer over the .257 Weatherby, but .264WM ammo is also pretty expensive. Moreover, factory options are very limited for both cartridges when compared to more mainstream cartridges. Most hunters never need the reach either of these cartridges can provide and for lesser ranges (600 and under) there are plenty of other options.

My recommendation would be to get a rifle chambered for one of those more mainstream cartridges. A 7mm RM is a very good place to start looking � lots of factory ammo choices that are relatively inexpensive, moderate recoil and lots of reach. For 20+ years mine got used for low-volume varminting (prairie dogs and coyotes), plus antelope, deer and elk. I don�t use it for varminting anymore but it is still a great choice for big game and has never disappointed in performance. It doesn�t get used every year now because I have so many other options but it is still a favorite.

It has often been said a man with a .30-06 doesn�t need anything else. For decades I jokingly used that as an excuse not to get one. Now I have four and will be using one or two come big game season in a couple months. Like the 7mm RM, there isn�t anything I�ve done where a .30-06 wouldn�t have worked as well and a .30-06 is hard to beat when it comes to factory ammo choices. Ammo costs vary but you can still find ammo for a fraction of what .257 Weatherby or .264 WM ammo costs. For a non-handloader, this is probably THE place to start.

For PA and most of the rest of the country a .270 Win is also an excellent choice. Lots of factory ammo choices including relatively low-cost options (although not quite as low cost as for the .30-06). This is arguably the best choice for a dedicated deer rifle, with less recoil than the 7mm RM or .30-06 and more reach than most hunters will ever use. The fact that I have four .30-06s and zero rifles in .270 Win is more by accident than design � when I found a .270 Win I wanted (used Ruger stainless boat paddle) I waited 24 hours to buy it and was then 10 minutes too late.

In the end, however, nostalgia is a perfectly good reason for choosing a firearm. If a .257 Weatherby lights your fire, go for it. Just be aware that your 6.5 Creedmoor will probably do everything you need.

I don't know. I've heard the 30-06 is the worst cartridge based on the '06 case.

'fan,

Ruger and Remmie will do you proud,with all the 105's. The 700 will smooch the Hornies and the Ruger will smooch 'em all(very similar throat geometry,but greater COAL latitude).

Hardly a "daunting" "feat" to to tote a OEM SAAMI 243Win and rule the roost.

Hint.










URFUBAR,

Ain't it one of Life's fascinatin' constants,that while you were setting on your Couchbound Kchunt reading...I was actually shooting. Congratulations?!? Copious extry humor points awarded for a chart,citing things you've never seen,let alone done. Laffin'!

Lemme fuel your Imagination,if only to bolster your Pretend,so you can make a new chart. Laffin'!

Was busy openin' Mail yesterday evening and never got through it all,as I got sidetracked with company,when a Trampin' Pard swung by outta da blue. Did throw some 105's in the fray.



A better look for your crossed-eyes.

L-R of frame: Hybrid,Hornie HPBT,'Max.



PLEASE do not let the cat get your tongue,nor the couch your kchunt,as it's never not entertainin' 'er than [bleep],when you get to "thinking" and charting all the things you've never seen or done. It ain't like anyone needs a list of all them thangs,as it's well beyond obvious. Hint. Laffin'!

Appreciate your taking the time to "tell" me stuff.

Laffin'!

Holy [bleep] dog schit WOW.

Good talk.











Bob',

There was a time when I yerked barrels offa both of my 264Win's,to go 257Wby and due the change in boolits...I'd be reversing that trend Today.

Due the advent of the LRF and SINISTER boolits,I gotta have some reaaallllllllll good [bleep] reasons to go L/A and even more to suffer belts.

Mainly because I've got all of the t-shirts.(grin)










'Hunter,

I built ammo for all of my 257's and 264's with mostly R/P 7mmRemmie hulls,but did score a goodly sized batcha R/P 7mmWby brass and they's a CH longer,but it's moot.

Very easy to headspace a Virgin false shoulder and ring the [bleep] bell,right outta the [bleep] gate.

If Hornady does a Quarterbore A-Max or Lapooey a Skinner,I'll be hitting WFO on reactivating the .25cal larder...but until then,they's purty quiet.

Just sayin',but it's easy for me to say,I gots 'em all.9grin)










dooshmike,

The Whelen is the Queen of suck and the '06 is no different than the 308,in that you gotta neck the suck outta it.

A Plain Jane 6-06,will squirt a .547BC at 3300fps,standing on it's head and that's a fair amount of mustard.

Hint.









(Addendum: for yet another CLUELESS Window Licker)

OldKchunt,

"Congratulations" on stuffing schit ammo aboard a schit rifle and driving schit glass,then mentioning that your exceptionally low standards are "fulfilled",by your Stupidity.

THAT was awesome.

Wow +P+.

Laffin'!

Double Dog Dare for you to cite the rifle "particulars",Make/Model,stock,barrel,boolits/velocity,scope,etc. and a BEEG Bonus for a picture of you and your crossed-eyes holding same,with a Splendid Beastie duped by your "prowess".

Looking forward to the Whine and Excuses.

Laffin'!

Anyone that says 257 Weatherby Ammo is expensive has not been buying Factory Ammo lately. At the LGS I frequent it is the same if maybe a few bucks more then Federal Premium and all the other"Premium" Makes and he sells them all .

With a 100 grain factory Load using a standard scope I can shoot Dead on at 300 and Less then 8" drop at 400. I don't have to twist turrets it is just a point and click procedure. It has been a long time since I shot something past 300 so it is all the gun I need for WD hunting.

Have you tried to find $12 boxes of .257 Weatherby ammo? Cheaper Than Dirt has $12 boxes of .30-06 ammo in stock, Midway has it for $17 in stock. The cheapest .257 Weatherby ammo at either place is $32.53 and $37.49 respectively.

In fact, I count 23 types of .30-06 ammo in stock at CTD for under $20, including offerings from Winchester, Federal, Remington. CTD has 42 types in stock for under $30. The same Winchester 180g .30-06 ammo I�ll probably hunt elk with this fall is $18.75. Federal Premium 180g Trophy Bonded is $30.76 a box, Federal Premium 180g Partitions are $32.25, and so on. So what I�m seeing is cup-and-core .257 Weatherby ammo is, at best, about the same price as .30-06 premium loads.

Want Weatherby factory 110g Accubonds? They are $80.99 at Midway but you can settle for 115g Ballistic Tips for only $69.99. Compare that to Winchester 180g Ballistic Tip for $31.49 or 180g AccuBond for $37.00 at Midway.

Nope, I�ve not been buying much factory ammo lately (except Winchester .30-06 and .300WM) but I can read�

Comparing 30-06 ammo to a 257 WBY are we? Come on now you can do better then that. 30-06 ammo in the cheapest form Remington Corelockt is 23 bucks a box here, 270 WInchester Ballistic Silvertip is 39 dollars a box and these are Wally World prices, Nosler Ammo, Corbon,HSM and whatever else premium ammo is the same or more at my LGS. Prices must be cheaper in Colorado they sure are not here.

So you have the ammo, but not the rifle.

Get the rifle. Around here, that's called "sufficient justification."

Comparing .257 Weatherby ammo costs to .30-06 (and the 7mm RM) ammo costs is exactly what I was doing. If you go back to my original post:

�Ammunition for the .257 Weatherby tends to be on the expen$ive side��
�7mm RM is a very good place to start looking � lots of factory ammo choices that are relatively inexpensive�
�you can still find [.30-06] ammo for a fraction of what .257 Weatherby or .264 WM ammo costs.�

The prices I quoted were today�s CTD and Midway internet prices. They both sell to pretty much anyone, even people from North Carolina.

The fact remains that .257 Weatherby ammo options are quite limited when compared to the .30-06 and that you can buy .30-06 ammo at a fraction of what you will pay for the cheapest .257 Weatherby ammo. Most people I know aren�t interested in plinking or even doing much practice with ammo that costs $32-$80 a box.

Thats why you hand load a 257 weatherby. Not much is going to beat a 30-06 when it comes to availability and cost that is a given.