Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 20" Barrel 6.5 Creedmoor vs 243 Winchester

Hey guys, looking for some info about these 2 calibers in rifles with 20" barrels.

From what I can tell they are pretty similar ballistically but I'm curious if there is any data on how they will both handle a 20" barrel. Will one be more impacted by the short barrel?

Thanks.

If you pole vault over mouse turds, the 243.

LOL

I tend to look for things that might not be there

What are you planning to use it for?

I've seen testing on the 6.5, but not the 243. And the 6.5 did pretty well, only losing about 50-140 fps from 27" depending on the load

https://rifleshooter.com/2016/02/6-...ngth-on-velocity-cutting-up-a-creedmoor/

I doubt the 243 would do as well, but haven't seen any data to back it up. Plus the heavier 6.5 bullets depend on BC to retain speeds downrange rather than MV.

There's a similar rifleshooter article out there where a 6mm Creedmoor barrel was cut down in steps. Creedmoor and the NATO case are nearly same/same for usable case capacity, so the 243 loaded to similar pressures should track along fairly well with the 6mm Creedmoor test. I think they also did a 243win test, but only used some factory ammo that did not react well to shorter barrels. The 6mm Creedmoor lost less velocity than I expected.

6mm Creedmoor test

Looking for a lightweight mountain rifle for up to whitetail sized game. Won't be a target rifle but want to make sure I'm not giving up TOO much if I go with .243 over the 6.5 Creedmoor.

I have an 18.5" 243 on the way right now. Lost velocity takes a backseat to handiness for me. And short barrels have generally been more accurate and less fussy for me.

Custom or factory barrel? Planning on typical 80-100gr game bullets or the VLD-style stuff?

If “up to” means lotsa smaller critters and the occasional whitetail then 243.

If strictly whitetail, I’d choose the 6.5 CM. But would be happy with the 243.

If you’re shooting whitetail in tacticool camo from 1200 yards out, then definitely 6.5 Creedmoor, with a peep sight!

I can't argue with that except to say the 6.5 has recoil a lot closer to 243 than 308. And I'd use it on game a lot bigger than deer. I'd hunt anything with the 6.5CM I'd hunt with a 270. You're looking at 6.5mm vs 6.8 in the 270. If shooting 130's or 140's in either the 270 has about 150-200 fps advantage at the muzzle. But the better BC's of the 6.5 really close the gap and are a lot closer at 200 yards or farther. I don't see any game animal ever noticing the difference.

Labradar says:

.243 HORNADY 95gr SST
24” Vanguard: 3,086 fps
20” Vanguard: 2,933 fps

.243 BARNES VORTX 80gr TTSX
24” Vanguard: 3,301 fps
20” Vanguard: 3,227 fps

I don't know about 6.5 Creedmore - but 243 is LOUD out of an 18 1/2" barrel (Rem 788).
Original 6.5 Swede carbines ('94) had 16" barrels.

night owl, of course a 6.5. or .243 with a 181/2" would be loud, what the hell do you expect !!!??

Yeah, all short barrel centerfires are loud, but the short 243 is a special kind of loud.
Mini 14 without hearing protection is another loud mutha.

I believe you but I had a 20" 243 for years and didn't mind it so I don't expect another inch and a half less barrel will be a deal breaker.

20" 243 Win built on a old Winchester 670 action. I run 105gr's just under 2900 fps.


18" 6.5 CM. The heaviest bullet I have ran is the 129gr SP from the factory Hdy Whitetail load and it was at 2710 fps.




For your use, I would go with the .243. IMO, it doesn't "give up" much.

Thanks for all the replies guys!

I was wanting a 6.5 creedmoor but a deal on a Howa Alpine Rifle in 243 came along and I'm going to give it a shot.

Now to decide what to scope it with........