So I'm getting ready to build a rifle and the rifle will be used mostly for target shooting and some PRS (1 or 2 matches a year) and maybe hunting 1 day or 2 a year. I can only afford one barrel at the moment and was recently offered a great deal on Proof Research prefit 6.5 creedmoor stainless barrel. I was looking previously at building my rifle with a patriot valley arms prefit barrel chambered in 6GT. I know the 6GT will shoot flatter and faster but wont cut through the wind as easy but with less recoil will be easier to spot my shots which is important as many times I will be by myself. The 6.5 creedmoor allows for a little more error in wind calls as it is affected less but with slightly more recoil could prevent seeing where my round impacts. This wouldn't be a question if the barrel price wasn't such a great deal. Thoughts an opinions?
6.5 Creedmoor or 6GT
- Thread starter Mojo0254
- Start date
With the current lack of components these days, you're probably better off with the 6.5C. You can also get factory ammo for it, if you don't reload. I don't think you'll be handicapped at a match with it, either. This is coming from a GT owner.
If that wasn’t a concern due to the fact I won’t have the rest of the parts for the rifle for another 6 months or so would your answer change?
A decent scope.
Spend time sorting out what works for you. It will make a huge difference having good optics.
Spend time sorting out what works for you. It will make a huge difference having good optics.
Not really. The reloading components would be the biggest question. Barrel life is kind of a non-issue. I pulled my first GT barrel at 1920, but it was still shooting 5/8" and no loss of velocity. I also smoked a 6.5 Creed around 1600
. If you're building a match/ hunting rig, I'd still say go with the Creed.
In terms of reloading components I would say 6.5cm is about the hardest to fine components for ATM. This also includes equipment like dies.
I didn’t like the recoil on the 6.5cm (Hornady factory ammo) vs my 6cm. I switched from 140 gr to 130 gr bullets and loaded a modest load of 44.1 gr StaBall running 2808 fps and the recoil has been very mild and smooth.
Don’t let barrel life be a deterrent. I’m just over 3000 on my 6GT barrel and it’s still shoots fine. No loss of velocity. Most of the 6.5 barrels I’ve shot out went right about 2500 or slightly more. For matches you won’t go wrong with either. I guess the only question is hunting. I don’t hint with a 6GT and haven’t really seen too many people that have but I’m sure it can be done. Just get whatever is easier for YOU. You’ll be fine with either one.
Just pick one (anyone) and start buying reloading components when you see them available.
If you're lucky in 6 months time you'll have everything you need to reload....
Personally I'd go the 6.5CM as I recently experienced the more forgivingness in difficult winds and enjoyed the more energy on steel targets vs a bunch of 6mms. I haven't found that the recoil is too much that I can't spot my impacts.
If reloading components for both are equally difficult to find then I'd go the CM but would go for whatever I could actually get brass and projectiles for as both will perform for what you want.
If you're lucky in 6 months time you'll have everything you need to reload....
Personally I'd go the 6.5CM as I recently experienced the more forgivingness in difficult winds and enjoyed the more energy on steel targets vs a bunch of 6mms. I haven't found that the recoil is too much that I can't spot my impacts.
If reloading components for both are equally difficult to find then I'd go the CM but would go for whatever I could actually get brass and projectiles for as both will perform for what you want.
I've seen more 6mm dies/bullets/brass available lately. I saw 500 6GT brass for $399 advertised a couple of weeks ago. Could have been bait but I considered ordering it and building my next rifle around it if it actually showed up. Still got the primer thing to contend with, though. Can't find that brass deal anymore.
I had the same dilemma going into this year. Was upgrading from factory Tikka rifles in 6.5cm to a custom. I really wanted a 6GT but I don’t reload and factory options are slim. I settle in a 6cm purely because ammo is currently cheaper and more widely available. Hopefully things calm down at the end of the year and if so I will move to 6GT.
