Bergara B-14 HMR- Help with caliber 308 or 6.5

[paxamus]

Morning Hide,
I am looking at getting a Bergara HMR and can't decide which caliber. It comes in .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor, I have always used 308, but is the 6.5 Creedmoor that good? I usually shoot out to 500 at the range and hunt at less than that. It seems like everyone is on the 6.5 bandwagon. I've looked at ballistics and it is impressive, but should I make the switch, or stay with the 308? Any input would be appreciated

 

[EddieE]

I will be getting a new rifle...I have shot a 308 hunting rig and I don't care to put more than a few rounds through it due to recoil. I want to have fun shooting and after 20 rounds, 308 is no longer fun for me. My research has led me to 6.5. Lower recoil, reaches out to 1000 yards, accurate round, great boxed loads, and I think match ammo is cheaper than 308 match ammo. For my money, I will be going with the 6.5 and sticking a JP tank brake on it for all day shooting fun.

 

[Supersubes]

Creedmoor is the obvious choice.

 

[paxamus]

Is the 6.5 that much better?

 

[WeiserBucks]

At 500 and under, either will work fine. It's simply a matter of preference at that point. Either one will kill game , both are accurate and both have plenty of rifles and ammo to choose from.

 

[paxamus]

I have a fair amount of 308 ammo, just intrigued by the 6.5 round and the opportunity to stretch it out if needed

 

[Maverick15]

I have 2 rifles in .308 and just brought a Bergara premier LRP in 6.5 home. Shot it and a Ruger precision in 6.5 this week both are nice. I am 230 lb and the recoil is not that bad from either. but you can stay on target easier with the 6.5 . If less recoil is what you want look at the 6mm creed more no recoil and dead flat. barrels want last very long I am afraid though.

 

[WeiserBucks]

If you need an excuse for a new rifle, by all means get one !

 

[Supersubes]

Is the 6.5 that much better?

You said it yourself, impressive ballistics. The 6.5 bandwagon was ten years ago, now most just understand that it's the way to go. As soon as good factory match ammo became available for the creedmoor, it became the obvious choice.

 

[moosemeat]

Creedmore-Better trajectory and wind holding ability.

308- Long barrel life and vastly broader selection of ammo. I personally believe it's better for a hunting gun. Absolutely no advantage for a target rifle. Only reason to shoot it there is class rules. Makes you learn wind though....

 

[TacT-MecH]

Good choice! I was told by bergara that a large chain retailer is going to be offering a version of the hmr with a 24 inch barrel and including a scope mount. Some may want The extra velocity.

 

[paxamus]

I love the 308 round, however I keep having these thoughts of getting to go on an elk hunt and needing to make a long shot- when honestly I would just stalk closer. Every time I think I've made up my mind something else makes me want to change it again!

 

[dopedealer]

In 308 i shoot a TBAC Ultra 7. What recoil?

 

[athanasios23]

Either or will do at your ranges. Both will get you out to 1000 yards no problem. If you shoot a lot, barrel life should be considered, Everyone say's that the 6.5 is cheaper to shoot but I regularly get boxes of Fed 308 match for $20 a box. Just have to keep up on the sales and its regularly priced at $25 at online retailers. My precision rife's way 10.5-11.5 pounds so recoil is not an issue regardless if its my 308 or 260. It also seem's like everyone has a break these days, so if you don't like your 308 recoil just put a break on it.

 

[paxamus]

Recoil is not an issue for me, I was just thinking about the 6.5 because all you hear is how it's just amazing for hunting and 500+ shooting.

 

[paxamus]

Went ahead and got the 308- now just have to top it with glass! It is one sexy rifle!!!

 

[PistoleroJesse]

A little OT.

Has any one spun a new barrel on a Bergara Action yet? Seems to me with the integral lug and the prefit rage going on you have a relatively painless swap if you change your mind. Somewhere (I think it was Tyler Kee on TTAG) said the Bergara actions were compatible with Savage prefits.

 

[emrfish6]

Good choice! I was told by bergara that a large chain retailer is going to be offering a version of the hmr with a 24 inch barrel and including a scope mount. Some may want The extra velocity.

Do you happen to know if that includes both the 308 and 6.5 versions? And is that mount going to be 0 MOA or will it have elevation?

 

[700smooth]

i have the B-14 hmr in 6.5 love the rifle no way i would go with the .308

 

[Semperriddle]

I have both moved to shooting my 6.5 more !

 

[paxamus]

Just installed a Timney two stage Calvin Elite and mounting my Nightforce this weekend! So stupid excited

 

[TacT-MecH]

Do you happen to know if that includes both the 308 and 6.5 versions? And is that mount going to be 0 MOA or will it have elevation?

I didn't ask. I was only inquiring about the 6.5 creed.

 

[Nomadic]

For those of you who have the HMR in 6.5 Creed, is the 22" barrel enough to get out to 1000+ yards. That is the only thing that is giving me pause on this rifle

 

[Primus]

6.5 is always going to be a better choice.

 

[magicshot]

There's to many discussions and speculations about MOA
I think that more important how Good is your MOA
One day I shot my Swiss K31 with GP11 7.5x55 1.5 inch group on 200 yards which is .75MOA
With my HOWA 1500 308 and Savage Axis 6.5 cr I have group 3 inches on 200 yards which is 1.5 MOA with cheap ammo
Maybe with rifle for $2000 and ammo $24 per box I can get better result but I'm happy with what I have
So, you have to decide what you want to achieve and how much that will coast.

 

[Abbotm2]

Give the 6.5CM a try, I just got an 18in bergara in 6.5. I have always shot 308 but wanted a light hunting rifle and decided to try the 6.5, it’s also less recoil than 308.

I will be selling my heavy 308 for a 6.5 in the future.