Running shorter 18-20" on factory Creedmoor ammo...105-108gr 6mm VS. 120-123gr 6.5mm

[dms416]

I can look up the respective BC's and numbers from 24" barrels all day long. With a loss of 4-6" and corresponding for a precision hunter/reduced weight precision gun, is there one that would get the nod over the other on sheer external ballistic performance with only factory load? OR is it just gonna be one of those: too close to call; let other factors like barrel life and ammo price/availability be the deciding factor?

 

[Supersubes]

Subtract 30 fps per inch lost and run the numbers again.

 

[Longshot85]

I built a custom 16 inch 6.5CM before the 2020 fall whitetail season here in KY.

I unfortunately have not chronographed it....vut I intend too since I have a Magneetospeed sporter that works great.....even with cans.

He had already antlered out by taking an 8 point buck with a crossbow prior to modern gun. I was in the stand with him hoping to let him use his new rifle and take a doe with it. I had the Heater going in the hut and he fell asleep. Not long after an nice 8 point buck comes out and I took him down.

I run factory Hornady American Whitetail 129 grain in it solely so far.....surprisingly even with a short barrel and factory ammo it shoots about 0.5 MOA to 0.75MOA

.....I was ecstatic!!!

The buck I shot was broadside about 70 yards and the bullet had a nice exit prolly quarter size. The deer ran about 40 yards and expired.

November 2021 my son and I were back in a stand to use his rifle on whitetail. We were successful. He made about a 50 yard shot.....little further back than the ideal spot when looking broadside. Still, the bullet performed on entrance and exit. Deer took about 5 steps.....went down and expired.