When it comes to choosing a long-range rifle cartridge, there are many options available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Two popular choices among hunters and shooters are the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 300 RUM (Remington Ultra Magnum). In this article, we will provide an in-depth comparison of these two cartridges to help you determine which one might be right for your shooting needs.
Here is the short answer:
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a versatile and accurate cartridge, ideal for target shooting, hunting, and long-range shooting. The 300 RUM, on the other hand, is a high-powered cartridge that is primarily used for long-range hunting and tactical shooting. It has a considerable amount of recoil, which can make it challenging to shoot accurately.
Now that we have looked at the short answer we can look in-depth at each cartridge, each cartridge’s ballistics, and how they compare in depth.
In-depth look at the 6.5 Creedmoor
Back in 2007, Hornady engineer Dennis DeMille developed this round with plans of delivering enhanced accuracy and terminal capabilities than other cartridges out there without compromising on magazine capacity or necessitating magnum-length actions or barrels. The 6.5 Creedmoor was designed to be an improved 308 Winchester with better accuracy due to its higher sectional density.
The 6.5 Creedmoor has been very popular choice for hunters who need a long-range deer hunting cartridge or even short-range elk hunting. The 6.5 Creedmoor has a flat trajectory which is a big advantage for hunters who want to be able to shoot at longer ranges without much adjustment.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6.5 Creedmoor 140-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2750 | 2351 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.2 | 2647 | 2177 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2546 | 2014 |
| 150 | -1.2 | 1.7 | 2447 | 1861 |
| 200 | -3.8 | 3.1 | 2350 | 1717 |
| 250 | -8.1 | 5 | 2256 | 1582 |
| 300 | -14.1 | 7.4 | 2163 | 1455 |
| 350 | -21.9 | 10.3 | 2073 | 1336 |
| 400 | -31.7 | 13.7 | 1985 | 1225 |
| 450 | -43.5 | 17.5 | 1899 | 1121 |
| 500 | -58 | 22.1 | 1816 | 1025 |
In-depth look at the 300 RUM
The Remington Ultra Magnum (300 RUM) is a powerful rifle cartridge that was introduced in 1999 and continues to be one of the most potent big game hunting cartridges available today. It has been specifically designed for taking big animals at a distance without having to worry about your bullet losing its energy.
The 300 RUM has a high quantity powder charge, and consequently quite a bit of recoil this additional power allows shooters to extend their range further than other cartridges, making it advantageous for long-range shooting applications such as hunting in open country or mountainous regions where greater distances are expected by those experienced with firearms or professionals within the field.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 300 RUM with a 180-grain soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3100 | 3841 |
| 50 | -0.3 | 0.1 | 3003 | 3604 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 2908 | 3379 |
| 150 | -0.8 | 1.2 | 2815 | 3167 |
| 200 | -2.6 | 2.3 | 2724 | 2966 |
| 250 | -5.7 | 3.6 | 2635 | 2775 |
| 300 | -10 | 5.3 | 2548 | 2594 |
| 350 | -15.6 | 7.3 | 2462 | 2422 |
| 400 | -22.6 | 9.6 | 2378 | 2259 |
| 450 | -31.2 | 12.4 | 2295 | 2105 |
| 500 | -41.5 | 15.7 | 2214 | 1960 |
In-depth comparison
When comparing the 6.5 Creedmoor to the 300 RUM, there are several factors to consider.
First, the 6.5 Creedmoor has a lower recoil than the 300 RUM which means it is a better cartridge for smaller frame shooters or those who shoot for long periods of time.
Second, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a more versatile cartridge than the 300 RUM. It can be used for hunting and target shooting, while the 300 RUM is primarily designed for long-range hunting for big game.
Finally, the cost of ammunition is another factor to consider. The 6.5 Creedmoor is generally less expensive than the 300 RUM, making it a more cost-effective option for those on a budget. The 6.5 Creedmoor is also chambered in more rifles than the 300 RUM and is easier to find in gun stores. The 300 RUM will also experience barrel burn out faster than the 6.5 Creedmoor due to its higher velocity.
Conclusion
If you desire a versatile and accurate cartridge that is suitable for both hunting and target shooting, the 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent choice. If you are primarily interested in long-range hunting and tactical shooting, the 300 RUM may be a better option due to its high muzzle velocity and ability to take down large game at extended ranges. However, the 300 RUM has a significant recoil, which can make it challenging to shoot accurately, especially for novice shooters or those who are sensitive to recoil.