When it comes to choosing a rifle cartridge, hunters and shooters have a wide range of options available to them. Two popular options are the 303 British and the 6.5 Creedmoor. Both have their own unique features and benefits that make them a popular choice among shooters. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at each of these cartridges and compare their performance to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Here is the short answer:
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a newer cartridge with a more streamlined design and higher ballistic coefficient, making it more accurate and suitable for long-range shooting compared to the 303 British. However, the 303 British has a longer history and is a reliable option for medium-range hunting and target shooting.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 303 British
The 303 British cartridge has been around for over a century and was first used by the British military in 1888. It features a .311 inch bullet diameter and is known for its reliability and accuracy. The cartridge has a moderate recoil and a maximum effective range of around 500 yards.
The 303 British is popular among hunters for its ability to take down medium-sized game such as deer and elk. It is also a popular choice for target shooting and military reenactments. One of the main advantages of the 303 British is its availability and affordability, making it a good option for those on a budget.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 303 British with a 150-grain bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2690 | 2410 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.2 | 2565 | 2190 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2442 | 1987 |
| 150 | -1.4 | 2.2 | 2324 | 1798 |
| 200 | -4.4 | 4.1 | 2208 | 1624 |
| 250 | -9.2 | 6.6 | 2096 | 1463 |
| 300 | -15.9 | 9.7 | 1988 | 1316 |
| 350 | -24.7 | 13.3 | 1881 | 1179 |
| 400 | -36.1 | 18 | 1780 | 1055 |
| 450 | -50.5 | 23.6 | 1683 | 943 |
| 500 | -67.8 | 30 | 1590 | 842 |
In-Depth Look at the 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a newer cartridge that was introduced in 2007. It features a .264 inch bullet diameter and has quickly gained popularity among shooters and hunters due to its high ballistic coefficient and accuracy.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is known for its long-range capabilities and is commonly used in precision shooting competitions. The cartridge has a moderate recoil and a maximum effective range of over 1,000 yards. It is also a popular choice among hunters for taking down medium to large-sized game such as deer and elk.
One of the main advantages of the 6.5 Creedmoor is its accuracy, which is due to its streamlined design and high ballistic coefficient. It also has a low recoil, making it easy to shoot and allowing for quick follow-up shots.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6.5 Creedmoor with a 140-grain soft point:
| 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 Comparison
When comparing the 303 British to the 6.5 Creedmoor, there are a few key differences to consider. The 6.5 Creedmoor has a smaller bullet diameter and a higher ballistic coefficient, giving it better long-range accuracy compared to the 303 British. It also has a higher maximum effective range and a lower recoil, making it easier to shoot.
On the other hand, the 303 British has a longer history and is a reliable option for medium-range hunting and target shooting. It is also more widely available and affordable compared to the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the 303 British and the 6.5 Creedmoor will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a reliable and affordable option for medium-range hunting and target shooting, the 303 British may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a cartridge with superior long-range accuracy and a lower recoil, the 6.5 Creedmoor may be the better option. It is important to consider factors such as your intended use, budget, and personal shooting preferences before making a decision.