Two popular long range shooting cartridges that or of the same caliber is the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 6.5-300 Weatherby. But what are the differences between these two rounds? Why is one better? When would you want to choose one over the other? In this article, we will answer all these questions and more.
Here is the short answer:
The 6.5-300 Weatherby is a larger, more powerful cartridge that is better suited for long-range shooting and hunting larger game, while the 6.5 Creedmoor is more versatile, offering a lower recoil and greater ammunition availability.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closely at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare to each other.
In-Depth Look at the 6.5-300 Weatherby
The 6.5-300 Weatherby is a high-performance cartridge that was introduced in 2016. It is based on the 300 Weatherby Magnum case that has been necked down to a bullet diameter of 6.5mm. The cartridge is capable of firing a 127-grain bullet at a velocity of 3,500 feet per second (fps). The 6.5-300 Weatherby has an effective range of up to 1,500 yards, making it ideal for long-range hunting and shooting.
The high velocity and flat trajectory of the 6.5-300 Weatherby make it an excellent choice for long-range hunting of larger game such as elk, moose, and bears. The cartridge delivers a lot of energy at long distances, ensuring quick and humane kills. However, the 6.5-300 Weatherby has a relatively high recoil, which can make it challenging to shoot for some hunters.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6.5-300 Weathebry with a 130-grain jacketed soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3425 | 3386 |
| 50 | -0.4 | 0.1 | 3332 | 3204 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 3241 | 3031 |
| 150 | -0.5 | 1 | 3151 | 2866 |
| 200 | -1.8 | 1.8 | 3064 | 2710 |
| 250 | -4.1 | 2.8 | 2978 | 2560 |
| 300 | -7.3 | 4.1 | 2894 | 2418 |
| 350 | -11.6 | 5.6 | 2812 | 2282 |
| 400 | -17 | 7.5 | 2731 | 2153 |
| 450 | -23.6 | 9.6 | 2652 | 2030 |
| 500 | -31.4 | 12 | 2574 | 1912 |
In-Depth Look at the 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor was introduced in 2007 and quickly gained popularity as a versatile and highly accurate cartridge. It is based on the 308 Winchester case and has a bullet diameter of 6.5mm. The 6.5 Creedmoor has a flat trajectory and low recoil, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of hunting and shooting scenarios.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is highly accurate and makes it very good for long-range hunting and shooting. The cartridge has a low recoil, making it easy to shoot for hunters of all levels. Additionally, the 6.5 Creedmoor has a wide variety of ammunition options available, making it easy to find the right cartridge for your hunting or shooting needs.
Here is a ballistics cart of the 6.5 Creedmoor with a 140-grain jacketed 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 Answer
When comparing the 6.5-300 Weatherby to the 6.5 Creedmoor, it is essential to consider the intended use of the cartridge. The 6.5-300 Weatherby is a high-performance cartridge that is better suited for long-range hunting of larger game. The high velocity and energy delivery of the cartridge make it ideal for shooting at longer distances, where accuracy and energy are crucial. However, the 6.5-300 Weatherby has a relatively high recoil, making it more challenging to shoot for some hunters.
Additionally, the 6.5 Creedmoor is often used in precision rifle competitions due to its excellent long-range performance and mild recoil. The moderate recoil and low muzzle blast of the 6.5 Creedmoor make it easier to shoot accurately and for extended periods, which is especially beneficial for competitive shooting. The 6.5 Creedmoor also has a reputation for being very consistent and accurate, which is another factor that makes it popular among precision shooters.
Other than the downside of the 6.5-300 Weatherby, other than its high recoil, is its barrel burnout. Because of the high velocity of the 6.5-300 Weatherby, it has a high chance of burning the throat out of the barrel. The 6.5 Creedmoor does not however have this issue because of its lower velocity.
Conclusion
The 6.5-300 Weatherby is better for the hunter who needs a heavy-hitting cartridge that can take down game animals as big as elk to moose at the long range. The 6.5 Creedmoor is better for the shooter who needs a long range cartridge, or a hunting cartridge that can be used for a deer-sized game.