Two rounds that have their reputation for use in wars, as well as hunting rounds, are the 308 Winchester and the 6.5×55 Swedish. However, these two rounds are not often compared even though they have similar ballistics.
Short Answer:
The 6.5x55mm offers excellent long-range accuracy, manageable recoil, and versatility for hunting a wide range of game. The .308 Winchester, known for its reliability, widespread availability, and proven performance, is favored for its effectiveness in hunting and tactical applications.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look at each cartridge and how these two cartridges compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 6.5x55mm
The 6.5x55mm, also known as the 6.5 Swedish Mauser, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Originally designed for military use, it has evolved into a popular sporting cartridge, especially in Europe.
The 6.5×55 has similar ballistics to the 6.5 Creedmoor with bullet weights typically ranging from 120 to 160 grains. The 6.5x55mm is well-suited for hunting various game species, including but not limited to deer and elk. Its long, sleek bullets offer excellent ballistic coefficients, resulting in impressive downrange performance and minimal wind drift.
The one major downside to this round is that the 6.5×55 is a dying cartridge because the 6.5 Creedmoor performs similarly but is cheaper and more modern.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6.5×55 with a 156-grain soft point:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2500 | 2165 |
| 50 | 0 | 0.2 | 2412 | 2015 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.7 | 2326 | 1874 |
| 150 | -1.6 | 1.8 | 2242 | 1740 |
| 200 | -5 | 3.3 | 2159 | 1614 |
| 250 | -10.2 | 5.2 | 2078 | 1496 |
| 300 | -17.5 | 7.7 | 1999 | 1384 |
| 350 | -26.6 | 10.3 | 1921 | 1278 |
| 400 | -38.3 | 13.7 | 1845 | 1179 |
| 450 | -52.7 | 17.9 | 1772 | 1088 |
| 500 | -70 | 22.7 | 1702 | 1003 |
In-Depth Look at the 308 Winchester
The 308 Winchester, introduced in the early 1950s, quickly became a favorite among hunters, as well as many different militaries but under the name 7.62×51 NATO. Today, it is still used by many hunters, snipers, and even competition shooters.
With bullet weights ranging from 125 to 200 grains, and even subsonic options, the 308 Winchester is suitable for hunting a wide variety of game such as deer, hogs, elk, and predators. Its moderate recoil makes it comfortable to shoot for most shooters, while its power makes it a versatile cartridge that can be used for just about anything.
There is not real downside to the 308 Winchester. However, it is not as powerful as some other rounds so it is fairly limited when it comes to range, and it is not ideal for hunting anything bigger than elk past 300 yards.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 308 Winchester with a 150-grain jacketed soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2820 | 2648 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.3 | 2673 | 2380 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.1 | 2532 | 2134 |
| 150 | -1.2 | 2.4 | 2394 | 1909 |
| 200 | -3.9 | 4.4 | 2261 | 1702 |
| 250 | -8.4 | 7.1 | 2132 | 1514 |
| 300 | -14.7 | 10.4 | 2007 | 1341 |
| 350 | -23.1 | 14.6 | 1886 | 1184 |
| 400 | -34.2 | 19.7 | 1771 | 1044 |
| 450 | -48.1 | 25.9 | 1661 | 919 |
| 500 | -65 | 32.9 | 1557 | 807 |
In-Depth Comparison
Ballistics: The 6.5x55mm is better in terms of long-range accuracy and ballistic performance. Its high sectional density and higher ballistic coefficients result in a flater trajectory, minimal wind drift, and maximum energy retention. Although the 308 Winchester is considered to have respectable ballistics it doesn’t have the advantage that the 6.5×55 does with the better bullet BC.
Recoil: Both cartridges offer manageable recoil, but the 6.5x55mm typically generates about 12 foot pounds of recoil. Compared to the 308 Winchester, which generates about 15 foot pounds of recoil, it is going to be more forgiving. This reduced recoil improves accuracy, faster follow-up shots, and increased shooter comfort.
Versatility: Which cartridge is better here depends on how far you intend on shooting. Past 300 yards, the 6.5×55 is the better round because of its better energy conservation. However, inside of 300 yards, the 308 Winchester is going to have more energy and therefore is the better cartridge.
Cost and availability: When it comes to cost and availability, the 308 is the far better round. Because of the mass amount of popularity the 308 Winchester has, it is more widely produced, is easy to get, and thus will also be cheaper. On the other hand, the 6.5×55 is a less popular round so it is going to be harder to find and more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the 6.5x55mm and the 308 Winchester are excellent cartridges with distinct advantages and applications. The 6.5x55mm is a better long range cartridge. Meanwhile, the 308 Winchester offers higher energy, more availability, and cheaper ammo prices.