The 6mm Creedmoor and 308 are two popular cartridges that are only growing in popularity. And as these cartridges become more prevalent in the market the question of which cartridge is better is often asked. So in this article, we seek to answer that question and see which cartridge truly is the better.
Short Answer:
The 6mm Creedmoor has less energy than the 308. However, the 6mm Creedmoor has a better trajectory, less wind drift, and a higher velocity. If you want a heavier hitting cartridge, go with the 308. But if energy isn’t an issue, the 6mm Creedmoor is the better option.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and see how they compare in-depth in all applications.
In-Depth Look at the 6mm Creedmoor
The 6mm Creedmoor was introduced in 2007 and quickly gained popularity in the precision shooting community. It is based on the 308 Winchester case necked down to 6mm (.243 caliber) bullet. One of the key advantages of the 6mm Creedmoor is its exceptional accuracy. The combination of a high ballistic coefficient, low recoil, and flat trajectory makes it a top choice for long-range precision shooting competitions that are sensitive to recoil.
The cartridge offers excellent muzzle velocity, typically launching bullets between 2,800 to 3,100 feet per second. This high velocity, combined with its high BC bullet design, results in minimal wind drift and excellent energy retention at extended distances.
While the 6mm Creedmoor is primarily recognized as a target shooting cartridge, it is also suitable for hunting smaller to medium-sized game such as varmints, predators, and deer. However, due to its smaller bullet diameter, it may not be the best choice for larger game such as elk.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6mm Creedmoor with a 107-grain boat-tail hollow point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3000 | 2138 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2912 | 2014 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 2826 | 1897 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.2 | 2741 | 1785 |
| 200 | -2.9 | 2.2 | 2658 | 1679 |
| 250 | -6.1 | 3.5 | 2577 | 1577 |
| 300 | -10.7 | 5.2 | 2497 | 1481 |
| 350 | -16.6 | 7 | 2418 | 1389 |
| 400 | -24 | 9.3 | 2341 | 1302 |
| 450 | -33 | 12 | 2265 | 1219 |
| 500 | -43.8 | 15.1 | 2191 | 1140 |
In-Depth Look at the 308 Winchester
The 308 Winchester, introduced in 1952, has a long-standing reputation for its versatility, reliability, and effectiveness. It is widely used by hunters, law enforcement, and military personnel around the world. The 308 Winchester is based on the 300 Savage cases but with less tapered and holds more powder.
One of the notable advantages of the 308 Winchester is its wide range of bullet options. From lighter varmint bullets to heavier projectiles for big game hunting, there is a vast selection available. The cartridge offers moderate recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for most individuals. It has a proven track record of delivering stopping power and accuracy at various distances.
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 6mm Creedmoor outperforms the 308 Winchester in terms of ballistics, especially at longer distances. With its higher muzzle velocity, flatter trajectory, and lower wind drift, the 6mm Creedmoor excels in precision shooting scenarios. It maintains energy and velocity better than the 308 Winchester, providing an advantage for long-range engagements.
Recoil: The 6mm Creedmoor has significantly less recoil compared to the 308 Winchester. This makes it more manageable for shooters, especially those who are sensitive to recoil or require faster follow-up shots.
Hunting Applications: While both cartridges can be used for hunting, their performance differs based on the game being pursued. The 308 Winchester, with its larger bullet diameter and heavier projectiles, offers greater stopping power and deeper penetration. It is a popular choice for hunting medium to large-sized game, including deer, elk, and bear. The 6mm Creedmoor, with its smaller bullet diameter, is better suited for smaller game like varmints and predators, as well as deer-sized game at closer ranges.
Ammunition Availability: The 308 Winchester has been around for decades and has a wide availability of ammunition options. It is easy to find in most sporting goods stores and online retailers. On the other hand, the 6mm Creedmoor, being a newer cartridge, may not have the same level of availability. While it has gained popularity and is increasingly more accessible, it may still be less common in some areas.
Rifle Selection: Both cartridges can be chambered in a variety of rifles, but the 308 Winchester has a broader range of options. Numerous rifle manufacturers produce rifles chambered in 308 Winchester, including bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles, and even some lever-action models. The 6mm Creedmoor, although growing in popularity, may have a more limited selection of rifles to choose from.