Two of the most widespread cartridges in the world as of 2023 are the 7.62×39 and the 6.5 Creedmoor. Both of these rounds are popular for their versatility and reliability, but these rounds are for their respective tasks. So in this article, we will look at what each cartridge is best at, how they compare, and, ultimately, which one is better.
Here is the short answer:
The 7.62×39 is more popular around the world, cheaper to shoot, and is ideal for shooting at ranges within 200 yards. The 6.5 Creedmoor is more popular in the US, has more energy, less drop, less wind drift, and is a better overall long range cartridge.
With the short answer out of the way, we can look in-depth at each cartridge, their ballistics, and see how they both compare in-depth.
In-depth look at the 7.62×39
The 7.62×39 is a Soviet-designed intermediate cartridge introduced in 1943 for use in military applications. It features it is an intermediate-sized cartridge with a 30-caliber bullet and decent ballistics within 200 yards. The cartridge is known for its reliability, affordability, and versatility. commonly, this round is used for hunting, plinking, and military applications.
The 7.62×39 cartridge is suitable for short to medium-range shooting and is ideal for small to medium-sized game. The bullet typically weighs between 123-154 grains, with muzzle velocities ranging from 2,100-2,400 fps. Due to its low recoil and low cost to manufacture this round is also popular for semi auto rifle platforms.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7.62×39 with a 124-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2350 | 1508 |
| 50 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 2211 | 1335 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.5 | 2077 | 1178 |
| 150 | -2.1 | 3.3 | 1947 | 1036 |
| 200 | -6.5 | 6 | 1823 | 907 |
| 250 | -13.7 | 9.9 | 1705 | 794 |
| 300 | -23.8 | 14.8 | 1593 | 693 |
| 350 | -37.2 | 20.6 | 1487 | 604 |
| 400 | -54.7 | 27.7 | 1389 | 527 |
| 450 | -76.8 | 36.2 | 1301 | 462 |
| 500 | -104 | 45.9 | 1222 | 407 |
In-depth look at the 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a relatively new cartridge developed in 2007 by Hornady. This cartridge is based off the 308 Winchester case necked down to accommodate a .264 caliber bullet. The product of this is a cartridge that maintains its energy better at long range and has better overall ballistics.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is an overall good cartridge for hunting deer-sized game within 500 yards. Additionally, the 6.5 Creedmoor is highly customizable with high BC bullets allowing you to have ideal long range performance. Overall, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a well-rounded cartridge that is a very versatile.
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 comparison
When it comes to comparing the 7.62×39 and 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges, several factors come into play.
The 7.62×39 costs far less than the 6.5 Creedmoor to shoot. For hunting rifles, this would not be a huge issue as you will most likely not shoot more than 100 rounds a year. But for those who love to spend a lot of time at the range the 7.62×39.
When it comes to long-range shooting, the 6.5 Creedmoor is far better due to its high BC bullets and larger powder compacity which allow for more down range consistency and overall better ballistics.
The 7.62×39 and the 6.5 Creedmoor can both be used for deer hunting but the 6.5 Creedmoor is far better for long range hunting as it has better long-range ballistics and maintains its energy better at long range.
Recoil wise the 7.62×39 has less recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor. This makes the 7.62×39 a better cartridge for shooting for long periods of time. However, both of these rounds have a very controllable recoil for most shooters.
Conclusion
The 6.5 Creedmoor is better for long range shooting and hunting because of its better consistency and energy. While the 7.62×39 is better for close range shooting, has less recoil, and is cheaper to shoot.