When it comes to long-range shooting and hunting, two popular cartridges that often come into consideration are the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 270 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum). Both cartridges have gained a solid reputation for their performance and versatility. In this article, we will provide an in-depth look at the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 270 WSM, compare their characteristics and capabilities, and help you determine which one might be the better choice for your shooting needs.
Short Answer:
The 270 WSM has better ballistics in all ways compared to the 6.5 Creedmoor. However, the 270 WSM is harder to find and has significantly more recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Now that we have seen the short answer, we can look at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth
In-Depth Look at the 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor has gained significant popularity in recent years, primarily due to its outstanding accuracy and long-range capabilities. It was specifically designed for precision shooting and target competitions. The cartridge features a slender, high ballistic coefficient 6.5mm bullet that provides excellent stability and resistance to wind drift.
The 6.5 Creedmoor excels in long-range accuracy, delivering consistent sub-MOA groups at extended distances. Its moderate recoil allows for faster follow-up shots and better target acquisition. The cartridge’s efficiency translates to lower barrel wear and longer barrel life, making it appealing to competitive shooters who engage in high-volume shooting.
The 6.5mm bullet also exhibits excellent terminal performance, making it suitable for hunting medium-sized game. While it may lack the sheer kinetic energy of larger calibers, the bullet’s high sectional density and ballistic performance still provide reliable expansion and penetration.
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 Look at the 270 WSM
The 270 WSM is part of the Winchester Short Magnum family, offering shooters a compact, high-velocity cartridge. It is designed for hunters who demand flatter trajectories and increased energy transfer at longer distances. The 270 WSM utilizes a .277 caliber bullet and delivers impressive velocity and downrange energy.
The cartridge’s high muzzle velocity and flat trajectory make it an excellent choice for hunting medium to large game animals, such as deer, elk, and moose. The 270 WSM’s combination of velocity and bullet weight results in rapid expansion, deep penetration, and efficient energy transfer upon impact.
The 270 WSM has a shorter, more compact case than the 270 Winchester, allowing it to be used in short-action rifles that are typically lighter and more maneuverable in the field. This makes it a practical option for hunters who prioritize mobility and quick follow-up shots over sheer energy.
Here is a ballistic chart of a 270 WSM with a 150-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3060 | 3118 |
| 50 | -0.3 | 0.1 | 2962 | 2922 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 2867 | 2737 |
| 150 | -0.8 | 1.3 | 2773 | 2561 |
| 200 | -2.8 | 2.4 | 2682 | 2395 |
| 250 | -5.9 | 3.8 | 2592 | 2237 |
| 300 | -10.3 | 5.5 | 2504 | 2088 |
| 350 | -16.1 | 7.5 | 2418 | 1947 |
| 400 | -23.4 | 10 | 2333 | 1813 |
| 450 | -32.4 | 12.9 | 2250 | 1687 |
| 500 | -43 | 16.3 | 2169 | 1567 |
In-Depth Comparison
Ballistics: The 270 WSM is superior to the 6.5 Creedmoor in all ways ballistically. The 270 WSM has more energy, a flatter trajectory, less wind drift, and more velocity making it the superior cartridge.
Recoil: The 6.5 Creedmoor generates less recoil compared to the 270 WSM, allowing for more comfortable shooting and better shot placement, especially during prolonged shooting sessions or when shooting from unsupported positions.
Hunting Applications: Both cartridges are suitable for hunting medium-sized game, but the 270 WSM’s higher velocity and energy make it better suited for larger game animals at longer distances. The 6.5 Creedmoor shines in precision shooting and hunting applications where accuracy is needed like slipping a long-range shot through a narrow opening.
Rifle Selection: Both the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 270 WSM have a wide range of rifles chambered for them. The 6.5 Creedmoor has gained significant popularity, and many firearm manufacturers offer rifles specifically designed for this cartridge. The 270 WSM also enjoys good support from various rifle manufacturers, providing shooters with a variety of options to choose from.
Conclusion
Both the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 270 WSM are excellent cartridges with distinct characteristics and strengths. The 6.5 Creedmoor shines in long-range accuracy, offering shooters exceptional precision and moderate recoil, making it a great choice for target shooting and hunting medium-sized game. On the other hand, the 270 WSM delivers impressive velocity, flat trajectory, and powerful downrange energy, making it an ideal option for hunters pursuing medium to large game at extended distances.