help me decide deer rifle and caliber: 6.5 CrMo vs 270 Win and savage storm lightweight vs tikka t3x superlite

[brydan]

Yeah, all the hate of the cartridge makes me want to get it...lol.....i had no idea it was disliked until i started looking into it
I always wanted a 260 remington (kinda a short action 25-06 that uses powder more efficiently) but it never caught on and wasn't available in many rifles
the 6.5 CM is basically the 260 rem minus a few FPS

i say this having owned and reloaded for a several 260''s and been a long time fan. Get the 6.5 CM .

You really need to reload and a semicustom rifle to maximize the potential of the 260 wheraa the CM is ready to go out of the box. It's a modern well thought out cartridge that does a lot of things well.

 

[Iron_llama]

i say this having owned and reloaded for a several 260''s and been a long time fan. Get the 6.5 CM .

You really need to reload and a semicustom rifle to maximize the potential of the 260 wheraa the CM is ready to go out of the box. It's a modern well thought out cartridge that does a lot of things well.

I feel like there are a lot of options in the 260/.25/6.5CM range. .257Bob, 6.5x55, .25-06, 6.5 Arisaka, .260Rem, 6.5CM, 250 Savage, the Weatherbys, the Winchester and Remington magnums, 6.5 Grendel("Sporter"), the MDWS AR wildcats, Kurt Bellm's excellent single-shot wildcats necked-down from 7.62x54 or .444 brass, etc., etc. Part of me wants a 6.5CM just to see what the fuss is all about. Part of me wants a .257 Roberts in a classic wood-stock rifle, and because it's not a 6.5Manbun. Part of me wants to pull something at random from the PT&G die & reamer catalogue and have something completely unique. Yes, the 6.5 is a lot easier out of the box, and is capable of amazing things... but if you want to level up from Level 3 Gun Nut to Level 4 Firearms Enthusiast, you'll have to start down some of the rabbit holes...

 

[thedutchtouch]

I feel like there are a lot of options in the 260/.25/6.5CM range. .257Bob, 6.5x55, .25-06, 6.5 Arisaka, .260Rem, 6.5CM, 250 Savage, the Weatherbys, the Winchester and Remington magnums, 6.5 Grendel("Sporter"), the MDWS AR wildcats, Kurt Bellm's excellent single-shot wildcats necked-down from 7.62x54 or .444 brass, etc., etc. Part of me wants a 6.5CM just to see what the fuss is all about. Part of me wants a .257 Roberts in a classic wood-stock rifle, and because it's not a 6.5Manbun. Part of me wants to pull something at random from the PT&G die & reamer catalogue and have something completely unique. Yes, the 6.5 is a lot easier out of the box, and is capable of amazing things... but if you want to level up from Level 3 Gun Nut to Level 4 Firearms Enthusiast, you'll have to start down some of the rabbit holes...

Dang. It's posts like this that remind me I have lots to learn lol. Entering level 1 rabbit hole...

 

[raisins]

I feel like there are a lot of options in the 260/.25/6.5CM range. .257Bob, 6.5x55, .25-06, 6.5 Arisaka, .260Rem, 6.5CM, 250 Savage, the Weatherbys, the Winchester and Remington magnums, 6.5 Grendel("Sporter"), the MDWS AR wildcats, Kurt Bellm's excellent single-shot wildcats necked-down from 7.62x54 or .444 brass, etc., etc. Part of me wants a 6.5CM just to see what the fuss is all about. Part of me wants a .257 Roberts in a classic wood-stock rifle, and because it's not a 6.5Manbun. Part of me wants to pull something at random from the PT&G die & reamer catalogue and have something completely unique. Yes, the 6.5 is a lot easier out of the box, and is capable of amazing things... but if you want to level up from Level 3 Gun Nut to Level 4 Firearms Enthusiast, you'll have to start down some of the rabbit holes...

Yeah, I'm only a little into firearms, so I don't need any rabbit holes.

 

[raisins]

Update:

Got the Tikka Superlite in 6.5 creedmoor from Sportsman's Warehouse. The Cabelas version is more money and I don't want a film dip camo that will scratch and wear off. Used DNZ Game Reaper mounts to put a Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8X36 on it and also put a Flatlineops bubble level on the scope tube (since I need high mounts with my face shape and glasses).

I knew it was going to be good during the (probably not needed) barrel break in where my 24 or so fouled shots (wet shots after a cleaning hit high) out of 40 were all in a silver dollar at 100 yards....and I wasn't even trying very hard or taking my time....because I was shooting the cheapest Hornady ammo I could find and just wanted to be done (Hornady American Whitetail). I looked up basic ballistics and while breaking in did an initial 100 yard zero around 2" high at 100 yards.

A week later, I shot 1 group at 200 yards with cheapish Federal Power Shock 140 grain just to make sure I was going to be on paper. It was around 2" high at 200 yards and 1 inch to the right. But it was 1.7"...pretty good at 200 yards for Federals lowest priced hunting ammo.

I made no adjustments and shot these 3 shots at 200 yards (Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X 143 grains). I then stuck the rifle in the case, as the sun was setting, and declared I was good for the time being. That's roughly 0.5755 inches (center to center) at 200 yards. The target squares are 0.618 inches (free printable pdf target). I don't have a lot of experience, but I think this is the most accurate rifle I've ever shot.

 

[Nosaj]

I made no adjustments and shot these 3 shots at 200 yards (Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X 143 grains). I then stuck the rifle in the case, as the sun was setting, and declared I was good for the time being. That's roughly 0.5755 inches (center to center) at 200 yards. The target squares are 0.618 inches (free printable pdf target). I don't have a lot of experience, but I think this is the most accurate rifle I've ever shot.

That is awesome! I love the feeling of contentment when you know your rifle is dialed. I was contemplating buying that same setup this year however I have pushed it out until next year.

Good luck.

 

[raisins]

That is awesome! I love the feeling of contentment when you know your rifle is dialed.

Thanks. I should probably shoot more....but just wanted to walk on a high note yesterday.

I'm very content with the purchase because I've wanted this particular rifle and caliber for around 5 years now and have looked at it online and reviews about it many times. I'm not huge into rifles so I didn't justify the purchase until now (too busy buying saddle and bow stuff).

 

[Iron_llama]

That's awesome! You've picked a fine rifle in a fine caliber, and will make plenty of meat with that combination.

 

[thedutchtouch]

Looks like the tack driver claims about those tikkas are pretty accurate

 

[GreginPA]

free printable pdf target

link?

 

[Iron_llama]

link?

FREE Downloadable Targets for Practice, Precision, and Fun « Daily Bulletin

The paper targets you use can make a big difference during load development and training -- helping you align your crosshairs, estimate group size visually, and also record load data/gun type. Here's a collection of FREE printable precision and training targets.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

 

[fbwguy]

I have the Storm Light in 6.5. It is topped with the Burris E1 4.5-14 scope. It is the perfect lightweight public land rife. It’s super accurate and light recoiling. Savage rifle are ugly, but ultra reliable and accurate

 

[shmelton]

With conversations I’ve had with several outfitters, I’ve been told the same thing. We lose more deer that are shot with a 6.5 creed than any other rifle. I personally don’t like the round, however I do like the 6.5 prc. I would definitely be buying a 270 or 7mm mag or the tried and true 30-06. If you hand load I would definitely have an 06. With hand loading you can get a 30-06 to perform as well as 7mag factory ammo. Not to mention the 06 is the easiest to find in the middle of no where, I doubt the creed is the same way.


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[fbwguy]

With conversations I’ve had with several outfitters, I’ve been told the same thing. We lose more deer that are shot with a 6.5 creed than any other rifle. I personally don’t like the round, however I do like the 6.5 prc. I would definitely be buying a 270 or 7mm mag or the tried and true 30-06. If you hand load I would definitely have an 06. With hand loading you can get a 30-06 to perform as well as 7mag factory ammo. Not to mention the 06 is the easiest to find in the middle of no where, I doubt the creed is the same way.


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I will not argue that point, but to clarify the point of lost deer with 6.5CM. Almost all of that stat is a result of improper bullet selection. If people would stop hunting with match bullets because they have them and are accurate. With a hunting bullet the result of 6.5CM is identical to 7-08, 260, 6.5x55 and many other mid size deer killing calibers. But in all honesty, many 6.5 hunters tend to try to shoot further than they should. It’s not a long range deer killer at all, but under 400 yards it’s lights out

 

[raisins]

I will not argue that point, but to clarify the point of lost deer with 6.5CM. Almost all of that stat is a result of improper bullet selection. If people would stop hunting with match bullets because they have them and are accurate. With a hunting bullet the result of 6.5CM is identical to 7-08, 260, 6.5x55 and many other mid size deer killing calibers. But in all honesty, many 6.5 hunters tend to try to shoot further than they should. It’s not a long range deer killer at all, but under 400 yards it’s lights out

Yeah, it's pretty much same power level as what you listed and also a 25-06. Factory 25-06 loads with 120 grain pills and those of the 6.5 CM are close to identical speeds.

 

[Iron_llama]

I will not argue that point, but to clarify the point of lost deer with 6.5CM. Almost all of that stat is a result of improper bullet selection. If people would stop hunting with match bullets because they have them and are accurate. With a hunting bullet the result of 6.5CM is identical to 7-08, 260, 6.5x55 and many other mid size deer killing calibers. But in all honesty, many 6.5 hunters tend to try to shoot further than they should. It’s not a long range deer killer at all, but under 400 yards it’s lights out

I don't have a 6.5 anything... but it's in the ballpark of both the 6.5mm Swede Mauser and .257 Roberts, and not too much smaller than the venerable .25/06. All of which have strong reputations for harvesting deer and bear and moose in North America and Scandinavia. Were I an outfitter I'd take a close look at client's ammunition, and lock up silly things like FMJ or OTM or lightweight varmint loads until the client left my camp.

 

[raisins]

I don't have a 6.5 anything... but it's in the ballpark of both the 6.5mm Swede Mauser and .257 Roberts, and not too much smaller than the venerable .25/06. All of which have strong reputations for harvesting deer and bear and moose in North America and Scandinavia. Were I an outfitter I'd take a close look at client's ammunition, and lock up silly things like FMJ or OTM or lightweight varmint loads until the client left my camp.

Yep, it has to be the bullet chosen, distance of shot, or the hunter

A lot of new guys are buying the 6.5 CM so that makes sense

Folks might think because it’s shot at 1,000 yards in competition that that means you can hunt that far with it!

I’ll never shoot at a deer past 400 yards….but if I did then I’d want a minimum of a 30-06 or 7mm rem mag shooting a bullet that’s at least 165 grains

At over 400 yards….you really should be able to walk closer in most cases

 

[raisins]

I have the Storm Light in 6.5. It is topped with the Burris E1 4.5-14 scope. It is the perfect lightweight public land rife. It’s super accurate and light recoiling. Savage rifle are ugly, but ultra reliable and accurateView attachment 93757

I had my eye on that one also!

It was a toss up and came down partly to barrel length (24.3 inch on the tikka) but the tikka is 0.3 lbs heavier

I don’t find savages ugly and like your stock better? ….is that after market because the ones online are all black

These matte plastic stocks scratch so easy (like your fingernail permanently alters it) that some pattern will make it look cooler for longer

 

[BTaylor]

Yep, it has to be the bullet chosen, distance of shot, or the hunter

A lot of new guys are buying the 6.5 CM so that makes sense

Folks might think because it’s shot at 1,000 yards in competition that that means you can hunt that far with it!

I’ll never shoot at a deer past 400 yards….but if I did then I’d want a minimum of a 30-06 or 7mm rem mag shooting a bullet that’s at least 165 grains

At over 400 yards….you really should be able to walk closer in most cases

Doesnt a .243 have enough energy to kill a deer at 400? I would have thought the 6.5cm would be a 5-600 yard gun on deer given the appropriate bullet.

 

[raisins]

Doesnt a .243 have enough energy to kill a deer at 400? I would have thought the 6.5cm would be a 5-600 yard gun on deer given the appropriate bullet.

I don’t know, probably

I’d consider it the marginal range for sure

After bow hunting so long….even 200 yards seems really far away

With a 2.5 to 8 power scope….I’m guessing my eyes give out before the bullet!

Plumbing the targets and aligning the 2 crosses is the only way I got that group….also low wind