600 Yards Max for Whitetail: 7mm STW vs 6.5 Creedmoor

[5gauss]

why? Is this another "Leupold's don't track" response. I've not had any problems with my several VX series scopes.

I have two and zero issues

Dilemma:

I have a VX6HD 3-18X44 coming with the illuminated TMOA reticle. I have a Remington Sendero FS 7mm STW and a Tikka T3x 6.5 Creedmoor. I hunt large ag fields and the woods so I can shoot anywhere from 10 yards to 500-600 yards and the quarry is whitetail only.

I am trying to decide on which rifle to put the scope. The Sendero is heavy but spooky accurate. It's great for the box blind but I'm iffy about hauling it around in the woods in the treestand. The Tikka T3x is light and shoulders great and the 6.5 Creedmoor recoil is light. Its a great handling gun.

Comfort wise I like the Tikka in 6.5 Creedmoor vs the 7mm STW but the STW has some impressive ballistics.

Between a 7mm STW and a 6.5 Creedmoor, which would you choose as a better choice for an all around deer rifle from woods to fields? BTW I also have a Tikka T3 .308 with a 22" barrel that is a sporter rifle.

600 a stretch for 6.5 IMHO on White Tail if I had the 7 to choose between

 

[Priley]

600 yds? 6.5CM won't cut it past 200. Go with the STW.

6.5 only good for 200 yards?? Please, have seen elk drop past 1000 with 140 gr Berger VLD out of a 6.5x47 so a CM is more then enough to 1000!

 

[Unoboats]

why? Is this another "Leupold's don't track" response. I've not had any problems with my several VX series scopes.

I think he means to add a scope so both rifles are scoped

 

[wbm]

The 7MM STW is a known barrel burner so I would rule that one out.
The 6.5CM is known to be overrated and bullets, especially Nosler, Hornady, Sierra and Barnes, do not penetrate so rule that one out.
That leaves only one really logical choice.

 

[Doug Crowe]

I had an STW for a few years, that thing kicked like a mule, sold it. Hunting for 40 years, same for target shooting and the longest hunting shot I've taken was 470 yards in NZ. Most hunting shots are under 300 yards. So as long as you have your range finder and dope chart, the Creedmoor or 308 which I have also. 308 is more than adequate on whitetail out to 500 yards at 1900' per second and 1400ft lbs. I also just got a new round that is a smoke show, the 6.5 Sherman SST, amazing ballistics.

 

[blacktail 8541]

You already have a VX5 3-15 on your 6.5 creed, Leave it there. You will not be gaining anything by moving up 3X in power. The 7stw is perfectly complemented by the VX6.
On days that the wind is up or you just feel like sitting, the 7stw. The rest is the 6.5 territory.

 

[General RE LEE]

My 22" barrel Tikka T3 .308 grouped the new Federal Terminal Ascent 175 grain nicely today. I might carry it instead of the 6.5 Creedmoor.

 

[General RE LEE]

The 7MM STW is a known barrel burner so I would rule that one out.
The 6.5CM is known to be overrated and bullets, especially Nosler, Hornady, Sierra and Barnes, do not penetrate so rule that one out.
That leaves only one really logical choice.

drum roll....

 

[Ervin Bontrager]

I'm biased on this question. I'm usually hunting with a .257 WBY. This year I'm taking my 7STW for my yearly hunt in Wyoming. I've found a very accurate load for it and I like the ballistics for longer shots. it's certainly not a lightweight rifle, but the ability to send a long shot with accuracy and terminal performance make it my choice.

Would you share your load with me on your stw? I have one custom built..I'm using berger 175 gr elite hunter with retumbo but I always like to hear what other stw people are using

 

[General RE LEE]

Would you share your load with me on your stw? I have one custom built..I'm using berger 175 gr elite hunter with retumbo but I always like to hear what other stw people are using

factory Nosler Trophy Grade ABLR 175 grain

 

[gbett308]

Picatinny rail on both, then switch as needed?

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

600 yds? 6.5CM won't cut it past 200. Go with the STW.

Yup, sure... That's why we have dumped many deer over the years in excess of 400 yards with a lowly 243 and a flat based bullet. I am not really a fan of the 6.5 creed, but that statement sells it way short...

 

[General RE LEE]

Just to mix things up a bit I'm about to put a VX5HD 3-15x44 with Windplex reticle on a 30 06 that's a shooter. So I've got the following to choose from for a do all from bean field to hardwoods: 7mm STW, 30 06, 308 and 6.5 CM.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

I shake my head at some of the stuff I see on this forum. We're talking whitetail deer here, not elephants. 6.5 creed is more than capable of taking deer at 600 yards. People sell it short just because they dislike the cartridge. Take whichever one you shoot the best and feel most confident in. All the cartridges you just listed are perfectly fine. Having said all that, I hunt with a 7mm rem mag just because I love that round.