PH3 .308 or 6.5 CM?

[Turkeytider]

If I had a "chopped .270" I'd go up a cartridge class for the elk. Mind blown looking at their website at the twist rates for the .308. If you have to have the 20'', and I don't blame you, the 1/8 6.5 PRC would be my choice. Long action 22'' and good twist it is the 7 RM that appeals to me even though .30 cal holes are better. If they put a 1/8 30 cal win mag/prc then those would be my huckleberry since I like the monos...

I've seen 6.5 PRC described as a somewhat souped up 6.5 CM. If that's accurate, wouldn't that make it a hunting round with more punch than the Creedmoor and just as effective as a long range target round?

 

[Capt.Gene]

6.5 creedmore everyday.
That's what I use for almost all my hunting out to 650.

Loaded with the 123gr absolute hammer at 3100fps is a nice combo. Taken a decent amount of elk. Last year it took one big bull and a cow just over 600 yards

Curious what 123 gr you are shooting?

 

[med358-boise]

Tangible reason for the 308, in the end all animals die from lack of oxygenated blood to the brain. Regardless of bullet choice (i.e. deep penetrating with moderate expansion or less penetrating with rapid expansion/fragmentation) and shot placement (meaning shot placement is in the same spot), the 308 is starting with a "hole" that is 15% bigger.

 

[Brsnow]

I've seen 6.5 PRC described as a somewhat souped up 6.5 CM. If that's accurate, wouldn't that make it a hunting round with more punch than the Creedmoor and just as effective as a long range target round?

I just sold a 18" 6.5 prc. My .270 is 19.5" field craft with a tbac ultra 7, the new rifle would use the same can. I am nit looking to go up in power. I like the idea of a bit heavier PH3, have a credo 2.5-15 to go on it. I think either a 6.5CM or .308 would be fun, cost effective to shoot, and be enough for elk.

 

[Brsnow]

20" .308 with 165 SST superformance might cover all my elk and deer needs, and allow 500-600 yard hunting max. Now the wait for the ph3 to come to market.

 

[Idaho Lefty]

6.5CM

Yup,. 6.5 Creed but, ONLY WITH,.. a 24 Inch Barrel !
The Horn 143 ELD-X at, 2,725+ FPS or, 135 Berg Classic Hunter @ 2,800 FPS ( 24 " bbl ) JUST,.. Kill's, "Chit"!!!
Short 20" Bbl,.. If you,.. Must,.. .308

 

[Brsnow]

Yup,. 6.5 Creed but, ONLY WITH,.. a 24 Inch Barrel !
The Horn 143 ELD-X at, 2,725+ FPS or, 135 Berg Classic Hunter ( 24 " bbl ),.. Kill's "Chit"!!!
"Short Bbl" If, you Must,.. .308

I like shooting suppressed so I prefer a short barrel. 20" seems good

 

[Idaho Lefty]

I LIKE Shooting, a BRAKED 24" Tikka with, 130's ( NO, Recoil ! ) for Play, on Steel and Hunt with,.. 143 gr. X's
Hey, Everyone's gotta Do,.. what, makes THEM,. Happy !
Low Recoil and 5 shot group's from, the .3's to 1/2 MOA with, 130 gr., ELD-M's,.. make Me, very, Happy !

 

[Clem Bronkoski]

308. IMO hit hits harder which is a plus for elk. But honestly, although both are capable, I'd want something even bigger for elk. My min choice would be a 30-06 or in a short action a 300 WSM.
Another thing, with a 20" barrel you won't lose as much velocity with the 308 as you would with the 6.5

 

[Idaho Lefty]

20" .308 with 165 SST superformance might cover all my elk and deer needs, and allow 500-600 yard hunting max. Now the wait for the ph3 to come to market.

Find Out at, WHAT Distance, the 165 gr .308 SST Bullet, drop's Down to, 1,900- 2,000 FPS and consider THAT as, your "Max Range",.. on Elk,.
To Be,. Safe ! The Chopped Barrel,. 20", 6.5 PRC idea,.. WAS also,. a "Good idea" !

 

[Wolf76]

I'm not a 6.5 CM fan for big game. The 308 is a great cartridge for this task. The energy transfer is key to killing. A bigger meplat makes a difference. I'd also take a 300 wsm if elk were regularly targeted.

 

[Brsnow]

I'm not a 6.5 CM fan for big game. The 308 is a great cartridge for this task. The energy transfer is key to killing. A bigger meplat makes a difference. I'd also take a 300 wsm if elk were regularly targeted.

We have done well on elk with 6.5 cm, .308 and .270here in Colorado. I am just looking to extend my range a bit.

 

[Greatgrandad]

We have a lot of experience with 18" 308's, and we enjoy the numerous bullets to choose from, light to heavy, numerous factory loads if desired, easy to create very accurate loads, lots of punch, and while not a factor for many, we have a fair amount of cheap military surplus we like to play with. But, we are biased.

 

[Brsnow]

We have a lot of experience with 18" 308's, and we enjoy the numerous bullets to choose from, light to heavy, numerous factory loads if desired, easy to create very accurate loads, lots of punch, and while not a factor for many, we have a fair amount of cheap military surplus we like to play with. But, we are biased.

Any factory ammo recommendations would be great. I appreciate it