CONSIDERING A "LOW END" 6.5 CREEDMOOR RUGER OR SAVAGE

[Surgeon]

As the title says:

I did a search on this subject and haven't see a lot of singular discussion on this particular topic.

I'm hearing a lot about the accuracy and performance of the 6.5 Creedmoor even out performing the .308, .300 win mag, .300 BLK out and so on.
I'm a .30 cal buff mainly availability for reloading, powders, primers, bullets and brass components. And without a doubt I'm more than satisfied with their performance on the range and in the field. That being said, I've heard a lot lately about the performance of the 6.5 round. I haven't shot one yet but I'm thinking about venturing into exploring this round/rifle on the low end for starters and if I like what I see I might, down the road, upgrade on may investment. The last thing I want is to sink 1k into a underperforming rifle and round and being stuck with it so to speak. So, for under say, $500.00 (I already have the glass)

So, I'd like to gather some first hand feed back on both the Ruger APR or Savage Axis XP models in 6.5 from actual shooters or owners and your thoughts pros and cons for both. Maybe even another Mfg in the same price point.

So if you that have shot or owned one would indulge me I would love to hears your point of view.

Thanks much.

[RoyGBiv]

Brother, do I have a thread for you.....
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php ... circa-2016

And this one too...
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php ... post496001

[Surgeon]

Brother, do I have a thread for you.....
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php ... circa-2016

And this one too...
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php ... post496001

Thanks much
I've just started my due diligence a few weeks ago and really wish I could get some hands on trigger/range time with one to make measure the recoil and accuracy "before" I make the purchase. I've been lucky so far with all of my purchases in terms of accuracy, performance and reliability but trying to get an "objective unbiased" opinion on either rifle or others is next to impossible. Ya either love'm or hate'm.

[Jusme]

For what it's worth, I have the Ruger American in .308, and my son has the Savage in .270
Just from our limited shooting both rifles, I like the Ruger better, for the trigger alone. There is no major issue with the Savage, but I found the trigger break to be more consistent, and while both are within 1/4 pound of pull, the Ruger just seems smoother to me. I have no experience with the 6.5 so I can't contribute any more to the conversation. JMHO

[Surgeon]

For what it's worth, I have the Ruger American in .308, and my son has the Savage in .270
Just from our limited shooting both rifles, I like the Ruger better, for the trigger alone. There is no major issue with the Savage, but I found the trigger break to be more consistent, and while both are within 1/4 pound of pull, the Ruger just seems smoother to me. I have no experience with the 6.5 so I can't contribute any more to the conversation. JMHO

I bought a low end Remington 783 in .308 at Academy (two for one Father's Day special included a little Marlin .22) thinking WTH. Next to nothing money wise and I'd give her a try even after reading some of the reviews and watching the You Tube videos and weighing the pros and cons. Maybe I messed up and got a good one because its a pleasure to shoot and extremely accurate beyond 500 yards. I've since change my mind about low end "starter" rifles. Like you I'm leaning toward the Ruger (because of the name) even though I've heard some good things about the Savage.
Thanks for the input an comments.

[Beiruty]

Get a Tikka T3 or Tikka T3x and thank me later.

[Sidro]

Look at the Ruger Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor, you will not be disappointed.

[Legionnaire]

I went through the same due diligence a while ago. My .308 was plenty accurate out to 800 yards, but I still wanted a 6.5. After my research, I decided to go with a .260 Remington instead of the 6.5 Creedmoor. The ballistics are virtually identical, and the .260 uses the same parent case as the .308. Since I have lots (and I mean lots) of .308 brass (as well as a good supply of .243), I decided to go with a cartridge for which it would be easy to form brass from stock on hand. You sound like a reloader; something to consider.

[Surgeon]

Get a Tikka T3 or Tikka T3x and thank me later.

I haven't done much research on this model but from what I've been reading, since your post, I'm adding it to my list. Here I thought I had narrowed it down to the two I mentioned and this one is on the higher end of my bubble price wise.
Thanks for including it.

[Surgeon]

Look at the Ruger Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor, you will not be disappointed.

Yeah that's kinda been my leaning. Thank you.

[Surgeon]

I went through the same due diligence a while ago. My .308 was plenty accurate out to 800 yards, but I still wanted a 6.5. After my research, I decided to go with a .260 Remington instead of the 6.5 Creedmoor. The ballistics are virtually identical, and the .260 uses the same parent case as the .308. Since I have lots (and I mean lots) of .308 brass (as well as a good supply of .243), I decided to go with a cartridge for which it would be easy to form brass from stock on hand. You sound like a reloader; something to consider.

Interesting idea. I do reload quit a bit and like you, I have tons of .308 brass on hand so this is something I may have to look at and include in my research. The first ammo shortage compelled my to start reloading, mostly in 30 cal/.308 and I'm a Remington fan and have several of their rifles, so this would be an easy cross over for me. Certainly worth giving a closer look at.
How does the recoil of the .260 compare to the .308". ?
It's not a deal breaker for me since I occasionally shoot 30-06 and .300 win mag and the Mosin "hand cannon". I'm just curious.

[jb2012]

I went through the same due diligence a while ago. My .308 was plenty accurate out to 800 yards, but I still wanted a 6.5. After my research, I decided to go with a .260 Remington instead of the 6.5 Creedmoor. The ballistics are virtually identical, and the .260 uses the same parent case as the .308. Since I have lots (and I mean lots) of .308 brass (as well as a good supply of .243), I decided to go with a cartridge for which it would be easy to form brass from stock on hand. You sound like a reloader; something to consider.

Interesting idea. I do reload quit a bit and like you, I have tons of .308 brass on hand so this is something I may have to look at and include in my research. The first ammo shortage compelled my to start reloading, mostly in 30 cal/.308 and I'm a Remington fan and have several of their rifles, so this would be an easy cross over for me. Certainly worth giving a closer look at.
How does the recoil of the .260 compare to the .308". ?
It's not a deal breaker for me since I occasionally shoot 30-06 and .300 win mag and the Mosin "hand cannon". I'm just curious.

I believe .308 cases can be resized to 6.5 cm. Don't quote me on that though, just heard it on the "youtubes"!

[bblhd672]

How does ammo prices (retail, not reloading) compare between 6.5 Creedmoor and .308?

[Legionnaire]

Ammo for the 6.5s (6.5 Creedmoor and .260 Remington) is going to cost more than .308 on average simply because of supply and demand; there's a lot of .308 out there ... not so much of the 6.5.

"Felt recoil" of the 6.5s is less than the .308 given the same platform. How much less? I'm sure there is a way to calculate that, but I don't know it. It's very noticeable to me. And the 6.5s will hit a bit harder than a .243. Again, how much harder is a bit subjective. But a long shooting session with my .260 Rem is more comfortable than with the .308 to be sure.

Edit to add: Yes, you can form 6.5 Creedmoor from .308 brass. If you study what guys are posting on the interwebs, the process can be a bit more involved. With .308 to .260 Rem, you're just resizing the neck rather than reshaping the case.

[Surgeon]

Ammo for the 6.5s (6.5 Creedmoor and .260 Remington) is going to cost more than .308 on average simply because of supply and demand; there's a lot of .308 out there ... not so much of the 6.5.

"Felt recoil" of the 6.5s is less than the .308 given the same platform. How much less? I'm sure there is a way to calculate that, but I don't know it. It's very noticeable to me. And the 6.5s will hit a bit harder than a .243. Again, how much harder is a bit subjective. But a long shooting session with my .260 Rem is more comfortable than with the .308 to be sure.

Edit to add: Yes, you can form 6.5 Creedmoor from .308 brass. If you study what guys are posting on the interwebs, the process can be a bit more involved. With .308 to .260 Rem, you're just resizing the neck rather than reshaping the case.

Yeah, I must have watched those same You Tubes on the interweb. Resizing and reshaping the cases looks a tad drawn out but in a pinch I'd do it. Thanks for all the helpful comments.