When deciding which shooting platform is best for your needs, you don’t want to get caught up in bias or misunderstanding, and thus limit your own knowledge of what specific cartridges can do for you. Knowing what various rounds were designed for and what ballistics are offered can help you narrow down which may be best for your own shooting experiences.
Knowing the differences between the 300 Blackout vs 6.5 Creedmoor not only allows you to make decisions concerning which platform you need. But also provides you details in reference to cost, efficiency, and personal preferences.
What’s The Difference Between 6.5 Creedmoor vs 300 BLK Rounds?
Physically, there is quite the difference between these two rounds. The Creedmoor is obviously a longer cartridge, and offers more energy, as well as a more accurate trajectory and availability at longer distances. The bottom line, these options are created for a specific use, and understanding these differences is worthwhile, so get the best use out of each.
Both are powerful rounds that provide dependable energy and velocity for hunting purposes. If you need a long-range choice, the 6.5 Creedmoor is going to be your go-to; but for lethal stopping power under 200 yards, the 300 BLK has you covered.
Comparison Between 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 BLK Rounds
The ballistics of these two when compared side by side showcases exactly why the 6.5 Creedmoor is a more powerful option in terms of long-range lethality. It’s overall size and design is created for a flat trajectory that can carry its energy forward for accurate firing and a lower recoil.
But don’t discount the 300 BLK. When compared to the Creedmoor it truly is sold short, but that doesn’t mean it can’t hold its own. In fact, it is a popular go-to for shorter range shooting scenarios when power and accuracy is a need, and was originally designed for close range control and stopping power.
Comparison Table
Features
6.5 Creedmoor
300 Blackout
Brand
Hornady ELD-X (143 gr)
AAC (125 gr)
Bullet Size
Bullet Size: 2.825 inches
Bullet Diameter: 0.2644 inches
Shell Case Length: 1.92 inches
Bullet Size: 2.26 inches
Bullet Diameter: 0.308 inches
Shell Case Length: 1.368 inches
Energy (per 200 yards)
1,855 ft-lbs
824 ft⋅lbs
Velocity (per 200 yards)
2,417 ft/s
1,872 ft/s
Muzzle Energy/Velocity:
2283 / 2710
1360 / 2215
6.5 Creedmoor
Brand
Hornady ELD-X (143 gr)
Bullet Size
Bullet Size: 2.825 inches
Bullet Diameter: 0.2644 inches
Shell Case Length: 1.92 inches
Energy (per 200 yards)
1,855 ft-lbs
Velocity (per 200 yards)
2,417 ft/s
Muzzle Energy/Velocity:
2283 / 2710
300 Blackout
Brand
AAC (125 gr)
Bullet Size
Bullet Size: 2.26 inches
Bullet Diameter: 0.308 inches
Shell Case Length: 1.368 inches
Energy (per 200 yards)
824 ft⋅lbs
Velocity (per 200 yards)
1,872 ft/s
Muzzle Energy/Velocity:
1360 / 2215
6.5 Creedmoor
Introduced in 2007, the 6.5 CM cartridge was born to include length for rapid firing, a light recoil, and reload ease for long-range accuracy and efficiency. Popular in competitive shooting circles, it is a great long-distance hunting round as well and outperforms both the .300 WIn Mag and 7.62 NATO in both bolt action and semi-auto builds. Plus, it is designed to fit into just about anything that’s sized to fit a .308 Winchester/7.62x51mm with a simple barrel change- however you can always customize a build as well.
Features
Mentioned a few times is the awesome energy the 6.5 CM offers. It outperforms just about anything it is compared to, and can hit a 1000 yard target faster and with greater force than a .308 Win, and even outperforms the .30-06 in trials- making it hunters dream caliber. Especially since it offers a much more comfortable recoil than this favored hard hitter. Just be sure to take into account your bullet type and distance to ensure a kill, and not just wounding, of your game animal.
Pros
Originally designed for competitive shooting and long days on the range, the recoil of the 6.5 CM cannot be beat. It is an excellent choice for shooting off multiple rounds without dealing with a sore shoulder or pain the next day. Following on the design, you can’t get much more accurate for 800 to 1000+ yard targets- making it a go-to when being on point counts.
It also is an affordable round, comparatively. Available in a decent range of weights, you can pick and choose from the selection for your specific needs and save on costs during days you may be out plinking and don’t need the best quality round available.
Cons
The higher chamber pressure for shooting the 6.5 CM means it wears on the barrel much faster than the .308 Win it is comparably chambered against. This means, for a competitive shooter, you might be replacing the barrel every 12 to 24 months. You also are going to have fewer ammo choices. Compared to the .308 or 30-06, both mature options, you might not find the same availability for the Creedmoor builds.
300 Blackout
Although younger than the 6.5 Creedmoor, the 300 Blackout has a bit more of an audience overall. Originally created for close range military combat, it has become a versatile pick for competitive shooters, hunters, and home defense enthusiasts. First introduced in 2011, they are modified from the popular 5.56 NATO and allow for easy AR style modification. The round offers accurate shooting, lethal power, and affordability.
Features
With both short and long barrel modification options, this is a budget-friendly pick that fits well with existing AR style platforms. Considered a top pick for 100 to 200 yard shooting power, it does well with shots up to 500+ yards with the proper gas system, and is considered a great option for both subsonic and supersonic cartridge choices. It also arguably shoots better suppressed than any comparable round.
Pros
The cartridge can handle an excellent range of weights, offering lighter 78 gr bullets as well as 245 gr lead bullets- and everything in between. Because of this, it provides versatility and even allows you to mix varying weights in a mag (if you desire to do so), and is a reloader’s dream. Plus, you only need to use existing .223/5.56 style builds and mags with a new barrel – which is one of the reasons why it has gained so much popularity as quickly as it has.
It also has a low recoil, making it a great choice for all-day shooting, further supported by the awesome affordability- especially when bought in bulk. This keeps you from feeling like you need to hoard your ammo or carefully count your shots. Plus, there is a healthy amount of manufacturers, helping to create competition and further keeping costs down.
Cons
It’s pretty difficult to find anything to criticize concerning this round. Low recoil, affordability, and easy modification is a lot of what people look for when they want to try a new caliber out. It also is incredibly versatile and provides a ton of talking points concerning the favored way to shoot it. If anything, a suppressed subsonic load is considered the best way to find its full potential, but there is no reason to work through all the red tape to do so- and isn’t a deal-breaker for those who prefer shooting it in any way, shape, or form they can get their hands on.
Stand Out Features
I think it’s pretty obvious that these are two cartridges designed for power and accuracy, and both fit a popular shooting niche that is difficult to compare. Both are great for hunting: the 6.5 CM for longer range targets, while the 300 BLK will not disappoint between 100 and 200 yards.
Accurate and dependable, the ballistics of the Creedmoor definitely outshines the Blackout, but that doesn’t negate the popularity and enjoyment of shooting either round- especially since they were originally designed for very different shooting scenarios.
Created for long-range competition, the longer, more powerful 6.5 CM only requires a barrel change on a .308 Win rifle platform, although quite a few builds exist for you to take advantage of. Comparatively, the 300 BLK has risen in popularity namely because of how easy it is to use in the .223/5.56 platform with a simple barrel change, and how versatile it actually is for a huge range of builds- both short and long-barreled.
Conclusion
These are both awesome rounds made for lower recoil and a fun day of shooting. Powerful and easy to shoot, they offer affordable choices for what they provide, and also allow for great versatility. The fact all either takes is a barrel change in its respective related build makes them a popular choice indeed.
6.5 Creedmoor Overview
- Incredible energy and efficiency
- Incredible long-range accuracy and energy
- Low recoil for long shooting comfort
- Easy .306 Win platform modification
300 BLK
Overview
- Dependable and efficient
- Easy .223/5.56 platform modification
- Low recoil and comfortable to shoot
- Huge array of shooting scenarios, including subsonic, supersonic, and suppressed
If you’ve had a chance to shoot either round, we’d love to hear about your experiences below- and what detail you feel should be mentioned that we may have missed. And, as always, please share!