243 or 6.5 creedoor for deer hunting ?

[MARINE DIVISION TWO]

What is your preference and why ?

[340M&P]

243. Why? Because me and my kids already have them, and shoot seldom over 100 yards. And deer just aren*t that big.
Now, longer shots, larger game? I may change my mind.

[Roland45]

Yep. .243. ammo everywhere, hunting loads in the dozens, varmint loads in the dozens, as 340 said before, if it were for larger game or longer shots I would opt for a 6.5.

[Delkal]

For deer I would pick the 6.5 Creedmore over a .243. The .243 was designed as a dual use varmint and deer sized game rifle. While it is a very popular classic it is somewhat limited that the highest grain bullet is about 105 grains. To make up for this it is driven to a high velocity to get the killing power on large game. Rifles in 6.5mm like the Creedmore shoot heavier bullets with a much higher sectional density. This means they penetrate deeper even if the muzzle velocity is slower than the .243. Bullets in the .243 class are generally regarded as maxing out on deer. A 140 grain 6.5mm bullet can be used on elk+.

[Bang]

243 and 270 were the calibers to drool over back in the day. Sometimes wish lists just don't go according to plan. Probably because one finds what they have is doing the job.

Then came the 6.5 Creedmoor. Wired a 7-pointer with it in 2019. It worked just fine.

[MD66948]

6.5 CM

[bigandy1966]

7mm-08

[ar15jules]

The 6.5 can apparently shoot around corners. I would get that...

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

Honestly I would need to look at bullet ballistics at the distances your hunting to determine the better round. A little googling might help.
.243 is a proven round, I've hunted with it and it performed as desired.
I have never hunted with 6.5, but I am willing to give it a go if someone wants to offer one up...

My only other nod to .243 is the fact that I am already invested in that caliber. If I need more, I'm more willing to fall back on .308, .30-06, or even yes 7mm.
Your preference really.

[Lycanthrope]

I have 2 of each and the 6.5 isn't a magical beast for big game. It IS, however, what the .243 should have been. Comparable recoil, but with heavier bullets that hit a lot harder than the .243. The .243 typically has a slower twist and is why the 6 Creed will eventually get a market hold. The 6.5 is a much better deer gun unless you are above 105gr in the .243.....and this is from a guy that's killed a lot of deer with the 6mm.

The Ruger American Compact in Go Wild camo at 16" is pretty much the perfect youth gun.

Lycanshotthosetoothrope