The 6.5 Creedmoor is everywhere these days. It’s become the go-to round on store shelves and in gun racks, praised for its flat shooting, manageable recoil, and impressive accuracy at long range. But the truth is, while it’s a solid performer, there are several cartridges that beat it in specific roles. Whether you’re looking for better ballistics, greater versatility, or just a more cost-effective option, these six rounds deserve serious attention. In many ways, they outperform the Creedmoor without getting nearly as much fanfare.
Let’s break down six cartridges that beat the 6.5 Creedmoor – each for different reasons.
1. 6mm Creedmoor: The Better Twin
Think of the 6mm Creedmoor as the more refined sibling of the 6.5 Creedmoor. Same case, just necked down to a 6mm bullet. It shoots lighter projectiles faster, with less recoil and flatter trajectories – perfect for long-range target shooting and smaller game. At 400 and 600 yards, the bullet drop difference compared to the 6.5 Creedmoor is substantial. And despite its lighter energy, it’s still more than capable of ethically taking deer.
Where this cartridge really shines is in versatility. It’s more efficient on coyotes and varmints, with a better chance of stopping inside the hide rather than blowing through. It’s ideal for shooters who want the Creedmoor’s benefits, but with even less recoil and better trajectory. The only real drawback? It’s a bit harder to find on store shelves.
2. 7mm PRC: The Powerhouse Upgrade
If you’re looking to add serious muscle to your shooting, the 7mm PRC delivers. It’s a far cry from the soft-spoken Creedmoor, offering greater energy, higher ballistic coefficients, and better wind resistance. The 7mm PRC isn’t just a hunting round – it’s a long-range performer that can handle elk-sized game without breaking a sweat.
It does come with more recoil, sure, but it’s manageable for most adult shooters. The 7mm PRC brings more cutting power and a broader game spectrum to the table, which makes it a better “do-it-all” cartridge if you’re serious about both long-range shooting and hunting big game. It’s a legitimate Creedmoor killer for those ready to step up their firepower.
3. .270 Winchester: The Old-School Overachiever
Here’s one that’s been around forever, but still quietly outperforms the 6.5 Creedmoor in several key ways. The .270 Winchester throws a slightly bigger bullet at higher velocities, delivering flatter shooting and more downrange energy. It’s great for big game and holds its own at longer distances.
It also tends to be cheaper than the Creedmoor at the ammo counter, which is a win-win. Sure, the recoil is a touch sharper, but not by much. And with decades of proven hunting success, the .270 isn’t just a Creedmoor alternative – it’s an upgrade that’s stood the test of time.
4. 6.5 PRC: The Creedmoor’s Hot-Rod Cousin
The 6.5 PRC is what you get when you take everything the Creedmoor does and supercharge it. Think of it as a Creedmoor with more speed, better long-range performance, and increased energy on target. With bullets moving about 200 feet per second faster, this cartridge is built for those pushing their shots out further than the average hunter or match shooter.
It still keeps recoil relatively tame, making it a logical step up for shooters who already like the Creedmoor but want more performance. However, it shares the Creedmoor’s limitations on larger game. It’s not ideal for elk unless your shot placement and distance are dialed in. But for deer, antelope, or long-range steel, it’s a serious upgrade.
5. .308 Winchester: The Practical Choice
While the 6.5 Creedmoor gets a lot of praise for its mild recoil and long-range precision, the .308 Winchester quietly does the job day in and day out. It’s widely available, incredibly affordable, and hits harder than the Creedmoor. Hunters have taken elk and bigger game with .308 for decades, and its versatility is unmatched in the field.
Recoil is heavier, yes, but for the budget-conscious shooter, .308 is tough to beat. When you factor in ammo cost and hunting effectiveness, it easily edges out the Creedmoor for many applications. For those who care less about long-range targets and more about practical use, the .308 is still king.
6. .25-06 Remington: The Overlooked Sleeper
This round doesn’t get the credit it deserves. By necking down a .30-06 case to .25 caliber, the .25-06 becomes a high-speed, flat-shooting machine. It delivers blistering velocities – often 400+ feet per second faster than the Creedmoor – and still manages solid energy for medium game.
The downside? Availability. Rifles and ammo are harder to find, and bullet selection isn’t as broad. During ammo shortages, 25-caliber projectiles were some of the hardest to get. Still, if you can find the gear, the .25-06 is a phenomenal round for range days and hunting alike.
Recoil, Price, and Purpose
When comparing these rounds to the 6.5 Creedmoor, it’s important to think about what matters most to you. Is it recoil? Price per round? Availability? Killing power on large game? Some cartridges beat the Creedmoor by being flatter shooting. Others beat it by hitting harder or being cheaper to feed.
The Creedmoor hits a sweet spot for a lot of shooters, but it doesn’t win every category. Depending on your priorities, there’s almost always a better option out there.
Long-Range Doesn’t Always Mean Better
A big reason why the 6.5 Creedmoor exploded in popularity is its long-range accuracy. It’s true – out of the box, most rifles in this caliber shoot extremely well at distance. But cartridges like the 6.5 PRC or 7mm PRC push the envelope even further, with less drop and better energy retention. So if long-range is your game, there are better tools in the shed.
Elk and Larger Game? Choose Wisely
Let’s be honest: the 6.5 Creedmoor is not an ideal elk cartridge. Can it kill elk? Sure. But ethically, a more powerful round like the 7mm PRC, .308, or even .270 is a better call. Too many hunters try to stretch the Creedmoor past its intended role. It’s a fantastic deer round, but there’s no shame in stepping up to something more powerful when needed.
The Popularity Problem
One big advantage the Creedmoor has is ubiquity. It’s everywhere. Rifles, ammo, accessories – there’s no shortage. But popularity doesn’t always equal superiority. Sometimes, other cartridges are simply better suited for the job, but they get overlooked because they’re not the current trend. That’s a mistake. These alternatives are worth your attention.
Examine Your Options
The 6.5 Creedmoor is good – there’s no denying that. But it isn’t the be-all, end-all of cartridges. Whether you’re a hunter, a target shooter, or someone just getting into long-range rifles, it’s worth taking a hard look at your options. From the sleek 6mm Creedmoor to the hard-hitting 7mm PRC, there are better choices out there, depending on your goals.
The hype train might be full, but sometimes the smarter move is taking a different track entirely.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.