243 or 6.5 creedmoor just for hunting

B

Bgolladay

New member
I am looking at the ruger american predator, the rifle seems to have a good track record for being very accurate for much less money than other rifles. I like the heavier contour barrel with the threads as well. I have a T3X lite stainless in the creedmoor and am thinking of turning it into two ruger american predator models. one being a 17 HMR just for some plinking and squirrel hunting and the other either a 243 or another 6.5. Will be used along with my 223 for coyotes and as a deer rifle as well. No long range target shooting just a hunting rifle.
 
If you are going to shoot stuff larger than 300lbs go Creedmoor, otherwise flip a coin. The 243 will have way more availability for off the shelf ammo.
 
I’d get the 243 because it recoils less and you can get factory loaded light bullets.

I think you’d be crazy to sell a Tikka and buy a Ruger... but if you do I’d be interested in the Tikka.
 
So you already have a 223 for coyotes... and a Tikka 6.5 for hunting?

Not sure why you'd consider selling the tikka at all to buy a 243. The 6.5 tikka you have is probably a better gun and will be a better hunting rifle than a 243.


Then again I do understand the idea of always wanting a new gun haha. If you really want a 243, just buy one, but I wouldn't sell the tikka.
 
I would keep the 6.5 and just save up for one of more cost effective 243's, Hardwwod axis, Ruger american (like you said), T/C Compass......something like that. Savage still has a really good rebate going for a few more days. I don't think I would sell a Tikka in 6.5 if it is shooting well.
 


My choice is "Drum roll" Is the 243 Winchester.
If you have a need for speed buy a 240 Weatherby.
I have been shooting and loading 243win for 40 years.
If I need more I get out my 7mm Rem Mags.
Do we have to reinvent the wheel every 2 years.
I have AR-10 DPMS with a Bushmaster 243win upper that rocks.
If you want to stay in the AR-15 get a 6,8mm SPCII.
FYI 6.8mm = 270win.

PS: A friend bought a 6,5mm. I ask him how it shot. "I shot it 4 times
to sight it in then I shot my deer". He said "I 15 left for 15 more deer".
I guess not all people are nuts like us.
 
Both are excellent calibers. Personally I would go with the 6.5 cm. Can go a little heavier with bullets should a need/opportunity arise.

Nelson
 
I have the Ruger American Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor. I like the rifle, I like the caliber. There's no way I'd trade off a Tikka for even 2 RAP. Keep the Tikka, save for a couple of months and buy the RAP in 17HMR if that's what you want.
 
No idea why you would want or need a medium contour barrel for deer or predators. If your creed and .223 are both moa just shoot what you have and get a RAR or cz 455 in 17hmr.
 
240 weatherby is a belted 6mm06. 06 brass is much easier to find. Speed is good. I am trying to decide, 606 or 22 creed. So many choices

Get one of everything that you think you need and at least 2 of your favorites.
 
Last edited:
I am not familiar with the twist in that rifle but a 243 shooting 100+ grain bullet works wonders. I shot a deer this year with 115gr dtach and bang flop. 6.5 is nice but what you are asking it to do is nothing different a 243 or 25-06 can’t do.
 
Personally, a 6mm will do everything I need hunting until I step up to 30cal. But it's really personal preference. If you are hunting nothing bigger than deer and not long range, my vote would be 243. It is difficult to beat the wide variety of bullet options available in the caliber.

I like my 6mms because I can shoot them all day and never get tired of the recoil.
 
I would go creedmoor and the one guy that says it kicks more than the 243 It doesn't in my eyes kick more than the 243
 
I have both and don’t think you could go wrong with either one. Put a muzzle break on whichever one and have recoil like a 223. The 243 you can have smaller bullets, but you said you have a 223 so that means really it’s up to you! I say if you got the money get one of each.
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top