by jpsauer88 » 29 Apr 2024, 12:04 pm
None.
A 6.5CM is primarily all about keeping it short action length or target shooting.
If you dont care about either of those (i.e. you a hunting) then it is a poor design. I will get hate for this but let me explain. It shoots a slightly higher BC bullet at 308 speeds.
But when your hunting, energy is what you require.
Energy: A 6.5 produces lower energy within hunting distances (under 400m) compared to a 308
Projectile diameter: calibre and width is highly relevant to terminal performance, something overlooked. The force on a projectile is determined by the velocity and projectile diameter. A mono bullet for example (barnes, cx, gmx) will expand at lower velocities the wider it is due to the forces enacted on the projectile surface area.
Efficiency : The cartridge size/energy ratio is poor.
Preexisiting options: 260 provides no downside, rather downsides now are produced through factory twist options. I.e. a 22creed and 22-250ai identical in performance, capacity etc, but a 22creed will come with fast twist factory options as does a 6.5CM v a 260REM.
Monos: this is is own category, a 6.5CM can not achieve velocities required for a 300m shot with decent expansion using monos. Monos are a whole different kettle of fish as most rifles require light for cal to achieve good expansion. This is too limited on the 6.5 If i was forced to get a short action rifle for hunting I would get a 7mmWSM or 300WSM.
Finally, there is a point of optimal ratio for BC, weight, width and velocity for a short action/standard cartridge and that appears to be a 7mm, specifically a 7mm-08. Again I do not own one, just having researched this before and run calculations etc a 7mm-08 is the best of both worlds with the most optimal design for the 308 parent case.
I have owned a 6.5CM and do not own a 308 or a 7mm-08, so I do not have a horse in this race. But sold the 6.5 after reloading for it and realising the real limits of the cartridge, especially that i shoot monos when hunting.