390: 25 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor Caliber Comparison

390: 25 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor Caliber Comparison

Author: John McAdams September 25, 2025 Duration: 1:01:25

John McAdams shares insights on the 25 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor informed by real world data on obtained at the range, afield, and in ballistic gel in this podcast episode. John discusses the design characteristics, performance specifications, and pros and cons of each cartridge. Plus, he also shares some details on how different 6.5 Creedmoor and 25 Creedmoor factory loads have performed on game afield.

Sponsor: Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday.

North Fork's 120gr and 140gr Semi-Spitzer bullets are outstanding choices for the 25 Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor respectively that facilitate the best possible terminal performance for both cartridges. Both projectiles are absolutely outstanding on all manner of game at ranges inside 300 yards. You can purchase both bullets directly from the North Fork web site, from MidwayUSA, or from our network of other distributors all over the world.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses the 6.5 Creedmoor vs 25 Creedmoor.

John conducts a deep dive on both cartridges, tackles complaints about poor terminal performance some have reported with the 6.5 Creedmoor on game, and compares how both rounds perform in several ballistic gel tests. John also shares a few hunting stories illustrating the terminal performance of various 25 Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor factory loads.

John's takeaway? The 25 Creedmoor offers some benefits over the 6..5 Creedmoor, but he's not sure if it is a big enough improvement to really make a difference in the long run.

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Resources

Ep 203: 6.5 Creedmoor vs 6.8 Western vs 270 WSM – Episode referenced regarding my last 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge comparison

Ep 286: 30 Caliber Cartridges-The Complete Guide – Episode referenced about all the various 30 caliber cartridges (to include the 30 T/C)

Ep 328: 25 Caliber Cartridges-The Complete Guide – Episode referenced about all the other 25 caliber SAAMI standardized rounds.

Ep 388: Richard Mann on the 25 Creedmoor – Episode referenced where Richard Mann discusses the origins of the 25 Creedmoor in detail

308 Winchester vs 6.5 Creedmoor – Episode referenced regarding how the 6.5 Creedmoor stacks up against the 308 Winchester


John McAdams hosts the Big Game Hunting Podcast, a conversation grounded in the realities of pursuing game across continents. Each episode feels like a detailed campfire talk, moving from the technical specifics of terminal ballistics and caliber selection to the raw, unforgettable narratives from the field in Africa, North America, and beyond. McAdams brings together a global community, with voices ranging from seasoned industry professionals to fellow hunters who call in with their own experiences. The focus is always on practical knowledge and authentic stories, stripping away any pretense to get to the heart of what hunters actually want to discuss. By sharing his own journey of learning and improvement, McAdams creates a space where curiosity and respect for the wilderness drive the dialogue. Tuning into this podcast means joining a serious yet accessible exchange where the complexities of the hunt are explored without filter. New conversations are released every Thursday, offering a consistent dose of insight and camaraderie for anyone passionate about the pursuit.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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