395: 22 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor Caliber Comparison

395: 22 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor Caliber Comparison

Author: John McAdams October 30, 2025 Duration: 1:03:21

John McAdams shares insights on the 22 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 22 Creedmoor factory loads have performed on game afield.

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North Fork's 120gr & 140gr Semi-Spitzer bullets are outstanding choices for the 6.5 Creedmoor that facilitate the best possible terminal performance for the cartridges 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 22 Creedmoor.

John conducts a deep dive on both cartridges, shows how each cartridge was specifically designed to take advantage of modern bullets, and compares how both rounds perform in several ballistic gel tests.

John's takeaway? Both cartridges overlap in their performance in certain areas, but the 22 Creedmoor is best used for predators and medium game while the 6.5 Creedmoor is ideal for medium and big game. As you'll learn, most hunters will be served well by either one though.

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Resources

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

Ep 351: 22 Creedmoor With Derrick Ratliff- Episode referenced comparing the 22-250 to the 22 Creedmoor

Ep 360: 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250 Remington- Episode referenced comparing the 22-250 to the 22 Creedmoor

Ep 366: Modern Cartridge Design With John Snow - Episode referenced where John Snow and I discuss Modern Cartridge Design principles

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

Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!
Podcast Episodes
360: 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250 Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:47
Today we're going to talk about two high octane 22 caliber centerfire cartridges: the 22-250 Remington and the 22 Creedmoor. We'll discuss the overall design characteristics and performance specs of each round, then comp…
Bonus 18: Upcoming Veteran Safari Hunt Announcement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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359: Bullet Selection 101 with Aaron Davidson of Gunwerks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:25
I got the chance to sit down with Aaron Davidson from Gunwerks at the DSC convention in Atlanta and we discussed the ins and outs of bullet selection, external ballistics, and terminal performance. I felt like I was drin…
358: 35 Caliber Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:51
I discuss all of the 35 Caliber SAAMI standardized cartridges (plus a couple of other noteworthy rounds) in this episode. As always, I'll talk about their history, design characteristics, performance specs, their strengt…
Bonus 17: Reforming The NRA With Buz Mills [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:54
Today Buz Mills from the National Rifle Association joins me on the show to talk about the upcoming election for the NRA board of directors. In any case, I'm a life member of the NRA and I'm saddened and disappointed wit…
357: Kevin Robertson's Two Near Death Experiences From Sable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:53
Kevin Robertson is back again today to talk about sable hunting. Just like we've done on the past we dive right into the details of sable: how big they get, where they live, why they're different from other species of pl…
355: Bongo At 5 Yards In The Rainforest With Hancke Hudson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:55
My ongoing Africa hunting mini-series continues this week with another special guest: Hancke Hudson. Hancke is a South African Professional Hunter who has spent the past 30 years hunting in the rainforests of Central Afr…
354: Hunting Leopard Up Close & At Night With Tanya Blake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:05
This is the first episode in my winter 2025 Africa hunting mini-series and I have a special guest on the show with me today: Tanya Blake. Depending on how long you've been listening to the show, you may recognize that na…
353: Is Federal's New 7mm Backcountry A True Game Changer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:03
I have Eric Miller on the show with me today to talk about Federal's brand new 7mm Backcountry rifle cartridge. As you'll learn here shortly, the 7 Backcountry utilizes an innovative design that produces some impressive…