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
351: 22 Creedmoor With Derrick Ratliff Of Horizon Firearms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:21
Is the new 22 Creedmoor just the latest fad? Or does it offer significant benefits to hunters compared to more established 22 caliber centerfires like the 22-250 Remington? Today, Derrick Ratliff from Horizon Firearms jo…
350: Whitetail Hunting Secrets With Larry Weishuhn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:45
Larry Weishuhn, also known as "Mr. Whitetail" joins me on the show today to talk about some of the finer points of whitetail deer hunting. I've always wanted to sit down with an accomplished deer hunter and wildlife biol…
349: The ugly truth about bullet failures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:48
Today, we're going to talk about bullet failures. Bullet failures are a hot topic, especially when they involve certain, very polarizing bullets and/or cartridges. I absolutely believe they do occur, but I think they get…
348: 223 Remington vs 22 ARC Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:53
Today we're going to talk about 2 22 caliber cartridges designed for use in America's favorite gun in the AR-15 platform: the 223 Remington and the 22 ARC. As always, we'll discuss the overall design characteristics and…
347: Ultimate Guide To The "Other" 30 Caliber Cartridges [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:53
Today, I discuss all of the other .30 caliber cartridges I didn't cover in episode 286. None of these rounds use a .308" bullet, but all are still .30 caliber cartridges and most fill a similar niche as the .308 Winchest…
346: Listen For A Special Announcement! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:43
Join me at the Dallas Safari Club Convention in Atlanta, Georgia 9-12 January 2025. I will be attending the show with 2 of my African PHs (Johan and Kobus) and we'd love to meet you in person if you'll be at the show. We…
345: 7mm Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:45:46
I discuss all of the 7mm CIP and 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 streng…
344: Moose Hunting With A 22 ARC? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:01
Tyler Freel is back on the show today to talk about a recent moose hunt where he cleanly killed a nice bull with the new 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge using his AR-15. I Feel like I owe it to my audience to give them the b…
343: Have you ever had a bullet fail on a hunt? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:15
I have request for your assistance with an upcoming project. I'm planning an episode on December where I discuss so called "bullet failures." I have a couple of examples I have experienced myself I'll share with you in t…