Hey guys, I am 16 and I'm saving up for a new rifle (an expensive one I will keep forever). I am trying to decide whether I get it in 6.5 or 308. I have watched many sniper 101 videos on cartridge selection and it seemed to me like the best caliber to get it in would be 308. My purposes are to have a proper line of defense if SHTF and something to practice LR with. I plan to drop near 1500 on a rifle, which is like half a year's salary for me. I do not want to debate 6.5 vs 308 in terms of overall effectiveness, as I believe they have pros and cons equal in value.
My question is:
Do you guys foresee that 6.5 will eventually become as popular as 308? Lets just pretend they are the exact same in performance and whatnot. Realistically, I now see 6.5 creed at Walmart, near every gun store and I'm pretty sure some parts of the US armed forces are adopting it. How much would I gain in a SHTF situation with a 308 vs a 6.5? To elaborate, I live in a state with a LOT of flat ground. Lets say tomorrow BLM starts going violent, gov't attempts to confiscate guns, there's an earthquake, the whole 9 yards. For protection and survival in general, would I be better off with a model in 6.5 or 308? Does it even matter now?
To me, it seems like the 308 is better
308 Pros:
More energy, impact, bigger diameter etc.
More compatibility
Cheaper to reload and get ammo for
6.5 Pros
less wind drift
lighter recoil (doesn't matter much to me)
Maybe becomes more popular than 308?
Also less barrel life. (booo)
I love them both and I can't decide... They both have pros and cons that seem equal in value to me... I know Rex pretty much said in his caliber selection videos to choose the popular, interchangeable NATO rounds if you can't decide but I can't get a good idea of the future of this round.. It could either become like or more popular than 308, or it could completely die off in 5 years.. I plan on keeping this gun for the rest of my life.
No, I do not have money for both đ