6.5CM vs .308 as it pertains to this forum

[muddywings]

So, I'll be looking to get a precision rifle in the next year as I am lacking in that department. Mostly a steel plinker, maybe a random hunting rifle with some buddies (don't tell the wife) and maybe a PR match here or there just for giggles (probably more the wife than me).
So the question comes up-which caliber?
While it looks like 6.5CM is superior in most ways over .308, I'm wondering which is the better option as it pertains to this forum.
Throw me the pros/cons for 6.5CM vs .308

Additional factors:
I am a novice reloader but with a nice setup in both 9 and 223. I would like to reload the rounds for cheap(er)
The next gun for the stable will be an AR-10 and probably want them chambered the same for ease of dealing with ammo
I will be getting a suppressor, as I haven't done and stamp collecting in a while, that would go between the AR-10 and the PR platform.
Lastly-life keeps getting in the way of fun toys so I'm looking at a solid year to slowly save/buy the rifle and scope with another few months for the suppressor.

[Zombie Steve]

As it pertains to S&P I think sheer availability of 30 caliber components and 308 brass would make it easier to buy cheap(er) and stack deep. That, and the selection of tough construction hunting bullets in 6.5 is limited in comparison, but not prohibitively so.

If you're loading your own, either one is fair game. As I stated in another thread, I prefer a heavier bullet for hunting, but it sounds like the majority of your use would be target, so I'd think the 6.5 would have an edge.

Pick the one you think is cooler - you'll shoot it more.

[HoneyBadger]

I would go .308 for for availability of parts, ammo, reloading components, etc. It is readily available for a decent price (which will allow and encourage you to shoot more and store more). Especially when you consider S & P, many other folks will have .308 guns but I doubt many, if any, will have 6.5CM guns. Choosing 6.5CM for a survival situation would severely limit your ammo scrounging potential

[rbeau30]

My vote is .308. Availability of scavengable components.

#1 reason why I standardized all of the family's carry and SHTF "duty" cartridges.

.308 isn't in my plan, but if I had a plan for long range targets other than escape-and-evade that would be my choice.

[Jamnanc]

Preparedness wise, or for those of us on a tight budget, 308 all the way.

[Delfuego]

Shoot a 6.5 and you'll never want another 308 again Better in every way...

[Tim K]

I wonder the same things, but have a 6.5 and no .308. I can't think of many practical uses for a heavy precision rifle, so I figure I'm good to go at any time with components and loaded ammo I have on hand.

Ammo that shoots great in a bolt gun is unlikely to shoot well in an AR and vice versa. Hoping for common ammo is likely too much to ask unless you're willing to settle for marginal performance from one gun or the other.

[Great-Kazoo]

One should buy what one can afford. Right down to components and or enough ammo to have 1-5K. Depending if you're going to get in to LD / Precision , or have enough of what one feels comfortable with.

IMO any firearm (for personal use, PD, etc) should have a minimum of 1K per. You LD / Precision folks 1K is what , a good start

Also for the OP, remember what ever caliber you pick, it's only as good as the glass you put on it.

[muddywings]

Pick the one you think is cooler - you'll shoot it more.

excellent point!

oh, so conflicted...Harvey Dent where are you!?

[asmo]

If you already have a .308 precision gun - then buy a 6.5.

If you don't have either, buy both.