I am not sure our opinions matter for the most part. each of three are ideal for different ranges, making it more a matter of matching the round to the ranges you intend to shoot. So it is actually more of a question of what distances you think of as long range. what your experience at long range is. how often and where you have to shoot etc.
however since you asked for an opinion, here is my for what it's worth.
If you think of long range as over 600 and beyond, but do not really have anywhere to shoot on a regular basis that is over 1400 yards, then the only one of the three that makes any sense for you is the 6.5 creedmoor. If you think long range starts at 1600 yards, have the money for, and place to shoot regularly that is over 1600 out to at least 2000 yards and maybe a little further, then and only then does the 338 lupua make any sense to look into, let alone buy.
eelj wrote: Mon May 27, 2019 9:45 am
I think the Creedmore is just about perfect, a true do anything round.
respectfully while it has a lot to offer, it's not anywhere close to a anything round. There is no such thing as a do anything round, but we come close with the 30-06.
max129 wrote: Mon May 27, 2019 11:19 am
Marlene said:
Recoil makes good shooters bad.
Thank you for saying this. I totally agree. I have tried for years to overcome the negative effects of heavier recoil, but I just shoot better when recoil is not excessive.
I talked to a cowboy action shooter and he said it is well know in the CAS groups that loading their rounds lighter lets them focus on the other fundamentals.
A couple thoughts....
1. A big part of recoil getting in the way of shooting well is shooting improperly. I didn't really get this until I started shooting scout rifles and got to try out a Kimber Mountain Ascent. fundamentals and correct mounting of the rifle become very important. if you do it right, felt recoil is reduced. not eliminated, just a reduction in the sensation.
2. While eliminating or reducing variables such as recoil makes sense at various learning stages...if you are going to use a rifle for real world purposes, that means ammunition that can get the job done, which means recoil comes back into the picture. Which means you need to factor it back into your training and skills development.
3. sometimes what the gamers do, depending on your goals, may not be the model to follow.
K9s wrote: Thu May 30, 2019 1:54 pm
Was following this because I have been considering 308 vs 6.5 Creedmoor. Cheap steel plinking 308 is pretty cheap by comparison and I don't have much reason or land to shoot 1000 yards. Trying to talk myself out of the AR10 in 6.5 Creedmoor, but it is getting more difficult to justify 308.
Actually the 308 can still be the right choice...even the best choice. it all just depends. However, if you want a 6.5, get a 6.5. In my opinion the only justification needed at the end of the day is "I want one".
Here is why I am sticking with the 308 for now.
1. I don't currently have the time to go places I would be able to shoot past 100 yards. at this distance there is nothing the 6.5 brings to the table that would justify me converting.
2. barrel life, 308 has the 6.5 creedmoor beat in this department
3. a wide, wide range of bullets and powders to choose from
4. for me, the recoil of the 308 isn't a problem.
5. it is currently outside my financial means to change. it's more than just buying a rifle. there is reloading components and equipment to factor in.
6. 308 hasn't stopped reaching out successfully to 1000 yards just because the 6.5 showed up.
7. when passing 200 yards, the ballistics of the 308 force you to learn things that 6.5 doesn't. Making me a better shooter.
8. wide, wide, wide selection of factory ammunition and surplus ammunition.
9. until I am regularly shooting past 600 yards, the cost to convert and ballistics do not justify even giving it half a thought.
10. even IF I start shooting past 600 yards I may not change over. just shooting for my own enjoyment given all or some of the other 9 reasons still may not to me justify converting.
who knows, when I go to rebarrel I might change my mind because "I want to" and all other factors be damned.
what your rifle is chambered it is personal. It should be something that is a mix of what caught your fancy and what is appropriate for the type shooting you are interested in. For me, today, that is still the 308. for "you" it might be something else. but tomorrow....who knows.