Comparison of 6.5 Gibbs and .308 Winchester for deer hunting?

Caliber Comparison

The 6.5 Gibbs and .308 Winchester are often compared for their performance in deer hunting. The 6.5 Gibbs has a case length of 2.260 inches, while the .308 Winchester has a case length of 2.015 inches. This difference in case length allows the 6.5 Gibbs to produce a longer barrel life, which is beneficial for hunting with a rifle that may be used for multiple seasons. The 6.5 Gibbs also typically has a shorter action length, which can be advantageous when loading and unloading the rifle in the field.

Ballistic Performance

When it comes to ballistic performance, the 6.5 Gibbs and .308 Winchester are both capable of delivering high-velocity rounds. The 6.5 Gibbs can produce rounds with velocities of up to 3,000 feet per second, while the .308 Winchester can produce rounds with velocities of up to 2,700 feet per second. However, the 6.5 Gibbs has a slightly flatter trajectory and better wind resistance, making it a better choice for long-range hunting. For example, a 6.5 Gibbs rifle shooting a 140-grain bullet at 2,800 feet per second will drop 12 inches at 500 yards, while a .308 Winchester rifle shooting a 150-grain bullet at 2,600 feet per second will drop 18 inches at the same range.

Reloading Considerations

When reloading for the 6.5 Gibbs, it’s essential to use a high-quality bullet that’s designed for this caliber. Look for bullets with a high ballistic coefficient (BC) and a stable jacket to ensure accurate and consistent performance. The 6.5 Gibbs also requires a smaller case capacity, which means that reloaders need to be careful not to overcharge the case. A good starting point for 6.5 Gibbs reloading is a maximum case capacity of 48 grains, with a 40-42 grain load being a good starting point for most hunting applications.