re: .308 or 6.5 creedmoor for deer hunting?

6.5 is hands down a better choice over the .308 except for ammunition availability. I love the .308 but it wouldn’t even be a thing if neither existed and someone designed both and were comparing which one to release. The only thing the .308 wins on is energy at 400 yards and in. It’s a wash though because both have more than enough energy at those ranges for it not to matter. 6.5 has been used in Europe for hunting for a long time. It’s just getting popular here because long range shooters realized it’s benefits.

Recoil is a major factor most seem to ignore. Less recoil along with proper shooting form makes it far easier to spot your own shot through the scope. I’ve shot thousands of rounds through both and the 6.5 wins easily here.

Cost is about a wash. When I shot long range competition I mostly reloaded but if I didn’t have time I could get hornady match ammo cheaper than .308 match ammo. Sure you can get cheap surplus .308 but you only use that for plinking.

Wind drift the 6.5 wins. Energy retention at long range the 6.5 wins. The only reason the .308 still exists is because of it’s use by the military.