6.5 Creedmoor vs 280 Ackley - Building the Perfect Mountain Rifle

Today we look to put together the perfect mountain rifle. We pit two Kimber Montana rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and 280 Ackley Improved (280AI) to decide which rifle is best.

The Kimber Montana in 6.5 Creedmoor weighs in a 6lb and is equipped with a Leupold VX3-HD 2.5-8x36 scope. This is a great scope for the 6.5 Creedmoor when the intended use is for a lightweight mountain rifle.

The second Kimber Montana is chambered in 280 Ackley Improved (280 AI). This rifle is equipped with a 2.5-10x32 NXS Nightforce scope. This scope adds both significant cost and a half pound of weight to the 280 Ackley Improved (280 AI) rifle, but that is acceptable for this 7lb build.

We compare the performance of the 6.5 Creedmoor and 280 Ackley Improved (280 AI) in the Kimber Montanas by using Hornady ELD-X bullets and Hammer Hunter bullets. The 6.5 Creedmoor doesn't have the velocity or energy of the 280 Ackley Improved (280 AI), but is very respectable in its performance. Where the 6.5 Creedmoor really shines in comparison to the 280 Ackley Improved (280 AI) is when we start looking at recoil. There is significantly more recoil with the 280 Ackley Improved (280 AI) than the 6.5 Creedmoor.

00:00 - Intro
02:19 - 6.5 Creedmoor Build
05:08 - 280 Ackley Improved (280 AI) Build
09:48 - Hornady ELD-X Comparison
14:39 - Hammer Hunter Comparison
20:33 - Recoil
22:12 - Wrap up