Does 6.5 Creedmoor Fit in a .308 Winchester Magazine? The Short Answer: No.
The simple answer is no, a 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge will not fit in a standard .308 Winchester magazine. While the cartridges share a similar overall length, key dimensional differences prevent interchangeability. Attempting to force a 6.5 Creedmoor round into a .308 magazine could result in damage to the magazine, the firearm, or even injury.
Let's delve deeper into the reasons why these cartridges aren't compatible despite their apparent similarities:
Key Dimensional Differences Preventing Compatibility
While both cartridges look superficially similar, there are crucial differences in their dimensions that prevent them from being used interchangeably:
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Case Head Diameter: The 6.5 Creedmoor has a slightly larger case head diameter than the .308 Winchester. This difference is subtle but significant. The .308 magazine is designed specifically for the .308's smaller case head, and a larger 6.5 Creedmoor case head will simply not fit.
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Case Body Taper: The 6.5 Creedmoor case has a slightly different taper than the .308 Winchester case. This subtle difference further contributes to the incompatibility. The magazine follower and feed lips are precisely engineered for the .308's shape, and the 6.5 Creedmoor's differing taper will cause feeding issues, if it even fits at all.
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Overall Cartridge Length: Although the overall lengths are similar, the slight variations in case body dimensions can mean the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge is just too long to reliably feed from a magazine designed for the shorter .308 Winchester cartridge.
Why Attempting to Force a Fit is Dangerous
Trying to force a 6.5 Creedmoor round into a .308 magazine is extremely risky and should never be attempted. This could lead to:
- Magazine Damage: The pressure from trying to force the larger cartridge into a smaller space could bend or break the magazine.
- Firearm Damage: A jammed cartridge could cause damage to the firearm's internal mechanisms, potentially leading to malfunction and rendering the weapon inoperable.
- Personal Injury: A malfunction resulting from using the wrong ammunition could lead to serious injury.
Alternatives for Using 6.5 Creedmoor
If you're interested in shooting the 6.5 Creedmoor, you'll need a rifle and magazines specifically designed for that caliber. Many manufacturers offer rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, and you can easily find compatible magazines for them.
Conclusion: Safety First
Always prioritize safety when handling firearms and ammunition. Using the correct ammunition for your firearm is paramount to ensure safe and reliable operation. Never attempt to force a cartridge into a magazine or chamber for which it was not designed. Double-check your ammunition before each shooting session. Remember to consult your firearm's owner's manual for specific instructions on ammunition compatibility.
