.308 Mountain Rifle - Your Thoughts

[tylerduce]

I currently shoot a 6.5 Creed Bergara B14 Ridge. It is a bit too heavy of a rifle for that caliber to be lugging up and down the mountain, imo. It became pretty obvious after my recent goat hunt. I am looking to move to a lightweight .308 with a short barrel. Something along the flavour of the Ruger Hawkeye. I know the 6.5 and .308 perform similarly, but I think the larger 30 cal is better for short range bear defense (low probability but still a factor), shorter barrel, lighter weight, cheaper to reload, and easier to find ammo.

I realize there are lot better calibers for mountain hunting, but for the above reasons, combined with the fact that I don't ever see myself shooting beyond 500m, I think the .308 hits the sweet spot.

Am I completely missing something? Anyone here have a .308 lightweight mountain rifle that would like to chime in? Or other thoughts. Thanks in advance.

[REMINGTON JIM]

I have LW Mountain rifles in 6.5 CM - 7-08 REM - 284 Win and 308 Win . I am pretty FOND of the 7-08 cartridge . The 284 Win and 308 are a bet harsh RECOIL in the LW rifles . That being said I am building another 284 Win on a T3 action now . BUT I
Just got a Christensen Arms Mesa FFT rifle (5.5 lbs) in 7-08 and mounted up a Leupold 3.5-1O with a B&C reticle . Gonna go shoot it in the next few days . BEAUTY rifle . All JMO RJ

[Bullreaper]

Wife has a Sako finnlight chambered in .308. Has the short 20” barrel, lightweight. It’s a sweet little gun. That being said, my CA mesa FFT chambered in 7PRC, is lighter and less recoil, not that the .308 has much. Regardless it’s an awesome mountain gun, tons of ammo variety and availability. I shot an elk with it last year with 150gr Nosler ballistic tip at 180 yards. Dropped him in his tracks. I bought her the finnlight in 308 a couple years ago as it was much more suitable than the handy-me-down, POS, 300win she was shooting, at the time I figured the .308 would be perfect for her, but personally, knowing what I know now and what’s out there, I’d of got her a 6.5prc instead, it’ll do everything a 308 will do, but better and with less recoil, imo.

[RackStar]

Got rid of my Kimber 300wsm and a model 70 300wm and got a .308 featherweight , though not a “mountain rifle” I find it’s a pretty ideal cartridge for practical / realistic hunting ranges

[Darksith]

I think you need to talk to Omer at precision optics...He's a sponsor here and maybe one of the premiere knowledge guys. If it was me I would be looking at a 7 SAUM or a 7 PRC. Its not the distance capabilities of the .308 that is my problem with that calibre its the wind deflection. The .308 won many a 1000y shoots in the day, with modern optics and range finders combined with turrets its easy to shoot many calibres a long distance...BUT up on the side of the mountain where the wind is gusting and coming in from different angles you want to reduce the winds ability to deflect your bullet POI.

People put too much concern on getting the lightest rifle possible. If you are around the 7-8lbs mark you are doing fine, lightening up too much makes the rifles harder to shoot, that being said a good brake can help as well. I've listened to a lot of info from some of the top manufacturers and their takes on the lightweight phenomenon, to gain something you are going to need to give up something, its a good philosophy when it comes to shooting and although we try to reduce weight as much as possible, it can come at a cost. Lots of podcasts out there where you get to absorb what the experts have to say. Do your research, find that happy medium, but IMO buying a new mountain rifle in an old school dare I say obsolete calibre doesn't make any sense.

Sacrifice in a lot of areas, but a shootable rifle shouldn't be one of them. My rifle is 8lbs w/ scope, I have one of the fastest bullets on the mountain with the least amount of wind deflection and I don't even really need to think about wind at 500 yards...one less variable for me to mess up on at the most critical time. 6.5 prc, 7mm saum, 7mm prc would be the calibres I would look at if I was to replace my rifle now. I shoot a 28 nosler in case you are wondering...

[justachip]

I have a lightweight ish 308 Model 7 Remington. I built a load for the 130 ttsx and it shoots well. It does buck pretty well if you load the bigger bullets. I do love how the gun handles and packs.

[Timberjack]

Firstly, I agree with all the comments from above. That's said I've been toting around a Kimber Montana in 308 for the last few years in the mountains. At 5lbs 2oz it does kick a bit with the 165 accubonds I shoot. But it's not built for the range and when shooting an animal you don't notice a thing. I've taken a good number of deer and goats with it and have had wonderful success. Yes, be conscious of wind, but I've not found it to be a limiting factor. This year's goat at 435 yards went down with 1 shot - lung, through the far shoulder and lodged in the far side hide. Couldn't ask for more and it sure is a pleasure to carry.

TJ

[VLD43]

I think Remington Jim nailed it. 7-08 or 284 is hard to argue with and when combined with Christensen arms FFT, you get both light weight and recoil. They are not cheap, but you wont be disappointed. Best of luck with your decision. So many good calibers out there now, it's hard to go wrong.

[Greenthumbed]

Hi Tyler,
I don’t think I would go with a 20” barrel for a mountain rifle. Reducing the muzzle velocity on an already relatively slow cartridge with the shorter barrel might prove to be disadvantage when taking the longer shots in the alpine.

[JAGRMEISTER]

you must be an Octopus to have so many rifles that all do the same thingÉ

[ACE]

Got a .308 featherweight, though not a 'mountain rifle', I find it’s a pretty ideal cartridge for practical / realistic hunting ranges.

​Also have a Model 70 Featherweight/.30-06 . . . Leupold Compact 6x. Am carrying it more and more nowadays. As RackStar suggests above "it's a pretty ideal" . . .

[todbartell]

Its not the distance capabilities of the .308 that is my problem with that calibre its the wind deflection.


7 PRC 175gr Precision Hunter ammo drifts 10" in a 10mph crosswind @ 490 yards, the 308 Win 178gr Precision Hunter drifts 10" @ 395 yards

Inside 300 yards, the 308 works very well for anything in BC with the right ammo. The average distance for my last dozen big game kills is 98 yards

[REMINGTON JIM]

7 PRC 175gr Precision Hunter ammo drifts 10" in a 10mph crosswind @ 490 yards, the 308 Win 178gr Precision Hunter drifts 10" @ 395 yards

Inside 300 yards, the 308 works very well for anything in BC with the right ammo. The average distance for my last dozen big game kills is 98 yards

YOU just gotta get a New 7MM PRC Buddy :razz::wink: RJ

[Weatherby Fan]

You could really use any SA cartridge 6CM, 6.5CM, 7mm-08, .308 etc with the quality constructed bullet options we have now a days for a lightweight mountain rifle, myself I like 280AI.

[bcsteve]

A couple things. If you’re looking for a lighter rifle, a Ruger Hawkeye is not hit. It’s one of the heaviest factory rifle. As far as availability of factory ammo and reloading components, there probably more options for the Creedmoor than the .308 Win. I personally would not pick a cartridge based on a possible bear attack and even then a 6.5 Creedmoor will do. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with a light .308 Win but the ballistics will take a hit.

[HappyJack]

I currently shoot a 6.5 Creed Bergara B14 Ridge. It is a bit too heavy of a rifle for that caliber to be lugging up and down the mountain, imo. It became pretty obvious after my recent goat hunt. I am looking to move to a lightweight .308 with a short barrel. Something along the flavour of the Ruger Hawkeye. I know the 6.5 and .308 perform similarly, but I think the larger 30 cal is better for short range bear defense (low probability but still a factor), shorter barrel, lighter weight, cheaper to reload, and easier to find ammo.

I realize there are lot better calibers for mountain hunting, but for the above reasons, combined with the fact that I don't ever see myself shooting beyond 500m, I think the .308 hits the sweet spot.

Am I completely missing something? Anyone here have a .308 lightweight mountain rifle that would like to chime in? Or other thoughts. Thanks in advance.

I'd just stick with the 6.5 Creed calibre and buy a lighter, quality firearm that fits your needs. Like Bullreaper's wife has, a Finnlight. Or wait for RJ to offer one of his sweet firearms up for sale and get a good deal!

[ryanb]

I've had my .308 Kimber Montana for 10 years, and it's killed everything from all the mountain species to bears,elk moose deer etc...no problemo. Great rifle and the 308 does it all.

[Timberjack]

I've had my .308 Kimber Montana for 10 years, and it's killed everything from all the mountain species to bears,elk moose deer etc...no problemo. Great rifle and the 308 does it all.

Same with me…. What bullet do you use Ryan? The 165gr accubond for me is the right mix of speed and hitting power. Not too light and not too slow. It’s been great on many species over the last few years. That said I did just buy a mtn ascent in 6.5 creed. Not that it’ll do anything differently, more just to scratch an itch but it should be great for alpine mulies and maybe a goat or sheep. Cheers!

TJ

[Haddy]

I shoot a Kimber Subalpine in .308 for everything. Never had an issue that wasn't the operators fault lol... Very lightweight gun paired with a VX5HD shooting Hornady ELD-X 178gr.

[sako79]

Get a lightweight 280ai. Mine is 6lbs 2oz scoped and shoots .25" groups

[REMINGTON JIM]

Get a lightweight 280ai. Mine is 6lbs 2oz scoped and shoots .25" groups

that’s smaller then the bullet diameter :lol::mrgreen: RJ

[Weatherby Fan]

that’s smaller then the bullet diameter :lol::mrgreen: RJ

https://i.imgur.com/NddxOrS.jpg

[WhiteTailAB]

I had a howa alpine in 308, definitely regret selling that one. I know of an alpine in 65cm sitting in a rack for sale but haven't bought it yet

[Squire]

I’ll add another nod to the Kimber Montana in a short action like the .308, 7mm-08 or 6.5 cm. A great combination of lightweight and accuracy. I had a long action Montana in 280 AI and although it was very accurate I found it pretty whippy with my hand loads spitting out 140 Accubonds over 3000 fps. So much so that I had to learn to shoot it at the range with a good consistent grip on the forestock.
I sold that rifle and got another in .308 second hand which I had GEF convert to 6.5 cm with a Benchmark barrel trimmed to 22”. Much easier to keep the muzzle quiet pushing 130 Accubonds to 2820 fps with hand loads. I have a bit of room to possibly push it over 2900 fps but I’m at a good accuracy node at 2820 so not much to gain when it’s already plenty of medicine out to 400 yards for deer or goats.

[REMINGTON JIM]

I’ll add another nod to the Kimber Montana in a short action like the .308, 7mm-08 or 6.5 cm. A great combination of lightweight and accuracy. I had a long action Montana in 280 AI and although it was very accurate I found it pretty whippy with my hand loads spitting out 140 Accubonds over 3000 fps. So much so that I had to learn to shoot it at the range with a good consistent grip on the forestock.
I sold that rifle and got another in .308 second hand which I had GEF convert to 6.5 cm with a Benchmark barrel trimmed to 22”. Much easier to keep the muzzle quiet pushing 130 Accubonds to 2820 fps with hand loads. I have a bit of room to possibly push it over 2900 fps but I’m at a good accuracy node at 2820 so not much to gain when it’s already plenty of medicine out to 400 yards for deer or goats.


SO ! WHAT Are you saying there - Too much recoil or ? If so Yes the LW 280 AI s are a hand Full for Sure over a 6.5 - 308 ! RJ

[Squire]

SO ! WHAT Are you saying there - Too much recoil or ? If so Yes the LW 280 AI s are a hand Full for Sure over a 6.5 - 308 ! RJ

Just making the observation that the super lightweight Kimber Montana is probably better suited to the short action, lighter recoil calibres. That’s more of a personal preference than a knock on the long actions as my 280 AI was sub-MOA and a pleasure to carry.

It was a big improvement over the T3 in 300 WSM that I had prior. That rifle was the one that made me rethink the lightweight and high velocity combination. Of course any of these options would be nicer to shoot with a muzzle brake.

[REMINGTON JIM]

The lighter they are and with potent cartridges the more are RECOIL is generated . That said is why I went with a 6.5 CM in my ULTRA LIGHT rifle instead of a 7-08 or 284 or 308 etc . RJ

[jlirot]

I am following this thread with interest. I have been considering buying a 'light mountain rifle'. And, it would have to be something in a mild recoiling caliber because I'm a recoil puss. Shooting 12 ga slugs in my youth ruined me and I get twitchy with hard hitting rifles. I'm better, but still have a huge aversion to big recoil. I like the idea of 6.5 CM or 7mm PRC in a lightweight package. I'd probably go with 6.5 because it seems that ammo should always be available - I don't reload. I don't want to derail the thread. Just saying that I appreciate all the great input.

[REMINGTON JIM]

I am following this thread with interest. I have been considering buying a 'light mountain rifle'. And, it would have to be something in a mild recoiling caliber because I'm a recoil puss. Shooting 12 ga slugs in my youth ruined me and I get twitchy with hard hitting rifles. I'm better, but still have a huge aversion to big recoil. I like the idea of 6.5 CM or 7mm PRC in a lightweight package. I'd probably go with 6.5 because it seems that ammo should always be available - I don't reload. I don't want to derail the thread. Just saying that I appreciate all the great input.

There’s a BIG DIFFERENCE ! in recoil between a 6.5 CM and a 7 PRC ! Even the smaller 6.5 PRC is bunch more then a 6.5 CM in the same or close weight rifle .
Jlirot you do RELIZE Don’t you a 7 PRC is just like a 7 REM Mag without a belt ! A LOT ! more cartridge then a CM is .
get yourself a 6.5 CM or a 7-08 REM ! :) JMO RJ

I have most cartridges “ 6.5 Grendel 6.5 CM. 260 REM 6.5x55 SWEDE 6.5 PRC 7-08 REM 280 REM 280 AI 7 PRC 7 REM Mag 7 STW 7-300 WBEE “ SO JMO. You need a 6.5 CM or 7-08 REM in a light weight . :wink: If you go up in weight the 6.5 PRC or 7 PRC are both GREAT cartridges . Again JMO RJ

[MRP]

With a good range finder and a matching scope 308 will do it all. Have a 16.5" 308 with a Leopold mill dot scope, shooting by the numbers gets me out to 410yds at 9x with a 150gr bullet probably 500 if I went with a 130/125gr and moved out to a 225yd zero. But it's a m77 laminate at 7.25lb scoped not light for 308 but a change of stocks would fix that. Puts the recoil at about 20lbs, as apposed to my 300wsm at 30+lbs %(#$&@.

[jlirot]

There’s a BIG DIFFERENCE ! in recoil between a 6.5 CM and a 7 PRC ! Even the smaller 6.5 PRC is bunch more then a 6.5 CM in the same or close weight rifle .
Jlirot you do RELIZE Don’t you a 7 PRC is just like a 7 REM Mag without a belt ! A LOT ! more cartridge then a CM is .
get yourself a 6.5 CM or a 7-08 REM ! :) JMO RJ

I have most cartridges “ 6.5 Grendel 6.5 CM. 260 REM 6.5x55 SWEDE 6.5 PRC 7-08 REM 280 REM 280 AI 7 PRC 7 REM Mag 7 STW 7-300 WBEE “ SO JMO. You need a 6.5 CM or 7-08 REM in a light weight . :wink: If you go up in weight the 6.5 PRC or 7 PRC are both GREAT cartridges . Again JMO RJ

Yes. but, I haven't shot either so can't comment on recoil. I shoot both 270 and 308. Have gone bigger but I don't think I would enjoy spending time at the range with them so opt to stay with the lighter calibers. I'm not hunting grizz and I would be comfortable shooting a moose with what I have. Your comments are always appreciated!

[Squire]

Yes. but, I haven't shot either so can't comment on recoil. I shoot both 270 and 308. Have gone bigger but I don't think I would enjoy spending time at the range with them so opt to stay with the lighter calibers. I'm not hunting grizz and I would be comfortable shooting a moose with what I have. Your comments are always appreciated!

I’m with RJ on the 6.5 CM or 7mm-08 (in that order) for the obvious choices in a lightweight mountain rifle. If you’re only shooting deer I wouldn’t eliminate the .243 win with a well-constructed bullet either. I knew a guy who carried one in the alpine and killed every deer he shot at long before all of the ‘better’ bullet choices available today.

[REMINGTON JIM]

I’m with RJ on the 6.5 CM or 7mm-08 (in that order) for the obvious choices in a lightweight mountain rifle. If you’re only shooting deer I wouldn’t eliminate the .243 win with a well-constructed bullet either. I knew a guy who carried one in the alpine and killed every deer he shot at long before all of the ‘better’ bullet choices available today.

YUP ! 243 or 6 CM or 6 Rem ! are all good deer Killers . RJ

[REMINGTON JIM]

Yes. but, I haven't shot either so can't comment on recoil. I shoot both 270 and 308. Have gone bigger but I don't think I would enjoy spending time at the range with them so opt to stay with the lighter calibers. I'm not hunting grizz and I would be comfortable shooting a moose with what I have. Your comments are always appreciated!

Remember Shot placement is #1 ;-) JMO RJ

[madcalfe]

I wouldn't be buying a ruger if your wanting lightweight.
.308 will work for your needs
if your on a tight budget look for a howa superlite in .308 4.7lbs
prophet river has one in stock 1500$
I use a 5.2lbs 20" 300wsm for my mountain gun.

[jlirot]

I've seen a couple if interesting rifles listed recently. One is a Howa Elevate and the other Tikka T3X Superlite. I'm guessing this crowd are more Tikka than Howa fans....

[madcalfe]

I've seen a couple if interesting rifles listed recently. One is a Howa Elevate and the other Tikka T3X Superlite. I'm guessing this crowd are more Tikka than Howa fans....

Almost every crowd will be more for Tikka.
There probably the best "budget" rifle you can buy
There accurate, have a smooth action, triggers are good and can be upgraded with a 20$ spring, reliable, light weight.
The only downside to the tikka's are the stocks. but there's so many aftermarket parts available for tikka now plus prefit barrels its hard not to run with one.
A lot of people are also using tikka actions for custom rifle builds.

[REMINGTON JIM]

Almost every crowd will be more for Tikka.
There probably the best "budget" rifle you can buy
There accurate, have a smooth action, triggers are good and can be upgraded with a 20$ spring, reliable, light weight.
The only downside to the tikka's are the stocks. but there's so many aftermarket parts available for tikka now plus prefit barrels its hard not to run with one.
A lot of people are also using tikka actions for custom rifle builds.

what’s wrong :confused: with the factory stocks ? RJ

[todbartell]

I've replaced all my plastic Tikka stocks with McMillan, Manner or MDT chassis, but they all shot well in the factory handles

[Arctic Lake]

Never shot a .308 but I can tell you shooting my Remington 700 6.5 Creedmoor is like shooting a .22 LR compared to my Remington 700. .30 06 .
Arctic Lake

[REMINGTON JIM]

I've replaced all my plastic Tikka stocks with McMillan, Manner or MDT chassis, but they all shot well in the factory handles

LOL me too on a few of them BUT I am courious to what might be the DOWNSIDE to the current factory stocks ? Just Wondering ? RJ

[Redo]

Currently a Howa Alpine Mountain on gunpost in .308. I have one and love it!!

[bard]

If your left handed I got a steal of a deal on a 7/08 mountain rifle. Was going to put it up for sale when I get home from work.

[180grainer]

You'd do really well with a .308.

[REMINGTON JIM]

Re: .308 Mountain Rifle - Your Thoughts



http://huntingbc.ca/forum/images/shades_of_green/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by jlirot http://huntingbc.ca/forum/images/shades_of_green/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?p=2421870#post2421870)
I've seen a couple if interesting rifles listed recently. One is a Howa Elevate and the other Tikka T3X Superlite. I'm guessing this crowd are more Tikka than Howa fans....

Madcalfe states :

Almost every crowd will be more for Tikka.
There probably the best "budget" rifle you can buy
They’re accurate, have a smooth action, triggers are good and can be upgraded with a 20$ spring, reliable, light weight.
“. The only downside to the tikka's are the stocks. “ :?: but there's so many aftermarket parts available for tikka now plus prefit barrels it’s hard not to run with one.

A lot of people are also using tikka actions for custom rifle builds.

STILL wanting info ? on the downside of the factory Tikka stocks ? Thxs RJ

[RackStar]

I quite like the new t3x stock. Has a nice grip with the checkering. I don’t see any downsides. It’s a stainless synthetic gun, serves its purpose

[jac]

I use the tikka T3x, great value, pretty light and the bolt is really smooth. Hard to beat for the price

[REMINGTON JIM]

I quite like the new t3x stock. Has a nice grip with the checkering. I don’t see any downsides. It’s a stainless synthetic gun, serves its purpose

YUP ! Especially the RoughTech stocks ! RJ

[REMINGTON JIM]

I use the tikka T3x, great value, pretty light and the bolt is really smooth. Hard to beat for the price

Great Shooters ! Really Good VALUE ! JMO RJ

[Arctic Lake]

The Special Edition Tikka T3X True Timber VSX cammo ,cerakote barrel rifle ,not sure it would be light enough to be called a Mountain Rifle
Maybe RJ knows ?
Arctic Lake

[Woodchuck Dan]

A Tikka T3X Compact .308 WIN is my first rifle and I have to say that I was very happy with the first year. Smooth action and cycling. Scoped myself with the first shot and is taking some considerable effort and time with dummy rounds to remove a flinch. ;)

It's 6 pounds 17 ounces and has a shorter barrel which I appreciate for humping the amount of ground I do and the type of bush I move through. I feel like I have sacrificed little since I doubt I will be taking a shot beyond 150 yards, and mostly likely will be closer to 40.

People dislike the synthetic stock but it was particularly useful to me as I live rurally in a Yurt... This allows me not only the spiritual superiority of living in a circular space, but also the inability to completely control temperature and humidity fluctuation. The structure has seasons lows of -5 C (23F), and seasonal highs of 38 degrees (100.4F) As well the humidity can move from 20 - 90+%.

It's much easier to reliably control the humidity in the winter as I heat with a wood stove.

All of this to say I needed to find a strategy to store a rifle that would not turn it into a block of rust. Keeping it lightly oiled, in the open(trigger locked), with the bolt in a separate safe has worked quite well. The bonus of the synthetic stock is I don't have to worry about the stock cracking or warping. I would like an after market stock but I am going to wait several years until my housing changes.

I do think that for smaller game harvests I think I will pick up a .243 in the future. I currently have a 1.75 X 5 scope on the 308 as I expect to be harvesting from close distances and would like a wide FOV. It would be nice to diversify and have a higher magnitude scope on the 308, while having a smaller caliber, lighter firearm with a minimal scope (or iron sights) for close ranges.

For versatility and access to ammunition it's been great. Picked a compact mountain gun and have not been disappointed.

[REMINGTON JIM]

The Special Edition Tikka T3X True Timber VSX cammo ,cerakote barrel rifle ,not sure it would be light enough to be called a Mountain Rifle
Maybe RJ knows ?
Arctic Lake

is that the 6.2 lb er ? RJ

[Arctic Lake]

RJ ! Yes in the .308 it weighs 6.2 pounds

I don’t own any Tikkas but it does look like a nice rifle .

Arctic Lake
is that the 6.2 lb er ? RJ

[REMINGTON JIM]

Nice rifle ! Be better in 30-06 :-) JMO RJ

[Arctic Lake]

I thought so as well , not that I really know anything about the intricacies of rifles though .

I already have a 30.06 as you know and a 6.5 Creedmoor . I was thinking another cartridge for that Tikka if purchased . Perhaps the .308 or 6.5 PRC ? Or another that you could get with that particular rifle .
I did send you PM by the way .
Arctic Lake
Nice rifle ! Be better in 30-06 :-) JMO RJ

[REMINGTON JIM]

I've replaced all my plastic Tikka stocks with McMillan, Manner or MDT chassis, but they all shot well in the factory handles

RICH BOY ! some of us have to stay with THE factory stuff ! :tongue: lol RJ

[Arctic Lake]

RJ did you have a look at that Tikka Special Edition that was on sale at Cabelas ?
Arctic Lake
RICH BOY ! some of us have to stay with THE factory stuff ! :tongue: lol RJ

[REMINGTON JIM]

Yes I did ! 👍 I have a Super Light Strata 30-06 Fluted Barrel and Bolt so I’m Set 😀. RJ

[BGHA]

I currently shoot a 6.5 Creed Bergara B14 Ridge. It is a bit too heavy of a rifle for that caliber to be lugging up and down the mountain, imo. It became pretty obvious after my recent goat hunt. I am looking to move to a lightweight .308 with a short barrel. Something along the flavour of the Ruger Hawkeye. I know the 6.5 and .308 perform similarly, but I think the larger 30 cal is better for short range bear defense (low probability but still a factor), shorter barrel, lighter weight, cheaper to reload, and easier to find ammo.

I realize there are lot better calibers for mountain hunting, but for the above reasons, combined with the fact that I don't ever see myself shooting beyond 500m, I think the .308 hits the sweet spot.

Am I completely missing something? Anyone here have a .308 lightweight mountain rifle that would like to chime in? Or other thoughts. Thanks in advance.
I think you're spot on with your reasoning. Yes, the 6.5 Creedmoor has some advantages in a lightweight mountain rifle platform, but the 308 has the edge with a shorter barrel, easier to find ammo, and is a little better choice for something like bear defense like you mentioned. With all that in mind, I can't fault your logic and I wish you luck afield with your new rifle!
More info here if you're interested:https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/65-creedmoor-vs-308-winchester/