This paper compares the performance of axially loaded concrete filled steel tube (CFST) columns cast using a conventionally vibrated normal concrete (NC) and a novel self-consolidating concrete (SCC) made with a new viscosity modifying admixture (VMA). A total of sixteen columns with a standard compressive strength of about 50 MPa for both SCC and NC were tested by applying concentric axial load through the concrete core. Columns were fabricated without and with longitudinal and hoop reinforcement (Series I and Series II, respectively) in addition to the tube confinement. The slenderness of the columns expressed as height to diameter ratio (H/D) ranged between 4.8 and 9.5 for Series CI and between 3.1 and 6.5 for Series CII. The strength and ductility of SCC columns were found comparable to those of their NC counterparts as the maximum strength enhancement in NC columns ranged between 1.1% and 7.5% only. No significant difference in strain development was found due to the presence of SCC or NC or due to the presence of longitudinal and hoop reinforcement. Biaxial stress development in the steel tube as per von Mises yield criterion showed similar characteristics for both SCC and NC columns. The confined strength ($f^{prime}_{cc}$) of SCC was found to be lower than that of NC and $f^{prime}_{cc}$ also decreased with the increase of slenderness of the columns. Analytical models for the prediction of confined concrete strength and axial strength of CFST columns were developed and their performance was validated through test results. The proposed models were found to predict the axial strength of CFST columns better than existing models and Code based design procedures.