The 6.5 PRC has recently seen a rise in the American hunters community for a host of reasons. It easily outperforms some other notable cartridges in the game such as the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester, specifically in the precision shooting department. Read on for some exciting features and capabilities of this firearm.
“At 500 yards, the 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge retains over 1,600 foot-pounds of energy, ensuring effective performance on big game even at extended distances.” – Outdoor Life
So, what exactly is the 6.5 PRC?
It’s a short-action magnum cartridge from the Precision Rifle Cartridge series. First developed in 2018 by Hornady, it was an instant hit for hunting and long range shooting. This rifle cartridge is based on the .300 Ruger Compact Magnum case. They have shortened it a bit and necked it down, so it can accept a 6.5mm bullet. This enables the firearm to deliver higher ballistic coefficients. It also allows it to maintain greater velocity at long range, a key aspect in precision shooting.
Advantages for the hunters
6.5 PRC Prime Ballistics
The 6.5 PRC ballistics have impressed everyone. It has a flat trajectory and a high velocity compared to fellow cartridges. Therefore, hunters get more accuracy at extended distances.
“The 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge can achieve a muzzle velocity of up to 3,000 feet per second (fps) with factory ammunition, offering a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift compared to other popular hunting cartridges.” – Hornady
Versatility
Hunters get an all-round cartridge which is excellent for a wide range of game. It includes deer, elk, whitetails, black bear, mountain goats, and more.
Recoil Management
The 6.5 PRC recoil is manageable and flexible, even with the immense power that this firearm possesses. The recoil clearly works better than other magnum cartridges in the same domain. Hence, the fatigue factor is minimized and quick follow-up shots are possible.
Availability of Ammunition and Components
Since it is trending among hunters and shooters, the 6.5 PRC ammo, loading data, brass, and other components are easily available in the market.
Head-to-Head Against Other Cartridges
6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge vs. 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 PRC vs 6.5 Creedmoor is always a great match. First things first, both the cartridges are an asset for the holder. The 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge, with its higher velocity and excellent performance over extended distances, stands out (and probably settles the debate for some hunters, too.) However, the 6.5 Creedmoor can’t be ruled out entirely here. It has less recoil, and is easily available in the market.
“The 6.5 PRC maintains sub-MOA (minute of angle) accuracy out to 1,000 yards, making it a preferred choice for long-range precision shooting.” – Guns and Ammo
6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge vs. .308 Winchester Magnum
Weighing up the 6.5 PRC vs .308, the former comes out on top mainly for offering flatter trajectory and high-class ballistics. The .308 Winchester is not half bad; it’s a tested rifle cartridge with a long history attached to it. It is an all-around cartridge that offers balance to the hunter.
6.5 PRC for Hunting
The 6.5 PRC for elk hunting is of particular interest. It can easily take down large game over longer distances, courtesy high velocity and great ballistics. Moreover, it can also be used for other game animals such as mule deer, blacktail, and bighorn sheep to name a few. It equips hunters and shooters with an effective tool that’s reliable in use.
Loading Data and Brass
The 6.5 PRC loading data and 6.5 PRC brass are easy to obtain for handloaders. Handloading enables the hunters to customize their ammo in order to achieve optimal rifle performance.
Additional Info
You cannot deny the importance of accessories and scopes in the firearms world. This, along with special rifles and models, is explained next.
6.5 PRC | Accessories and Scopes
Quality scopes and accessories will maximize the performance of your 6.5 prc rifle. You should opt for a decent scope that has a high magnification range. In addition, you can also upgrade your rifle with a muzzle brake and a bipod for reduction in recoil and stability.
Rifles Chambered in 6.5 PRC
Nowadays, lots of rifles are chambered in 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge. The Browning X-Bolt, the Christensen Arms Ridgeline, and Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Target are few of the popular models. All of these offer unique features that enhance your shooting experience.
Final Verdict
The 6.5 PRC is a remarkable cartridge overall. It stands out for its ballistics, recoil, and versatile nature. At long range shooting, it is very tough to beat. All of this (and more) make it a top contender in hunting and precision shooting.
This blog talks in detail about the 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge, covering unique features and performance against other cartridges. For similar posts on other rifle cartridges, stay tuned to Gunners’ Review.