Advice sought from 6.5PRC owners/users

[geoshot]

I'm thinking of going for a new rifle and my current favourite is the 6.5PRC, probably in a Sako.
So, I have a couple of questions for those who actually use a 6.5PRC, if you don't mind?

Is ammo availability good/bad/indifferent?
How difficult/easy are loading components to obtain?

I'm not asking those who don't own one for a discourse on comparison to other chamberings
I'm just seeking some pointers on any potential logistical pitfalls of 6.5PRC ownership & use, especially in terms of ammo supply.
TIA
Geo

 

[finnbear270]

Ammunition supply is as good as most other stuff, dies & brass available ........ (The Hornady factory stuff I have I can't improve on, so I don't currently reload it)
Recoil is negligable.

 

[HonestJohn]

Don’t get a 20” barrel

 

[Mungo]

I've had one for 4 years. Tikka t3.

Never had a problem getting factory ammo - @Edinburgh Rifles has always had Hornady 147gr eldm in stock, and this performs extremely well for me.
For a while, there were no loading components available, but from mid 2022 onward, it was easy to get cases. Bullets is very easy - the range of 6.5 bullets in lead and non lead is absolutely enormous, with all manner of makes and styles at every conceivable bullet weight. Powder seems a little more restricted, though I have always been able to get what I need. Primers look to be the main problem, but that's true for everything.

 

[geoshot]

Don’t get a 20” barrel

Thanks, and believe me, with my taste in rifles that's highly unlikely
I tend to err the other way, which I why I'm thinking of a change
I've got fed up lugging a rifle with a 27.5" barrel around the place

 

[geoshot]

I've had one for 4 years. Tikka t3.

Never had a problem getting factory ammo - @Edinburgh Rifles has always had Hornady 147gr eldm in stock, and this performs extremely well for me.
For a while, there were no loading components available, but from mid 2022 onward, it was easy to get cases. Bullets is very easy - the range of 6.5 bullets in lead and non lead is absolutely enormous, with all manner of makes and styles at every conceivable bullet weight. Powder seems a little more restricted, though I have always been able to get what I need. Primers look to be the main problem, but that's true for everything.

Thanks @Mungo
Do you use the ELDM as hunting ammo?

 

[Mungo]

Thanks @Mungo
Do you use the ELDM as hunting ammo?

Yes. It’s excellent at slightly longer range or on larger bodied animals. It can be a bit too damaging on roe at short range.

 

[Outback]

I use a 6.5 PRC as a target rifle , for me it's like shooting a heavy barrel 22,250 that I had .
Very easy to find a very accurate load 140 Eld-m and superbly accurate .

 

[paul o']

Use one as a target rifle PRP so a heavy rifle nothing like the 300prc as to recoil and that was't that bad ! hornady ammo is in most shops or can be ordered but found by reloading I can better it , current 147 eldm not gone lighter as yet.

 

[geoshot]

Thanks for the helpful replies folks

 

[C h r i s]

How difficult/easy are loading components to obtain?

TIA
Geo

Quality 6.5 PRC dies and bullets available in the reloading classified section

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Yes. It’s excellent at slightly longer range or on larger bodied animals. It can be a bit too damaging on roe at short range.

My experience is similar to this. Close range roe I find the 140's tend to explode as like you'd expect with a vmax. Probably due to velocity as further out, they work well.

Although the 130g gamechanger is where I am now. Shame they don't do a 140g or 145g to maximise the design of the cartridge

 

[NullMac]

Thanks @Mungo
Do you use the ELDM as hunting ammo?

There was a video on youtube from Ultimate Reloader comparing the terminal performance of ELD-M vs ELD-X. Their assumption was that the M would be a bit rubbish. In actual fact it was just as good as the X if not a bit better.

I have always used 120 ELD-M in my CM. No issues at all. Hornady velocities are rubbish so reloading helps.

 

[NullMac]

Shame they don't do a 140g or 145g to maximise the design of the cartridge

There is a 147gr ELD-M and Berger do a ~ 156gr Elite Hunter ?? I guess it not factory though?

 

[Mungo]

There was a video on youtube from Ultimate Reloader comparing the terminal performance of ELD-M vs ELD-X. Their assumption was that the M would be a bit rubbish. In actual fact it was just as good as the X if not a bit better.

I have always used 120 ELD-M in my CM. No issues at all. Hornady velocities are rubbish so reloading helps.

I can’t tell the difference between M and X.

I used to think I could, but the more I shoot, the more I think if you lined up 100 carcasses shot by each, and told someone to identify which was which, they wouldn’t be able to.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

There is a 147gr ELD-M and Berger do a ~ 156gr Elite Hunter ?? I guess it not factory though?

I should have specified - the gamechangers in the 140-145 weight range. Absolutely brilliant bullet. The eld m as above cause quite substantial damage if close and with the 140s I've had them act more like a grenade than a bullet
The elite hunters could be one to look at though but I feel they're a little heavy,. presumably only having a marginally higher BC.

 

[Twodogs]

6.5 PRC go for it.
Consider Yew Tree copper, two different flavours, readily available, effective and excellent customer support from Richard.

 

[Kiwiguy]

My experience is similar to this. Close range roe I find the 140's tend to explode as like you'd expect with a vmax. Probably due to velocity as further out, they work well.

Although the 130g gamechanger is where I am now. Shame they don't do a 140g or 145g to maximise the design of the cartridge

Sierra do make a 140gr 6.5mm Gamechanger.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Sierra do make a 140gr 6.5mm Gamechanger.

You are quite correct. A big of digging suggests they've been around a couple of years however, it doesn't appear they're available in the UK

 

[Tim1989]

can get factory ammo no problem, hornady and nosler bt available locally to me

I also load 95gr vmax at 3600fps

and yew tree tlr 114gr at 3354fps

yew tree tlr are great, none of my other calibres come close for trajectory and wind drift