6.5 prc overkill ?
- Thread starter MarkL
- Start date
Great cartridge for longer range shots in windy conditions or at larger deer in conditions where you don’t want them to run (like thick forestry).
In many way, very similar to a .270 and has similar use profile.
However, it can be very damaging on small deer at short range - though that can be managed by adjusting shot placement or using a bullet that doesn’t expand too aggressively.
It works best from a longer barrel - ideally 24”. If you’re wanting to use a 20” barrel, there are better options (like a .308 or a Creedmoor).
Also be aware that the Hornady factory ammo has deteriorated recently. When I first got mine, factory 147gr eldm was shooting at 2950fps and was extremely accurate. I now only get about 2840 fps, and it is substantially more erratic. At that speed, the difference from a Creedmoor is really marginal.
Home loaded, it’s still fearsome. I have home loads in 143gr eldm at 3050 fps, and 114gr Yew Tree (copper) at 3450 fps. The latter are utterly devastating - kill as emphatically as anything I’ve ever used, but definitely not for shooting roe deer at under 250m!
In many way, very similar to a .270 and has similar use profile.
However, it can be very damaging on small deer at short range - though that can be managed by adjusting shot placement or using a bullet that doesn’t expand too aggressively.
It works best from a longer barrel - ideally 24”. If you’re wanting to use a 20” barrel, there are better options (like a .308 or a Creedmoor).
Also be aware that the Hornady factory ammo has deteriorated recently. When I first got mine, factory 147gr eldm was shooting at 2950fps and was extremely accurate. I now only get about 2840 fps, and it is substantially more erratic. At that speed, the difference from a Creedmoor is really marginal.
Home loaded, it’s still fearsome. I have home loads in 143gr eldm at 3050 fps, and 114gr Yew Tree (copper) at 3450 fps. The latter are utterly devastating - kill as emphatically as anything I’ve ever used, but definitely not for shooting roe deer at under 250m!
Why would you want what is essentially a long range magnum cartridge for shooting small deer inside 200 yards?
I bet it doesn't actually shoot appreciably flatter or straighter than a 6.5 creed at that range, either.
I bet it doesn't actually shoot appreciably flatter or straighter than a 6.5 creed at that range, either.
jonylandrover
Well-Known Member
From my research into the PRC's terminal ballistics of the 6.5 PRC is very close to that of the .270 Winchester at standard hunting ranges, already using one of those and have been for 13 years. For my requirements of some of my ground the 7mm PRC is a better choice now we are getting forced by all sides to go copper so that will be my variation ASAP once my cabinet has the space.
On the high side/dry mouth/heart rate going up when things going wrong (and they do) is watching the deer you have just shot start with it's head going up then the front legs next the back left push it to standing.
A friend uses one out past your 200 with good results, my take on it is you don't want them getting up.
Edit: I use a 150gh head in a .270 from MJ to Fallow/Reds for the reason above.
Advantage 1 shot strike is visible.
Advantage 2 DRT pretty much assured.
Advantage 2 DRT pretty much assured.
HonestJohn
Well-Known Member
Here is why not - NEW SAKO 6.5 PRC 120 GRAIN POWERHEAD BLADE
Excellent cartridge but as Mungo said choose your load wisely for shorter ranges
I may have been lucky but every factory load has shot well in mine negating the need for my impatience with home loading
Major benefit is the reduced recoil so most of the time you can witness the strike
As said very similar to the 270 so whichever you have very little need to swap
I may have been lucky but every factory load has shot well in mine negating the need for my impatience with home loading
Major benefit is the reduced recoil so most of the time you can witness the strike
As said very similar to the 270 so whichever you have very little need to swap
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Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
Great cartridge if you use the right bullet!
Forget light and fast and go heavier and steadier
Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
The 7mm prc really tickles my fancy and would have one of if I was doing more.6.5 prc is out now like 6.5 creedmore, 7 mm prc is the only round, until the 7mm backcountry takes off, glad I still have my 270 as I can’t keep up
Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
it’s a bullet Tim NOT head!
It's pretty much the same as a 6.5x284 ballistically, isn't it? No complaints with the latter from me and I rarely take shots over 200yds. That said, pretty much all of my deer are reds (occasional fallow). I see no noticeable difference in damage between 308 and 6.5x284 though.
As for "always DRT", they can run the same as any other calibre / cartridge and again, no noticeable difference to a 308; sometimes they drop on the spot, sometimes they run a bit. Maybe the PRC has some magical properties the '284 doesn't though...
As for "always DRT", they can run the same as any other calibre / cartridge and again, no noticeable difference to a 308; sometimes they drop on the spot, sometimes they run a bit. Maybe the PRC has some magical properties the '284 doesn't though...
Excellent, spot on. Our Keeper has one and his experience mirrors yours. You forgot to mention it eats powder at a scary rate
Yes but quicker than catching carp and guaranteed to snag one
Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
Guarantee is boring!Yes but quicker than catching carp and guaranteed to snag one
Bullets are bullets. Head is something that the the village bike gives you after a sherbet or 3 in the local before kicking out time.
As ever, you can't beat experience!
As bad as a .270?Excellent, spot on. Our Keeper has one and his experience mirrors yours. You forgot to mention it eats powder at a scary rate
Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
270 doesn’t eat powder,300 Winnie is a powder guzzler!
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