6.5 PRC: Everything You Need to Know
Although relatively new, the 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge (more commonly known as the 6.5 PRC) has quickly risen in popularity as more and more shooters opt for similar calibers. Thanks to those like the 6.5 Creedmoor, which has taken over the hunting and shooting industries like a wildfire.
The 6.5 PRC is basically the magnum of the 6.5 Creedmoor and has plenty more benefits than that of its smaller brother. So should you consider the 6.5 PRC for your next gun? Is it that much greater than the 6.5 Creedmoor and other similarly sized calibers? Let’s find out!
Ballistics
One of the biggest concerns when considering any rifle round is its ballistics. For the 6.5 PRC, this is where it really excels. The most common bullet that you will see for the 6.5 PRC is around 143 grains, and it will have speeds of around 2800 feet per second. Another common option is 147 grains at 2910 feet per second. Both of these rounds are significantly faster than those coming out of the 6.5 Creedmoor.
If you are a handloader, you can get these rounds even faster and more accurate than ever. For a cartridge of this size, the options and performance will be sure to impress you.
6.5 PRC vs 6.5 Creedmoor
The biggest question that most people have about the 6.5 PRC is how it stacks up to the popular 6.5 Creedmoor. While both of these rounds are similar, there are plenty of differences as well. While factory loads are usually firing the same bullet, as we mentioned before, the PRC is around 250 feet per second faster.
This added speed gives the 6.5 PRC a much flatter trajectory than the 6.5 Creedmoor, especially at normal distances. You will also get more energy and less wind drift as well. On the flip side, this added energy does give the 6.5 PRC a little more kick and recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor, although for most shooters the difference will be minimal.
6.5 PRC for Hunting
As the 6.5 PRC becomes more and more popular amongst shooters and more hunters take it to the field each season, more and more ammunition options will also start to appear for this accurate round.
For its size and power, this caliber is an excellent choice for big game animals like mule deer, antelope, whitetail deer, bear, and in the right circumstances, even elk. Not only can is it capable of killing these types of animals, but it can also do it at some pretty impressive distances as well.
Final Thoughts
If you have ever considered picking up a new rifle, then the 6.5 PRC should definitely be on your radar. With its excellent ballistics and amazing accuracy, this caliber can do just about anything you need it to. While it is still relatively new, it is quickly becoming one of the favorite choices amongst hunters and shooters who want one of the most accurate calibers on the market!
