I have been using a suppressor for probably 15 years and I would not hunt without one. I have always ran shorter barrels for their handiness and currently I have switched to the over the barrel style of suppressor which balances the muzzle even more.
I would say 6CM for both of you if you were to start reloading but that’s not where you’re at so get a 6.5PRC and see if she can handle the increased recoil over your 6.5CM. Good factory ammo selection and good ballistics with a short barrel make the 6.5 PRC a good choice.
I can't speak about the Ark, but I would go with the EXO K4 in the short frame. Yes, the taller frame might carry the heavy loads a little better for some, but I have not noticed any difference going from a 25" to a 22" other than the 22" being easier to move through the brush.
My dad always said “you will learn a lot more if you keep your mind and ears open. The biggest thing you’ll learn is who to listen too and who to ignore, but never take what someone says as the gospel test it for yourself.”
In the old days it would take years to get enough field data to...
I have only seen it in the Hornady 7PRC line. I have tested 6.5 PRC and 6.5 CM and did not find a significant difference between Hunter and Match. I wouldn't be surprised if there are other cartridges that Hornady is having issues with, but the 7 PRC was so heavily marketed that it was noticed...
I leave it on, I get hate getting the metallic hollow sound when brush, limbs etc. hit the can when I’m going through the jungle of N ID. I will have to check for a POI shift once it’s wet and frozen as I didn’t think about that.
The ELDM is a different design so you really can’t compare the Berger to them. The ELDM’s will start to upset faster compared to the Berger’s by typically 2-3”. There are lots of ballistic gel tests out there and you can see the difference.
My first elk kill was with a 243 lever action Browning which was a long time ago but now I find myself back using the same caliber but a different cartridge. The 6CM is my go to for everything.
Crispi Thor is a light weight stiff trainer that might work for you. I prefer the Colorado’s but they are heavier and also stiff. Not sure if you like stiff boots but they fit my wide feet great.
I have owned both and I never run insulated boots my feet tend to get warm very fast so sweating is my bigger issue. I prefer the Colorado’s but either one of your choices are good.
If you reload that opens the door up for both to be maximized. If you’re not going to reload then the 6.5CM has more options for factory ammo. Easy button is 6.5CM and shoot the crap out of it.