20” Barrel 6.5 PRC

[coachmks]

I have the itch for a new lightweight 6.5 PRC. Currently shooting a Weatherby Vanguard Talon in 6.5 PRC with a 24” barrel. The Weatherby is MOA when I do my part, but I want something with a vertical grip stock and I just do not love the Weatherby, even though it shoots great for a $1200 gun from the factory with a Peak 44 stock. I have a Seekins in 300 win mag and it’s 1/2 moa all day. The new Element M3 in 6.5 PRC only comes in a 20” barrel. Am I going to regret going from a 24” to a 20” barrel? I do plan on using a suppressor so the 20” is attractive for that reason. I will be shooting handloads if that matters. If the Element had a 22” barrel, I would have bought one by now.

 

[coachmks]

On a side note, Fierce has 22” barrels and are less expensive than the Element for comparable guns, but buying a Fierce makes me nervous.

 

[83cj-7]

I don’t think that 2” of barrel will have a great impact on speed if that’s what you’re thinking. I have had 3 different 6.5 GAP/SAUM rifles which is pretty close to the PRC. One was 20” one was 18” and the current one is 19”. All of them pretty much shot the same speeds with like bullet and powder combos. Accuracy loads have been 129 ABLR @ 2950, 135 Berger CH @ 3000, 156 Berger EH @ 2780 to 2825. I’ve decided that the 156 is the bullet I’m going to use. The BC is awesome and they kill fantastic. I’m about to do another barrel in 7.5 twist at 20” just for the 156s as I hunt and shoot near sea level, the 8 twist is marginally stable. The 20” barrel with a 6” suppressor is just about perfect in my opinion.

 

[Weldor]

On a side note, Fierce has 22” barrels and are less expensive than the Element for comparable guns, but buying a Fierce makes me nervous.

My Fierce Ct Carbon roque works just fine. 20 " bbl. The titanium is a little sticky and takes sometime to get used to. It's racked up a couple of cow Elk and several whitetails and hogs.

 

[coachmks]

I like the 22” on the Fierce. It’s just hard to find good stories about their customer service.

 

[coast range]

I think you would love going to a 20” barrel if you’re going to run it suppressed anyway. Sure you’ll loose a bit of velocity but carry will be a lot sweeter

 

[coachmks]

I cannot find reliable info on the weight of the Element. Seekins says 6.0 pounds but others are saying they have the short action element and it weights 7 pounds bare. I do not want a 7 pound bare rifle.