.308 or 6.5 PRC for Deer in Colorado

[SRshooter1]

Hey guys,

I live in Colorado and I'm beginning to make the transition from LRP to more hunting.

I currently have a Tikka .308, but I want to build up a 6.5 PRC for longer distance range shooting (beyond 1000 yds) that can also be used to effectively hunt big game. I'm interested in what others are currently using and why.

Thank you in advance ~Sammy

 

[Justin_Tree]

There is a ton of information relating to this topic in the long rang forum. .308 and 6.5 prc are both great cartridges for deer.

Welcome to the forum

 

[SRshooter1]

Thanks for the reply and guidance. I'm trying to get to my 10 posts so I can get better access to the site.

~Sammy

 

[mlevimadden]

Hey guys,

I live in Colorado and I'm beginning to make the transition from LRP to more hunting.

I currently have a Tikka .308, but I want to build up a 6.5 PRC for longer distance range shooting (beyond 1000 yds) that can also be used to effectively hunt big game. I'm interested in what others are currently using and why.

Thank you in advance ~Sammy

Welcome to the forum. I’m currently hunting with a 6.5 PRC. It was a tikka T3 300 win mag that I rebarreled with a 6.5 PRC prefit from Patriot Valley Arms.

If you’re already familiar with Tikka, I think they’re a great platform to use. They’re very popular on here for good reason. I’d pick up a stainless T3x lite in 6.5 PRC, order a case of Hornady match ammo with the 147 ELDM bullet, rings and level from unknown munitions, and a reliable scope with a 15-20x top end for 1k yard shooting.

If you reload, the 147 ELDM and Berger 156 EOL over N565 or H1000 would be the load combos I’d start with.

 

[sndmn11]

Your 308 will kill things fine

 

[180ls1]

Your 308 will kill things fine

Yeah, if hunting is the goal and I was competent long range with a .308 I'd just pick it up and go hunt with it.

You won't make nearly the gain switching calibers as you will by dedicating more time/effort to killing things and learning their behavior.

 

[SRshooter1]

Welcome to the forum. I’m currently hunting with a 6.5 PRC. It was a tikka T3 300 win mag that I rebarreled with a 6.5 PRC prefit from Patriot Valley Arms.

If you’re already familiar with Tikka, I think they’re a great platform to use. They’re very popular on here for good reason. I’d pick up a stainless T3x lite in 6.5 PRC, order a case of Hornady match ammo with the 147 ELDM bullet, rings and level from unknown munitions, and a reliable scope with a 15-20x top end for 1k yard shooting.

If you reload, the 147 ELDM and Berger 156 EOL over N565 or H1000 would be the load combos I’d start with.

I appreciate your thoughts. I'm not reloading, just shooting the factory Hornady ELD/Match grades. I have a decent setup currently, optic & rings (Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5x25). I'm confident in the .308 and have a number of kills with it. Just wanting to hear what others are using and why. Thanks again!

 

[BH107]

I guess that depends on what model your 308 is if you were shooting LRP with it... You might want something a little lighter if it is a target rifle.

I love my 6.5 PRC and think it is perfect for deer. Mine is really light, but the performance is fantastic and I can still spot my own shots for long range shooting. Not saying you can't kill plenty of deer with the 308 but the PRC is really about the ballistic performance.

 

[SRshooter1]

Yeah, if hunting is the goal and I was competent long range with a .308 I'd just pick it up and go hunt with it.

You won't make nearly the gain switching calibers as you will by dedicating more time/effort to killing things and learning their behavior.

Agreed. I'm confident in the .308 and have a number of kills with it. Just wanting to hear what others are using and why. Thanks!

 

[sndmn11]

optic & rings (Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5x25).

I think the scope is your priority one.

 

[SRshooter1]

Now you're talking my language. The Tikka Tac A1 is a heavy rifle (10lbs without optic or rings). I like the idea of a lighter setup and being a smaller frame (135lbs) ,I want something I can keep sight picture of after engagement. Thank you!

I think the scope is your priority one.

Yeah, not the lightest for hunting

 

[sndmn11]

Yeah, not the lightest for hunting

That's irrelevant, it is less than reliable.

Regarding the TACA1, assuing you like the Tikka, grab a mundane T3 lite in a 243/6.5creed and it will serve you well in CO.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Look at the scope drop tests here, .308 is fine being from Co .243 and up is fine. I wouldn’t stress it. If you are looking for spotting shots I would head the opposite direction and look at a 6mm cm or .243 instead of a 6.5prc

 

[sndmn11]

Look at the scope drop tests here, .308 is fine being from Co .243 and up is fine. I wouldn’t stress it. If you are looking for spotting shots I would head the opposite direction and look at a 6mm cm or .243 instead of a 6.5prc

archery club meeting Saturday!!!!!!!

 

[OldTracks]

Love my 6.5 prc. It’s a tac driver. Shot several elk and deer with it.

 

[littlebigtine]

Rifle Scope Field Evaluations

rokslide.com

You needed to say something more controversial like you were building a 300 wm to get a thread chugging along

Rokslide says:
Rokstok
Tikka re- barreled to 6um
Go shoot a giraffe

 

[peterk123]

Yikes, how far are you planning on shooting at an animal? I have a tikka 308 and it's taken, whitetail, muley, pronghorn, black bear and elk.

 

[sylvest]

I live in mountainous CO and hunt national forest. Either will do you well, I would suggest getting a light weight rifle and scope/rings as you will be carrying that rifle substantially more than you will be shooting it. CA Ridgeline FFT has been my choice with success for the last several years but it's up to you.

I spotted my hit on a nice 5x5 buck at 425yds last year shooting a 7RM with the factory brake on it. If you're not a recoil sensitive flincher you should be able to do the same with either 6.5 PRC or 308. Wife runs FFT in 308 shooting 165 Nosler Accubond with great success. Weighs 6lb6oz with scope and rings included. Pleasure to pack.

 

[Mike 338]

Hunting is more about the hunter than the gear, sort'a like fishing. Truth is, most hunters would be far better off is they left the rifle at home and took maybe a handgun for protection, and a decent pair of binoculars and went scouting if they had that chance. After that, you may well be in a position where a bow or spear could do the job.

To answer the question, the 6.5 PRC might edge the 308 on paper. 6.5's in general are more pleasant to shoot and at distance, you'll get a better wind call. That said, nothing beats being on top of what you're after and it won't matter what cartridge you're shooting if you never see a deer. The 308 is fine for the task. New rifles have a way of disproportionately consuming your time and attention that would be far better spent doing other things like finding where the deer hang out.