.308 vs 6.5 PRC vs .300 WSM

[littlefish]

I am going to be putting a new barrel on a Bergara Premier action that I used as a PRS rifle for a couple of years. It was originally chambered in 6.5 CM so it has a .470” bolt face. Bergara sells different bolt head sizes, so I could go up to .540” if I wanted.

I am in the initial stages of planning this build, and I am thinking about caliber. Originally I was thinking .308 WIN since I wouldn’t have to change the bolt face, but then I started thinking a bit more about going up to 6.5 PRC or .300 WSM. The only purpose of this rifle would be hunting on the east coast in mountainous terrain.

I like the energy from the two larger cartridges but the long range ballistics will probably be irrelevant for any shot I take. My biggest unknown is correct barrel length. From what I understand the two larger choices would need barrels in the 24-26” length in order to get the most out of them and be superior to the .308, whereas the .308 in 18-20” would be at worst similar to the two larger choices in a similar length barrel. I think a barrel on the shorter end of those ranges is more of what I am looking for in this build. I want to prioritize weight over long range capabilities.

Can anyone offer any insight or point me to a good resource for weighing barrel length vs the benefits of the heavier cartridges?

 

[180ls1]

If I had all the time behind a 6.5c I would be REALLY tempted to just slap a fresh 6.5 barrel on her.

 

[shax2lex]

I do the same type of bunting you are talking about and I hike far with mine. I’d put a 20”, 6.5PRC on it. I hunt with a 300WSM, 20”. 6.5 PRC will definitely do the trick for everything east of the Mississippi River. And now you can use it to hunt elk in PA. I built mine before they lowered the caliber restriction.

 

[littlefish]

I do the same type of bunting you are talking about and I hike far with mine. I’d put a 20”, 6.5PRC on it. I hunt with a 300WSM, 20”. 6.5 PRC will definitely do the trick for everything east of the Mississippi River. And now you can use it to hunt elk in PA. I built mine before they lowered the caliber restriction.

What speeds are you getting with a 20” barrel?


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[shax2lex]

I shoot 175gr Barnes LRX, Norma Brass, CCI 250 primers, and H4350. I’m getting 2,885fps out of my 20” proof, 1-9 twist. My OAL is a little long but fits in a MDT Short Mag binder less mag with some room to grow. My rifle loves this combo. I also have a TBAC Ultra 9, gen 2 on it.

If I didn’t shoot copper, I’d love to try the Terminal Ascents.

 

[littlefish]

I shoot 175gr Barnes LRX, Norma Brass, CCI 250 primers, and H4350. I’m getting 2,885fps out of my 20” proof, 1-9 twist. My OAL is a little long but fits in a MDT Short Mag binder less mag with some room to grow. My rifle loves this combo. I also have a TBAC Ultra 9, gen 2 on it.

If I didn’t shoot copper, I’d love to try the Terminal Ascents.

Wow those are great speeds out of a 2” barrel. My only hangup is that I’ll be shooting factory ammo for the foreseeable future; I’ve got two young kids and a crazy life that doesn’t leave much time to handload even though I’m equipped to do so. In light of that part of me is leaning towards .308 just for ammo availability.


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[shax2lex]

Check the availability of 6.5prc ammo. That stuff is everywhere. 143gr ELDX. Not bad stuff.

 

[PaPete90]

I cut a Tikka 308 Roughtech to 18”. I shoot 138gr Hammer HHT’s at 2975 fps with Benchmark powder. My ballistic chart says I could go out to 500yds. Im in PA farthest I have ever shot in my life is 279. I also just bought a 6.5c. After shooting it, I would just buy a new 6.5c barrel.


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