6.5 PRC ammo test

[H82miss]

6.5 PRC Ammo Test
After being disappointed with the velocities I was getting from factory Hornady ammo I decided to try some other manufacturers offerings.
Test Rifle: Seekins PH3 20” with 6.5” direct thread suppressor.
Chrono: Garmin Xero C1

Speed:
Hornady ELD-X 143gr = 2821 fps
Hornady ELD-M 147gr = 2735 fps
Barnes Harvest TGK 145 gr = 2765 fps
Winchester Expedition ABLR 142 gr = 2912 fps
Berger Elite Hunter 156 gr = 2648 fps
Federal TA 130gr = 2939 fps

Accuracy:
#1 Barnes = 0.56"
#2 Berger = 0.59"
#3 Winchester = 0.67"
#4 Hornady ELD-X = 0.71"
#5 Hornady ELD-M = 0.79"
#6 Federal TA = 0.83" (not pictured)

Notes:
*Winchester Expedition was noticeably hotter and dirtier than everything else.
*One of the Winchester cartridges would not chamber in my rifle.
*Barnes Harvest was the least expensive and most accurate.
*Hornady ELD-M are consistently accurate in several rifles but always much slower than advertised (2818 fps in 24" PH2)
*Bergers were accurate but too expensive

Conclusion:
I will most likely use the Winchester Expedition or Barnes Harvest on my upcoming MT Mule Deer hunt.

 

[Team4LongGun]

I'd go with handloads, Berger 1565's will treat you well.

 

[BCsteve]

The Sierra 145gr TGK handloaded is also pretty accurate in my 6.5 PRC. I’m hoping to test them on a mulie this season.

 

[brazz04]

I have a Seekins PH2. I had my barrel cut from 24" to 21" - My speeds are below.

24" Speeds
Hornady ELD-X 143gr = 2906 fps
Hornady ELD-M 147gr = 2829 fps

21" Speed
Handloaded 156 Berger w/ 56.0gr H1000 = 2749 fps - I run mine at 55.5gr now @ 2710 fps