6.5 PRC best barrel length for factory ammo?

[Rogers]

I know there is a lot of discussion about the 6.5 PRC and barrel length but I just wanted to ask a specific question about it.

Best barrel length for factory ammo?
147 eldm
143 eldx

 

[MuleyFever]

There is no best anything without a specific end goal. What is it you actually want to determine?

 

[ReaptheHeat]

What do you mean by best?

 

[Deeker]

How far are you trying to kill animals? I can tell you that with a 140 accubond 500 and some change. 18 inch barrel. We had 1 bullet key hole going through a mule deer and another that expanded. So I would say we were right on the edge of the effective range for that round. I would imagine you would get another 100 yds out of the eld’s. So if you are keeping shots inside 5-6 hundred yards 18 would be fine.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I know there is a lot of discussion about the 6.5 PRC and barrel length but I just wanted to ask a specific question about it.

Best barrel length for factory ammo?
147 eldm
143 eldx

How far are you shooting? What elevation are you at?

Apart from those questions, I think 18-20” is the perfect length for a hunting rifle in a cartridge like that. Short enough to add a 6” suppressor without being ungainly. Long enough to not have too much blast if you shoot unsuppressed.

For a .223, 22 ARC, 6mm ARC, etc, I think 16” is about perfect.

 

[Rogers]

There is no best anything without a specific end goal. What is it you actually want to determine?

Good point. I guess the goal would be bullet effectiveness out to 750. Is that realistic?

 

[MuleyFever]

Good point. I guess the goal would be bullet effectiveness out to 750. Is that realistic?

So, general consensus is that you want to keep impact velocity at or above 1800fps with those bullets. You can search on the forum, or I am sure someone will post it on this thread, to get the muzzle velocity others are getting with those rounds and different barrel lengths. Then use your ballistics solver to see where they fall below the 1800fps at your hunting elevation.

Here is one example

N

Thread '6.5 PRC velocity with 20" barrel?'

Oct 21, 2023

I plan to have my 24" barrel 6.5 PRC cut down to accommodate a suppressor. I am gonna cut to 20 or 21" , plan to work up a load with 130 Nosler AB, to help regain the fps loss, I will use the rife primarily for deer and pronghorn.
I am hoping to be in the 2850 fps or hopefully slightly more. Looking for any feedback if any members here have done the same and what kind of velocities they are getting and any particular loads that are shooting well..

• ndsportsman
• Replies: 15
• Forum: Firearms