DisplacedHusky
Lil-Rokslider
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2023
- Messages
- 244
I started bow hunting later in life and only recently started rifle hunting. I am building a semi-custom Tikka for mule deer and occasionally elk. My sample size of shooting big game is small, so I consumed a lot of information when deciding what cartridge to chamber my rifle in. I initially wanted a 7 PRC but ultimately decided on a 6.5 PRC after buying into the smaller caliber trend on Rokslide. The planned 7 PRC build would have about 40% more recoil than the 6.5 PRC build. However, while I am waiting for my barreled action, years of reading classic gun writers, listening to various hunting podcasts and anecdotal stories from elk hunters still left some doubt in my mind about whether I chose the right cartridge. The 6.5 PRC for elk debate has yielded some strong opinions on here. Even the Hornady Podcast hosts used more favorable language when discussing using the 280 Rem and the 280 A.I. for elk in a recent episode than they did the 6.5 PRC in the “Choosing a PRC cartridge” episode. So, for my own edification, I chose various calibers that don’t seem to elicit such strong negative reactions when mentioned for use on elk and compared them to the 6.5 PRC. Before someone points it out, I am aware I did not include the 7PRC or 300WM in the chart. They are great cartridges and would have faired well in the comparison.
The below chart lists the various calibers all using ELDX bullets at 200 and 600 yards with factory muzzle velocities calculated at 4,000 ft elevation, at 45 degrees and 50% humidity using the 4DOF app. I included energy for the old timers and to add a little spice to the comments. Excel color coded the stats to make the numbers more consumable. Additionally, 6.5 PRC loses in bullet weight and frontal diameter, but has the highest sectional density of the bullets listed.
The below chart is left without comment to aid people in similar situations. The numbers helped me feel better about my decision. Of course, I was into baseball cards as a kid and loved the statistics on the backs. If you were more of a comic book kid and like pictures, the 6.5 for everything thread should give you what you are looking for.
The below chart lists the various calibers all using ELDX bullets at 200 and 600 yards with factory muzzle velocities calculated at 4,000 ft elevation, at 45 degrees and 50% humidity using the 4DOF app. I included energy for the old timers and to add a little spice to the comments. Excel color coded the stats to make the numbers more consumable. Additionally, 6.5 PRC loses in bullet weight and frontal diameter, but has the highest sectional density of the bullets listed.
The below chart is left without comment to aid people in similar situations. The numbers helped me feel better about my decision. Of course, I was into baseball cards as a kid and loved the statistics on the backs. If you were more of a comic book kid and like pictures, the 6.5 for everything thread should give you what you are looking for.
