6.5 PRC or 7 PRC?

[jimh406]

I don't think you will be upgrading from the 7mm Rem Mag with a 6.5 or 7 PRC for the ranges you are talking about. However, if you want something different either 6.5 or 7 PRCs will work ok, too. Considering the brake and/or suppressor, why not step up to the 300 PRC? I'm assuming you are wanting a PRC.

 

[onetohunt]

Simple answer is to buy all 3 of the PRC's. That is what I did that way I wouldn't have to debate which one to get!!

 

[Lou270]

Know you didnt ask but look at 6.8W. Splits the difference and has excellent 165 ablr and 175 tgk factory loads. The 175 is stout bullet. Shot through both shoulders of a large boar pig for me and exited. Had to throw it in as I am impressed with the round. As to 6.5 vs 7 I would prefer 7 if elk at long range. If worried about eldx (i am too) - federal is bringing out a terminal ascent load this year in 7prc which should have great bc and be plenty stout

Lou

 

[M16]

I have a 6.5 prc but will be getting a 7 when the right deal comes along. Either should work just fine for you.

 

[Ernie]

I'm trying to decide on what to buy for my next backcountry hunting rifle. For context, I'm currently shooting a 30 year old Savage 110 7MM Rem Mag. I love it, but it's time for an upgrade. We hunt later rifle season in CO, primarily elk and mule deer, but I always pick up a bear tag just in case.

Trying to decide on a 6.5 PRC, or a 7 PRC for my next rifle. Personally I do not plan on taking shots beyond 500-600 yards. I love my 7 RM and don't mind the recoil, and will likely add a brake and possibly a suppressor down the road for whatever new rifle I decide on.

I know the 6.5 PRC is more than capable, and ammo is readily available in my area, but the more I read about ELD-X and ELD-M grenading at shorter distances, I lean towards a different bullet (Bergers maybe). I'm wondering if the Hornady 7 PRC ammo also fragments in the 160, 175, and 180s -- does anyone have decent experience with this?

I'm more concerned with ammo availability for the 7 PRC, though it seems like a few local shops have the 175's in stock.

6.5 PRC will kill elk well-No doubt about that. I have killed elk with a 6.5 PRC.

If you are comfortable handling more recoil from field shooting positions, I prefer a 7mm over 6.5 for elk.

I would start in the 160 weight range to the 180 weight range.
Personally, I no longer use Berger's for big game.
I am fine that other people use them.
I have had too many in consistencies with them.

 

[Fuenstock]

I have 2 identical rifle builds, one in 6.5prc and one in 7prc.
Both will work but I have more confidence in the 7prc when it comes to elk.

 

[rockymtnsam]

I have 2 identical rifle builds, one in 6.5prc and one in 7prc.
Both will work but I have more confidence in the 7prc when it comes to elk.

That’s my thought as well. The extra energy gives me a little more confidence, especially after hunting with a 7 mag for the last few years.

 

[pucmw11]

Thanks! Any reputable online stores you recommend?

Take a look at WikiArms - You can filter ammo by caliber, and then by keyword (180gr, hornady, nosler, etc) and the website aggregates about 100 different ammo websites by availability and price per round. It has been a fantastic tool for finding ammo online through the pandemic and also finding the cheapest price per round for the specific ammo I want.

 

[pucmw11]

Simple answer is to buy all 3 of the PRC's. That is what I did that way I wouldn't have to debate which one to get!!

Goals! How's the thump on the .300prc? Looks like an awesome cartridge if you can stomach or tame the recoil!

 

[Mr Drysdale]

Am I right in thinking a 6.5 PRC is short action while the 7 PRC is long action?

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Am I right in thinking a 6.5 PRC is short action while the 7 PRC is long action?

Pretty much.

 

[TxLite]

Goals! How's the thump on the .300prc? Looks like an awesome cartridge if you can stomach or tame the recoil!

The one I have isn’t bad at all. But it also comes in at 10+ lb

 

[onetohunt]

My Seekins has some kick but it is very manageable.

 

[onetohunt]

Am I right in thinking a 6.5 PRC is short action while the 7 PRC is long action?

My 6.5 PRC is in a long action.

 

[Sadler]

My 6.5 PRC is in a long action.

Mine is as well

 

[Kootenaybackwoods]

Piggy back
I'm really torn between 6.5 prc and 7mm PRC for a "do it all" rifle for Elk, Mule deer, Black bears and Moose. It's difficult to sift through all the info online because everyone has their bias. Of course, bullet choice and shot placement are always important. I've read through a lot of the threads on here, watched youtube videos etc etc. My biggest hesitation with the 7mm is recoil on a light rifle, being able to spot impacts and enjoy shooting it. My biggest hesitation with the 6.5 is performance on bull Elk and Moose at 400 yards. I'm fine limiting my shots on those animals to that range. I've only shot elk under 100 yards so far anyways, mostly due to the country where I hunt them. I would likely shoot accubonds or a mono for the 6.5 hunting large animals as well.
I will be putting a muzzle break on as I live in Canada and we aren't allowed suppressors up here. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone with either of these cartridges or have any friends with knowledge on these sorts of things.
I'm not a hand loader(Yet) so factory ammunition is a consideration. Right now there is a good selection of 6.5 available up here but for the 7mm only Eld-x and Eld-m in limited quantities. I'm sure more will become available but I don't know how long it will take.
There are also very limited options for rifles chambered in 7 prc still and as much as I would love to build one off a tikka who knows how long it will be until a proof prefit is available in Canada. I am considering getting the 6.5 and if I'm not happy with it, seems like the resale market is pretty good and in a year I will be able to see how the 7PRC is doing for availability. Happy to do more research if there's a good resource you can point me towards.

 

[pucmw11]

Piggy back
I'm really torn between 6.5 prc and 7mm PRC for a "do it all" rifle for Elk, Mule deer, Black bears and Moose. It's difficult to sift through all the info online because everyone has their bias. Of course, bullet choice and shot placement are always important. I've read through a lot of the threads on here, watched youtube videos etc etc. My biggest hesitation with the 7mm is recoil on a light rifle, being able to spot impacts and enjoy shooting it. My biggest hesitation with the 6.5 is performance on bull Elk and Moose at 400 yards. I'm fine limiting my shots on those animals to that range. I've only shot elk under 100 yards so far anyways, mostly due to the country where I hunt them. I would likely shoot accubonds or a mono for the 6.5 hunting large animals as well.
I will be putting a muzzle break on as I live in Canada and we aren't allowed suppressors up here. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone with either of these cartridges or have any friends with knowledge on these sorts of things.
I'm not a hand loader(Yet) so factory ammunition is a consideration. Right now there is a good selection of 6.5 available up here but for the 7mm only Eld-x and Eld-m in limited quantities. I'm sure more will become available but I don't know how long it will take.
There are also very limited options for rifles chambered in 7 prc still and as much as I would love to build one off a tikka who knows how long it will be until a proof prefit is available in Canada. I am considering getting the 6.5 and if I'm not happy with it, seems like the resale market is pretty good and in a year I will be able to see how the 7PRC is doing for availability. Happy to do more research if there's a good resource you can point me towards.

7PRC does seem perfect numerically, but the ammo availability outside of the ELD offerings is not great. Depending on the altitude, even the 6.5CM maintains 1500ft-lbs for elk out to 400yds and 6.5PRC does out to 600yds. Surely bullet placement and heavy-for-caliber bullets are key for elk and moose...but seems 100% capable to use 6.5PRC for that task.

I am plannning to pick up a 6.5CM Bergara MG Lite this month and then build a semi-custom 7PRC to pair with it once ammo availability is better.

 

[Webster912]

Just bought a Fierce CT Rogue in 7prc. Got a Burris Veracity PH to put on it. Can't wait to get to the range.

 

[Kootenaybackwoods]

Just bought a Fierce CT Rogue in 7prc. Got a Burris Veracity PH to put on it. Can't wait to get to the range.

Yeah I found one Fierce Carbon Rogue in 7 prc in Canada for a decent price. Super tempting but all the negative fierce talk on this site has me scared.

 

[pucmw11]

Yeah I found one Fierce Carbon Rogue in 7 prc in Canada for a decent price. Super tempting but all the negative fierce talk on this site has me scared.

Big same...so much hate on QC around the carbon fiber. I keep picking them up in stores and looking for problems...lol

I haven't found problems yet, other than offering the carbon reaper in 28 nosler...lol. You'd have to be a serious glutton for punishment to go sub 7lbs in that caliber!