6.5 PRC vs 6.5 RPM

[jermolind]

Looking at getting a new rifle and came across the 2 newer 6.5 cartridges. 6.5 PRC and 6.5 RPM. At first blush it looks like they are pretty much identical on ballistics but the cost of ammo is drastically different between the two. Any reason for this other than one is Weatherby so it automatically costs more? Just curious if there’s a benefit to buying one over the other.

 

[BCsteve]

The RPM is pretty cool but if care about factory ammo and brass availability, PRC is the only answer.

 

[britz1784]

I have the RPM. I love it. I wanted a Weatherby rifle and thought the cartridge was pretty cool. I've harvested two mule deer with it and both were dead rather quickly.

 

[Steve from GA]

Might consider posting this in the firearms subforum

 

[wyoutdoors]

I do not have experience with the 6.5 RPM but have shot thousands of rounds through a 6.5PRC both hunting and in long range competition and it has become one of my favorite cartridges. Very forgiving during load development and plenty of power for elk with the correct bullet selection. We have taken dozens of bulls with the 6.5 PRC from distances of 75yds to 1275yds with the majority being over 900yds (I know this will catch some hate) and not a single one has traveled more than 20-30 yds after being hit. On steel I have shot out to 2000 yds with my comp rifle but outside of 1500 yds the Wyoming wind really starts to be an issue with the little 6.5 bullet. I am shooting 153gr A-tips in Lapua brass at 2980fps out of a 28” barrel. For ELR steel at 1500+ I’m building a 300NM throated for 250gr. A-tips.

 

[UCFJed]

I have a 6.5 RPM. Incredible caliber if you are using their backcountry series. If you’re interested in another rifle, probably got 6.5 PRC for the ammo availability.


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[Randy11]

I have the RPM and love it. It's incredibly accurate for it's weight.

There is no practical reason to choose it over the PRC though. It only makes sense if you're dead set on owning the Mark V.

 

[ND1612]

I won a Wby 307 in 6.5 RPM from a raffle. Had been looking at the same rifle in 6.5 PRC prior to that. Ammo was hard to find and about $94 for a box. But I only bought one and then got some cases online and have been reloading for it since then. Shoots super well and was easy to find an accurate load. I'm running a 147gr ELDM @ 2925 ft/s.

 

[DroptineNW]

I have ran both. the 6.5 rpm is superior ballistically. In order to make the 6.5 prc shine closer to the rpm it needs to be in a medium action or long. Prc is a “SA”… I love the 6.5 prc and the modularity of it and ammo availability is incredible. Peterson is really one of the only reputable brass companies that make brass for the rpm. The prc you can get stuff anywhere. I was shooting 125 hammer hht with the rpm around 3250fps. Was super badass round. If I went faster I lost accuracy. I did try eldms and it worked awesome. Typically will be 150-200 fps over the prc. If your doing full custom or want a wby rifle I would rock the rpm. If your doing anything else I would rock the prc. The prc does enough of everything well to where it’s just so modular. It just works. If you want more run the rpm. Personally if I’m running any round I want bullet impact velocity to be around 2000+ fps. With the rpm it’s much more forgiving and running shorter barrels a guy can still have great performance. Rock a og can on a 18-20” barrel and a guy could still probably shoot 2900-2950 fps with a 147 Eldm. Maybe 3000..all that being said I still rock a 6.5 prc over it because of how much I shoot and how much data is out there for it.

 

[112Savage]

I think it really comes down to two things.
Rifle form factor: chassis and barrel length
Ammunition: factory only or reloader

Both cartridges respond well to reloading but honestly compared to factory, the 6.5 PRC has more to gain. The weatherby probably has better factory ammo it just costs more. I’ve been disappointed with Hornady 6.5 PRC ammo consistency and velocity relative to box stats. I have not heard this problem with the 6.5RPM

Rifle form factor. The 6.5 PRC is more readily available in short barrel or chassis rifles. The 6.5 RPM was truly built to fit in a small diameter long action (Kimber 84L and MK5 6-lug) it will work in any standard bolt face long action, but the thought was light weight maximization. Weatherby generally puts longer 24”+ barrels on the 6.5RPM. Two possible exceptions would be the backcountry guide and Capra rifles.