Building First Custom

[LittleCel5]

I am looking to build my first custom and am stuck between two cartridges - 6.5 PRC and 300 WSM. The intended purpose is for elk, and I will have a second barrel and standard bolt face for 6.5 Creedmoor for practice/NRL and not having to shoot my hunting barrel out. I don't mind recoil, just wanted to make a fun caliber in my custom since I have the chance to do so. I do not reload, and plan to use either the Berger 185g for the 300 WSM and the Berger 156g 6.5 PRC. The build will be on a Defiance action, Proof barrel, Manners LRH with Mini Chassis, and more. I have everything figured out but the caliber as I like both, but want to make the best decision. I want to have capable velocities out to 600 yards, holding over 2000 fps. Any advice, experience, or ideas are welcome!

 

[Dave Thomas]

Without reloading I would go with the 6.5prc. Ammo will be alot more available.

 

[Chris in TN]

I want to have capable velocities out to 600 yards, holding over 2000 fps. Any advice, experience, or ideas are welcome!

Then just do two 6.5CM barrels. With higher BC bullets and at the elevations elk live at, holding 2000' or more at 600 yards is not really a problem.

 

[wind gypsy]

I wouldn't want to rely on factory ammo for a 300 WSM.

 

[LittleCel5]

I wouldn't want to rely on factory ammo for a 300 WSM.

Not even the Berger factory stuff? I’ve shoot their 6.5 Creedmoor and it pretty incredible the consistency and performance

 

[LittleCel5]

Without reloading I would go with the 6.5prc. Ammo will be alot more available.

I would have ammo available I like, both being factory Berger I have access to

 

[wind gypsy]

Not even the Berger factory stuff? I’ve shoot their 6.5 Creedmoor and it pretty incredible the consistency and performance

I would have a hell of a time stomaching $3.50+ per round ammo.

 

[JJ1179]

I wish my ammo was only $3.50 a round!! It was long ago, but not anymore.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

I would go with the 6UM and have Unknown Munitions load you at least 100 rounds using the new 116gr Sierra TMK or 115gr DTAC nose ring.

If you don't destroy or lose the brass they will reload them again for you for a discount.

But that's just me

 

[Dave Thomas]

I would have ammo available I like, both being factory Berger I have access to

The prc has alot more options but it's your rifle and if your happy with what you can get for the wsm then go with it.

 

[Judd]

Hard to beat the 6.5prc when you're talking not reloading. I think you'd be happy with either from a hunting perspective.

 

[LittleCel5]

Hard to beat the 6.5prc when you're talking not reloading. I think you'd be happy with either from a hunting perspective.

Either would be capable, just seeing what people's thoughts are. I'm usually a 30 cal guy so the WSM gives me some comfort and familiarity there, but the PRC is very similar in all aspects with less recoil. Both are great, but a lot of what I am being told here and else where is the PRC. I'm use to using a 300 WM for elk, and jumping down to the 6.5 PRC just gives me some hesitation even though I've heard about how it performs. All I use to hear is the need for a large magnum for elk, and now these short action magnums are really showing great results.

 

[LittleCel5]

I would go with the 6UM and have Unknown Munitions load you at least 100 rounds using the new 116gr Sierra TMK or 115gr DTAC nose ring.

If you don't destroy or lose the brass they will reload them again for you for a discount.

But that's just me

I have no knowledge on the 6UM, had to google what it was as I never heard of it before. The idea is to have a rifle in an interesting and effective caliber, but that may be too interesting for my comfort honestly

 

[Pilsner]

Basically, anything the 300 WSM can do the 6.5 PRC can do with less cost, less recoil, and less muzzle blast assuming similar bullet construction (i.e. Berger vs Berger). There is no compelling reason to go bigger unless you like spending extraneous money and degrading your shooting accuracy. The animal will never notice the difference.