California (Copper/Non-Lead) Smaller Caliber Build - 6mm or 6.5PRC

[blackshuk]

I know this topic has been discussed ad nauseam, so I apologize about starting again but I have a specific example I haven't seen answered anywhere. I'm real new to the world of ballistics so I'm sorry in advance.

I listened to all the Exo Podcasts and read a bunch of the rokslide threads about smaller calibers for big game.
I saw and heard Form's recommendation of 6mm CM with 95gr DRT or 95gr LRX for a California hunter.

I was hoping I could throw a scenario at you all and hopefully get some guidance on which route to take.

I'm looking to get an 18" barrel for packability and ease of movement in brush sake (I understand it gives up performance)
So I'm wondering if maybe I should get 6.5 PRC in this case and load it with a lighter bullet to make up for the FPS drop with the shorter barrel?
Recoil wise the 6.5PRC obviously is a little more than the 6mm CM, but it is still considerably less than a .308.

In either case I'm leaning toward a 1:7 or 1:7.5 twist rebarrel

Thank you for your guidance!

 

[180ls1]

Not sure the 6.5prc recoils any less than a 308.

Either will work. I've piled up a bunch of CA animals with my 6.5prc and .270. They work beautifully. I like the added caliber size and longer barrels though and do not spot shots.

Whatever you do get one now and go hunt. Season is here!

 

[nm.otter]

FWIW, case capacity to bore area ratio is identical for the two cartridges. Personally, I'd pick 6mm for the lower recoil.

 

[blackshuk]

FWIW, case capacity to bore area ratio is identical for the two cartridges. Personally, I'd pick 6mm for the lower recoil.

I don't know what that means.. lol I'm sorry

 

[steelheadmike]

I could be wrong but I’m guessing that you don’t reload.

Buy the rifle you can get ammo for. It’s that simple.

Getting ammo in CA is hard enough. Don’t make it any harder by getting a niche cartridge (6CM would be one, IMO, currently) that copper ammo is really hard to come by. Find a cartridge that has decent factory support for copper and go that route.

In your case, I’d be looking at 6.5CM or .243 Win.

 

[blackshuk]

I could be wrong but I’m guessing that you don’t reload.

Buy the rifle you can get ammo for. It’s that simple.

Getting ammo in CA is hard enough. Don’t make it any harder by getting a niche cartridge (6CM would be one, IMO, currently) that copper ammo is really hard to come by. Find a cartridge that has decent factory support for copper and go that route.

In your case, I’d be looking at 6.5CM or .243 Win.

I don't personally reload (yet), but I have 2 buddies who do load for me.

 

[steelheadmike]

I don't personally reload (yet), but I have 2 buddies who do load for me.

Good friends to have.

Go 6 creed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[nm.otter]

I don't know what that means.. lol I'm sorry

It means they have similar amounts of overbore or 'magnum-ness' and should have similar efficiencies and barrel life.