OP I can relate. A few years ago I picked up a 6.5 PRC as a one gun for deer and cow elk, no intention of chasing a bull. And now my group have decided to put in for Bull elk and it has me thinking about a larger cartridge. I'm certain the 140s will do their job under the circumstances that they can do their job. But if I come across an incredible bull and spend hours trying to line up that shot or get 50 or 100 yd closer, I know I will be thinking about a 180 grain bullet and the possibilities.
Currently my backup rifles are much bigger and more powerful than I need, so I have more than one reason to be looking at another rifle in this class. Plus, my rifle itself leaves a couple of minor things to be desired and who doesn't need another gun in their life?
Currently looking hard at an x-bolt in seven PRC or 7rm. That rifle lets you load long. So even as great as the round is, you can stretch it a bit further if you hand load.
As for buying skill, there's not nothing to it or everyone wouldn't be recommending you upgrade your glass.
But training in field positions is where it's at. It's not about getting better and better necessarily, although that's part of it. For me it's about knowing my rifle and bullet and limitations, and then building the hunt around those parameters. Current plan is to get some good detachable rings so that whichever rifle I grab I won't need two pieces of awesome glass.
Of course, before anyone says it, a backup gun is of no use when it's your scope that's damaged on the hunt. But you can only do what you can do.
The seven PRC is not much of a jump up, that's true. But if you didn't already own your 6.5, would you be looking to buy a 300 Win Mag? You have to find that nexus of power, shootability which is largely rifle weight, and packability which is also largely rifle weight. I'm comfortable with an 8.5 lb rifle slinging heavy 7 mm bullets, and I don't pack in for days when I hunt.
Just have to figure out what works best for you, and get out there.
