Factory 6.5 PRC Rifle Suggestions

[Blakelok]

I decided to start rifle hunting again after a several year break. I have a friend who has invited me to a hunt axis at his family's ranch, however, the only rifle that I have is a 6.5 Creedmoor that I bought for my kids to shoot at the range with. In his words he would want me to "bring a rifle with more a$$". I am not here to debate the merits to that, and hey...free axis deer hunt if I only buy a new rifle. It is a tough situation to be in, but I'll endure.

A few considerations:
1. I don't have much time to reload anymore but I could probably be persuaded to make time if needed. If I do start reloading I wouldn't mind sharing common bullets at least.
2. It needs to be fun to shoot.
3. I already have an SWFA 6x fixed scope and rings sitting in the safe. Im good with this scope for the time being.
4. Budget would be $2000 or less for the rifle and scope bases.
5. I am open to other calibers with a good selection of factory ammo which would preclude me from having to reload.
6. Weight isn't much of a consideration for this hunt, but could be in the future.
7. I am not particularly recoil shy.
8. I live and hunt in Texas primarily - coyotes, whitetail, and hogs.

If you would recommend this caliber, which factory rifle would you suggest? If not, which caliber and rifle would you suggest.

 

[archp625]

Christensen arms Ridgeline/Mesa? They sell both models in 6.5 PRC. I don’t understand why the CM won’t work. More than likely you won’t be shoot at distances where the PRC will excel.

 

[fightthenoise]

Bergara Premier (take your pick) in 6.5 PRC or .280 AI is my vote. All the aftermarket support of the R700 in a rifle that is what the R700 wishes it was. Great factory ammo for both calibers.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

For commercial ammo it pretty much is just Hornady: either Precision Hunter or Match.

In your price point look at Christensen Arms, Fierce, Browning, and Bergara. Choose the one that fits you the best.

Enjoy the axis meat as it is the best wild game out there.

 

[EmperorMA]

Browning. Pick your model of choice, they will all be accurate right out of the box.

BTW, the 6.5 Creedmoor is more than enough.

 

[Blakelok]

Browning. Pick your model of choice, they will all be accurate right out of the box.

BTW, the 6.5 Creedmoor is more than enough.

Looking at this. That Hells Canyon rifle looks awesome. I’ll put it on the short list

 

[Silvereagle50]

I'm in the market for a 6.5 PRC as you are. My short list right now is:
Seekins Havak Element (@2700 out of your price range, but 5.5# would be sweet)
Christensen Arms: Mesa @ $1100 or Ridgeline @ $1900 (Eurooptics has them on sale right now for $1695)
Christensen Arms: Mesa or Ridgeline in the new "Titanium Edition" (not available yet, $1700 & $2400)
Browning: Hells Canyon $1100 or the Pro $2100

Weight is a consideration for me in this rifle. Not necessarily an extreme light weight, but want it to under 7.5# all in.
I'm with some of the others here, not sure why the 6.5cm isn't considered enough for axis. How big are they anyway? I didn't think they were all that big of an animal. A quick google check and the first site said 180-250 pounds. Really? That big? I could see your buddy saying something bigger for a 250# animal I guess.

 

[Fonkie]

From your description of what your going to hunt the 6.5 prc seems like a reasonable choice although the creedmoor is more than adequate for deer as well. With the money you’ve made available I think I would go with a Browning HC or Max LR & spend the rest of my budget putting a nice variable scope on top. A VX3 or Zeiss V4 would be my choice. Good luck with your rifle purchase & axis hunt

 

[SDHNTR]

The prc is definitely not needed for what you described. Why limit yourself to that caliber that is still not quite main stream and easy to find in rifle models or ammo. The Creed is plenty! Or go .308 or 7mm-08. That will open up your options.

 

[bowenginerd]

Christensen Ridgeline ftw

 

[mabrams]

I have a Christensen ridgeline and it is a good shooter. The action is sloppy compared to a custom but it works just fine. You mention ammo and it is flat out scarce at times. It was such a pain in the but. to find this year that I'm looking at getting a creedmor. The PRC is a very fun gun to shoot and is a joy to pack. I would not want it any lighter if your planning on shooting 1000+.

 

[Flatgo]

I just picked up a Sauer 100 in a 6.5 prc and so far very impressed. I have only shot factory eldms so far, but we were shooting 1.2" to 1.4" groups at 200 yards with only 10 rounds down the barrel. probably accuracy will increase once i start reloading. Depending on the features you can pick them up from approximately $600 to $1000 dollars. I have no real world experience with Christensen Arms or Browning Hells Canyon, but the Sauer felt like a much nicer rifle in the store to both those options at a nicer price too.

 

[CBECK61]

Several good options here. My 2 cents it that you spend less than a $1000 bucks on the rifle to leave room in your budget for a 3-15 VX5HD for around a $1000. I have several pieces of good glass and I feel that it is a great all around hunting scope for the price point. Good glass, lighter weight, all 3 of mine track well, and I love the locking turret.

 

[brsnow]

Barnes LRX ammo in 6.5 prc soon as well.

 

[Blakelok]

For those that are saying the 6.5 creed will work - I agree, however, my guide wants me to bring something else. It’s a fun excuse to buy a rifle at any rate.

I think for now I will stick with the scope I have until I have time to really evaluate the options. Next spring I’ll spend the money to buy a nice scope for this rifle. I’m not opposed to spending another $2K plus for a good scope.

When/If I find a factory load the rifle likes I will just buy a case of ammo and be set for a while.

I appreciate the input. I’ll try and find a few of these in stock. I live in San Antonio if anyone knows of anything local.

 

[TacoHunter]

I just picked up a Sauer 100 in a 6.5 prc and so far very impressed. I have only shot factory eldms so far, but we were shooting 1.2" to 1.4" groups at 200 yards with only 10 rounds down the barrel. probably accuracy will increase once i start reloading. Depending on the features you can pick them up from approximately $600 to $1000 dollars. I have no real world experience with Christensen Arms or Browning Hells Canyon, but the Sauer felt like a much nicer rifle in the store to both those options at a nicer price too.

Which Sauer model do you have? I was looking at them the other day Ceratech, seems like a great gun for the money.


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[Flatgo]

I have the atacoma. I got that one since it cane with a factory threaded barrel

 

[Blakelok]

EuroOptic is running a big sale. I went with the Mauser 18 6.5 PRC w/ 24 in barrel. They guarantee a 5 shot MOA group.

 

[Customweld]

I have the Browning HC Long Range. Fantastic shooter after you do some trigger work. I was leaning on the Christensen Mesa, but read enough negative reviews to change my mind. Factory ammo has been hit or miss in my area.

 

[Clark33]

Seekins PH2