Is a 6.5 PRC enough? Do I need a 7mm?

[Greenbelt]

Yes, recoil is a down side. Almost any centerfire rifle with the right bullet will quickly kill any animal with a well placed shot. A big bullet going fast won’t kill quickly with a bad shot. After seeing big bullets not just knock over an animal even with good shot placement, I started researching why. Turns out the bullet construction and velocity is much more important than the caliber.

So I agree with you on bullet construction and so so on velocity. I carried guns for a living so velocity bullet size etc etc is and was the name of the game. I agree with you on kill power 100%. But there's a sweet spot for ppls capabilities and abilities. My argument is most average shooters should not be shooting an elk with a 6.5 at 700 yds, and I assume thats what most these guides are thinking. But in general your pretty spot on.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

What down sides are those? Immediately killing the animal with a well placed shot? The downsides would be the kick back I assume. I don't hate 6.5's. But if you can carry something that absolutely will kill something why would you not?

What North American animal is going to survive a hit from a 6.5 PRC but a hit in the same spot from a 7 PRC, 28 Nosler, etc. will kill it?


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“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[Q_Sertorius]

So I agree with you on bullet construction and so so on velocity. I carried guns for a living so velocity bullet size etc etc is and was the name of the game. I agree with you on kill power 100%. But there's a sweet spot for ppls capabilities and abilities. My argument is most average shooters should not be shooting an elk with a 6.5 at 700 yds, and I assume thats what most these guides are thinking. But in general your pretty spot on.

Most hunters should not be shooting at elk with anything at 700 yards.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[Bluefish]

So I agree with you on bullet construction and so so on velocity. I carried guns for a living so velocity bullet size etc etc is and was the name of the game. I agree with you on kill power 100%. But there's a sweet spot for ppls capabilities and abilities. My argument is most average shooters should not be shooting an elk with a 6.5 at 700 yds, and I assume thats what most these guides are thinking. But in general your pretty spot on.

I would agree, I have no business shooting any living thing at 700 yards. I don’t shoot enough at distance to make that shot with a high enough probability of a first round hit.

I am a guy who has built a 7rm and a 7 prc and sold both as I hated them. Could not shoot them well and more recoil than I want to deal with. I find I shoot better with less recoil and I am really enjoying my 25 prc.