Short barrels

[cbynum80]

has anyone played around with a 6.5 prc or 6.5 rpm with 18” barrel or something similar?

 

[justinspicher]

Wouldn’t that make it a creedmor?

 

[cbynum80]

I would think a little faster than a cm but shorter and a suppressor

 

[MuleyFever]

O

Thread '6.5 PRC/SAUM shortest barrel length'

Dec 24, 2024

Current build is a 6.5PRC or SAUM built with the following:

ARC CDG short action
TT primary
MDT HNT26 folder
Atlas Bipod
ATACR 7-35 (MOA for all you haters)
TBAC Ultra 9 (compensating for something)
H1000
Hornady 143gr ELD-X
Hornady once fired brass (will probably buy Lapua)

I’m not settled on barrel length yet. I’ve seen some run down to 18” with good performance. Looking for some of you guys with experience in your builds. I’d like to shoot out to a mile. Shoot coyotes out to 1000. Shoot deer and elk out to 800.

• Oklahoma33
• Replies: 52
• Forum: Long Range Hunting

• 

N

Thread '18" 6.5 PRC Real world data and velocity.'

Feb 2, 2025

I am currently working on load dev for a Tikka Veil wideland (cut to 18" and threaded by class 3 machine before he passed). I initially began load work with the 135 A tip as I had a few hundred and H4831SC and that seemed to be the recommended powder for short PRCs. Results have been relatively disappointing so far compared to what I have read.

This rifle has roughly 90 rounds on it, so the barrel may speed up still, I just have not personally seen Tikka barrels speed up much in the past.

All load dev currently has been done with new peterson brass, and federal LRP (non magnum).

53...

• Njadams13
• Replies: 20
• Forum: Reloading

• 

Thread '6.5 PRC velocity and barrel length?'

Dec 8, 2019

Just curious what people are seeing for real world speeds.

What brand gun or barrel?
What bullet and powder or factory load?
Barrel length?

Thanks. I'm interested in getting one but want to see how much real world speed I gain over the 6.5 Creedmoor.

• mcseal2
• Replies: 54
• Forum: Firearms

 

[83cj-7]

Just finished a Kimber Montana with an 18” Mullerworks chambered in 6.5 SAUM. I’ve only tried Magpro because I’ve had great results with it. I’m running 135 Bergers at 3000fps without much effort. I also got 156s to 2800fps with pushing too hard.
If a 6.5 Creed can make the same velocities the pressures would have to be way beyond safe.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Wouldn’t that make it a creedmor?

Creedmoor speeds with extra recoil essentially… I guess you might be getting a touch more velocity.. but not sure if it’s justified, which is why I sold my prc.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Just finished a Kimber Montana with an 18” Mullerworks chambered in 6.5 SAUM. I’ve only tried Magpro because I’ve had great results with it. I’m running 135 Bergers at 3000fps without much effort. I also got 156s to 2800fps with pushing too hard.
If a 6.5 Creed can make the same velocities the pressures would have to be way beyond safe.

Definitely not achievable with an 18” 6.5cm… not hard to do while hand loading for an 18” 6cm I imagine though. But barrel life is going to be short with speeds like that if it matters to you.

 

[Pilsner]

Just getting an 18" barrel in 6.5 PRC broken in on a CA MPR. Average of 2730 to 2780 depending on which factory load. Only about 50 rounds into it so it might speed up a bit yet as it breaks in.

 

[Pilsner]

Rounds 50 thru 100. Noticeable jump in velocity - leveled out at 2850-ish today after another 50 rounds. As velocity went up groups shrank. Last 7 shots went into 1/2" at 100y before we lost daylight.

Edit after checking range session on the Garmin:
ES and SD went from 90/35+ down to 33/22. Wasn't expecting that but I am not going to complain about it either.

 

[UnckleBob]

Wouldn’t that make it a creedmor?

Probably, but then you could actually get 6.5CM from a short barrel.

 

[TradLife406]

I had a 24" 6.5 PRC. I was getting 3k with 156 using book max n570.
It was my first "non Fudd" rifle. Before I bought a can. With a can it was huge. But it was still a great prairie rifle.

I drew a bull permit this year. Changed out to a 6 UM. Bought a 22" barreled action from a buddy. Still a tad long but for the money it was a great deal. Planning on getting an 18" pipe for it next year.

You lose a lot of speed when you start chopping a 6.5 PRC pipe down. So your effective range starts going way down. That UM can still do 3150 in a 18" vs like 2800 in a PRC.

The UM and 22/6 creeds do a lot better in short pipes. Kid will be rocking a 16.5" 22 creed this year. 3k fps. Holds 1800 out to 800 which is perfect.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Just for $hits and giggles, ran a SIM on GRT with an 18" 6.5WSM and the 107 TMK.

With 66 grains of Big Game, theoretically looking at 3225 MV.

62.5 grains of N150 may give you 3192 MV with 94% fill and 100% burn.

 

[pdjp1220]

chopping and threading my tikka tomorrow to 18" or 19".. Can't decide!

 

[AZ Gator]

chopping and threading my tikka tomorrow to 18" or 19".. Can't decide!

I would say that’s a pretty insignificant difference to worry about for any cartridge. Pick a priority and don’t think about it after deciding. Bullet speed or maneuverability. Both will be negligibly different, so pick one and go have fun. That’s just my opinion

 

[Hnthrdr]

chopping and threading my tikka tomorrow to 18" or 19".. Can't decide!

18, I got a 6cm 20” wish it was 16 or 18…

 

[rustyN]

Just getting an 18" barrel in 6.5 PRC broken in on a CA MPR. Average of 2730 to 2780 depending on which factory load. Only about 50 rounds into it so it might speed up a bit yet as it breaks in.

Considering I was getting 2520 out of a 20" 6.5 CM (140 ELD) I tend to think the 6.5PRC short is a great option - you get more velocity out of a shorter barrel.

That said, I'm a 6 ARC fanboy. Anything that can't handle I'll move up to 7PRC.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

I would say that’s a pretty insignificant difference to worry about for any cartridge. Pick a priority and don’t think about it after deciding. Bullet speed or maneuverability. Both will be negligibly different, so pick one and go have fun. That’s just my opinion

According to GRT sim, with the same 140 ELD 6.5 PRC load, reducing barrel length from Tikka OEM of 24.3" (2,997 MV) to 18" (2,776 MV), results in a net loss of 221 fps at the muzzle.

Difference at 300 yards
2637 fps -.92 mil drop .34 mil windage
2433 fps -1.13 mil drop .37 mil windage

Difference at 500 yards
2412 fps -2.2 mil drop .57 mil windage
2219 fps -2.66 mil drop .64 mil windage

The 24" barrel maintains 1900 fps slightly beyond 1,000 yards. The 18" barrel drops below 1900 fps at 850 yards. If terminal performance at very long range is important to you, the longer barrel has the advantage. Inside 500 yards, with an accurate rifle, range finder, dialing scope, and lots of practice, the differences can be negligible indeed.

 

[AZ Gator]

According to GRT sim, with the same 140 ELD 6.5 PRC load, reducing barrel length from Tikka OEM of 24.3" (2,997 MV) to 18" (2,776 MV), results in a net loss of 221 fps at the muzzle.

Difference at 300 yards
2637 fps -.92 mil drop .34 mil windage
2433 fps -1.13 mil drop .37 mil windage

Difference at 500 yards
2412 fps -2.2 mil drop .57 mil windage
2219 fps -2.66 mil drop .64 mil windage

The 24" barrel maintains 1900 fps slightly beyond 1,000 yards. The 18" barrel drops below 1900 fps at 850 yards. If terminal performance at very long range is important to you, the longer barrel has the advantage. Inside 500 yards, with an accurate rifle, range finder, dialing scope, and lots of practice, the differences can be negligible indeed.

He is asking about 18” vs 19”. Why are you comparing 18” to 24”?

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

He is asking about 18” vs 19”. Why are you comparing 18” to 24”?

Roger that, confused with a different thread. 18-19 won't make any material difference. Existing barrel length vs cut length is what I was highlighting. My bad and with a 7"ish suppressor I think 18" is ideal for handling and velocity.

 

[Kimber7man]

Shit, go 18.5”…..