Tell me why this bowhunter need to/needs to not buy a 6.5 PRC

[2tuna]

An intro of sorts:

I consider myself fundamentally a bowhunter, though the truth is, over the years, I've killed twice as many of our local blacktail with my 270 than with my bowtech.

But this forum is about elk. Which, despite a conspicuous lack of success over 20 years and 14 DIY tags in NM, ID, and OR, remain an archery passion. With 17 points in AZ I've decided this year to quit gunning for Units 10 and 1 and be content with a mid-tier unit. And, assuming I draw, I will for the first time hire an outfitter.

But, all of this aside, in researching AZ mid-tier units, I've been learning a bit about the late rifle options, and the fewer points needed to draw. Which is interesting to me, as I much prefer to hunt an area I know year after year rather than chasing the next big idea. So, my thinking is: Early Archery this year and then, maybe Late Rifle in the same unit in a few years.

So, if you are still with me, all of this thinking and planning has somehow tranlslated into the idea that, really, I may need to buy a new rifle. Just because. And it sounds like learning to shoot longer ranges is key is Arizona.

A stated, I've got a Ruger MK77 270 - which I use for our local deer and pigs. I've never taken a shot longer than 220 yards. Also have a 9.3x62 and 375 magnum, but boy, they're not fun after a couple of rounds. I don't love recoil.

With the idea that I'd like to spend some time at the range getting proficient out to 400 yards plus, and having spent many recent hours reviewing the exhaustive threads on this site on elk calibers down to 223 (whew) I've landed on the 6.5 PRC. Maybe in a Tikka T3x or a Seekins PH3. Maybe with a Trijicon Credo 2.5x15. Oh yeah, sounds pretty sexy...

But obviously, it ain't that different ballistically from the 270 (though benched the Ruger only does about a 1.5MOA at its (my) best) so do I really need to piss away my hard earned dollars?

Maybe I could scratch the same itch by spending the same money on an overpriced bottle of Pappy van Winkle, and be a bit more literal in tinkling away those dollars.

Help me.

 

[sndmn11]

A 1.5moa .270win is fine.

What is your scope?

 

[AZ Gator]

Jeez, I would have thought 17 points would get you close to early rifle odds for most units. I haven’t spent much time trying to memorize the various point odds though.

That seems like an awful lot of points to “spend” on an archery hunt. I would think use them toward a rifle hunt and then archery a few years later. Perhaps, though, you have so many points from putting in for archery for so many years and not being drawn?

 

[butcherboy]

Stick with your 270 and upgrade the scope. Doesn’t need to be a really fancy scope either. I use a $350 scope on my 270wsm and I can shoot just fine out to 550-600 yds. Which is a long shot without dialing a scope which I hate. I prefer to have different marks already in the reticle.

 

[AZ Gator]

Oh, and a 6CM or 6.5CM would also be viable options. I do love the 6.5PRC too, but the drop in recoil is noticeable for those CMs. I own seekins (PH2, waiting for my PH3 to finally hit the store and be shipped) and a Tikka. Both are awesome. With Tikka, rifle and scope can be had for about the same price as just the base PH3. I don’t know about the base PH3, but the base PH2 is pretty porky and loong (at least 7PRC). I won’t ever be seen hiking around on a hunt with it. The Element on the other hand……but getting close to two Tikkas and two scopes worth of cost.

 

[cowdisciple]

A .223 is a buck a round cheaper to shoot than a 6.5 PRC, so it pays for itself pretty quickly in ammo costs if you plan to shoot quite a bit. If you want the cheapest most direct path to competence at longer ranges, you might consider it.

Can always carry the .270 in the field if you're not fully convinced that elk bullets come in .223.

 

[jimh406]

6.5 PRC is too close to ballistically equivalent to 270 at most ranges, and there is a bigger ammo selection for the 270. I think I'd consider a trigger change and have it bedded if you like the Ruger otherwise.

You won't know if the new rifle will shoot better until it's setup.

I think I'd spend my money on other hunting equipment or Christmas presents. Good luck finding Pappy Van Winkle unless you really want to pay up for it.

 

[cowdisciple]

Alternately, put the money into scope/rings/suppressor/ammo and put a couple hundred more rounds through the one you have. If you still want another rifle then, you can move that stuff.

 

[rockymtnsam]

An intro of sorts:

I consider myself fundamentally a bowhunter, though the truth is, over the years, I've killed twice as many of our local blacktail with my 270 than with my bowtech.

But this forum is about elk. Which, despite a conspicuous lack of success over 20 years and 14 DIY tags in NM, ID, and OR, remain an archery passion. With 17 points in AZ I've decided this year to quit gunning for Units 10 and 1 and be content with a mid-tier unit. And, assuming I draw, I will for the first time hire an outfitter.

But, all of this aside, in researching AZ mid-tier units, I've been learning a bit about the late rifle options, and the fewer points needed to draw. Which is interesting to me, as I much prefer to hunt an area I know year after year rather than chasing the next big idea. So, my thinking is: Early Archery this year and then, maybe Late Rifle in the same unit in a few years.

So, if you are still with me, all of this thinking and planning has somehow tranlslated into the idea that, really, I may need to buy a new rifle. Just because. And it sounds like learning to shoot longer ranges is key is Arizona.

A stated, I've got a Ruger MK77 270 - which I use for our local deer and pigs. I've never taken a shot longer than 220 yards. Also have a 9.3x62 and 375 magnum, but boy, they're not fun after a couple of rounds. I don't love recoil.

With the idea that I'd like to spend some time at the range getting proficient out to 400 yards plus, and having spent many recent hours reviewing the exhaustive threads on this site on elk calibers down to 223 (whew) I've landed on the 6.5 PRC. Maybe in a Tikka T3x or a Seekins PH3. Maybe with a Trijicon Credo 2.5x15. Oh yeah, sounds pretty sexy...

But obviously, it ain't that different ballistically from the 270 (though benched the Ruger only does about a 1.5MOA at its (my) best) so do I really need to piss away my hard earned dollars?

Maybe I could scratch the same itch by spending the same money on an overpriced bottle of Pappy van Winkle, and be a bit more literal in tinkling away those dollars.

Help me.

6.5 PRC is a great option! I’m shooting a Seekins PH2, the PH3 is even better. My PH2 has a Salmon River Solutions Ti Pro 2 muzzle break, and I can actually see my impacts on target. Recoil is minimal but boy is it LOUD. Prior to this I was shooting a 30 year old 7mm Rem Mag with no recoil pad and it was not fun

I absolutely love my Seekins. That said, my dad bought a Tikka T3x Lite (the veil alpine cerakote one) and it shoots lights out as well. My Seekins has been very picky with ammo, but shoots Nosler Accubond 140g at .5 MOA. Photo is my final 3 shot group at 300 yards after sighting in, less than an inch and a half!! I’ve never shot so well in my life.

I was in a similar situation with a rifle that was fine, but I’m very happy I upgraded. You’ll be fine with your 270 if you decide to go that route, but I’m gonna be the bad guy and tell you to upgrade. so you can blame me and tell your wife you need buy a new rifle

 

[Laramie]

I LOVE the 6.5prc. I shot an elk this morning with mine at 416 yards. DRT. My buddies also each shot one with their 6.5prcs. All the elk, and the couple dozen other big game animals i have seen shot with one have me sold. It is a fantastic caliber with all the bullet selection a guy needs imo. The 147 is an awesome choice. I shot the 156 Berger because my gun loves them. My son shots the 143 eldx because his gun loves them. All of them perform. No wrong answer from moose to antelope. But the rifle. You won't regret it.

 

[rookieforever33]

What is your optic setup on the .270?
What is your budget if you buy new including optic?
Do you reload?
How is your trigger on the Ruger?
How heavy is your Ruger?

Your budget and answers to these questions are all big factors in this. I will never tell anyone not to buy a new rifle. But if your budget doesnt allow you to buy a rifle and optics to a level that are a true upgrade money could be better spent on your Ruger and practice ammo.

 

[Marbles]

Hunt with your 270. Get a 223 trainer. Burn 1000 rounds in practice.

If money is tight, use a picc rail and swap one optic between rifles.

https://www.eurooptic.com/tikka-t3x-lite-223-rem-16-1-8-bbl-synthetic-blued-rifle-jrtxe312sb

Tikka T3 Standard Action Improved Scope Rail

At Area 419 we decided that there were no scope bases on the market that really met our requirements for quality, so we made our own. Its all in the little details that set this base apart from the competition. These are machined in house on our 4-axis HAAS VMC from 7075 Aluminum. Straight...

www.area419.com

If you need a good budget optic, picc up an SWFA 3-9 as they are currently available.

If needed sell the 9.3 or 375.

Not as sexy as a new hunting gun, but I bet it will make you more lethal.

 

[mtnbound]

An intro of sorts:

I consider myself fundamentally a bowhunter, though the truth is, over the years, I've killed twice as many of our local blacktail with my 270 than with my bowtech.

But this forum is about elk. Which, despite a conspicuous lack of success over 20 years and 14 DIY tags in NM, ID, and OR, remain an archery passion. With 17 points in AZ I've decided this year to quit gunning for Units 10 and 1 and be content with a mid-tier unit. And, assuming I draw, I will for the first time hire an outfitter.

But, all of this aside, in researching AZ mid-tier units, I've been learning a bit about the late rifle options, and the fewer points needed to draw. Which is interesting to me, as I much prefer to hunt an area I know year after year rather than chasing the next big idea. So, my thinking is: Early Archery this year and then, maybe Late Rifle in the same unit in a few years.

So, if you are still with me, all of this thinking and planning has somehow tranlslated into the idea that, really, I may need to buy a new rifle. Just because. And it sounds like learning to shoot longer ranges is key is Arizona.

A stated, I've got a Ruger MK77 270 - which I use for our local deer and pigs. I've never taken a shot longer than 220 yards. Also have a 9.3x62 and 375 magnum, but boy, they're not fun after a couple of rounds. I don't love recoil.

With the idea that I'd like to spend some time at the range getting proficient out to 400 yards plus, and having spent many recent hours reviewing the exhaustive threads on this site on elk calibers down to 223 (whew) I've landed on the 6.5 PRC. Maybe in a Tikka T3x or a Seekins PH3. Maybe with a Trijicon Credo 2.5x15. Oh yeah, sounds pretty sexy...

But obviously, it ain't that different ballistically from the 270 (though benched the Ruger only does about a 1.5MOA at its (my) best) so do I really need to piss away my hard earned dollars?

Maybe I could scratch the same itch by spending the same money on an overpriced bottle of Pappy van Winkle, and be a bit more literal in tinkling away those dollars.

Help me.

For the range you are looking to shoot, keep the 270.
Buy a 223 trainer, it’s the single best investment you can do to improve your shooting skills.

 

[huntsman22]

You have to stick with the 270. Bowtech guys use 270's, Hoyt guys run PRC's.....

 

[2tuna]

Thanks for all the terrific replies.

For those who asked about the 270:
-scope is a Leupold Vari X3 - maybe 20 years old, with a plane jane reticle (no windage or elevation marks)
- I did put in a Timney trigger about 10 years ago. Waaaay nicer. No other work done to the rifle.
- rifle has that almost skeletonized synthetic stock and weighs 8lbs 4 oz with scope and sling. A tad heavier might be a good thing.

In terms of budget, I'd been thinking in the neighborhood of $1500 for gun, $1000 for scope

The advice to get a 223 and shoot it till the barrel sags is interesting. Hadn't considered that as a means of improving proficiency at longer ranges, but makes sense.

For those of you who quite reasonably recommend I stick with the 270, well, what's up with that?

If I wanted good advice I could have just asked my wife...

 

[rookieforever33]

TBH I was thinking you should spend 1500-2000 on a scope and mounting system, maybe money on a trigger, and 5 different kinds of ammo for practice and finding what your rifle likes best. Now your wife can wonder why you are spending money replacing something that already works, and where you got that bottle of expensive whiskey.

 

[wapitibob]

Not a snowballs chance in he!! I'd use 17 points on a late rifle hunt.

 

[codym]

I would get a .223 and a decent scope with wind holds and practice as much as possible. Most good outfitters will have a dialed rifle you can use. The actual shooting will be more beneficial than a new rifle. Although if you are set on a new rifle the 6.5 prc is a pretty good cartridge if you don’t reload.

 

[OXN939]

For those of you who quite reasonably recommend I stick with the 270, well, what's up with that?

Hate to say it but .270 and 6.5 PRC are so ballistically similar that there is really no practical hunting scenario you'd be able to tell any difference.

Get a Trijicon scope, some good mounting hardware and burn a few hundred bucks of ammo practicing if you want the best chances of filling a tag. If you want a new gun, find an influencer and listen to their recommendations.

 

[Marbles]

In terms of budget, I'd been thinking in the neighborhood of $1500 for gun, $1000 for scope

The advice to get a 223 and shoot it till the barrel sags is interesting. Hadn't considered that as a means of improving proficiency at longer ranges, but makes sense.

For those of you who quite reasonably recommend I stick with the 270, well, what's up with that?

For that money, get both.

T3x 6.5 PRC for $570

Tikka T3x Lite 6.5 PRC 24" 1:8" Bbl Synthetic/Blued Rifle JRTXE319 For Sale - EuroOptic

Tikka T3x Lite 6.5 PRC 24" 1:8" Bbl Synthetic/Blued Rifle JRTXE319 For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

T3x 223 is the same price, or $10 more if you prefer a longer barrel.

So, $1,140 for both rifles +$100~ for shipping and transfer. =$1,240

2 Area 419 rails for $80 each and $20~ shipping= $180

Tikka vertical grip at $35 x2 = $70

https://www.eurooptic.com/tikka-t3x-vertical-grip-blk-soft-s54069682?srsltid=AfmBOophZvlXB1j_rDG3eyfUxl4sOifbGDPtTgHWxjX11reXBuhfKtl7

=1240+180+70=$1,490

Get the SWFA 3-9 for $600 (think it will be $500 on Black Friday, but who knows how long they will be in stock). And a set of NF UL picc rings for $170.

Move it between rifles and you have $200 left for ammo.