Thinking of switching

[dougaldy]

Hello,
I live in CA and currently hunt with a 7mm Rem Mag. Lately, I've been considering making the switch to a 6.5 PRC. Have any of your guys made a similar switch and if so, are you glad you did?

Scott

 

[mtnbound]

Owned several different 7's and tried the 6.5PRC, and would not go back to any of them after using the 6.5. IMO, the 6.5PRC is probably the best all-around cartridge for folks looking for manageable recoil, high probability of spotting their shots, flat shooting, and still not sold on going to smaller calibers.

 

[Deerhunter6250]

My philosophy is if it's not broke why fix it. Unless you have specific reasons like a lighter gun, less recoil, etc.

 

[Kodiak06]

Depends on any future hunts. I've hunted many states but after living in AK I decided the 7mag was the only hunting rifle I needed. The velocity and bullet options are good enough for my needs.

 

[dougaldy]

Thank you. This all started the other day at the range when I was sighting in a new scope. I wasn't getting any better than 1 - 1.5 MOA. Then I thought, im asking too much out of a 7mm with factory Barnes 160gr which got me thinking about the 6.5 PRC.
A little back story. I bought my 7mm used in the 90s and just the other day, I looked up the serial number and it was made in 1962. I dont know the round count or anything before I bought it. It has since been glass bedded with a new fiberglass stock, etc. So part of me wants a new gun because this one walks after a few rounds (typical from what I read,) and part of me just plain wants to try something new. So I was thinking of the 6.5 PRC. With that being said, if I decide to get one, Im looking at the Seekins or the Tikka and it will be all factory ammo since I don't reload and it will have to be copper of course.

 

[Maxhunter]

Bought a 6.5PRC best decision ever imo. Does everything I need a rifle to do.

 

[MtnSquach]

I think both calibers are solid. For your situation I would do research in what factory ammo is available for both since you are restricted to lead free. Also, if there is enough info and reviews on how it shoots in a specific rifle you plan to buy or build. If you decide to start reloading I’m sure you could dial in great loads for either caliber. I have had a few rifles that just absolutely hate copper, but I’m not restricted to copper so It didn’t really bother me.

 

[dougaldy]

Good point. I have been doing research, primarily from reading articles and forums, on what is the best copper ammo for ethical kills and max expansion. Right now, it looks like it's between Barnes and Hornady for the 6.5 PRC. The more I read and hear people's testimony, the more I want one. I guess thats always the case.
For my 7mm, I've only ever shot the Barnes factory and have humanely taken several deer with it.
I guess my main question i had initially, was, will this 6.5 PRC be enough to ethnically harvest deer at 200-600 yards and it looks like the answer is yes.

 

[MtnSquach]

I won’t talk you out of a 6.5 PRC if you are leaning that way. I just bought one last week. Haven’t shot it yet, but I plan to use it as my primary rifle for mid to large sized game. I think it has plenty of energy to take mid to large game at 200-600 yards. Currently I primarily shoot a 300 PRC and a 6.5CM. I love both rifles and hoping the 6.5 PRC will do everything I currently do with both. The 300 PRC is way too much for deer sized game. And I don’t plan on shooting out past 500 yards.

 

[ReddingArcher]

If you’re in the Redding area, I have a couple 6.5 PRC’s I’m happy to meet up and let you shoot.

 

[dougaldy]

I would love that. Are you selling any? I am actually in the Santa Barbara area but spent lots of time in Redding years ago.

 

[ReddingArcher]

I would love that. Are you selling any? I am actually in the Santa Barbara area but spent lots of time in Redding years ago.

I’m not selling any right now, I kicked around selling my Christensen 6.5 but took my Dall sheep with it so it’s got a lot of sentimental value.

 

[dougaldy]

If you don't mind me asking, what makes and ammo are you using with good results? Im still narrowing things down.

 

[ReddingArcher]

If you don't mind me asking, what makes and ammo are you using with good results? Im still narrowing things down.

I’ve got the Christensen and a tikka with a preferred barrel on it. The Barnes 127 lrx shoot really good in the Christensen as does the 143 eldx. The tikka shoots the eldx really good, I haven’t tried copper in that one just yet.

 

[rdllrhd]

I put together a Howa barreled action in 6.5prc. It shoots the Barnes LRX 127gr really well. I took a blacktail at over 300 yards this past season and dropped him in his tracks.

 

[youngbuck96]

Owned several different 7's and tried the 6.5PRC, and would not go back to any of them after using the 6.5. IMO, the 6.5PRC is probably the best all-around cartridge for folks looking for manageable recoil, high probability of spotting their shots, flat shooting, and still not sold on going to smaller calibers.

^^ what he said