Tikka 6.5 PRC & bullet selection

[BigGameJames87]

I've been using Norma's 143 gr Bondstrike for hunting in my 6.5 PRC X-Bolt and I'm very pleased with the performance. I've taken 7 deer so far and all have died quickly. There's been good expansion with an exit wound in each case. Most dropped within a few yards but one managed to make it about 20 yards into a thick tree row so the exit and resulting blood trail made it much easier to find her.

So far I have been using factory ammo but they do offer component bullets. I have some to load once my factory stash runs out.

 

[KenLee]

Tikka rifle coming tomorrow in 6.5 PRC. I have shunned the CM in the past, but the PRC has me intrigued. I reload for several calibers, and already have what I need for this project, except for powder and bullets. I have heard that the 6.5 cm sometimes passes through without enough tissue damage and exit hole to leave a good blood trail, and definitely want to avoid that scenario. I am looking at the Berger EOL 156 for an all purpose, and the 130 Accubond for hunting, probably with some H-1000. My favorite deer load is a 7-08 loaded with 139 SST’s. I seldom get an exit wound, but I never have to track a deer. I usually sacrifice a shoulder, which I can live with. It has worked for me for 20 plus years. I have ZERO experience with the 6.5 caliber, and would like to start off right.
I am open to your suggestions. I am listening.

Suggestion: stay with the 7mm-08 and 139gr sst if you have 100% confidence in dead right there.

 

[ssgjpd]

I run 140 Elite Hunters

 

[WDE]

I've been shooting the 135 gr berger hybrid hunters in my 6.5 cm the last few seasons and they kill deer very quick. Multiple DRT and the ones that have run haven't made it far. Exit wounds with good blood trails. Shoots have been anywhere from 30 to 200yds. Massive internal soft tissue damage. The EOLs should do well for you out of the PRC.

 

[WDE]

This was the latest 6.5 exit wound shooting Bergers. Dropped in his tracks.

 

[Yung6ix]

I'd give the Hornady 147gr ELD-M factory ammo a go and see how it shoots for you. Generally, that particular ammo shoots extremely well in the 6.5 PRC's.