Thread: 6.5 prc, who's loading what and how's it working?

Just purchased one of these to (maybe) replace my 284. Thinking being to stick with 6.5 for both my bush and open country rifles.

What powders are people using? Thinking I'll run the 143 eldxs as the eldm(my go to) might be a bit explody at 2900+ fps.

Is rl26 still pixie dust?

School me up

What rifle did you get?

Originally Posted by stevodog

What rifle did you get?

Bought waynos custom(ish) rem 700. Got board of waiting for tikka to release one

Cool. I see 2217 and 2225 look to be ok.

I run 2217 in my 24 inch barrel and super performance in my 20 inch barrel 3000 and 2950 respectively with 140 eldm and 143 eldx.

Originally Posted by Doon

I run 2217 in my 24 inch barrel and super performance in my 20 inch barrel 3000 and 2950 respectively with 140 eldm and 143 eldx.

2950 out of a 20 inch sounds pretty promising....

Interesting to have real world numbers to compare to other calibres. I have been considering a PRC as a do all.

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Interesting to have real world numbers to compare to other calibres. I have been considering a PRC as a do all.

Yep I love the 284 as an all rounder, but like the idea of having factory options to shoot, hence the interest in the prc. Fill pretty much the same niche. 284 is going to be a bit more efficient out of the shorter barrel options though. Mine currently is 19 inches

I'm using the 156gr Bergers in mine. Just over 2,900 with RL26 and a 22" barrel. Haven't looked for top speed, just accuracy, and barrel has only had 40 odd rounds through it so probably a bit more speed to come with a few more rounds down it. Got to 3025 with 142gr Nosler LRAB's and RL26. 156's are better ballistically at 2900 though

Originally Posted by The Claw

I'm using the 156gr Bergers in mine. Just over 2,900 with RL26 and a 22" barrel. Haven't looked for top speed, just accuracy, and barrel has only had 40 odd rounds through it so probably a bit more speed to come with a few more rounds down it. Got to 3025 with 142gr Nosler LRAB's and RL26. 156's are better ballistically at 2900 though

What twist for the 156s? 7?

Originally Posted by Nick-D

Yep I love the 284 as an all rounder, but like the idea of having factory options to shoot, hence the interest in the prc. Fill pretty much the same niche. 284 is going to be a bit more efficient out of the shorter barrel options though. Mine currently is 19 inches

I have been in the same mind and want a PRC. Although when I look at the numbers they don't seem to offer to much over my .284. I have a 19" barrel and I push the 140gn VLD's at 3040fps. So I am not really gaining anything.

Originally Posted by Kudu

I have been in the same mind and want a PRC. Although when I look at the numbers they don't seem to offer to much over my .284. I have a 19" barrel and I push the 140gn VLD's at 3040fps. So I am not really gaining anything.

Yeah pretty close, little bit less recoil than my 284 shooting 162s, not that it's uncomfortable at all but does hop around making follow ups a bit harder.

I'm thinking mainly for the availibility of factory ammo and keeping both my hunting rigs at 6.5s for simplicity.

Might try keep the barrel at 24 inches on this and shoot unsuppressed for a bit

Originally Posted by Kudu

I have been in the same mind and want a PRC. Although when I look at the numbers they don't seem to offer to much over my .284. I have a 19" barrel and I push the 140gn VLD's at 3040fps. So I am not really gaining anything.

Heap more hitting power out far hard to beat the 156 Berger for bc at 2900 will leave the 140 for dust at 3040 in energy go on new is fun

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Interesting to have real world numbers to compare to other calibres. I have been considering a PRC as a do all.

Do it @Moa Hunter treat yourself. Do you have a suitable donor rifle?

Originally Posted by stevodog

Do it @Moa Hunter treat yourself. Do you have a suitable donor rifle?

I have a 270 and shoot 140 AB's at 3000. If I went to ELD's I would get 3100 so I dont know if there is enough gain. I like the 6.5 Saum ballistics with 140's at 3200.
But how far do I need to shoot ? Went on an overnight scouting mission yesterday and saw so many deer I didn't know which one to shoot, all DOC. Sixteen in one little gully, I crept to within 80 metres of them, two spikers got to 40 metres from them. Saw four at 600 ish but could have got within 200 in ten minutes- if you shoot them you have to go over there so might as well go some of the way before shooting. Spooked two at 20 metres while looking at flowers and they were the only ones that I would not have been able to shoot. I think a light little 6.5x47 would be the go !