6.5 PRC itch

Years ago I used to shoot an old Swedish M96 6.5x55 which was a great wee gun for what it was and lately I've been reloading for a mates T3 6.5 creedmore which has kind of re-awoken an itch for a 6.5 calibre

I'm keen on a 6.5 PRC as it seems to tick all the boxes for me but I just wanted to know what peoples experiences have been with this cartridge in the sense of what rifles your shooting in this calibre, projectiles, powder etc as I've been eyeing up the following rifles.

1. Howa 6.5 PRC action and barrel to then put into a stock of my choosing
2. Sauer 100
3. Browning X Bolt

Keen to know wat peoples experiences and recommendations of its cartridge and rifles chambered in it have been.

The Howa version is a long action. you might want to check on availability of stocks / chassis / mags compared to short action 6.5PRC options.

Of those I'd go howa depending on twist rates.
Really a great caliber for longish targets in the wind with heavy for caliber bullets.
For me struck the right balance of horsepower/recoil/barrel life.

Unfortunately 6.5 stuff and slow powders are a bit thin on the ground and factory ammo is non existent at the moment.
I'm all good but that doesn't help anyone else with ammo.

Rl26 and a tips are where it's at for me.

Good luck getting ammo or components for it. Was in a sports store the other day and young fella was in there jabbering on about how he wanted a 6.5prc and the shop owner told him "I've got one out the back, but I've taken it off the shelf and I'm not selling it to you because you won't find ammunition for it"

Ive got a Mauser M18 which is very similar to the Sauer. Plenty of room in the magazine. Hard rifle to fault for the price. Biggest negative is not being able to get an aftermarket light carbon stock (trigger guard is built into the stock and has a strange bedding V block thingy). Very good top load detachable magazine.

Ive docked mine to 20".

Getting 2860 fps with 140 Amax and Bergers. Also 124 grn Hammer Hunters at 3K. Tight groups are no trouble.

Powder is N565 although Im getting short. R26 is good too as is 2217. All much of a muchness. I have plenty of R26 so am sitting comfy.

Ive got some 143ELDX to try when Im out of Amax.
I use a mix of brass. Hornady and ADG - for hunting with my loads it doesn't seem to matter if I mix them. I have just bought 50 Lapua (very spendy).

Recoil is negligible with a muffler on. It doesn't exactly knock deer off their feet but on the same hand has killed everything without fuss that Ive shot at.

bergara b14

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Originally Posted by Howa1500

bergara b14

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Yes. Ive considered swapping mine for a b14 so I could get a carbon stock for it. I think Remington inletting fit them.

6.5 in any configuration is hard to go past.

Not a fan of the options presented, I would hang out in the buy/sell here as there are some lovely customs that show up from time to time.

Re bullets ect, just put your order in now. If your like me a 100 will last a few years

I've been thinking about one for ages but when I see the speed that guys are getting I'm thinking I'll stay with my Tikka .260 which is only a few fps away from the PRC for less powder.
If you are rebarreling how about the 6.5saum

Sent from my CPH1903 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the replies so far. I realise there is a ammo/component shortage but I'm in no hurry to buy the rifle at this stage... just merely tyre kicking and exploring options.

Like you @Tahr I also looked at the B14 as an option as I like the fact you can get aftermarket stocks so perhaps the B14 could also be another option.

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Originally Posted by Howa1500

bergara b14

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I was looking at one today at the local. I did a double take as I thought they only came in 6.5 Creedmore and 308
6.5PRC (at least I think it was) 24 inch Bergara Extreme Hunter?? Stainless and Cerekote. Had floorplate and no threaded barrel. Looked nice
However I already have 2 6.5 Somethings with case capacity either side of it and bugger all projectiles so....................... it stayed there

I recently purchased a Bergara B14 Extreme hunter in 6.5 PRC. I went in to the shop planning to buy a bigger calibre (already had a 270, was after a 7RM or 300WM). Got talked into it as the "cartridge of the future". After going home and having a better look at the figures I realized the 6.5PRC and 270 were, for my intents and purposes, were bloody close in performance, so the Bergara will be for sale soon, but I digress. The only reason the Bergara PRC will be getting the flick is due to the challenge of finding factory ammo/componenents. I am sticking with the more mainstream calibres for the time being. This probably doesn't help the OP though, if your heart is set on a 6.5PRC I would definitely recommend the Bergara Extreme hunter. Well built, good value for money and good aftermarket options for stocks etc.

Shooters World had brass for this cartridge on the shelf last week.

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Originally Posted by Dama dama

Shooters World had brass for this cartridge on the shelf last week.

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Yeap they do but no projectiles or powder or factory ammunition

Yeah, kinda critical those bits.

It’s an itch you can’t scratch…. As others have stated, no ammo, projectiles, powder, brass ??! And when it does come in it’s going to be farkn expensive. And at the end of the day it’s really just 6.5 SAUM in an expensive frock.

If any of you need brass, buy this and I'll send it onto you https://www.cdsgltd.co.uk/lapua-brass-65prc-100.html

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Originally Posted by chainsaw

It’s an itch you can’t scratch…. As others have stated, no ammo, projectiles, powder, brass ??! And when it does come in it’s going to be farkn expensive. And at the end of the day it’s really just 6.5 SAUM in an expensive frock.

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And not as grunty

Yeah nah don’t do it I reckon! Cost you a bomb to source components if you can find them and after all that just go 6.5 saum instead haha.

Cartridge evolution should have stopped at the 7mm SAUM.

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Originally Posted by GWH

Cartridge evolution should have stopped at the 7mm SAUM.

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It did :)

6.5 swedish ammunition still seems to be freely available and not massively expensive.

I dont have one, but comparing at all the modern chamberings for accuracy, performance and least recoil / powder use vs efficiency, the ability to build on a light but manageable platform, 7mmsaum comes out the best as a longer range cartridge IMO.
6.5 saum is very very good on paper, but those long heavy projectiles that produce the good numbers on paper seem to pencil / slow kill on game at range and defeat the purpose of an accurate long range rifle according to blokes I know who have tried one

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Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

I dont have one, but comparing at all the modern chamberings for accuracy, performance and least recoil / powder use vs efficiency, the ability to build on a light but manageable platform, 7mmsaum comes out the best as a longer range cartridge IMO.
6.5 saum is very very good on paper, but those long heavy projectiles that produce the good numbers on paper seem to pencil / slow kill on game at range and defeat the purpose of an accurate long range rifle according to blokes I know who have tried one

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Yip mine was destructive but lacked that smash it over effect with the 156 Berger at 3080fps

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Originally Posted by Kelton

And not as grunty

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Which is why my 6.5Saum is now a gong gun only, I found it a poor killer. 300wsm that replaced it as my hunting rifle is a better killer, well at least it is for me
Had the PRC been available when I got my SAUM I would have brought that so at least I could buy a factory gun (and factory ammo at some point). In reality there is bugger all difference between the 2.


If you have a 6.5 anything then stockpile is the only way to keep shooting currently.

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Originally Posted by mikee

I was looking at one today at the local. I did a double take as I thought they only came in 6.5 Creedmore and 308
6.5PRC (at least I think it was) 24 inch Bergara Extreme Hunter?? Stainless and Cerekote. Had floorplate and no threaded barrel. Looked nice
However I already have 2 6.5 Somethings with case capacity either side of it and bugger all projectiles so....................... it stayed there

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That one nearly came home with me last weekend, it was only the ammunition supply shortage that stopped me. Nicely balanced rifle, fitted well too.
I have 7mmRM already so it was only a want.

Thats one of the dramas i have for my long suffering 264 win mag.
Finding a projectile that does the jobbies up close and far away.
mostly hampered by 1-9 twist so a lot of the new long range pills can be touch and go.
Bullets like the partition are meant to work really well with the accubonds also good. LRABS fall into the touch and go category.
If only going to 400ish meters they work well, if you are trying to stretch the legs then it becomes a conundrum.
400m is a long way for me so not worrying about more than the ones I mentioned although I do have continuing thoughts about the federal edge/tlr etc etc projectiles.
Solid copper back/jacket with lead front.

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Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

I dont have one, but comparing at all the modern chamberings for accuracy, performance and least recoil / powder use vs efficiency, the ability to build on a light but manageable platform, 7mmsaum comes out the best as a longer range cartridge IMO.
6.5 saum is very very good on paper, but those long heavy projectiles that produce the good numbers on paper seem to pencil / slow kill on game at range and defeat the purpose of an accurate long range rifle according to blokes I know who have tried one

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kelton

Yip mine was destructive but lacked that smash it over effect with the 156 Berger at 3080fps

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by mikee

Which is why my 6.5Saum is now a gong gun only, I found it a poor killer. 300wsm that replaced it as my hunting rifle is a better killer, well at least it is for me
Had the PRC been available when I got my SAUM I would have brought that so at least I could buy a factory gun (and factory ammo at some point). In reality there is bugger all difference between the 2.


If you have a 6.5 anything then stockpile is the only way to keep shooting currently.

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Thats interesting eh, so it seems the SD of the long heavy for cal 6.5 bullets is actually too high and they are not frangible enough. Ive been doing most of my hunting with my 7mm SAUM for a few years now, im still using the old 162gr Amax as i stock pilled about 700 of them when i heard they were being discontinued.

It's rare for me to shoot deer under 400 yards these days, most are 500 to 600 with some others around 700 and one out to 994 yards. I must say, the deer seldom go far, with more than 50% of them dropping on the spot. The 162 Amax works damn well. When im out of them i'll go to the 162 eldm. I'm pushing the 162 at 3,050 fps from a 22" barrel.

The 7mm Saum with the right bullet, is a wicked little cartridge. It's like the perfect balance of enough bullet weight at a decent velocity, minimal recoil with a suppressor or brake.

It's just a shame that you can no longer buy a rifle off the shelf chambered in it. Hell i don't know why? It seems more efficient than the Rem mag and WSM.

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Originally Posted by GWH

Thats interesting eh, so it seems the SD of the long heavy for cal 6.5 bullets is actually too high and they are not frangible enough. Ive been doing most of my hunting with my 7mm SAUM for a few years now, im still using the old 162gr Amax as i stock pilled about 700 of them when i heard they were being discontinued.

It's rare for me to shoot deer under 400 yards these days, most are 500 to 600 with some others around 700 and one out to 994 yards. I must say, the deer seldom go far, with more than 50% of them dropping on the spot. The 162 Amax works damn well. When im out of them i'll go to the 162 eldm. I'm pushing the 162 at 3,050 fps from a 22" barrel.

The 7mm Saum with the right bullet, is a wicked little cartridge. It's like the perfect balance of enough bullet weight at a decent velocity, minimal recoil with a suppressor or brake.

It's just a shame that you can no longer buy a rifle off the shelf chambered in it. Hell i don't know why? It seems more efficient than the Rem mag and WSM.

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I did a fair bit of research into the 6.5 PRC (and 6.5 Saum) and came to the same conclusion the the 7SAUM was all round a better cartridge.
Unless you are using factory ammo the 6.5 PRC doesn't seem to give enough extra velocity over other 6.5 cartridges to be worth it.

Obviously not being able to buy a rifle in 7SAUM is a big problem but it seems like the cartridge is making a come back, like 284win has so maybe it'll return at some stage.

You could grab @Beavis howa 6.5creedmore barreled action and re chamber it to 6.5PRC ?

I love my 6.5x55’s. The Tikka/vortex combo took a very heavy Marlborough stag last roar. The old Swede variants I own have young fullas salivating at the range. It’s even better when they see how well they shoot. Luckily I have reasonable supplies of reloading components.

We have a few Tikka offerings in the 6.5 PRC and I am seriously considering getting into one. Ammo is an issue, however, as horrible as it sounds, being in the industry at times has its perks.

I can feel that itch...but for me it makes no sense compared to my 284. A couple of foot pounds of recoil difference, less barrel life and a smaller hole from a projectile with similar BC.

I'm running the 153 Atip at 2950 with rl26 from 22
6.5Saum may have a touch more horsepower but not a lot in it and will have the same problem with supply of components.
And give it a couple of months and factory PRC ammo will be on the shelves again but not 6.5 Saum.
Naturally a 7mm bullet will be better than a 6.5 terminally just as a 30cal is better than a 7mm.
A large part of me going 6.5 after years of 30cal was so my Son could shoot it.
I have a reduced load with 129 interlock he shoots that barely recoils more than his 223, tho that said he shot his last deer with my full power load and handed it alright which couldn't be said for my 30-284 pushing 178g at 3k.

If you have a hankering I say go for it....by the time you get the rifle sorted the next shipment will have arrived.

I'm surprised that there's not been consideration of a short action 270 .... like 270/284 or 270 SAUM. Yes, the 270WSM has been around for a while & is available but its a bit more of step up in powder capacity & recoil.
And there's not been a great selection of high bc pills for the 'ol 270 until recently. Still not brilliant but I bet you can find a better selection of 270 pills in NZ now days compared to 6.5. And terminal performance is pretty well established in the traditional 270.
A short barrel (18 - 20in) 270/284 would be an interesting project.

@chainsaw https://www.gameandfishmag.com/edito...rtridge/387680

More of an issue getting a fast twist .277 barrel I think

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Originally Posted by chainsaw

I'm surprised that there's not been consideration of a short action 270 .... like 270/284 or 270 SAUM. Yes, the 270WSM has been around for a while & is available but its a bit more of step up in powder capacity & recoil.
And there's not been a great selection of high bc pills for the 'ol 270 until recently. Still not brilliant but I bet you can find a better selection of 270 pills in NZ now days compared to 6.5. And terminal performance is pretty well established in the traditional 270.
A short barrel (18 - 20in) 270/284 would be an interesting project.

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Originally Posted by Kelton

@chainsaw https://www.gameandfishmag.com/edito...rtridge/387680

More of an issue getting a fast twist .277 barrel I think

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Ryan on here obviously had the 27 Nosler built, with a fast twist barrel to shoot the 170gr Elite Hunters. I ended up buying that rifle for the action/trigger/stock and brake and its now a 300 RUM. Even when pushing the 170 gr at 3200-3300 fps the 27 Nosler still fell short of the ballistics of my 28 Nosler running a 195gr Elite Hunter at 3100.

So even with the best .277 cal bullets currently available, it still doesn't make sense compared to its 7mm counterpart. So i'd imagine a 270/284 or a 270 Saum would be equally a waste of time, best to stay with 7mm or 30 cal or larger for LR hunting IMO

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Originally Posted by chainsaw

I'm surprised that there's not been consideration of a short action 270 .... like 270/284 or 270 SAUM. Yes, the 270WSM has been around for a while & is available but its a bit more of step up in powder capacity & recoil.
And there's not been a great selection of high bc pills for the 'ol 270 until recently. Still not brilliant but I bet you can find a better selection of 270 pills in NZ now days compared to 6.5. And terminal performance is pretty well established in the traditional 270.
A short barrel (18 - 20in) 270/284 would be an interesting project.

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6.8 Western is trying to do this, but suspect it won't take off!