6.5 PRC Build

I built a creedmoor to see what it could do and to test the hype. It's not anything special ballistically but I knew that from the start: You're only going to get so much from 40-50 grains of powder. However, it did exactly what it was supposed to. Got more people into a sport which in turn brought more money in and has helped bring an un-quantifiable amount of new products to compete for that extra influx of cash. That benefits everybody.

I see us share similar beliefs on several subjects, Mud, but Badmouthing hornady because every Tom dick and sally has a creedmoor isn't fair. It was well thought out and has done great things for the sport, even if it added a few goobers.

I like to experiment and I know what a 6.5x284 will do. If I had the spare resources I would definitely spend a barrel on a PRC just to know for myself.

Gunwerks was a good proponent of the 6.5x284 and now they're pushing the 6.5 and 300 PRC. However, in a podcast, Aaron Davidson did indicate their testing showed the 6.5x284 still slightly outperformed the 6.5PRC. I own a 6.5x284 and have had it for 5 years. Shoots like a dream out to 1000 yds just fine and my shoulder feels nothing. I think as a reloader go with the 6.5x284. If you don't have the time or desire to reload, go with the 6.5PRC. Either is perfectly fine.
 
hi guys,
I tried a search on the topic and couldn't find any threads so appreciate any guidance you can offer.

Long story short, I've been planning and saving for a 6.5-284 build and now wonder about a 6.5 PRC instead.

Thoughts?

Where should I go for latter if that is best path?

Thanks,

Jeff


Jeff,

Mudrunner is a broken record regarding the PRC being hype. Bottom line is both are great cartridges. But, the PRC is very efficient. I have a GAP built PRC, only rifle I have. I have shot a couple deer, and a bull at 500 + yards, and a BB at 1056 and I compete with it. Sure the 284 could have done the same. and whether it was a round the people needed or not, Hornady created it and it exists. Sure they created to make money and sure it really doesn't fill a gap that existed in available cartridges. That being said, it exists and it's more popular than the 284 currently. Because of that manufactures are chambering the round like crazy creating more options for you. Also, you won't find s better more accurate factory ammo than the Hornady ELD-M. I reload but when I don't feel like it, it's not to be able to buy a box. Brass lasts 7-8 reloading when not pushed hard and the PRC can fit in a short action. Hype can be annoying but because it pressures you to go with the new shiny option but because of the hype, there are more options if you go the PRC route. Plus in my opinion it truly is more efficient than the 284, especially in short barreled guns (shorter fatter case burns powder faster). My 2 cents
 
The PRC truly shines as an option for factory ammo, and an option that can fit in a short action build.

If you don't care about receiver length like most of this forum then it becomes less attractive, if you don't care about factory support it becomes less attractive(again like much of the population here), and lastly if you are willing to chamber cartridges that haven't been supported reliably in decades (6.5rem mag) then again it takes another hit.

If any of those matter to you it's an awesome option, and even if they don't it still flat out does what it was designed to do.

However, it was not designed to send a 140 at 3250. If you want that much speed the 264 is an awesome option.
 
https://www.gunwerks.com/blogs/podcast/is-the-new-6-5-prc-here-to-stay

Here's a good podcast to listen to about 6.5 PRC from folks at GunWerks.

Basically the PRC is duplicating the 6.5-284 with 'slightly' better ballistics. The 6.5-284 was never standardized enough for large manufacturers to produce without some liability... thus, the PRC will take the 6.5 and make it a mass produceable product.

If building a custom rifle, a PRC with a medium action, like a Defiance XM, would be about perfect.
 
I thought the PRC was the brain child of George Gardner. Made to get to the velocity near the limit of 3200 fps for competition & do it with the Hornady 147 Gr ELD bullet. Because the Creedmore fell short of the allowed velocity limit.
I don't think you can get any where close to 3200fps with a 147 eld without having a large Brass hammer to open the bolt. I get pressure @ 3030 fps and it takes 57.5gr of RL26 to get it to there. Hornady's data for the 147 is exaggerated i.e. 3050 fps using 55.7gr of Reloader26. Using Their MAX load of 55.7gr it only yields 2961 fps out of my Custom 26" Schneider barreled Tikka...And the Hype goes on. The only reason I built (2) PRC's was for higher resale demand generated from Hornady's media hype. But all this being said, acceptance of the 6.5mm calibers in general is at an all time high due to the 6.5 Creed & 6.5 PRC and that is a plus.
 
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I don't think you can get any where close to 3200fps with a 147 eld without having a large Brass hammer to open the bolt. I get pressure @ 3030 fps and it takes 57.5gr of RL26 to get it to there. Hornady's data for the 147 is exaggerated i.e. 3050 fps using 55.7gr of Reloader26. Using Their MAX load of 55.7gr it only yields 2961 fps out of my Custom 26" Schneider barreled Tikka...And the Hype goes on. The only reason I built (2) PRC's was for higher resale demand generated from Hornady's media hype. But all this being said, acceptance of the 6.5mm calibers in general is at an all time high due to the 6.5 Creed & 6.5 PRC and that is a plus.

Jpope02,

I concur, 56.6 H1000 in my 26" Bartlein gets me 3032. And it's not hot at all, I could do 3100 with 57.8 but brass life shortens. No need to push the 147eldm faster anyways.
 
hrnhntr,
What brand and model of 6.5 PRC did you buy?

I'm getting a Browning X-Bolt Pro in 6.5 PRC - if they ever get into the country, that is.
I have the same rifle in 6.5 Cm and am selling it when I get the 6.5 PRC in my hot little hands. (WAIT!, I don't have little hands! :rolleyes:

Eric B.
 
How did I miss that obvious troll comment?

How is this thread still going?
Additional
Jpope02,

I concur, 56.6 H1000 in my 26" Bartlein gets me 3032. And it's not hot at all, I could do 3100 with 57.8 but brass life shortens. No need to push the 147eldm faster anyways.
My point was Hornady Hype would lead you to believe that the 6.5 PRC is the next coming. A casual reader of their published reloading data for their 147gr & 153gr will push them @ 3050fps when using Retumbo or RL26 Max loads, which it won't from my experience.(26"barrels). It takes another 2 to 3 grains to get there which and shows extreme pressure in both of my rifles. Hornady's "Blue Sky" attempt to make The PRC better on paper than the 6.5/284, 6.5/06, 6.5 Rem Mag 6.5 Gap etc has me guessing that their data is inflated beyond reason to sell "Their Unique" new product.
Don't get me wrong I own 2 PRC rifles and I am building another but it ain't a 26 Nosler just saying!
 
Additional

My point was Hornady Hype would lead you to believe that the 6.5 PRC is the next coming. A casual reader of their published reloading data for their 147gr & 153gr will push them @ 3050fps when using Retumbo or RL26 Max loads, which it won't from my experience.(26"barrels). It takes another 2 to 3 grains to get there which and shows extreme pressure in both of my rifles. Hornady's "Blue Sky" attempt to make The PRC better on paper than the 6.5/284, 6.5/06, 6.5 Rem Mag 6.5 Gap etc has me guessing that their data is inflated beyond reason to sell "Their Unique" new product.
Don't get me wrong I own 2 PRC rifles and I am building another but it ain't a 26 Nosler just saying!
Everyone misses one special detail... you can buy a box at XYZ retailer.
 
Everyone misses one special detail... you can buy a box at XYZ retailer.
Not really, I'm in the camp that only reloads and dont trust factory ammo I've seen to many inconsistency in factory ammo. Consistency is the key for accurate ammo and only one person to blame if you roll your own, ya just gotta look in the mirror.
 
Not really, I'm in the camp that only reloads and dont trust factory ammo I've seen to many inconsistency in factory ammo. Consistency is the key for accurate ammo and only one person to blame if you roll your own, ya just gotta look in the mirror.
I totally agree! I was referring to the fact that you never see a 6.5x284 on the shelf. The small number of loaders versus the masses of store buyers is what drives sales.
Years ago, I had Jarrett ready to chamber for the 6.5x284 for a trip until I was told I couldn't bring my own ammunition. That reamer was replaced with a store shelf friendly version.
My point is the PRC will exceed the popularity of the 284 simply based on availability.
Reloading means nothing to a guy who has never seen a set of dies.
Now to contradict myself:
George Gardner has a video where he describes the intended velocity of the PRC to meet the PRS maximum velocities. I'd take the word of the developer, especially him, over anyone trying to figure a recipe out given that we are in the age of public call outs. I honestly believe that Hornady does their homework before they run their mouths.
What do I know? I buy off the shelf.
 
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