PredatorSlayer
Well-Known Member
I went back and forth forever between the two, in the end it was the short action vs long action that pushed me to the PRC in the rifle I wanted. Saved me over 8oz...weight was a factor for me.
6.5 prc or 6.5 284
- Thread starter Onesock
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Hmmm...I've built and tested a number of both. I hate to say it buy I would probably go PRC. The Hornady factory ammo with 143 ELD-X's is shooting 1/4 MOA for me.... some buddies and I were shooting in some cold windy conditions and at 400yds I was stacking shots on a plate so well I could tell which shot was which.. Now would a 6.5-284 do the same. Sure, but not with reasonably priced off the shelf ammo.
I too have both and shoot both. This year taking my Mesa PRC more maybe because it's new, light and accurate. The 6.5x284 w/Lapua brass is an awesome combo for the range for me.
Consider going to the Gunwerks podcast and listen to the one about the genesis and other factors about the 2 cartridges. Was very interesting to me and addresses the factory ammo issues among others on the 6.5x284. As I get older and have less time And energy to reload combined with the reasonably priced Hornady PRC ammo that easily shoots under 1/2 minute on PRC is the reason I'm taking that one hunting this year. Come range time in the spring probably back to the 6.5x284. You can't go wrong with either.
Consider going to the Gunwerks podcast and listen to the one about the genesis and other factors about the 2 cartridges. Was very interesting to me and addresses the factory ammo issues among others on the 6.5x284. As I get older and have less time And energy to reload combined with the reasonably priced Hornady PRC ammo that easily shoots under 1/2 minute on PRC is the reason I'm taking that one hunting this year. Come range time in the spring probably back to the 6.5x284. You can't go wrong with either.
Hespco
Well-Known Member
I see the 6.5-06 being left out of this discussion. 6.5 PRC,, 6.5-06, 6.5-284. All with virtually the same powder capacity & performance. Yes if you don't reload the 6.5 PRC or 6.5-284 would be prefable. But if you do reload a 6.5-06 can be built on any 30-06, 270 etc action & there are tons of these available at very reasonable prices... Plus the 25-06 or 30-06 brass to form 6,5-06 is super plentiful & much less expensive & you know will be AROUND forever. Super smooth/slick feeding with the 06 case. A very important consideration.
Pdurry
Member
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I am having a custom 6.5 PRC built...Bartlein Heavy Palma barrel 29", with 7.5 twist on a 700 short action, with magnum bolt face. It will be mounted in the MDT LSS-XL Gen2 Chassis System. I will reloading with the ELD 147 and 153 Atip.
SteveBurton
Formerly 'Jackmonkey'
I have both and reload for both. I've been leaning towards the PRC more just because the rifle is lighter. That's no fault of the cartridge. I get a tad more velocity out of the PRC but in a pinch I can buy factory ammo and rezero the scope. I can't do that with my 6.5-284.
let me know how it works out.
BrentM
Well-Known Member
A 6.5 PRC can and does run fine in a short action at mag length with the heavier bullets. If you build a custom barrel with your own reamer spec then just lessen the freebore to reduce jump if it matters. You'll gain a little case capacity if you go medium or long action. I have still not done a seating depth test on my rifle, I just run them short enough for the mag and they all shot .5 moa or less at 400 for load development. My settled upon loads shot .5 or less at 550. Right now my go to bullet is 135A tip. It jumps about .080 and runs just under 3100. Should be bad medicine for wolves this winter. I'll run the 156 for deer, bear, elk if I hunt them with a rifle. I usually bow hunt big game, rifle is wolves.
Danehunter
Well-Known Member
I voted 6.5 PRC so I could easily load longer (heavier) bullets with that longer PRC neck. My Browning X-Bolt has a 1:7 twist that can use those heavier bullets.
Plus it's still (barely) a short action cartridge so rifles can be made lighter.
Eric B.
Plus it's still (barely) a short action cartridge so rifles can be made lighter.
Eric B.
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JC in Calif
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- Jul 1, 2007
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I have a 6.5/284. I built mine on a long action, which allows me to seat 140's out and not intrude on case space. With Berger 140VLD's my gun prefers H4831sc. Friends have had good success with H4350. I'm now fooling around with light bullets (100gr), just to see how they shoot and how fast I can drive them. Great brass available. I'm most likely pretty basised, as I shot one of my best Antelope with it!
Bigeclipse
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- Aug 10, 2012
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if it were me id be going 6.5prc unless you will definitely be reloading. There is a chance the 6.5prc can take off and be similar in popularity as the 6.5cm. If it does, you will find a ton of factory ammo and rifle options which will also mean it will be easier to sell a rifle in that caliber, should you ever want to sell it. The 6.5x284 wont be able to accomplish any of those. That being said, there is currently a lot more reload data and such for the 6.5x284 which is definitely an advantage.
Based on performance, I can't imagine there is a difference in barrel life.
There are a lot of options for 6.5-284 off the shelf. Selling one is also easy because people know they are a top 1000yard cartridge every year at Williamsport. What can't the 6.5-284 accomplish?
Time will tell.
