6.5PRC, 6.8 Western, 7SAUM

[Buckys]

OP, given the game you'd like to hunt and the maximum of 500 yards, curious why you're choosing between three pretty decent LR options? (and I'm not trying to tell you that if you just really want one of the 6.5prc. 6.8w or 7saum options that you shouldn't go for it ... I have bought plenty of rifles that I could not logically justify are better options than what I have in my safe)

FWIW, I'm wondering why 270 win (more or less similar to 6.5prc out to 500) or 7mm rem mag are not on the list of possibilities? Much better factory ammo options here and you can twist them faster to satisfy your desire to plink at > 500 yards (and either hand load and/or have someone do it for you)?

In other words it sounds like a <= 500 yard hunting rifle and plinking at longer range is a nice-to-have.

 

[MT-JONAS]

This rifle will be in the classifieds. It is my current 6.8 Western. It has less then 50 rounds through it. Last evening I ordered components for a 6.8 I will be building on a Tikka action.

 

[Teri Anne]

This rifle will be in the classifieds. It is my current 6.8 Western. It has less then 50 rounds through it. Last evening I ordered components for a 6.8 I will be building on a Tikka action.

I am a fan of the 6.8 Western. I think that it's probably one of the best all around cartridges today. I own a Winchester XPR Varmint that is an absolute tack driver with ammo from 140 gr up to 170 gr. Handloads of course since factory is limited but all bullet weights are 1 mos or less. So my big question is why are you getting rid of this rifle after only 50 rounds through it? Can't be because you don't like the cartridge, although I cannot fault you for wanting something with a Tikka action,

 

[billflangjr813]

Doing a custom build soon. I'm trying to choose between the above calibers of 6.5PRC, 6.8 western, and 7 SAUM.
I'm going to use this rifle for deer and antelope 80% of the time, elk 20% and would like the confidence to go goat and moose hunting in the future when kids are older. I do want to stay short action and go with a lighter setup to take up the mountains. I don't handload at the moment (only shotshell reloading currently) but not opposed to doing it. I don't plan on hunting critters over 500 but would like to be able to target shoot a long ways just for ***** and giggles. I don't shoot competitions at this point.

Here's my thoughts on each option

6.5PRC- pros- flat trajectory and accurate. Lots of experience from others to garner wisdom. Great factory ammo selection and plentiful reloading info and supplies
Cons- lighter bullet weights so may not be ideal for the 20% of my time I spend elk hunting (and eventually moose). Everyone and their dog has a version of a 6.5 now so low "cool" factor lol

6.8 western- pros- heavier bullet weights that would cover all my hunting scenarios. Ballistically similar to 6.5PRC but not identical (drops a bit more but not by much) but retains more energy downrange. More rare so has a medium "cool" factor
Cons- isn't getting the attention I think it deserves thanks to Hornady and Federal colluding to mutually avoid making factory loads as it competes with Hornady's 7PRC Some decent factory loads but not many. Reloading components can be spotty (Winchester and ADG brass only).

7SAUM- pros- very accurate (pry on par with 6.5PRC). Highest "cool" factor
Cons- practically have to handload and some sources indicate to use the long, high BC bullets you need a medium or long action for proper bullet seating.

I am sure there are other pros and cons I haven't listed here, especially since I don't have hand loading experience.
Fwiw, I purposely did not mention any build components as I've kinda already made those decisions, but I really need to nail down a caliber.
I appreciate the feedback!

Go with the 6.5 PRC !!

 

[MT-JONAS]

I am a fan of the 6.8 Western. I think that it's probably one of the best all around cartridges today. I own a Winchester XPR Varmint that is an absolute tack driver with ammo from 140 gr up to 170 gr. Handloads of course since factory is limited but all bullet weights are 1 mos or less. So my big question is why are you getting rid of this rifle after only 50 rounds through it? Can't be because you don't like the cartridge, although I cannot fault you for wanting something with a Tikka action,

I put many miles on my boots walking the mountains of Montana hunting deer and elk. The rifle currently weighs 9.2 lbs the way it's configured. I have a suppressor coming in a few weeks which will of course add to the weight and length. Also, I find myself constantly tinkering and options for Savages are very limited.

 

[Teri Anne]

I put many miles on my boots walking the mountains of Montana hunting deer and elk. The rifle currently weighs 9.2 lbs the way it's configured. I have a suppressor coming in a few weeks which will of course add to the weight and length. Also, I find myself constantly tinkering and options for Savages are very limited.

All of that makes good sense. Once upon a time I had a Model 70 with a 26 inch stainless match grade barrel, weighed in at 12 pounds loaded with a scope. I was a lot younger back in those days and only climbing up and down the hills of Western Wisconsin. Kept it but got another Model 70, Featherweight in 308. Still have the 308.

 

[Teri Anne]

Go with the 6.5 PRC !!

Well, my recommendation would be the 6.8 Western. I have chosen Winchester rifles, since only Winchester and Browning are available in the 6.8 Western. Both the Winchester Model 70 and XPR available in both calibers. Both rifles weigh between 6.8 pounds and 7.0 pounds with the Model 70 Featherweight being the lighter of the two. The Model 70 runs around $1300, the XPR Compact is around $609. I have a 6.8 in the XPR Varmint and it is a tack driver with 140gr to 175 gr factory ammo or hand loads.

The 6.8 has the advantage of a 175 gr bullet while the 6.5 PRC is only available up to 156 gr. The 175 gr 6.8 leaves the barrel at 2835 fps while the 6.5 has a slightly higher muzzle velocity with the 155 gr bullet leaving the barrel at 2850 fps. Muzzle energy is, 6.8 - 3123 foot pounds, 6.5 Muzzle energy is 2813 foot pounds. Energy wise, the 6.8 is clearly the winner.

Ammo availability with the 6.8 Western is currently only available with Winchester and Browning, however it is available online and most local gun shops. The 6.5 PRC is available as well but from a variety of ammo manufacturers, with in store availability somewhat limited, at least in this area.

The choice is definitely up to you, it's your money and while I feel that the 6.8 is going to be a better choice for larger game up to Moose and yes, with the 175 gr bullets even Griz and Brown bears. I am not sure that I would care to face a large bear with the 6.5 even though they have been taken with both 243 and 270s.

 

[clemmy]

I'd be interested in your thoughts on favorite 7saum powders!

Reloader 26

 

[clemmy]

I have a short action 7SAUM and love it. Running 155gr Hammer Hunters and dropped a muley in it's tracks at 420yrds. You absolutely don't need the long action unless maybe you're planning on doing extreme long range? Even then, who knows.

All that said, you don't need any of those chambers to get your use case done. A 6.5 creedmoor will get the job done just as well with far less recoil. That's what I was using before I switched to 7SAUM (just because I wanted a change), an it performed great. If you're using lead ammo, from what I understand, a well-made bullet will create a wound channel indistinguishable from something heavier and/or of higher caliber.

You should check out the Hunt Backcountry podcast that the Exo Mtn Gear guys do. They're using a 6 Creedmoor (not 6.5) for their Moose and Carribou hunts , and they're dropping everything and documenting it.

 

[Trm82]

Well after having three 7 saums and one 6.5 prc the 7 saum gets my vote.
My current 7 saum is a Fierce rival
( I got lucky ) that shoots like crazy. It's a short action and is jumping 175 elites 0.133" and it is insanely accurate with multiple powders with that bullet. If I was to build one it would definitely be medium to long action but this one works for me. N560, N565 have been insanely accurate but I'm using RL26 at 2940 fps.
I've had this rifle on steel to 1480 yards no problem.
Not sure how it shoots this good jumping them that far but this is an 825 yard group.

 

[Coach Jay]

Split the difference, 7mm Prc allows a lot of versatility in all aspects of what you are looking for!!

 

[ObiJohn]

Split the difference, 7mm Prc allows a lot of versatility in all aspects of what you are looking for!!

I think the 7 PRC requires a medium or long action, right? Unlike the 6.5 PRC or 6.8 Western.

 

[kgarrett]

I think the 7 PRC requires a medium or long action, right? Unlike the 6.5 PRC or 6.8 Western.

Yes, that's correct it needs a long action. The 6.5 PRC short, 7 PRC long, and 300 PRC magnum length.

 

[kgarrett]

2.95, 3.34, and 3.70 COL in inches respectively so they all stretch their relative action lengths to the limit.