Best long range 6.5mm/.264 caliber for hunting deer sized animals

[Pale Rider]

6.5 PRC is hard to beat. Devastating on game to 1000 yds, hell on steel at 1 mile and mild recoil with 147 grain ELD projectiles.

 

[jehu]

For a nonreloader 6.5 prc with the 147eldm (the old a-max bullit with the new heat shield tip) gets it done on eastern whitetails!

 

[iclick]

I own most of those. But my go to long range for deer is the 6.5-284. Flat shooting and easy to load for. I considered the new prc but it isn't enough different to warrant the expenses. Dies and brass a bit harder to come by. I buy 284 win and one pass through the sizing die and its good to go. Use those for practice and plinking. Then for my target use I use Norma Brass.

 

[Varberger757]

For me 6,5x63 Messner Mag, best there is for long range in combination with large game. Second choice would be 6,5x65 RWS.

 

[RAGGED EDGE]

.264 Win Mag 26" bbl

But,BUT...Isn't that one of those (GASP) Belted cartridges ??

 

[436]

When it comes to long-range with Deer killing power, none of them beat the 6.5 Wby Mag (6.5-300 Wby) as for what would be my favorite, it not up here in the '70s I used a 6.5 Remington Mag and loved it, I know many of the ones here will equal its performance and accuracy, but... I never looked back'..., that cartridge is just plain super on Deer. Perhaps it's sentimental nostalgia. Of course, if I could get my hands on a Win Model 70 Pre 64 in .264 Win Mag with some life left in it I wouldn't turn it down, it's a great cartridge on long Deer shots, however, it's not a 6.5 Wby Mag.

 

[308win]

6.5x55 with 135 Berger Classic Hunters at just over 2600fps has proven to me 3 times at 501, 520 and 522yrds. Why beat yourself up with recoil?

 

[wildcat455]

Lmao!
Ragged edge, too funny!

 

[TexasMarine]

Howdy all. I've been reading this web for a year or so and decided to join after reading that good thread on the 264 win mag.
I am not to good at internet stuff but will try to cinch up.
Have a great day

 

[Vinny boy]

Hey guys how about a 6.5x257 weatherby.140 Berger at 3200

 

[Wy Will]

I can't imagine if starting from scratch wanting a belted anything nowadays.

Please explain your reasoning.

 

[Vinny boy]

Long neck

 

[Wy Will]

I choose a 6.5-284. I shoot 160 Matrix at 2,800 FPS using H1000 out of a 26" barrel. 0.3 MOA and devastating on elk.

I will make the move to the Berger 156 after my Matrix stockpile runs out.

 

[iainfarthing]

No 6.5x55mm? Doesn't get the recognition it deserves on your side of The Pond