Building a prs rifle, trying to determine cal, 6.5x47 lapua or 6.5 creedmoor

[Gamesniper19]

Here is what the data collected from the PRS shooters lists as the most popular cartridges:

View attachment 125086

I remember seeing this data and thinking "the first 5 calibers in the list are either wildcat or semi wildcat rounds"
The 6.5 x 47 lapua is a little bit better in overall performance but the 6.5 CM is better in availability, OTC components and loaded ammunition should a guy need it.
For me - if you are 100% a hand loader and drive everywhere you hunt, 6.5x47 Lapua - if you have to get on a plane and are ever concerned with needing emergency ammunition - 6.5 CM
I have had a 6.5 CM for quite some time and when I thought I wanted something more efficient for PRS I considered the 47 Lapua and instead went with even higher performance out of a short action and chose 6.5 GAP...

 

[Gamesniper19]

You are going to want to look very hard at the 6mm creedmoore, probably 30-40% less recoil then 6.5 . In PRC that is VERY important to be able to spot your own shots as no feedback from spotter is allowd during string of fire . If 6.5 is a must use Lapua brass in the creedmoore, it's the best brass you can buy and the creed has tons of options for loaded Ammo in a pinch . Every store you go into will have something for the creed

https://www.coppercreekammo.com/

Some of the best quality controlled and consistent brass I have ever used

 

[Almondgrower]

Nice chart ,very helpful , I didn't see that while I was finger pecking my reply .....lol

 

[skipglo]

I would absolutely not take my cues from what's popular among those particular competitors. They're extremely susceptible to hype, mania and pointless fads and racing money is their default behavior. I shoot competition a lot and I've seen the pro's getting their $10,000 rifle/optics combo having scores tied or bettered by joe-sixpack with a 1000 bucks worth of Savage and SWFA with increasing regularity. A Defiance action and Proof barrel on a $1000 chassis with a $3500 scope isn't the only way to get there from here. It's just the fastest way. I call that racing paper and it's not applicable to those on budgets that are limited.

If you want to be competitive at the local level while being budget friendly then:
1. Start reloading or you're wasting your money hand over fist.
2. Pick a 6.5mm-7.5mm rifle cartridge that puts heavy for caliber bullets out at 2600fps or better. That's good to 1000+yrds.
3. Pick up a scope that tracks (see my posts in topics about glass for good ideas about which are up to it on a budget).
4. Find a .75MOA or better load.
5. Learn to shoot / get a mentor / get trained.
6. Get your ballistics really dialed in (ask me how).
7. Train when you practice. Don't just rehearse. If you hit every time you're rehearsing. Make it harder on yourself and you'll get better.
8. Keep a log book of conditions and POI vs POA data. You'll want to thank me later for you starting to do that.
9. Get off your belly and on your feet. When you can hit standing, you can hit from any position.
10. Have fun. It's not worth it if it's just work.

You Sir I really appreciate! You give good sound solid and honest advice. I enjoy your posts. Keep up the great work. Television is destroying or at the very least Dramatically Distorting the truth of just how difficult it is to shoot past 500 yards for the average person. It's about consistency....not wings and prayers!

 

[Kiwi Greg]

If you want the greatest accuracy & aren't worried about losing 30-50 fps to the 6.5 CM the 6.5 x 47 Lapua is where its at.

It will also shoot the 147s with ease, it is much more than just a 130 case.

I have built more 6.5 CMs than 6.5 x 47s but the 6.5 x 47 have been more accurate.

Having said all that you don't need a sub 1/4 moa rifle, 1/2 moa works great

 

[BallisticsGuy]

I would absolutely not take my cues from what's popular among those particular competitors. They're extremely susceptible to hype, mania and pointless fads and racing money is their default behavior.

Here is what the data collected from the PRS shooters lists as the most popular cartridges:

View attachment 125086

Aaaaaaaaaaand bingo. Demonstrated.

 

[BallisticsGuy]

You Sir I really appreciate! You give good sound solid and honest advice. I enjoy your posts. Keep up the great work. Television is destroying or at the very least Dramatically Distorting the truth of just how difficult it is to shoot past 500 yards for the average person. It's about consistency....not wings and prayers!

Thanks much! I try to make sure my experience can become others' good judgement.

 

[sable tireur]

I remember seeing this data and thinking "the first 5 calibers in the list are either wildcat or semi wildcat rounds"

That's true.

Except why would they be at the very top of this list unless the shooters have found that these cartridges have the performance the shooter requires? Besides, the top 3 already have top quality brass available for those who reload. Which calls into play the fact that those who have chosen the top three cartridges, reload in order to be able to shoot and win.

This is not to take anything away from the 6.5x47 Lapua cartridge at all. It is a superb cartridge for both bolt action and gas guns.

I shoot competition a lot and I've seen the pro's getting their $10,000 rifle/optics combo having scores tied or bettered by joe-sixpack with a 1000 bucks worth of Savage and SWFA with increasing regularity.

I understand the point you're trying to make, I've seen the same thing occur at top level National and International matches. Once in a very great while, in other words, not very **** often at all.

Not in any the parts of the country I shoot in and I cover most of it. Maybe once in a great while but most assuredly not with any regularity. This is an exaggeration since then by logic, the rest of us who want to be competitive would switch to the Savage and SWFA outfit. Besides, the Production Class now covers those rifles and packages which stay at or under a certain dollar amount so they compete against each other and not against the fellows with more expensive gear. Pros, by the definition of that term, earn a part or most of their living by shooting AND performing. They most certainly are not going to stand by and let some one else out shoot them with lesser gear and still remain Pros. Personally I wouldn't bet against the Pros...

Another point to take into consideration with regard to brass is the cost of brass. It is necessary to consult the rules prior to a match to see if you can retrieve your own brass and when that is allowed. It varies with each match and the number of shooters vs the number of stages. High volume, fast pace matches may have you wait until the end of the day to find your brass and compete with all the others shooting a particular cartridge. Slower paced matches often will allow a minute or two for competitors to find their brass after the completion of a stage. The only reason to mention this is the cost of some brass. At 200 shots per match and $1.00 per case, it can get pretty expensive to lose all or even part of your brass. Be sure to conjure up some form of marking your brass in case you find yourself looking through a few thousand pieces of brass at the end of the day.

Last but not least, the top cartridges would not be at the top unless the shooters were properly prepared to have all their ammunition when and where they need it. Shooter plan and prepare. They do not leave anything to chance. So believing that you have to shoot a cartridge which can be sources at Walmart is fallacious.

Enjoy the Experience!

 

[skipglo]

Thanks much! I try to make sure my experience can become others' good judgement.

Good judgement.........hmmmmmm....is that similar to common sense? Lmao....
.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

I would absolutely not take my cues from what's popular among those particular competitors. They're extremely susceptible to hype, mania and pointless fads and racing money is their default behavior. I shoot competition a lot and I've seen the pro's getting their $10,000 rifle/optics combo having scores tied or bettered by joe-sixpack with a 1000 bucks worth of Savage and SWFA with increasing regularity. A Defiance action and Proof barrel on a $1000 chassis with a $3500 scope isn't the only way to get there from here. It's just the fastest way. I call that racing paper and it's not applicable to those on budgets that are limited.

If you want to be competitive at the local level while being budget friendly then:
1. Start reloading or you're wasting your money hand over fist.
2. Pick a 6.5mm-7.5mm rifle cartridge that puts heavy for caliber bullets out at 2600fps or better. That's good to 1000+yrds.
3. Pick up a scope that tracks (see my posts in topics about glass for good ideas about which are up to it on a budget).
4. Find a .75MOA or better load.
5. Learn to shoot / get a mentor / get trained.
6. Get your ballistics really dialed in (ask me how).
7. Train when you practice. Don't just rehearse. If you hit every time you're rehearsing. Make it harder on yourself and you'll get better.
8. Keep a log book of conditions and POI vs POA data. You'll want to thank me later for you starting to do that.
9. Get off your belly and on your feet. When you can hit standing, you can hit from any position.
10. Have fun. It's not worth it if it's just work.

That's how I look at the 6mm fad. I would think they'd get sick of changing barrels after awhile and work back to the 6.5 where they started from.

 

[Gamesniper19]

That's true.

Except why would they be at the very top of this list unless the shooters have found that these cartridges have the performance the shooter requires? Besides, the top 3 already have top quality brass available for those who reload. Which calls into play the fact that those who have chosen the top three cartridges, reload in order to be able to shoot and win.

This is not to take anything away from the 6.5x47 Lapua cartridge at all. It is a superb cartridge for both bolt action and gas guns.

True - All of those rounds are superb and they are all capable of single hole accuracy and consistent performance. Every PRS and competition shooter reloads...at least they do if they want to win.
The post was talking about 6.5's and the CM and Lapua specifically which is why I focused my time there. If we are going to open up the discussion to ALL appropriate high performance calibers, we should sign on and get ready to type a **** ton! LOL

We have to read the chart you supplied in depth. There are other charts within that article as well. The colors in your chart represent winners in black and place finishes in all the other colors. It also contains PRS and NRL - the dasher round is significantly utilized within NRL more than PRS, the 6 Creed is PRS, and so on....The 6.5 Lapua appears to have PRS locked up in the 6.5 category to your point.

Not challenging your thoughts. Actually loved them and they prompted me to go get a more complete story.

My take home. Choose any of them, choose the one you like and you want to shoot. Then compete, enjoy and have a blast - "MERICA" baby!

 

[foul bore]

That 6mm creedmoor is for sure a great one. My best groups at 500 are from the 6mm.
the 107 gr. sierra mk has a high bc and it is very comfortable to shoot. I believe if you stay away from max loads barrel life should be good

 

[Canhunter35]

Some of it advantages and disadvantages would depend on particular prs matches. Under 700 yards a 6mm is a very compelling choice, stretch it out to 1200 then I'd be leaning 6.5. Been reading why guys 6mm guys are moving to br cases or back up to 6.5s is for barrel life and throat erosion because prs is brutal on barrel wear.
6mm guys seem to get more shots off though, especially compared to me with my 308 lol

 

[iainfarthing]

Why not ignore the herd and go with a 6.5x55 Swede. A modern action can be loaded sufficiently to match the Creedmoor and x47.
Just a thought from this side of The Pond...