Has the 6.5prc peaked in interested?

[Bigeclipse]

I don't want to start a war on cartridges i.e. I don't need to hear why a 6.5 prc when xyz cartridge already exists. The reason why is there really is not a high velocity (magnum) 6.5 round which is super popular where ammo is readily available at stores. I am just curious if the 6.5 prc has already peaked in interest? I have become a fan of 6.5 caliber sized bullets for deer hunting. Smaller bullets for less recoil but still enough oomph(when properly selecting bullets) to take down large whitetails. I have been back and forth on getting a 6.5 prc. I know it does not really offer much more than already existing cartridges in performance but I was hoping Hornady was going to pull off another 6.5cm popular round because then ammo types and availability goes up. I wanted a flatter shooting version of a 6.5cm and it seemed like the 6.5 prc was going to be it. So what are your thoughts? Do you think the 6.5 prc has already peaked in interest or do you think it still has a chance to keep climbing?

 

[Rick Richard]

This is going to be an interesting thread.

Disclaimer: My opinion just like the ones to follow are just that...subjective.

I believe the PRC is one of those in between rounds where it might be a shade too big for deer and a bit too small for larger animals like elk. This is why I believe further down the road folks may come to the same conclusion and either go for the CM or X47 or larger caliber for larger game.

Like I said I know there will be some disagreement with my comment, but I own or have owned various shades of the 6.5 including all the way up to the SAUM. I now have the 6.5X47 for deer and 30 cal for elk.

 

[Bigeclipse]

This is going to be an interesting thread.

Disclaimer: My opinion just like the ones to follow are just that...subjective.

I believe the PRC is one of those in between rounds where it might be a shade too big for deer and a bit too small for larger animals like elk. This is why I believe further down the road folks may come to the same conclusion and either go for the CM or X47 or larger caliber for larger game.

Like I said I know there will be some disagreement with my comment, but I own or have owned various shades of the 6.5 including all the way up to the SAUM. I now have the 6.5X47 for deer and 30 cal for elk.

Thanks for your thoughts. I think it being a little too big for deer might actually be a good thing for deer hunter interest. You always get that person thumping their chest saying look at the cartridge I use. For example my father uses a 300 WSM but has never shot a deer over 200 yards.

 

[Andrew Massi]

I think it's still climbing, tons of factory rifles chambered for it and seeing lots of customs. I think it would make a splendid deer, elk, antelope round.

 

[Canhunter35]

Yeah with some good factory option available I think interest is still climbing and will take some of the 270wsm guys in time.
Imo it's merit is best as a lightweight do all type of cartridge.

 

[J E Custom]

All new cartridges will peak because the people that want one will probably get one soon or already has one. The staying power of a cartridge depends how well it fills the persons needs. Some times a great cartridge fails for one reason or another, and some times a mediocre cartridges is a success for many reasons. Normally it is just a likable cartridge that does lots of things ok but nothing that other cartridges can't do much better.

Get what you want, and be happy with your choice. If you really like it, buy enough components for the long haul and don't worry what others say or do. There will always be a "NEW" designer cartridge coming out that reportedly will solve all the problems of every other cartridge.

Remember, different people need/want different things from a cartridge and what suites you, may not suit them so they believe that what you have is inferior.

Keeping up with the Jones's can be costly and non productive.

J E CUSTOM

 

[Pdog11]

I would say no since Mossberg Patriot is cambered in it and if more value stuff is i think it will grow especially if cheaper ammo comes out

 

[AFraser]

You could be right about the PRC being seen currently as slightly marginal for Elk, but I think that could change if some heavier/tougher 6.5mm bullets (with reasonable BCs) became available.

Bonded bullets in the >150gr weight range, with G1 BCs >0.500 would be very effective on Elk at PRC velocities.
We just need to see them come out in Factory ammunition.

 

[Another Casual]

I think it has growing potential. Hornady is good about backing their stuff and it seems the factory chambering and twist rates coincide with it's intended uses. They're good about designing the chamber and ammo together and seems to produce good factory results. I'm happy with mine. A little lighter, a little more powerful and less perceived recoil than the 270 model 70 it replaced (much more accurate too). I have a buddy who hunts elk every year with his 6.5x55 swede. He is throwing 140s at 2650. I figure if that's worked well for him on elk then no reason why the same bullet at 3050 won't do it. I compared the 300 WSM, 7 SAUM, and 6.5 PRC on paper with the bullets I was interested in for each. It's a big jump in recoil for more energy down range. Getting a heavier rifle, more recoil, etc wasn't worth it to me. My rifle is 8 pounds ready to hunt and I have no problem with recoil doing load development or practice at the range. It's honestly an enjoyable rifle to shoot which means I'll end up with more practice and be better equipped come hunting season.

 

[Plinker147]

It will grow because of the factory support. Its a niche cartridge, it fits a role with a good design and can shoot 140 gr near 3000 fps out of a short action. For non re-loaders its really a good cartridge with the availability of quality factory ammo.

If the 6.5 SAUM would have been supported like PRC, PRC probably would not exist.

 

[CVCOBRA1]

I, myself, feel I have the 6.5 covered. A 6.5 Grendel, .260 Rem and .264 WinMag. Three different velocity ranges plus other rifles chambered for calibers on both sides of 6.5. This ole dog doesn't need another set of dies. LOL

 

[Deleted member 103481]

There is no way any opinions on if this cartridge has peaked can be anything but conjecture at this point.

 

[Remmy700]

If you don't have a fast 6.5 already and the creedmoor is all you have then the PRC will do you just fine. However, if you had say a 6.5 SAUM already or similar already in your arsenal then the PRC is not going to knock you over with its performance. Hornady is really good at one thing, marketing. And with that marketing they typically answer with tons of support whether brass, loaded ammo, whatever. The good thing about the PRC just like the creedmoor is that before long you will see match grade ammo at Walmart for it lol. For us reloaders that really don't matter but that is where Hornady targets, those who do not reload and want to have match grade ammunition readily available.

 

[Don A Parsons]

I find that the 6.5 is the middle ground between the 243,,, 25/06,,, or the 270,,, there all pretty close in my books...

But what would I know...

Fairly light recoil,,, easy to stay on target,,, and just enough to harvest critters with in my zone...

Cheers from the North