Thread: Some thoughts on 6.5 PRC

Originally Posted by NathanSBR

To me it just sounds like you're way over pressure in your 6.5CM loads. I haven't seen any published data that says it can achieve anywhere near that velocity. Consider also that the way 6.5CM achieves results comparable to 260 rem with a smaller case is because it's SAAMI max pressure is already higher than typical cartridges.

That's my 2c based on my limited knowledge and experience.

Im talking max on both (pressure showing on brass in both rifles). I run my creedmoor at 2910 with the 143eldx and most of my brass is on its 6th loading now and happy as larry. No doubt its warm but im confident it isnt “too warm”. For reference GRT suggests max to be 48.6gr for 2957fps. Mine was 2960 at 48.5gr when it started to stamp the brass. Im no expert either and i know my go to load at 2910 is pretty hot but i imagine it cant be that bad if the brass isnt pissed off by its 6th loading.


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6.5PRC was (like 6.5 Creedmore) brought about to sell more new rifles / compnents.
Gun writers jumped on it (earned their money) and promoted the hell out of it and made it the cool calibre to have...............I mean who doesn't want the latest cool gun.
rest is history until the "next" cool calibre arrives on the market.

Personally the 6.5 Creedmore is not what I would pick for a hunting rifle and nor would I choose the 6.5PRC, I feel there is no substitute for using a heavy bullet weight in 7mm + calibre.
The creedmore however is an excellent target rifle calibre from what I have personally witnessed.

Yea i find it an underperformer inherently accurate and cool theirs factory top quality ammo 6.5 saum leaves it for dead 156 berger 3080 22" bbl .

The prc range has being a god sent for the non handloader thats my reason for liking them

I agree with @mikee - the primary purpose of the 6.5 PRC was to allow the Hornady marketing machine to prop up the bank balance. And build on their Creedmore 6.5 theme. The 6.5 PRC offers little or nothing over existing cartridge designs like 6.5x284 & 6.5 SAUM. One could argue the older 2 have the edge in performance potential. This is not to say the 6.5 PRC is not a good cartridge in its own right & the availability of factory ammo is clearly a bonus for shooters that don’t roll their own.

It sure does seem that way. From what ive heard so far, velocitys that are in line with what hornady claim seem to be few and far between.


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I dont know a lot about PRC shooting but isnt there a velocity limit like 3000 fps, for which the cartridge was designed not to exceed ?
It certainly seems to be an accurate round, but I wonder if a slightly bigger case although less efficient would allow for better velocity, lower chamber pressure and longer barrel life ?
The Creedmore does well, giving the same velocities as a 270 with 10 gr less powder and a smaller diameter ( more bearing surface) same weight projectile

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

I dont know a lot about PRC shooting but isnt there a velocity limit like 3000 fps, for which the cartridge was designed not to exceed ?
It certainly seems to be an accurate round, but I wonder if a slightly bigger case although less efficient would allow for better velocity, lower chamber pressure and longer barrel life ?
The Creedmore does well, giving the same velocities as a 270 with 10 gr less powder and a smaller diameter ( more bearing surface) same weight projectile

Hornady data suggests 3150 with a max load of RL26 behind a 143 eldx. Im yet to see one even come close to that.


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Originally Posted by 6.5 CRD

Hornady data suggests 3150 with a max load of RL26 behind a 143 eldx. Im yet to see one even come close to that.


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That's what I would expect, and then there would be an advantage the Creedmoor or 260.
But I've never seen anyone come close to those speeds.
I load 28.8 grn of RL 26 in my Creedmoor no pressure signs for 2816 from a 20 "

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Originally Posted by 25/08 IMP

That's what I would expect, and then there would be an advantage the Creedmoor or 260.
But I've never seen anyone come close to those speeds.
I load 28.8 grn of RL 26 in my Creedmoor no pressure signs for 2816 from a 20 "

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I assume you mean 48.8gr, that lines up pretty close with what mine does. I run mine back a bit from that though.


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Originally Posted by 6.5 CRD

I assume you mean 48.8gr, that lines up pretty close with what mine does. I run mine back a bit from that though.


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Shit rum and phone key pad don't mix.
Yes 48.8 RL 26 but stuffed up again that's my 260 load the Creedmoor is 48.6 grn

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Originally Posted by 6.5 CRD

It sure does seem that way. From what ive heard so far, velocitys that are in line with what hornady claim seem to be few and far between.


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I've seen velocities pretty easily and consistently 150 - 200 fps faster than the creedmoor which is what I would expect.

10% powder never adds 10% velocity.

Youve just got a fast creedmoor and a standard prc.

Same in all the step up calibers, 270 isn't offering huge speed over hot 7mm08 nor is the fuddy over hot 308. As usual you'll see the biggest gains in heavy for caliber bullets or longer barrels with the ability to squash a slower burning powder in.

Yeah the saum is faster but it's also a good 6% more case capacity, and was always to finicky in the feeding department to be a viable factory rifle option anyway.

Originally Posted by 6.5 CRD

You must be pushing it pretty hard with some solid brass to be doing that? RL26?

60gr H1000 and hornady brass. Im seeing pressure signs at 60.4gr in my Christensen and no pressure signs at 60.4 in a mates tikka but thats at bergers max and well above the hornady data.

Originally Posted by matto1234

60gr H1000 and hornady brass. Im seeing pressure signs at 60.4gr in my Christensen and no pressure signs at 60.4 in a mates tikka but thats at bergers max and well above the hornady data.

Interesting with same load I am at 3180 average with 143ELDX in a 28 inch barrel. Brass is on its 14th loading. I've not tried to push it further there no point when I only use it for gong shooting. 6.5Saum not PRC though...........................

Rechamber your fast 6.5 creedmoor barrel into a 6.5 prc. And you might get the speed you wanted :-) it would be an interesting experiment

Originally Posted by Friwi

Rechamber your fast 6.5 creedmoor barrel into a 6.5 prc. And you might get the speed you wanted :-) it would be an interesting experiment

Now that would be a waste
The Creedmoor and the .260 is a near perfect combo.
Some just work, I find that size case size near perfect

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