New Hornady 6.5 PRC — Precision Rifle Cartridge
Hornady has introduced a new Short Magnum cartridge, the 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge). This will be offered as factory ammo in both a “Match” version (with 147gr ELD) and a “Precision Hunter” version (with 143gr ELD-X bullet). Presumably, in the future, Hornady will offer 6.5 PRC brass separately for hand-loaders, but Hornady has no time-line for brass availability. However, you can get 6.5 PRC brass right now from GA Precision at $86.00 per 100 cases. GA Precision’s George Gardner, who helped develop this cartridge, has posted: “It’s a non-rebated short mag based on a short RCM [Ruger Compact Magnum] case. It has 3-4 grains less capacity than the 6.5 SAUM which nets about 30-50 fps deficit to the SAUM.”
The 6.5 PRC Match seems to be aimed at the PRS crowd and long-range tactical shooters. The product launch photo shows a tactical rifle and steel plate. Hornady says the 6.5 PRC was “designed to achieve the highest levels of accuracy, flat trajectory, and extended range performance in a sensibly-designed compact package. Utilizing moderate powder charges that result in repeatable accuracy, low recoil, and reasonable barrel life, the 6.5 PRC produces high velocities for target shooting with performance well beyond 1000 yards.”
“High Velocities”? Wait a minute — here’s the ballistics chart from Hornady’s 6.5 PRC page. It shows a muzzle velocity of 2910 FPS. That’s not much better than a 6.5 Creedmoor (which can push 140s over 2800 fps), so we wonder about this. You have to ask — what is the point? Is there anything this 6.5 PRC can do that the venerable 6.5-284 can’t do just as well or better — with a standard bolt face?
New 6.5 PRC Is a Short Magnum Requiring Magnum Bolt Face
Dubbed the “big brother” to the 6.5 Creedmoor, the 6.5 PRC fits in short or medium actions with a standard magnum bolt face (.532”). The case geometry features a long cartridge case neck and 30-degree case shoulder. It sort of looks like a 6.5 Creedmoor on steroids. For its loaded 6.5 PRC Match Ammo, Hornady is showing a 2910 fps Muzzle Velocity with the 147gr ELD Match bullet. That’s not very impressive. Why go to the trouble?
Comment — Does This New 6.5 PRC Cartridge Fill a Need?
Honestly, we don’t get this. If you need more speed than a 6.5 Creedmoor and want to stick with a .264-diameter bullet, then shoot a .260 Rem or 6.5-284 using a standard bolt. This requires a magnum bolt face. The 6.5-284 is a barrel burner; the 6.5 PRC promises to be likewise. On the other hand it may work better than a 6.5-284 in a short-action magazine — that may be what Hornady is thinking…
The 6.5 PRC clearly seems to be targeted at the PRS crowd. But we see many top PRS competitors moving DOWN in cartridge size, rather than up. Many PRS guys have stepped down from the 6.5 Creedmoor to the 6mm Creedmoor, or even a 6mm Dasher. The benefit is less recoil, and cheaper bullets. Are there really many PRS shooters clamoring for a short magnum? We don’t think so.
We’ll see if this new 6.5 PRC cartridge catches on — maybe some PRS guys will want this for long-range side matches. Rifle makers currently chambering the 6.5 PRC include GA Precision, Gunwerks, PROOF Research, Stuteville Precision and Seekins Precision.
6.5 PRC Ammunition for Hunters — Also New for 2018
Hornady will also sell a version of 6.5 PRC ammo design for hunters. The Precision Hunter version, shown below, is loaded with the 143-grain ELD-X Bullet. Again, however, we really don’t know why any hunter would want to shoot this cartridge, when you already have so many good choices, such as the 6.5x55mm Swede, and the original .284 Winchester, both of which can use a standard bolt face.
If you have a hunting rifle with a magnum-size bolt, why not shoot the 7mm RSAUM or 7mm WSM? Barrel life is not really an issue for hunters, so the smaller case capacity of the 6.5 PRC is not really an advantage. Perhaps the veteran hunters among our readers can enlighten us, using the comments section. Would you build a hunting rifle chambered for the 6.5 PRC?
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Tags: 2018 Hornady, 6.5 PRC, ELD Match, ELD-X, Hornady, Precision Hunter, Precision Rifle Cartridge, PRS
6.5 PRS looks to be a 6.5 SAUM in a more friendly case design. Not to say it doesn’t compromise something. The SAUM has rebated rim, which adds complexity.
The rebated design squeezes a larger cartridge into a smaller action, which leaves me uncomfortable with some actions.
I really don’t get why developing a cartridge for only 100 fps more or 50 yds more range. The 6.5 – 284 already does this upper zone and is standardized in industry on a standard bolt face. Savage has rifles in this caliber and also there are Savage barrel replacements for $200 to turn a 30-06 or 270 Win into a 6.5 – 284 for budget building off an Axis or 110. I don’t even get why the Creedmoor is good when a 6.5 – 284 cleans its clock! Remington = don’t know how to market a .260 Rem to save their life. I do give Hornady credit for marketing their products – something Remington (.260 Remington) is incompetent and impotent on doing.
As Steven said, the 6.5/284 already exists and a 7/284 with 140 grainers would do just as well.
Let’s start collecting these odd marketing cases and do a review of what was successful in 5 years time.
The reason the 6.5 PRC will sell is because most ammo manufacturers will not make 6.5×284 ammo. There’s a difference between 6.5×284 Winchester and 6.5×284 norma. Not a lot, but enough that the cartridges are not interchangeable. Ammo companies are afraid of legal problems. That’s the main reason that the 6.5 PRC was developed by Gunwerks and Hornady. In 2018 Savage and Howa have announced that they will make rifles in 6.5 PRC. I think Christenson and Montana makes them also.
The 260 is almost the same case capacity as 6.5 creedmoor when you’re loading 143 eld-x bullets to mag length in a short action. You’d have to put a 260 and 6.5×284 in a long action to match the 6.5 PRC performance.
260 Ackley does everything this will do requiring only rechambering an existing rig, fewer variables for the future and really good brass available from Lapua and Peterson.
Of course if one enamored with having the latest thing and buys in to marketing strategies, by all means keeps the mills turning and enjoy.
My rifle with a 30″ Bartlein 5t 7.5 t will launch a 150 smk at 3100 using h1000 without case head expansion. Case capacity is almost identical to a 6.5-284 so that is what to compare it to.
Any comparisons with under loaded factory ammo, 6.5 CM, 26 Ackley are not realistic.
Bill
What most of you are missing is this. 6.5×284 is a great cartridge…now go buy some ammo. You can’t find it, because no major ammo manufacturer will make it. There’s a 6.5×284 win and a 6.5×284 norma. They won’t make ammo because there’s too many chances for legal problems. That’s why a couple of gun companies went looking for similar performance in a different case that they could get saami specs.They used a 300 ruger compact magnum case and developed the 6.5 prc. Hornady got it saami certified. Howa, Saur, Savage, and others have announced they will begin making rifles chambered in 6.5 PRC. Within 3 years we’ll probably see hornady, winchester, federal, and remington making ammo. The 6.5 PRC may not be better than a 6.5×284 but it’s the only major companies could get it done legally.
Some of you say, we have 260 and 6.5 creedmoor. Why make a 6.5 PRC? Why does a 308, 3006, and 300 win mag exist and sell well? A few years back a LOT of people said the 6.5 creedmoor was a fad and would disappear. Guess what? In 2017 the 6.5 creedmoor was the number one selling rifle in the US. Every major manufacturer makes a rifle chambered in 6.5 creedmoor. Savage, howa, tikka, remington, winchester, mossberg, browning etc…They all sell them. Every ammo company makes 6.5 creedmoor ammo. remington, winchester, federal, hornady, barnes, lapua, norma, browning etc…Very soon rifles and ammo will be available in 6.5 PRC.
I think i would go with 6.5CM over this any day. For starters you already have Lapua Brass and several high end die makers with micrometer seating stems. With the CM shoulder you already get better brass life. You also get better barrel life ( if you like to shoot alot this doesnt mean much bc a new barrel is like new tires on your car when you need them…….. but in the long haul if you get a sweet shooting barrel you get to shoot that nice one longer.)
Overall i would go 6.5 cm for a pick from the 6.5mm selection……..it is proven to be a sweet shooter and easy to load good for.
The benefit to 6.5cm is that its slightly heavier than 6mm so it is better for game in general…….and it is also great for long range paper punching or ringing steel !
No fan boy here as i dont own one yet but am swayed toward 6.5cm for lapua brass and berger 140 hybrid pills, not to mention the plethora of aftermarket support in gas guns and bolt guns !
Maybe not good for everything……..but hey people have taken elk with it, they’ve shot targets at a mile with it and it is less punishing on the shoulder and on your wallet than many others out there!
If a man is building a new rifle why not use the 6.5prc. Have been out of hunting for many years and am getting back in with 6.5prc .If you already have any of the 6.5s stay with it
Has anyone found the reamer that the factory
6.5PRC Ammo likes?
Like previously mentioned… to compare 6.5CM (I own and love my 2 and my 2 6CM as well) and 6.5PRC in factory offerings completely misses the boat. The PRC and 6.5×284 will buck the wind drastically different and maintain substantially more long range energy. You ask why buy it? For me: 2,900 is crazy slow for this round.. a starting point on mv. I’m putting together a 6.5PRC rig in a very light weight hunting rig and this round will shoot (from what I’ve read and have been told by several people the new Berger 156s that are already being tested and from what I’ve been told and read you should be able to fit these into a standard AI mag (length 2.890” if not mistaken) in a SHORT ACTION!! That’s the reason to me. We all see our shooting worlds through our own “straws” and I think it’s short sided to bash something we don’t see value where somebody else does. I have a lot of guns (high end customs w expensive glass etc..) but still see where somebody would value a very low end rifle… I have a dozen savages and love them and a couple of them shoot as well as 5k+ rigs!!! If I was only going to have one gun for hunting this wouldn’t be it but this will be my medium game hiking rig and weight is a big deal to me. The round will flat out shoot no doubt about it and make no mistake… when Hornady gets behind something to this extent (think CM) it will gain a ton of traction… I only precision hand load but for those who don’t you can expect TONS of great high or lower components (brass, reloading dies, factory rifles, maybe reticles) and the 6.5PRC might not be your “best” but it will easily shoot 3,100+ fps (not a chance in 6.5cm) and will be backed by every company around… I heard so many people bash the 6.5 CM in the beginning (no Lapua brass, no Forster or Redding dies, etc…) and it’s the standard now… the 6.5×55 Swede is a fantastic round and so is the 6.5×284 and so is the SAUM AS WELL AS A FEW OTHER CARTRIGES IN 6.5mm. But none of these are going to be as accessible (for whatever reason) as the 6.5PRC in my opinion. Like it or not we’re going to be hearing it’s name for a long time…
I just don’t get it. How many 6.5mm cartridges do you need to flood the market? 260 Rem? 6.5 Creedmoor? 6.5×55? 6.5 284? 6.5 Rem Magnum? 6.5 PRC? 6.5 06? 264 Mag? 26 Nosler?
All of them are within 250fps of each other more or less. Ridiculous when 500 yards and under is 99.999% of shooting done. It didn’t work in the 1960’s it compared to 308 Win, the 6.5 crowd doesn’t start to shine past 500 yards and that is past 99.999% of most shooters skill set.
Theres been so many good points made so far. As previously mentioned, we all see things in our own way. Many of the 6.5 cartidges for me never exactly fit what I was looking for. The 6.5-284 was always slightly too “odd ball”. I cant just buy ammo at the local sporting good/tire shop/hair salon. When hunters go hunting, you are guaranteed to forget something. Ammo is not an exception, and you don’t hunt in metropolitan areas. The 6.5 magnums always have a reputation for burning barrels. My latest acquisition was a 28 nosler. The only reason I wanted this cartridge was the ability to shoot 175 and 185 grain bullets at a speed that allowed for efficient bullet performance beyond 500 yards. All bullets have a speed range at which the bullet is tested for expansion. I was really tiered of poor expansion on elk and trying to track something that took me 3 hours to reach the point of shot. So, for some people this cartridge may provide what they are looking for. The longer neck will allow you to shoot the extra heavy bullets and gain that sectional density while still having the speed efficiently expand at longer distances. I may not purchase one right now, but I do know that Hornady is known for pouring a heavy amount of engineering into their developments. I’m a perfectionist, most things I concern myself with I’m sure most wouldn’t. When I look at a 260 Remington I think “the same cartridge they’ve milked on every other caliber, milked again.” Not that a 260 is a bad round, I’d like to get one for my kids to shoot, however I really don’t need one shoved into my 308 or 7mm-08, but for me I just cant respect it as much as a cartridge that had been designed and tested from the ground up.
I’m really interested to see the development of this 6.5 PRC and its marketing over the next 5 years. Like it had been stated earlier, nobody knew why the Creedmoor had been developed and look at it now.
I’m just too damn old for all of this !!! I joined the Marine Corps in 1970 when I was 17 years old . Immediately fell in love with my M-14 . I have been shooting rifles chambered in the old .308 round ever since . I don’t shoot competitively or shoot exotic game at long ranges . The ONLY modern technology that I have embraced is the Berger bullets for dropping deer in their tracks and using a Precision Armament M4-72 Muzzle Brake that takes ALL of the recoil out of my DPMS 308 so that my old bones don’t get beat up !!!
it was all setteewd when the 256 newton was desingned and no american company has
out performed it . however in europe they have a 6.5 X65 which dubs the 6.5/06 an thus all others are just plain inferior..
Short fat vs longer cases with same capacity , longer powder columns are more efficient .. As are shallow shoulder angles , the 300 H&H delivers more velocity for every grain of powder burned over any .30 magnum ..
Short actions only save a few ounces in weight and only offer milliseconds in bolt op speed. 6.5 x 06 will beat the short fat cases in 6.5mm of equal case capacity breaking the 3,000 mark with the 155 MK with 30 inch barrels ..
I have the 2 chambered barrels and two reamers 6.5 Rem mag and 6.5 X 06 both on long actions and a few thousand dollars in the comparison ..
I’m getting one!
Have wanted a short action 6.5mm to compete with the 270win. and not the 270wsm.
Tried talking myself into the 6.5creed but just was too slow for me, for hunting.
I’d like to see them offer a 120 and 130gr type hunting bullet.
I think the 6.5 PRC will go big with the PRS crowd. If you have ever been to matches you will see competitors are spending bank for small advantages. The fact that you can get a 147 ELD with a B.C. of .696 traveling 2900+fps gives a big advantage over say my .260 rem pushing a 140 grain VLD with a .611 B.C. at 2800fps. If your shooting at a 8″ target out of a dog house at 800 yards close does not get those critical points. Besides PRS competitors live to spend their money on new gear and rifles.
Editor: Makes sense, seemingly. Except for the fact that the top PRS competitors are going in the opposite direction — to smaller 6mm cartridges. Look at the latest Precision Rifle Blog PRS survey. Many top guys are running the 6mm Dasher and even the standard 6BR now. I know one top guy who will be running a .22 BR. Less powder, less recoil, cheaper bullets, more than adequate accuracy. Honestly, I’m not sure what the 6.5 PRC is needed for. Our advice — stick with a cartridge with Lapua Brass.
A little insight to start, I’ve been reloading everything from pistols to shotguns since 1974. I reload for myself and others, and have contemplated adding special reloading to my business. I am a gunsmith, still learning more all the time, and forever I hope. I study and understand ballistics, conducting my own tests and helping others with theirs problems and decisions. So I know a little about guns.
Everyone is jumping on the 6.5 bandwagon, and why not the marketing says they are the “be all – end all” of cartridges. The hype (marketing), around the 6.5 PRC is the same crap just a new bullet. If you are a hunter, one of the owners of Gunwerks hunts everything, I mean everything with a 6XC not a 6.5 PRC. If you are a target shooter there are bullets out there that destroy the PRC. Many are in different calibers, however if you want a 6.5 I would recommend the .264 Win Mag. The 6.5s that barely beat it out are the 26 Nosler and the 6.5-300 Wby, both using much more powder in much bigger cases. This extra cost only gets them 100- to 150-fps more than the 6.5 Win Mag, that pretty much kills them. So if you have to have the newest cartridge on the block then purchase the PRC, otherwise buying one makes no sense. I was just in a store checking out the rifles and there was a nice Christensen in 6.5-284 and 3 Ammo deletion to go with it. There were no 6.5 PRC rifles or ammunition to be found. The 6.5-284 is a great cartridge and it is used by Gunwerks, the guys who helped developed the 6.5 PRC!
Doesn’t matter until you use one very little recoil having said that the 6.5 rem mag would have been and still be had they got the twist/ barrel length right look at 264 win powder / case capacity,most 80% or less tells me why do you want the larger case ? Do the sums and you will find the 6.5 / 300 wsm bang for buck is well ahead of the 26 and the rest.in aust.the cost of reloading has gotten out of control $75 for 1lb powder $100 box projectiles $295 box 100 cases 6.5 cm or 6.5-284norma so bang for buck controls all
I own a 6.5-284 NORMA Savage 110. And a couple of 6.5 Swedes, military surplus and CZ 550 hunting rifles.
I have shot 10 deer so far with these, also a lot of targets and tin cans during load development and informal practice (plinking!) too.
I have never shot a deer with factory ammo with these rifles because what I want is either not made, or isn’t accurate in the available factory choice of bullets, velocities and base to ogive lengths/OALs.
I bought a 6.5CM AR-10 “Hunter” variant last summer (August, 2019) too. Broke in the barrel and played with it a bit, put a couple hundred rounds of factory and hand loads down the tube, did some hunting load development. And then left it home and hunted with the 6.5-284 this year. I’m selling this rifle, it shoots 5 rounds at 100 yards under an inch no problem, but it’s not a hunting rifle which suits me. Too heavy, needless ammo capacity, a pain to carry. Someone doing PRS who doesn’t have to CARRY it will like it though.
So, this “6.5 CM AI” analogue stuff is all mildly interesting to me. But I’m working the OTHER end of the spectrum. 6.5 Grendel? Nice, low recoiling, kills deer to 300 yards just fine and when am I going further, ethically! Looks like my next rifle buy will be a CZ micro Mauser. Deer don’t need suppressing fire, neither do targets.
I guess so much for all of the 2017 “this cartridge will flop” comments. 6.5 PRC is an excellent, well designed cartridge and coming on strong in acceptance.
I own and shoot almost daily. I’m a maintenance director at a gun run. I’m retired and enjoy doing all this. I shoot 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 300 PRC, and 6mm ARC (AR15).
I love my 6.5PRC however I’m in the process of building a 6mm ARC. WHY? Economics. I love shooting small groups as far away as I can. Does the paper or steel know the difference when I hit and hear impact? No. Does my pocket book? Damn right.
I may also go with 6Dasher or 6BR too. Why just have one more rifle when you can gave 2..or 3 more! My buddy shoots the 6Dasher and is trying to sway me his way. All in all though price of everything and availability will determine it. I reload of course. In a pinch Hornady 6mm ARC is usually on the shelf at Academy near me.