Handloads: 6.5 mm PRC For Big Game

by
posted on February 16, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
6.5 mm PRC

The 6.5 mm PRC boasts higher velocities and more downrange energy than the 6.5 mm Creedmoor, and with the proper projectile, this cartridge can humanely dispatch big game, even at extended distances. That’s the concept behind Berger’s 156-grain Extreme Outer Limits Elite Hunter bullet, which is exceptionally heavy for caliber and offers a G1 BC of 0.679.

6.5 mm PRC specsA handful of companies make dies for 6.5 mm PRC, but I found Forster’s to size the case just enough for smooth chambering without completely losing its fireform. Also, these dies are now zinc-plated to better resist corrosion. Although data is not yet abundant for this bullet, Quickload suggests a starting charge weight of 53.5 grains of VihtaVuori N565 with a maximum charge weight of 59.7 grains. When using Hornady cases, I found that anything more than 57.5 grains resulted in a compressed load, but at 56.5 grains, the bullet just touched the powder column when seated to an OAL of 2.900". Magnum primers are not recommended for this powder, and I’ve had no problem using the Federal 210. This recipe produced an average group size of 1.28" during 100-yard testing and resulted in manageable recoil. During this test, my chronograph recorded a muzzle velocity of 2,727 f.p.s. with a paltry 6.6 standard deviation and only 14 f.p.s. of extreme spread.

This load will need only 9.75 m.o.a. of come-up to impact a 500-yard target. At that range, expect 1,533 ft.-lbs. of energy—still within the threshold to responsibly down game as large as elk. Best of all, it does a terrific job of bucking the wind.

—Frank Melloni

Latest

Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main
Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main

Guns Of The U.S. Tankers In World War II

Since the end of World War II, debates have raged about the effectiveness of American armored fighting vehicles in that conflict. Despite all the Monday morning armored quarterbacking, American AFVs were war-winners, driven to victory by some the finest fighting men our nation has ever produced.

MidwayUSA Foundation Awards Over $14 Million In Cash Grants In 2025

In honor of National Shooting Sports Month—held annually in August—along with the growing popularity of the sport with new participants, MidwayUSA Foundation announced it has distributed more than $14.2 million in cash grants to support youth shooting sports in 2025.

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.