6.5 Caliber Cartridges: Creedmoor vs PRC vs Weatherby vs Nosler

[@backfire]

I think the voting on this is gonna be a landslide, so please just vote in the comments. I’ll read through and get a percentage.

[@tracyepeterson7817]

It looks like 6.5 PRC is going to take the win on this round.

[@foubert45]

Still sad .270 win beat out the 6.8 Western previously. People voted with their hearts and with bias, when it was ballistically clear which round was more capable of long range hunting and precision.

[@daytonbailey6316]

6.5prc

[@stasiuk76]

prc

[@yl3064]

@@foubert45 How many rifles and ammunition available in west….. the answer is right there. cheers

[@stansteiber]

6.5 PRC. On a side note, my #1 rifle all time was a Weatherby Mark V in .270 Weatherby Mag. Even back then if you didn't reload, you really couldn't afford to shoot a Weatherby :) Great videos you are putting out, keep on being so awesome! Stan

[@Bowser68]

6.5-300 is definitely my vote! Seems like the numbers were cherry picked a little bit. Using the 127 grain Barnes you have very different numbers that wouldn’t quite match the narrative. Felt like the 6.5-300 was undersold due to some bias. All great calibers though. I just prefer the versatility of the 6.5-300 myself. Thanks for the videos though. Always love to hear your opinion.

[@JCTaylor21]

I read your comment after having posted mine. I said the same thing. He's under selling the 6.5-300. I've also said, this is all highly dependent on the application. Where are you hunting? Is it open terrain? If you're hunting White-Tails in an agricultural field with woods on all 4 sides and your longest shot may be 150 yards, then you don't need a 6.5-30 Weatherby, but if you're hunting Mountain Goats in British Columbia and you may not be able to get any closer than 600+ yards, you're most assuredly going to want the added reach of the 6.5-300.

[@a.j.downeyrestorationscrea1655]

@@JCTaylor21 Yeah, these numbers have been horribly cherry picked. The actual numbers on are closer to 3500 fps with the 127 lrx's. The stats would differ if the numbers weren't fudged to the narrative.

[@linsy1971]

Weatherby simply makes the best

[@lovethehuntOutdoors]

I did not even see a cherry 🍒 being picked but I sure could use a fresh cherry pie. 😆😁

[@sayercrewe1]

Just sold my 6.5-300 paperweight of a rifle, what good is it if you can’t find/buy ammo to shoot it? And if you can, $6+ a round isn’t all that appealing

[@kirbyshepherd]

I have the 6.5 Weatherby, I like it because the” lrx” has 400yard shot without any sight adjustments needed. That’s pretty cool for hunting purpose!

[@JCTaylor21]

Agreed. I zero my scope for 300 yards with my 6.5-300 and my 300 Weatherby Magnum using 190 grain Accubond L-Rs and 180 grain Partitions. My 300 Weatherby Magnum with 180 grain Partitions was my go-to Elk rig for decades. The last 6 Elk seasons, I've been using a 9.3x62 with 250 grain Accubonds. Overkill? A bit, but I like the rifle and the cartridge.

[@NW_Outdoorz]

6.5 PRC get my vote. I’ve seen it in action in person. Impressed was a huge understatement when it came down to it.

[@mikebowerman5078]

6.5 PRC. I reload and am getting a 156 Berger EOL to move at 2917 with 1/2 moa. Tested what I call bullet performance on milk jugs at 400ish yards and the jugs were in a few pieces.

[@jonleatherberry1621]

What are you using as your powder and how much?

[@joquin4618]

Dang that’s fast!

[@waynemensen4252]

Fill the jugs with raspberry jello for a more realistic view of performance. I fill pop bottle's for prairie dog practice!

[@craigwhite7209]

I used this load on several big game animals including elk this past year. It performed extremely well at longer distances (500+ yards).

[@billthompsoniv8735]

Whats barrel length on the rifle and what powder are you using?

[@DirtNapSpecialist]

6.5 PRC is my vote...it's the lightest recoil for best performance and I can hand it to my daughter without reservation. It also has the best prices and options for factory backed hunting loads. If availability was not an issue right now people would have even less reservations. I think Midway USA has like 17 different hunting loads that will eventually be available which means this Caliber is massively backed, and handholds can easily get over 3000 FPS with tougher hunting bullets in the 140 grain and above for this type of speed. ELD-X is not tough enough in my experience.

[@OutdoorsJourneyman]

Been waiting for this one! Great that you included the Creedmore in there for comparison purposes, cheers

[@jacksponsler9341]

My vote goes to the 264 win mag because it has served my father and I very well since 1959.

[@p.r.8049]

This is easy: 6.5 PRC without a doubt. It's by far the best balanced design. I am really looking forward to more availability on this side of the Atlantic. It will make a perfect mountain hunting cartridge in Europe where the 6.5's have always been among the most popular, especially when chambered in the traditional lightweight single shot rifles. No really big animals either on the higher peaks. I have never considered the 6.5 Creed because it is pretty much like the 6.5 Swede for hunting and I consider both as 300 yards hunting cartridges. Generally speaking the 6.5 mm is my preferred choice for game up to 250 lbs. On larger animals I prefer a bigger caliber. So the 6.5 PRC appears to fall in a nice spot for me.

[@stoli-9574]

I love the 6 5 PRC! It just checks so many boxes.

[@patyoung7973]

6.5 PRC gets my vote. I have it in a Christian arms top with a Leupold 5 HD and it just shoots great.

[@kreklevich]

I love my 6.5-06, but given the options, I'd vote for 6.5 PRC.

[@Bhilderbrand]

I'd say 6.5-300 all day I think it's the most versatile out of the line up. And the weatherby loaded 130 swift scirocco I believe it's the flattest shooting load around. Commercially available anyway

[@JCTaylor21]

It also depends on the application. If you're hunting White-Tails in timber and your shots are going to be 70, 80, 130 yards, do you need a 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum? No. But if you're traveling to Tajikistan to hunt Markhor, you've spent 3 years planning the hunt and spent $150,000 on it, you sure as hell are going to want the 6.5-300 over any of the other options. You're going to want those 200-250 yards of added effective range the 6.5-300 is going to give you. Or if you're hunting Pronghorns in Eastern Wyoming where ranges can be 700-800 yards, you're going to want that 6.5-300 Weatherby.

[@sakostwwy1903]

Absolutely right. But if your going to spend the money anyways, the 6.5-300 will drop those whitetails at 70 very well too.

[@Greyzonecompliant]

@@sakostwwy1903 I have a Grendel and a Swede. The 6.5-300 would make My 6.5 Line up complete 😉👍

[@johnsteward7874]

I'm a huge fan of my PRC so I'm gonna vote that way. Studied the comparable cartridges before I bought it and so glad I went with it.

[@pritchettboy]

6.5 PRC gets my vote. Great availability in guns and hopefully again soon in ammo. Well rounded cartridge. Nothing to dislike.

[@robbieslagter8806]

I’m gonna go with the 6.5 PRC I have the gun and it shoots amazing.

[@ericgnelson2188]

I have a 6.5 creedmoor and love it. I would say .264win mag is my vote. Always wanted one just not enough guns chambering it that I would like. Keep up the videos I love them. As far as everyone stating incorrect ballistics, they are all ranges and anyone who reloads regularly and uses a chrono knows you don’t always match the reloading data that manufactures state. So many variables.

[@jonseopa1913]

The best one is the one you excluded. The 6.5x55 Swede (IMO) there’s a reason it’s been around for 125 years. But if I had to pick from the options I’d go with the 264 win mag.

[@SW737Flyer]

I own 2 rifles chambered in 6.5 PRC. First one my Savage 110 High Country. I knew little about 6.5 PRC when I purchased this rifle, but was an instant convert once I shot it and saw the insane accuracy I achieved with the Hornady 143 gr ELD-X. I expected sub-MOA because I have always found the Savage 110 (especially the heavier contoured barrel models) to be very accurate. But my groups range from .38 to .675 MOA with my Savage. Since that time I added a Springfield Waypoint 2020 w/carbon barrel in 6.5 PRC. With 30 rounds through the rifle, it is shooting .72 MOA, but I believe once fully broken in, that will come down to 1/2" MOA. Add to that, the energy of the cartridge and commercial availability, although in short supply right now, I believe like 6.5 Creedmoor it is destined to be an extremely popular choice among deer, antelope and elk hunters alike. With a good muzzle brake, the 6.5 PRC is an absolute pussy cat to shoot from a recoil standpoint.

[@MrTacklebury]

I will vote for 6.5 PRC. I do think you shorted one very good option in the 6.5-284. Notoriously accurate, it had held the benchrest world accuracy record for a long time and falls right into this range. My buddy has one in a Savage action that makes .25" groups all day long with almost anything we put through it. Brass is less expensive also, if you can find some .284. ;)

[@toddparsons2980]

I agree. Even though I chose the 6.5 PRC the 6.5-284 should have been included in this war.

[@therealgearhunter8935]

Problem with the 6.5-284 is there’s not enough standardization to the chambers

[@8d4o0c4]

I have brass and dies for the 6.5-.284, but no rifle!

[@chiphazzard8173]

I have lefty savage 112 6.5x284 in a boyds thumb hole. Great rifle very consistent 1.0 or less groups.

[@j.dalemorgan2975]

I’m with alaskaman! .264 Win Mag wins. Same reasons, plus you stacked the deck against the .264 Win with the conservative load data. However that may have been accurate out of a 24” barrel for your “soda can” to screw onto the end of it. And I do like the 6.5 RPM 2nd, as I’m sure Weatherby is very soon to move it over to the Vanguard line soon.

[@robertbrewer2055]

6.5 PRC. I think it offers the best options for all of the considerations you spoke about.

[@johnmollet2637]

I think the .264 is the most sensible choice of these, although it's not my first choice for elk or anything bigger.

[@JCTaylor21]

Totally agree. .264" diameter bullets are appropriate for game up to about 450 pounds. Any heavier than that, you need to go up in diameter and bullet weight.

[@williammills7778]

My vote would be for 6.5 - 300 WM. I already own a .257 WM Mark V. I've never been a fan of 6.5 CM, but others swear by it. To me it's benchrst round but to each their own. I love my .257 WM, but lust after a 6.5 - 300 WM in a Mark V, but Weatherby also offers this cartridge in a Vanguard II rifle for sub $1k. I also own the 6.5 Grendel in an AR-15, and a 260 Rem in an XP-100R both work great for hogs. Thanks for posting these video. I love these cartridge wars, keep them coming.

[@dominickmcginnis6277]

I know it's going to be at bottom in voting, but I'll stick with my 264 win mag. Rebarreling an existing rifle with the correct twist rate is still a hell of a lot cheaper than buying a new rifle. But everyone has their own preferences, and more power to them.

[@brayk52]

Just bought a Sako Bavarian Carbine in 6.5x55 Swedish. When loaded for a modern action, it performs very well.

[@8d4o0c4]

Those things are GORGEOUS. Congrats on a fine rifle in a terrific chambering.

[@mr.mcewan9261]

I've used a 6.5 Gibbs for a long time. It's maximizes the case capacity of the parent 30-06 case. The 6.5 Gibbs will reach velocities within 100 FPS of a .264 Win Mag. I've used it with 90 Grain bullets on prairie dogs and 160 Grain bullets for Northern White tails. Extremely efficient and accurate. I wouldn't expect to see the Gibbs in this discussion but it would sure be interesting to see the .260, 6.5x55, and 6.5-06 numbers in your chart. As for the 6.5 Creedmoor...it's just an update on the 250-3000 Savage invented in the 1920s. The 6.5s best function is necking it down to 250 to feed my 250-3000.

[@jmboberg6]

It's all cherry picked bs...

[@Duxandbux85]

Spot on with everything I heard about PRC to 6.5-300. Dropped my bull last year at 767 years one shot. Brother shot hit at 72 yards. Had to shoot it 6 times. No penetration blew apart on the rubs. Love my PRC. I’ll take my 28 nosler if I need more.

[@jaylancerice5871]

6.5-300 Weatherby Mag is amazing. The recoil is not as bad as you make it out to be. I love mine. The ammo from Weatherby is $68 a box when I bought my second box in November, 2021.

[@stephenrachner3571]

I purchased a Sauer 100 in 6.5 prc. It shoots the 143 eldx into dime sized groups at my friends 120yd range. Killed a Muley buck at 80 yds and had excellent bullet performance.

[@chad58103]

The 6.5 PRC gets my vote. Keeps up with the bigger boys pretty well with significantly less recoil. Plenty of power out to moderate ranges. Like you, I think if you're going after game larger than deer you really need to step up to at least a 7mm.

[@thomashoward1793]

Gotta throw my vote behind the 6.5 Wby RPM. Weatherby may be expensive but it saved me time and money trying to find the right ammo (or hand load) for a PRC. Step 1 buy rifle. Step 2 pick your favorite of 3 ammo options. 1 box of sight in/break in. Second box take 3 animals in AK-still have bullets for next year’s hunt. I don’t shoot my weatherby but 20-30 times per year. Wouldn’t claim it’s the best all around gun, but it will ethical harvest most animals where I get to hunt. Wanna shoot more-think I would get a target creedmoor Admittedly I am a bit of a weatherby fanboy- like their culture and what they are trying to do in WY. Family business in the heart of America’s West-what’s not to like. Love this series of “Cartridge Wars” keep up the great work at Backfire!

[@Eburns77]

6.5 PRC. Seems like the sweet spot in cost, performance and rifle length/weight. Certainly helps that it is a relatively popular cartridge right now.

[@joshclemons9975]

I love your videos and I’ve owned a lot of calibers over the years and 7 mag is one of my favorite but I’ve been researching 6.5 prc for a while now and you have helped me decide on getting one myself so I’m voting 6.5 prc and thanks for keeping your videos honest and truthful and not just bragging on something just because it’s new and sticking with facts thanks

[@JW-wi1nf]

6.5x55 is my favorite 6.5 cartridge. With that being said, I'm going with the 6.5 PRC as the most versatile of the modern 6.5's.

[@codybarnes8793]

6.5 PRC my vote . Also had fun with .264 win mag in the past. But belted magnums are so yesterday.

[@powersawtomfoolery6739]

Using N565 and ADG brass, I've been getting 2950-3150 fps with Berger 156's with 22-26" barrels and 6.5 PRC. accuracy node is usually 58.8-59.2gr N565. I'll take a PRC all day, every day over the others.

[@armassassinstrengthshop]

Same…love being 3k+ with 156 but using H1000

[@waynehines4497]

I was born same time as the 264 Winchester mag. #70 and love it , Elks,muley, pronghorn, one shots kill's from point blank to 635yds.only gun I ever own 264 got my vote

[@ChronicalsofAl]

Elks?

[@KillenNReelinoutdoors]

6.5 prc is an easy choice honestly unless you want maximum 6.5 then it’s 6.5-300.

[@jorgejaime7215]

Great video. Thank you. In Wyoming, if you survey "Wyominites" you'll find 300 WM, 7mm, 30-06, 270 Win, and 308 Win are the top 5 most used "general cartridges" for hunting...at least 25 years ago. My first hunting rifle was a 270Win, and my buddies all used these for every size game in Wyoming. Some of those good old boys still only use a 270. So recently, after looking into getting a new hunting rifle, I chose a 6.5-300 Wthby. Ballistically, a 270 on steroids. Good enough for me.

[@jfoutdoors4337]

6.5 PRC for the win!!! Side note, we have two of them and I just ordered a Fierce Carbon Rival at the hunt expo in 6.5 PRC as well. Would love to hear your thoughts on yours

[@mikebarth6570]

6.5 PRC is my vote. Great cartridge with some awesome ballistic performance.

[@rodr5785]

6.5 PRC! It is solid in all categories and has a reasonably good barrel life.

[@rex8958]

Once you get that fast in any 6.5 cartridge barrel life isn’t going to change much between rounds

[@rodr5785]

@@rex8958 I'm not speaking from experience but from research. The 26Nosler has a barrel life estimated at around 800 rounds where as the 6.5 PRC is estimated around 2k. This of course depends on the bullet weight, powder burn rate, speed of shot string ect. Buuuuut, 700 rounds vs 2000 rounds is enough of a difference to consider it for this "best all around" cartridge discussion. Unless the cost of rebarreling the rifle is not of any concern to the owner. For me, it's a factor, lol.

[@Nick-sx6jm]

@@rodr5785 I dont have any personal experience either but from what I have read is that the PRC should get around 1200 which isnt much of a difference. Either way unless your shooting competition or like to go burn a few boxes of ammo at the range regularly barrel life shouldn't be a concern because you will probably never burn out that barrel.

[@jwdmax9947]

6.5 PRC is my vote! Just bought a Christiansen arms in 6.5 PRC ! I also just ordered a fierce rival in 28 Nosler we’ll see how it shoots!

[@WyitAlan]

Can't find the hyperlink to vote in the description so I'll just say it in here, my vote goes to the 6.5 PRC. It checks nearly every box I can think of and is what my next rifle will be chambered in, the increase in heavy 6.5 bullets puts it way out front in my opinion

[@stephenferguson6363]

I own the 6.5 prc and the 26 nosler they are both great chamberings. The 26 is a fire breather im running the 124 hammer hunter at 3520 fps and I also got loads running 140 accubonds at 3375 fps. I really like the prc alot running the hornady 147 eldm or the berger 156. At 2950

[@jays9611]

gotta go with the 264 win mag, same case as the 338 win mag, its been around for a long time and i can actually find ammo for it unlike a lot of others

[@aaronsmith21]

6.5 PRC wins here all day. Definitely top in this category. Great ballistics without sacrificing barrel life or recoil. It is also very common to include Springfield Waypoint - one sweet looking gun!

[@texashankpalmer876]

The barrel life for the PRC absolutely suffers from poor barrel life compared to many other options in the same category

[@pistoreroloco]

I have hunted with the Grendel as well as precision. I love it all the way around

[@stevegibbons8893]

The 6.5 PRC is my vote as well, I have been hunting with one for the last 3 years and it has been great. You really need to do a review on the Seekins PH2 when you get a chance, they are great guns.

[@davidfranklin3782]

I think your velocity numbers may be off slightly. The 6.5 Weatherby RPM shoots 3075 FPS with a 140 grain Accubond in factory Weatherby ammo. Personally though, I would pick the 6.5-300 Wby. If you are going to shoot a magnum might as well go big! That thing is a laser!

[@TantheMan415]

I posted about that as well and completely agree. The 6.5-300 is consistently 300-400 fps faster than the 6.5 prc at all distances. So out at long range hunting distances (400-500 yds for me) you get half the drop and 400-500 ft-lbs more energy.

[@jamessammann9183]

@@TantheMan415 it's a barell burner ..and 150 $a box take 6.5 all day long I sold my 6.5..300

[@rex8958]

@@jamessammann9183 they all are barrel burners, honestly majority of gun owners don’t need to worry about it

[@TantheMan415]

@@jamessammann9183 yeah, there isn’t a perfect cartridge out there, but the 26 nos & the 6.5-300 were misrepresented in this video. Those two cartridges are incredibly efficient, which wasn’t portrayed in this video. The ammo is expensive (little less than $100 a box) and the barrel life is half of a 6.5 creed (even though for a hunter this shouldn’t matter that much), but in the context of elk sized game, it’s going to shoot flatter than most other hunting cartridges, bring incredible amounts of energy, and isn’t going to kill your shoulder. Not a lot of cartridges can compete with that.

[@jamessammann9183]

@@TantheMan415 justin u are correct I have shot both love the 6.5 300 I sold mine cause of cost of ammo and got 6.5 prc but know I can't find ammo ....the 6.5 300 is by far the best 6.5 out there

[@spencerbrady2425]

I have the 6.5 PRC so you know my vote. It has the energy to take down an elk, compete in a shooting match, and be easy on your shoulder. I have it in my Browning hells canyon max long-range w/ vortex venom

[@WilliamKister]

6.5 PRC and 6.5 x 284 is the same performance for reloaders. I have loads that get 140 grain class bullets to 3100-3150 fps. The 140's don't shoot that accurate at that velocity though. 2950 fps is the sweet spot for accuracy. 6.5 Creedmoor is easy to load to 2800-2850 fps with 42. 0 grains of H4350 and it can be shot out of an AR-10 while fitting in the AR10 magazines. You get a comparable load in a .260 Remington and it won't fit in the magazine. 6.5 RPM is cool because you can rebarrel Grandpa's 30-06 and shoot off the same bolt. The 6.5 PRC requires a magnum boltface and the RP will beat the PRC by a bit. 26 Nosler and 6.5-300 Weatherby are top fuel dragsters.

[@ParadiseInHawaii0com]

This video and comment appears to be a commercial… But I agree, 6.5 PRC For the WIN! 🏆 …even though I just bought a 1916 Mauser (older Kimber Oregon) in 6.5x55mm Swede! 🤙🏼 Aloha!

[@mrstangthang98]

PRC baby. I think since it is so popular, ammo available and selection will only get better, availability can’t get much worse. For me it checks a lot of boxes the others simply don’t. Barrel life, barrel length, versatility, rifle availability, and ammunition availability (in the future), it’s a sweet cartridge. Coyotes to Moose, it will do it.

[@jonfarrar9666]

Been hunting whitetails for 30yrs. with the 270 win. and about 10 years with the 7mm-08. Luv these cartridges and nothing could ever replace them. With that being said I think a Begara b14 Ridge in 6.5 prc would fit nicely in the gun safe beside them.

[@ranger_bound5842]

Have to go with the 6.5 PRC as well. Pretty hard to beat the ballistics, low hitting recoil, and the flat shooting down range performance. I have a 6.5PRC that my wife and young son shoot with ease.

[@andymicka9065]

Got to give the nod to the 6.5 PRC. My wife and I both shoot the PRC and after years of shooting a 300 win mag I am grateful for the change.

[@Nick-sx6jm]

Your velocity numbers are very off if they were all 140 gr bullets. The 6.5-300 should be up around 3400 fps and the Nosler should be around 75 fps less (> 200 fps faster) which makes it seem like your not getting as much as you are when stepping up. Overall though these are all magnums and barrel life should be pretty similar so why not go big at that point and get a 6.5-300.

[@mouthbreather280]

Because most people can’t afford to pay $100+ for boxes of 20. Even reloading those cartridges is significantly more expensive than other more common options. If my money was burning a hole in my pocket, I would go with those big boy rounds as well.

[@Nick-sx6jm]

@@mouthbreather280 Yeah I reload so I dont really pay much attention to factory ammo prices. After the first box though you could probably reload that brass 5 or more times. It shouldn't be much more expensive than reloading any of the other cartridges if you dont count the brass because the only thing thats different would be the amount of powder which would only be maybe 20 cents more.

[@randallingram7992]

I'll just stick with my 300Roy 3250fps with a 180gr accubond, while y'all debate over who's wife has the best rifle to borrow to take hunting.🤣

[@Nick-sx6jm]

@@randallingram7992 Not a fan of 6.5 in general and dont think it should really be used for much more than deer. I like the philosophy of there is no such thing as too dead. I also have a 300wby but it pretty much stays in the safe because I have a 340wby in a mark V.

[@hochhaul]

@@Nick-sx6jm Funny, I see a ton of videos on YT of 6.5 PRC slaying elk and moose with a high degree of effectiveness. Relegating 6.5 to a "deer bullet" is beyond comical.

[@jasoland1]

26 NOSLER gets my vote. There are shooting cartridges and hunting cartridges. 26 nosler is for hunting. Im running a 143 Eld x at 3350 Fps out of a 28 inch barrel. 300 rounds thus far and the barrel looks great still. No fire cracking looks like new.

[@jerryfoley8857]

I love my 6.5-300 far more than my 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC. The numbers you're using for ballistics is not what weatherby shows for its 140 grain. 140 Accubond is 3300/3385 and the 140 A-frame is 3395/3583. I personally shoot the 156 Berger and the 127 LRX. They're sub .75 groups and I would shoot any game in North America with them.

[@adamweatherby4108]

Great points Jerry!

[@sakostwwy1903]

You should invite this guy up to Sheridan and give him a tour and let home shoot some real rifles. He is in UT.

[@jerryfoley8857]

@@adamweatherby4108 thank you and your team for turning an incredible product! I have grown to love the Weatherby brand and will only buy Weatherby rifles from this point on. I've had absolutely incredible results with them. My next one will be a Backcountry 2.0 carbon.

[@jerryfoley8857]

@@sakostwwy1903 I like the way you think my friend! I wouldn't even know how to act!

[@adampaulson5227]

I'll go with the rpm because I live in Sheridan Wyoming and the ammo is a lot more reasonable out here. Super impressive guns! I have it in a carbon mark pro

[@kadenjudson9027]

I think it’s gotta be the PRC. The versatility every manufacturer is making it now they are treating it like the the true magnum 6.5. It has awesome ballistics. It’s fairly low recoil. It won’t burn barrels as bad as the hotter ones. It’s just a complete package

[@nolanens732]

PRC. Went elk hunting this past season and used my buddies tikka t3 in 6.5 PRC. We both dropped our elk in 1 shot, his at 450 yards mine at 250. I was a big fan after that.

[@cjberan]

Can’t argue against the 6.5 prc for this round and gets my vote

[@texashankpalmer876]

But at 5 or 6 bucks per round its just not practical

[@oneshotpete6.591]

I love and own a ridgeline PRC , however i started my fascination with the .264 caliber with the 6.5x284 norma , before factory ammo was even produced .. i’ve been fortunate to have hunted over 20 coues whitetail , 7 muledeer , 2 bull elk , 6 javalinas countless coyotes and 1 bobcat … furthest was a muledeer 848 yrds … my vote goes to the goat 🐐 6.5x284 norma 💪

[@SuperBee039]

PRC hands down. Bough one almost a year ago and haven’t shot it yet…I can’t see paying the $100 plus for a box of ammo. Thoughts on when we might see it readily available at a reasonable price?

[@rex8958]

Everyone’s voting for PRC because of availability yet it’s currently one of the most expensive rounds

[@belt1974123]

It’s expensive because of scalpers taking advantage of the shortage

[@SuperBee039]

Does the manufacture see the same benefit with profit? Meaning, are they making less and selling high because it’s lining their pockets too? I get the supply shortages, but I gotta believe the manufactures can increase production above current levels. Or maybe I’m delusional…fair possibility.

[@jtpaulLR]

6.5 PRC has my vote. It can also be loaded a lot hotter and can keep up with most of these others if desired too. I’m pushing 156gr Berger EOL handloads at 3070 fps out of my 24” Seekins Havak PH2 and it has minimal recoil still. I can spot impacts no problem. It also has a shorter/fatter powder column than the long action models which makes it easier to load for, and allows it to burn more powder in a shorter barrel than the other options. My buddy has one with a 20” and is still pushing the 156 Berger at 2900 fps. So it’s the perfect 6.5 to do a shorter barrel build and still get good performance with full powder burn.

[@dustinsmith9822]

264 win mag all day. Atleast you can find it online somewhat cheap. The stores around me only ever have 5.56/.223, .308/7.62, 9mm and 45. 6.5 prc is always 4 to 5 dollars a round online. No way I'm paying that haha. I get if you are reloading it and it doesn't cost you that much, but buying online is a rip-off and it's never on the shelves around here.

[@dustinsmith9822]

@@ronlowney4700 Seriously, 270, 7mm Rem, 300 win are everywhere and cheap haha

[@dustinsmith9822]

@@ronlowney4700 haha yup!

[@deerkillsummer]

It would be awesome to see a cartridge wars but based off the cartridges that you can find in the AR-15 platform such as 6.5 Grendel, 6ARC, 300 blackout, 7.63x39, Ruger 204, 350 legend, 5.56 and many more to choose from!

[@HoofingIT09]

In the category for AR-15 platform cartridge, I would vote for 6.5 Grendel. It has a nice punch with a fairly wide frontal diameter of 6.5, good enough bullet drop, available ammo and I just like how the cartridge looks 🤷‍♂️

[@sethlindsey1359]

If you look on weatherbys site theyre pushing a 140 in 6.5x300 at over 3250. With a 140g a frame theyre getting 3395

[@Weatherby406]

I said the same thing. Completely neutered the 6.5-300

[@patrickschultz8820]

If I remember correctly this war is for an all around cartridge. I have taken two elk with a 6.5 Creedmoor inside 300 yards using Barnes 127 LRX. One and done. However, the Creedmoor lacks the ability to really make a hunter comfortable if an impact goes wrong and it's moderate velocity keeps it in the ~300 yard range for almost all game hunting. I don't own any of the other cartridges compared in this video, so I will vote on availability of them... Well after some looking around they're all scarce right now but the PRC was the least scarce, and it's a short-ish action round. Also dozens of rifle and barrel makers are producing chambers for the 6.5 PRC.

[@gsh341]

I own a 6.5 Creedmoor and just can't see any reason I would get rid of it for the 6.5 PRC. My main concern isn't getting maximum velocity or energy out of the round. It's having a good shooting rifle that can kill deer. The 6.5 Creedmoor does that. While it may not have the short range power of my 308 Win, it has longer maximum range and less recoil. It's not as fast as my 243 Win out to 400 yards, but after 400 yards it has more velocity due to better BC. It has more power than the 243 Win at all ranges. Also, I can load it with a 95 grain VMax for varmints (3,300 fps), a 147 for deer and everything in-between. I also worked up a 123 grain SST light load that has a MV of 2,700 fps. Very light recoil that is perfect for a young shooter, but has enough power to kill deer out to 500 yards. It's just a solid rifle that's good for small to medium game.

[@malachiwhite356]

That's a well-thought-out comment.

[@mqeqeshe1]

The Creed is a great little cartridge when used within it's limitations. Looks like you have that figured out. I believe this cartridge war is about finding one that's good for elk, deer, and long-range targets. All while balancing recoil, cost, and availability. The Creed just lacks the power to be a reliable elk hunting round so it doesn't stand much of a chance here.

[@gsh341]

@@mqeqeshe1 What's interesting is that a lot of people have no problem using a 308 Win or 30-06 for elk, but don't realize that the 6.5 Creed actually has similar energy and better velocity. For example, the common wisdom is that a round must have 1,500 ft-lbs of energy at impact to kill an elk efficiently and 1,900 fps of velocity to expand reliably. A 308 Win shooting a 178gr ELD-X will hit 1,500 ft-lbs at about 425 yards. A 30-06 shooting that same bullet will run out of energy at 525 yards and the 143gr 6.5 Creedmoor will drop to 1,500 ft-lbs at 375 yards. SO if you're not shooting over 375 yards, they will all do just fine. Other people think that 1,000 ft-lbs if the limit. Using the same ammunition as the last example; the 308 is good to 475 yards (runs out of velocity) the 30-06 is good to 550 yards (runs out of velocity ) the 6.5 Creedmoor is good to 600 yards (runs out of velocity, not energy). It's also worth remembering that people do kill elk with bows and arrows. So the 6.5 Creedmoor is plenty good to at least 375 yards.

[@mqeqeshe1]

@@gsh341 Nice comparison on all the numbers. I have no doubt the 6.5 Creedmoor is capable of killing an elk at 375 yards, I just think your odds of wounding or losing that animal is much higher when compared to a bigger caliber. The one number that you're missing is frontal area. A bullet transfers energy to it's target via the surface area on the leading end. The 308 Winchester has 36% more frontal area so its a lot more effective at transferring energy. If a 6.5 and a 30 caliber bullet arrive on target with 1500 ft lbs apiece they will not do equal damage. A bigger pipe flows more water, a bigger engine makes more power, and a bigger bullet transfers more energy. This is why most African countries require a minimum of .375 caliber for dangerous game. There are several .30 and .338 caliber cartridges that carry more energy than the 375 H&H but they lack the frontal area to efficiently convert that energy into tissue damage.

[@gsh341]

@@mqeqeshe1 those African countries often require the rounds to be non-expanding bullets so the round can penetrate deeper.

[@stillbill1878]

.264 Win Mag is clearly the better choice. Big case, and maximum performance. Guns kick and make noise. Enough with recoil and suppressors. If you don't like it, shoot a bow. Modern barrels and creative handloading make the TWO SIX FOUR a sensible choice for deer, prongbuck, sheep. The 7 Mag is still the king for all around cartridge. If I had a tags for deer and elk on the same hunt, no question that the holy grail 7 with 160 or 175 gr Barnes TTSX would be unbeatable. It shoots well with 24" to 26" barrel. I load a .270 WSM to shoot a 140 grain bullet to shoot with the Seb'mn mag and like ammo. So, the .264 stacks up nicely with this. My other favorite is the .257 Roy. It will do anything the others will do on like game and down size to coyotes at great distances as well. The stated cals are traditional and lack "cool". But, if I am bound for the far reaches of this world and somehow lose my bullet box, I can go to Walmart and procure Remington Core-Lokt (at least used to could) and make them work. THAT'S COOL. 7 mm Remington Magnum is the King of the Mountain. Long live the KING.

[@aksalaman4689]

Staying "old school" and going with the 264 win mag with a 26" barrel.

[@rex8958]

Old school but outperforms the PRC

[@boundarysentinel4181]

Haha then i introduce the .270 win (with 26” barrel Nosler specs)

[@aksalaman4689]

@@boundarysentinel4181 I thought it was about the 6.5 only.

[@Bouldergoat]

@@aksalaman4689 my Grandpa bought a 264 win mag when it first came out and always swore it was the most accurate rifle he ever shot. His go to hunting rifle for his whole life.

[@dawsonjustus5114]

Just picked up a 6.5 PRC done a lot of reading on it..so 6.5 PRC is my Vote!

[@joquin4618]

Everything is expensive now a days… but Since 6.5 creedmoor (About $1.50 cheapest as of 2/22) is NOT an option, I would go with 6.5 PRC (even though it’s about $5 per round!! ) FTW

[@kubotadad]

6.5 PRC. Took a moose inside of 200 yard this year with my 6.5 creedmoor using federal ammo. Dropped him with one shot. Impressed with this cartridge but would like a little more for longer shots to be quite honest on large game. I’m trying to decide on 6.5PRC or the 6.8 Western but giving the later a little more time before making a decision. I’ll rely on my 7mm magnum for now when hunting moose out to distance here in Newfoundland until then. Always look forward to new videos. Great job!

[@terryslaton5582]

Stay with the 6.5PRC.

[@bigerman123]

6.5-300 wby mag all the way. There are multiple different bullet grains you can choose from. Only downside I truly see is that it can burn the barrel out but if it's only for hunting you will get a lot of game with the barrel life. weatherby vanguard rifles come in 6.5-300 for Sub $900 and you can get the meat eater edition as well for same price.

[@seankeehn8245]

6.5 PRC - I’ve been looking at all the new rifles with carbon fiber barrel offerings(savage, Bergara, Springfield, and Fierce) and they seem to be offering .308, 6.5 creedmore, 6.5 PRC and a few other inconsistent offerings. I hate to have the available chamberings make the decision but what else is there.

[@jackbuendgen389]

By "shortish" you mean medium action. For a custom rifle it's fairly common. I'd go prc

[@gustavoradaovejas8378]

6.5 PRC for me. Thanks for the video.

[@collinstremick5015]

A 140gr bullet going 3145fps out of a 6.5-300 is Extremely conservative, I have no problem getting a 143gr eld x going 3400 fps. Weatherby even offers factory loads for a 140gr pill at over 3300 fps.

[@a-a-ron8201]

Just recently bought a PRC, hands down the baddest rifle in my safe. 6.5mm PRC for sure!

[@mr.mr.3301]

Time to make the 7mm 08 more popular. Hard to like the prc with the western out.

[@getusmonster]

6.5 prc. I love mine and bought it for the same reasons you mentioned here.

[@veteranironoutdoors8320]

6.5 PRC. Above middle ground performance with less recoil and powder.

[@fatboy20010fatboy]

It is my intent to build a short action dual purpose chassis rifle for hunting & the range..The 6.5 PRC and 22 Lr will fill that bill nicely..I haven't decided between Bergara or a Tikka but I'm leaning towards the T3X and a T1X .. although barreled actions are readily available from Bergara for less, I think it is probably a push when its all said and done...like everything, there are trade offs? XLR & PDC are my choices for chassis,, both build a great modular unit & will accommodate the fit up with minimal machining.. I reload so finding this new kid on the block is not a concern... PRC has my 🗳 vote Jim..

[@TantheMan415]

I think the power of everything below the 26 nosler is being WAY overestimated. You get a lot more killing ability when using the overbores (which have their downsides of course) that I don’t feel was accurately highlighted in this video. For instance, taking factory loads of 6.5-300 vs 6.5 prc firing 140 gr accubond, it’s a 400 fps difference at the muzzle (3300 vs 2900), just under 400 fps at 200 yds (2909 vs 2536), and 300+ fps at 500 yds (2382 vs 2042). This translates to a 500 ft-lbs difference at 500 yds (1764 vs 1295). Drop is also halved at 500 yds (21.6 vs 48.8). The 6.5-300 is a monster and I love mine. That’s my vote.

[@austin7544]

What inch barrels where in the chart my 26 nosler shoots a 156 grain bullet at 3250

[@austin7544]

And I get same hole groups at 200 yards

[@jstraus34]

no brainer... 6.5 PRC. Little light for elk IMO but would feel that way about any 6.5.

[@randyrucker01]

6.5 PRC. It’s what I use. Recoil is not bad and is easy to manage in a light weight gun.

[@Weatherby406]

3145 fps for a 6.5-300 Weatherby shooting a 140 grain bullet? They offer 3 140grain factory loadings that are 3275- 3395 fps? Factory 127 Barnes lrx is doing 3530fps.

[@Nick-sx6jm]

His velocities have been very off for a lot of rounds in this series and in general. It wouldn't be a big deal if it was like 50 fps but in many cases it has been more than 200 fps off for FACTORY ammo which does make a significant difference.

[@ar494]

You need to change 300WSM to 300 Win Mag. Basically same performance but 300 Win Mag ammo is everywhere and tons of rifles chambered. Seriously the best elk, moose, bear, caribou, African plains game cartridge ever devised. So versatile from 150gr light loads to 210ish gr for heavy hitting. I cannot take cartridge wars seriously with this silliness going on. Is it because it does everything the 7mm Mag does, but better? Just a bit more recoil.

[@JAKesler]

6.5 prc is the clear choice for me. Like you said performance and availability 🤷‍♂️ what else could you want

[@m4rvinmartian]

*Literally was searching this question today. Thank you for reading my mind.*

[@jasontassey9013]

6.5 PRC has all the benefits with none of the drawbacks. It would be hard to choose anything else. 6.5 PRC gets my vote.

[@zelenizub2036]

Barrel life?

[@texashankpalmer876]

Poor barrel life. $5 or $6 per round. That’s a hard sell when there’s other options that are more capable, more available, and cheaper.

[@jasontassey9013]

Barrel life is right up there with the 270 Win. $5-$6 per round? Haven’t seen that. A quick search on MidwayUSA shows a box of ammo from $25 to $95.

[@texashankpalmer876]

@@jasontassey9013 Go check again. Midway hasn’t had any PRC in stock for months. Every box is unavailable or on back order. Check ammoseek if you want to find sites that actually have stock of anything

[@texashankpalmer876]

@@jasontassey9013 Also not sure where you saw anything for $25. The cheapest I see on midway even if they weren’t out of stock is $27 for a box of 10..

[@BI9638R]

I built a 6.5 x 284. Ruger action with a Shaw barrel. Why is this caliber not in your list. It is a killer on game and super accurate. This is my choice. We enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work

[@bustabass9025]

Love my 6.5-284 Norma. My handloads make it a deadly accurate hammer on mulies and pronghorns.

[@CKKnifeandTool]

6.5 PRC Ammo availability is #1 in my eyes as important then the 300-400 yd stats for my hunting needs. I own a 6.5 CM and like it but I’d do a PRC if I was to but another bolt gun.

[@michaelyoung7911]

Same