Best 6.5 PRC Box Ammunition?

[@jodyk2469]

Just bought a savage 110 tactical. Bought 147 gr eldms for sighting and the brass. First 12 rounds I knew that ammo wouldn't shoot. Thank you for verifying my suspicion.

[@oneshotpete6.591]

my buddy and I both bought C.A ridgeline rifles in 6.5 prc ( a few years back ) , mine shoots 147 gr hornady match into 1 ragged hole at 200yards ( no exaggeration) while his rifle struggled to group under a 1.5” with same ammo … We later tried 143 hornady hunting ammo in his rifle , and his groups tightened right up to .5 moa ….

[@andrewcastillo9558]

I'm hoping that helps me. Doing the same switch tonight.

[@ohiojeep101]

Haven't even received my Howa tspx yet and I bought 3 boxes of Norma... anxiously awaiting in anticipation!

[@silentabove119]

I thoroughly enjoy yoyr content and this video wss no exception. Hornady ammunition seems to have been very difficult for myself to achieve consistent groupings from one box to another, but I do handloading now and haven't looked back.

[@paramounttactical]

Yeah, I think hand loading is the way to go for the best results particularly for 6.5 PRC. I just retested another lot of this Hornady 6.5 PRC and got the same results. Terrible… Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@darrenbowers3267]

I am a hunter, so I dont care how Match ammo shoots in my rifle. I know people hunt with it, but not me. That being said, I am getting great results with precision hunter ammo in my Christian arms ridgeline 6.5prc. I have been handloading for 55 years and never used factory loads until i got my 6.5. There were no supplies to load with, so I tried precision hunter ammo, and it shot great so good that i bought a lot more. I have been impressed with its performance on deer. I love this setup. Darren

[@MrCannonls]

Exactly the same experience here. Defiance action with proof barrel. 147 eld-m in the 6.5 PRC is quite erratic. 1.25 moa groups with extreme spread of 66 and SD of 21. Norma 140 is slower but group sizes are .6 or so. Single digit SD and extreme spreads closer to 25

[@khalidhissy3140]

Good shooting!!! I'm shooting the Hornady precision hunter 6.5prc eld-x 143 grain. All I can say is wow!!! 3 shot groups stacking one over the other. And very repeatable!!

[@paramounttactical]

Awesome! I’ll have to try the ELD-X

[@copperkai]

Federal Terminal Ascent 6.5 PRC 130 Grain is hands down the best factory ammo I have shot out of my CA MPR. Group at 0.4 inch.

[@paramounttactical]

Awesome. I think I'm going to order all the decent 6.5 PRC ammo I can and do a full video. I'll see if I can't get a couple more 6.5 PRC rifles out and use those as well. Between a couple rifles and velocity data we should be able to get an idea of what we can expect out of off the shelf ammo. Thanks for watching and sharing! -Gary

[@antoniobustamante548]

You should try the norma bondstrike I get the Same results 3 bullets stacking on each other with the waypoint you have! Mine likes them a lot.

[@bopapa_1979]

It's just a matter of what works well in the gun and consistency from lot to lot. My gun doesn't group well with terminal ascent, but it shoots ELD-M lights out. My son's gun is the opposite. In either case we get the occasional open group and the occasional flyer. Running factory ammo is always like this. Your gun will shoot some cartridges well and others poorly, but you're giving up control of the process. I've never found a cartridge manufacturer that is highly consistent from lot to lot, and only a very few that are consistent within a lot. When I get out the tools and start measuring, Black Hills is pretty consistent. But it too works well in one gun and not another. Bottom line: if a cartridge isn't working for you, move on. If it is, buy a case from the same lot and go shoot.

[@champdogpark]

I shot a box of barnes match in my 6.5 PRC and was happy with the results. Shot a second box of 147gr ELD-X and had similar erratic results. Glad you experienced the same. I'm still on the hunt a better hunting factory ammo.

[@paramounttactical]

I haven't retried the 6.5PRC again yet but I am getting better results out of the newer, post covid 6.5CM. I'd also try the 140gr ELDs. I'm seeing better results out of both 6.5CM and PRC with projectiles around that 140gr. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@champdogpark]

​@@paramounttactical I'm looking at trying a box of the Berger 156gr. I also see Berger sells a 140gr box. Have you shot either of these or have any additional info? Online there is a lot of hype with the 156gr.

[@erichatch2308]

I have tried both Hornaday 147 ELD match and 143 ELDX hunters for my 6.5 PRC and I am having the same problems of crazy inconsistency. I will defiantly be trying to the Norma’s here soon to see if that fixes my groups

[@jamesbrace3212]

I switched to federal fusion. Tightened up my groups. Hornaday amo has been slipping the last couple of years. I'm very pleased with Federal.

[@jsaint4103]

My 6.5 PRC hates the Hornady match ammo. It doesn't group for shit consistently. I now shoot the federal fusion tipped 140 grain and absolutely love it!!!!

[@halredden3509]

I have a Bergara B14 HMR wilderness in an MDT chassis and I’m getting nearly identical results. ELDM shoots ok but i can never get solid groups, with Norma golden target I’m getting sub half minute regularly. Ive gotten a few .25” groups. Norma is all i shoot now and i regret nothing.

[@gregkeefer8605]

I have the same problem with 143 eldx creedmore ! And some federal ascent . I get a 1/4 group here and there then 1 in or more

[@andrewcastillo9558]

Exact same. My creedmoor eats 147s.. my prc hates them.

[@gmoua1234]

Great results with norma 6.5 prc. Yes, erratic with Hornady 6.5 prc 143 ammunition also in my rifle.

[@JohnHerman-x7l]

Bergara HMR Wilderness in 6.5 PRC; Have shot Federal terminal ascent, Winchester Match, Hornady match and precision hunter. The precision hunter 143gr ELDX was the winner so far with the most consistent groups. 0.38 - 0.67 MOA when I do my part. I had a 1/4” moa group with hornady match but it wasn’t consistent and I similar issues with fliers. I will be looking for the Norma match to try now as well, thank you!

[@ryanladner3396]

i shot norma bondstrike out of my savage trailhunter when I first got it and havent fired any other ammo. For as well as it shoots I wouldnt be able to do better without handloads and then still it would be minimal gains

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Thank you for information.

[@captainmorgan5106]

I've had the exact same experience with my new Bergara 2.0 Mountain. I was thinking it's the rifle. I did just get my hands some Norma Target and Barnes 156 gr Hunter's. I'm hitting the range Friday so I'll try to update this after that session.

[@paramounttactical]

Yeah let me know how it goes. I have some 153gr ATIPS I plan on loading but have yet to get dies and powder. I'll get around to it. My 6.5CM barrel is shooting around .22 MOA with Hornady and I'm convinced I can get the 6.5 PRC around there too but might take some reloading to do it. Thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to hearing your results. -Gary

[@captainmorgan5106]

@Paramount Tactical I will Gary. At this point, I've got the dies and powder, but I need cases. Which is why I bought the 147 ELDM's I'm going to blow through those , then the Barnes, then my Norma Target. Not expecting alot out of the cheap Targets, but hey, ya never know ? Take care. Jon

[@paramounttactical]

@@captainmorgan5106 What's your twist rate?

[@captainmorgan5106]

@@paramounttactical I'm pretty 1 in 8.

[@oneshotpete6.591]

vary informative … great vid 👍

[@fattigla]

Just tried some of the Norma golden target load. It shot very well out to 875yrds.

[@wideopenyamaha]

Same issues thought my scope was loose. Big es and were spicy rounds over 3000 fps and hard on primer pockets. Loaded same bullets by hand but switched to 145 match burners and Is awesome now

[@paramounttactical]

Good intel! Thanks for sharing and watching! You know how it is testing ammo and gun accuracy. Sometimes you feel like you're taking crazy pills.😂 -Gary

[@wideopenyamaha]

@@paramounttactical oh ya and 145s shoot 5/8s. Rem700 la with 27" barrel. Makes great sounds on steel for nrl hunter out to 800.

[@paramounttactical]

@@wideopenyamaha Curious... What's your twist rate?

[@wideopenyamaha]

@@paramounttactical 1-7

[@paramounttactical]

@@wideopenyamaha 🤔 mines 1:7.5 I’ve never seen 6.5 PRC with 1:7. That’s interesting. So far all the guys that say they’re shooting ELD’s with good results are 1:8. That might indicate a concentricity issue with the ELD-M.

[@andrewyoung1391]

Way late to the game, but info is info... I have a Tikka T3X in 6.5 PRC the ELD-M is erratic for me, but the ELD-X shoots an acceptable group, just not as tight as I want. Recently shot some Choice Ammo loads with 156gr Berger EOLs and grouping was awful! I do plan to try some Norma Bond Strike, Browning, Berger's own ammo in the 156s and Federal Terminal ascent. I'm a year out from an Elk hunt, so I have time to play and find a good factory load.

[@skyking4581]

Hi Gary, I went back to my 100 yard paper targets from last May and I found the same results. Sub MOA with Norma Factory 143gr HPBT. However, the Hornady143gr ELDM and ELDX factory had a flyer every once in a while and 1.5 to 2 moa 5 shot groups. I'm not happy with Hornady Factory loads. It's not the rifle. The rifle I used is a Bergara B-14 24" Carbon wrapped barrel and Carbon stock. I'm going to reload the Hornady to see if I can tighten the groups and let you know either here or on your FB. Later SKY....

[@paramounttactical]

Seems to mirror my results as well. Absolutely, keep me posted. I’d be happy to post your findings. Thanks, Gary

[@fattigla]

I have only tried the hornady Precision hunter 6.5 PRC, in a Tikka roughtech, it shoots well and velocity is consistent, but a little slow at 2808 fps out of the 24" barrel. I'll have to try some of the Norma.

[@jasonsponsler21]

I’ve had good luck with the eld match and my Seekins with a Harvester EVO suppressor. Wish I could put a pic on here to show. But again I’m new the the long range stuff. Im just shooting the match rounds until I get enough brass to reload my own. But will try some other brands. Also have a box of the precision hunter I can try.

[@paramounttactical]

Your Seekins is 6.5 PRC?

[@jasonsponsler21]

Yeah. It’s my first in the long range realm. But now I have to get a 300 prc because of you😂

[@paramounttactical]

@@jasonsponsler21 what’s the twist rate on yours?

[@paramounttactical]

@@jasonsponsler21 I found it. Seekins 6.5 PRC is 1:8. The MPA is 1:7.5. Not sure how big a difference that makes but mine sure doesn’t like the ELD M.

[@jasonsponsler21]

It’s a 1:8 twist

[@petethomas5976]

I find that norma match ammo is good stuff my 308 loves the 175 norma match shoots that stuff around 1/4 inch

[@paramounttactical]

Yeah, I'm going to have to do more Norma testing for sure. So far seems solid.

[@jayblemsin4226]

This is a bummer. I got a few cases of 140 eld in creedmoor. Hopefully the 6.5 creed isnt afdected. I tend to shoot mostly black hills gold but they only load 143gr 6.5prc im taking that to the range tomorrow with my new garmin.

[@banditgriot2000]

My Bergara loves the Norma Golden Target loads.

[@fireformprecision8935]

I have a 2020 waypoint and it loves ELDM and ELDX. To be honest it does really well with most factory ammo. I was pleasantly surprised

[@paramounttactical]

That’s in 6.5 PRC? If so, what’s barrel length and twist rate? Thanks for sharing! -Gary

[@fireformprecision8935]

@@paramounttactical Yep, Its a 6.5 prc. 24 inch BSN carbon barrel with 1/8 twist

[@fireformprecision8935]

BSF*

[@shawnlaughlin7327]

Does your waypoint bolt grind the next shell in the magazine causing extreme scarring on the casing? Mine in horrible and the brass shavings are bad. I’ve also got brass shavings around firing pin area. I read people talk about there 2020’s in such high regards and I’m just mind boggled that mine can be this screwed up.

[@fireformprecision8935]

@@shawnlaughlin7327 wow! No, mine is good to go. Ive put about 2200 rounds down the tube now with no issues.

[@shawnlaughlin7327]

I bought me a new Springfield waypoint model 2020 in 6.5 prc and I got horrible results with nosler, hornandy match and hornandy precision hunter but the second box of precision hunter I shot 3 out of that box and aimed for existing bullet holes in target paper and put them through each hole barely clipping the the edge so now I’m really not sure what the heck is going on now. I’m guessing hand loading is the way to go to get repeatable accuracy out of a 6.5 prc. I’ve heard so many people talk about there rifles being picky but had never experienced it and thought it was a myth bc if a barrel is straight and no burrs they should shoot all the same. I would still belive that too if I had not gotten this rifle a short two weeks ago.

[@andrewhensley4285]

I know I’m late to the party but… I have had issues with the 143 gr hornady loads and am having trouble getting my hands on the 147 grain. That being said I have done some testing with 145 match burners and Magpro and achieved some ok but consistent results.

[@phillip6919851]

My 6.5 prc does not like the hornady elm 147grain. I had someone develop a load for me with the 147 grain eldm and it shot great once it reached speed around 2900fps. Norma golden match shot great but velocity was mid 2700. I want to reach out to 1500+ yards so Norma would not be the best bc of speed. What speed are you getting out of the Norma ammo?

[@jeremymitchell1241]

I've had good results with the factory 147s out of my custom Alamo 6.5 prc. But I have noticed that one particular lot number shot better the an others. I would try another lot number before I gave up on them. I was using them to put some rounds on the barrel to get ready for some load development. I'm handholding some 147s now and they shoot fantastic.

[@paramounttactical]

I’ve tried multiple lots. That’s always one of my troubleshooting checks. My rifle just doesn’t like them. What twist is your barrel?

[@jeremymitchell1241]

@@paramounttactical it's a 1 in 8. I also tried some berger 156 factory loads. They shot really well too.

[@paramounttactical]

@@jeremymitchell1241 yeah, mine is 1:7.5 and I’ve seen this repeatedly through the comments. Those that are getting good results with it are running 1:8 barrels. I don’t think the ELD-M’s are responding well to the extra revs. There are several folks in the comments that are running 1:8 and not getting good results as well but almost all the 1:7.5 twist guys are getting similar results to mine.

[@jeremymitchell1241]

Yes try the 156 Bergers. They might like that faster twist.

[@astauth]

My bergara 6.5 PRC loves the ELD-X

[@larrydesantis9800]

Curious if it was all the same lot of ammo.

[@paramounttactical]

No. I tried ammo from 3 different lots.

[@fattigla]

I've heard different lots of ammo will shoot to different point of impact. I've not sure I've ever tracked it close though, as I'm always trying different loadings to see what works in my rifle. I'm not sure that the POI shifting to the right would be an ammo issue. It looks like a tight group, just shifted to the right.

[@clcmarc]

Similar results. 143 Precision Hunter was OK, inconsistent w 147 EldM and +2” groups from Terminal Ascent

[@spencersoyring4218]

I have a 6.5 prc American ruger shooting hornady match eld-x 147 . Sometimes it jams up the bolt so tight you have to hit the handle for it to come loose. Any idea why that happens. Thanks in advance.

[@paramounttactical]

@@spencersoyring4218 that’s a pressure problem. Your chamber might be cut small. I’d either get that fixed or you might try a lower grain bullet. Either way, it’s too much pressure and figure getting a heavy or stuck bolt unlock, it’s dangerous and you have to find a solution that reduces it.

[@spencersoyring4218]

How much smaller would you try on the grain bullet. Also would be good to try a different name brand.

[@spencersoyring4218]

@@paramounttactical

[@paramounttactical]

@ try the 143 Norma I showed in this video.,

[@bridgerbowles9026]

I got a 6.5 prc but the scope was jacked up so before I can actually do anything with it I got to get another scope 💀

[@wolfcollins3490]

I run through same issue whit Hornady 147 grain but whit the hunter 143 it's perfect

[@ChrisThomas-x8p]

I'm having that out of the Hornady 143 precision hunters

[@albertaldape9749]

I recently found boxes of that Norma match for about $30 at my local Academy. Should I wipe their shelves?

[@paramounttactical]

It’s the best 6.5PRC box ammo I’ve found so far. Act accordingly.

[@alberttenbusch6680]

I have just started running the Hornady 147 gr Match Ammo through a new 6.5 PRC rifle that I have built. Initial results were very good, but after a few boxes I went from shooting about 0.5 moa to consistently shooting 0.8 moa or larger. The results for the last few boxes have been just as you describe: fliers and apparently random shots. I usually shoot a lot more consistent. I am working through this and have been thinking its me, action torque, etc. I will look at results with a chronograph soon, but I will also try other match ammunition like the Norma... THANK YOU for sharing this! Like I said, I usually shoot a lot more consistent groups but I feel as if something is off here... Does anyone know if Federal is going to produce a match Gold Medal ammunition for the 6.5 PRC ? I have heard rumors this was a possibility... I really like the Federal Gold Medal Match results I get for the 175 gr Sierra's in 0.308... Thanks again.

[@paramounttactical]

Yeah, I’m with you. I went through the sane thing. On a bad day I’ll shoot 1/2-.75. But will typically shoot .2-.3 so I did a ton of troubleshooting after seeing the sporadic groups and flyers. It’s the ammo. Could be a new gun issue too. I’m assuming you cleaned it in there somewhere. New rifles are more prone to fouling causing your groups to open up. Try the Norma. Seems pretty good. Not sure about Federal making GM 6.5 PRC. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@alberttenbusch6680]

@@paramounttactical Yeah, the first thing I did when I started get erratic results was to thoroughly clean for carbon and copper. Its too bad the Hornady is so erratic because there are only a few match ammunition brands out there. However, I am starting to reload and will soon make my own. Even so, it is nice to be able to grab some good factory match when in a hurry. Thanks for the reply...

[@stevedalton800]

Same results here.. Hornady ammo is erratic as heck ..Norma is the best box ammo by far

[@Guns_coffee]

Great video

[@735Secure]

No experience with the PRC round but Hornady ELDM factory ammunition does horrible in my Sig Cross in 308…. Consistent 5 shot 3” groups! In over 30 years of shooting I’ve never shot that poorly with ANY ammunition. Just like you I checked everything but it seems to be the ammo. I tried it with a suppressor, without suppressor and with barrel tuner… barrel tuner helped and shrunk the groups to 1.5 MOA… tried many factory ammunitions but this gun seems to do best with 168gr Federal Gold Medal Match. It’s a hunting gun and I get .9” grouping at 100 yd without a suppressor and right at 1” with. With tuner I get 5 shot .42”-.5” grouping. I don’t have a chrono so can’t swear to the large SD but I’d say that’s the problem with my batch of ELDM’s. I haven’t tried the Norma match but will probably do that as soon as I get my hands on a few boxes locally.

[@robertlandrum-w4r]

While i know this video isn't recent, Hornady's quality has been on par for the last couple years. Extremely inconsistent. Not trying to bash them, components are fantastic. Their factory loads could use a major quality check.

[@skidooboyedk7596]

I have a new to me Bergara Crest in 6.5 prc, and having similar results with the Boxed Hornady 147 eldm's but, with one caveat... 100-150 yards it groups well... at 200 (furthest I can shoot locally), my groups are like yours. some good, some bad, some terrible. no rhyme or reason. scratching my head.

[@paramounttactical]

It’s Covid ammo brother. I used to regularly get SDs in the single digits with 6.5 CM. Now if I’m lucky they’re in the mid to high 20’s. Hopefully we’ll burn through all the bad components Hornady bought and used during that time. Thanks, Gary

[@petethomas5976]

If you can find the norma match 130 grain 6.5 creedmoor ammo you'll not find a ammo that shoots any better in my t3x tac a1 it shoot under quarter inch consistently it'd the original prime ammo recipe that's who made it from prime

[@ThinkSoberly]

Never had any problems with 6.5 PRC why would you spend 200 rounds when you’re getting bad results?

[@think_critical]

Probably in an attempt to track down the root cause: ammo, barrel, scope, scope mount, trigger, etc. Please help us by showing us a video of you shooting your 6.5 PRC and getting consistent sub-MOA results.

[@ThinkSoberly]

@@think_critical yeah but why not try a different ammo.

[@think_critical]

@@ThinkSoberly He did try different ammo. But he also wanted to understand if THAT ammo was defective or was simply a poor match for his rifle. Problem solving of accuracy issues is detective work, not simply stopping the use of one kind of ammo. Maybe the ammo is perfectly good, but he discovers that he had some other issue - no reason to stop using well-regarded ammo (Hornady Match ammo) until you've thoroughly diagnosed the root cause.

[@ThinkSoberly]

@@think_critical how do you know he tried different ammo? He didn’t mention it in the video ? Hey by the way who cares about your opinion I’m just commenting

[@think_critical]

@@ThinkSoberly To answer your question: YOU care about my opinion because you keep reading and responding to my comments - you are clearly a troll who doesn’t shoot. If you had watched and listened to the video, you’d know that he also tried Norma Match 6.5 PRC. You are dismissed, troll.

[@jacktrout5807]

I have problematic inconsistencies with the hornady eldx . The norma bond strike is 💰. The norma match is 💰.

[@paramounttactical]

It just depends on the rifle and seems to mostly depend on twist rates.

[@darrinsparks8119]

Hornady precision hunter looks like buckshot through my 6.5 prc

[@paramounttactical]

Yeah Hornady has a real problem with their ammo at the moment. Likely Covid production related. None of the “match” ammo is showing match results. Prior to Covid I would get single digit SDs out of 6.5 CM ELD Match. Now they’re in the high 20s to mid 30s

[@darrinsparks8119]

Ok I’ve changed the muzzle break, put the rifle on an Oryx chassis and re tried the Hornady precision hunter and match ammo and their for sure garbage. Tried the Nosler 140 ballistic tip and Bingo, SUB MOA GROUPING at 100 yards. Do any of you guys have the same rifle and or could advise me on a starting point on reloading 6.5 PRC???

[@paramounttactical]

@@darrinsparks8119 well at least you ID’d that it’s an ammo issue which is always a relief. No, no advice on reloading. I plan to go the same route and reload for my 6.5PRC but just haven’t yet. I’ve researched it and there is a lot of info on it many forums but I just haven’t had the time to jump into it yet. I appreciate you sharing your experience. It’s good info for everyone. Keep us updated, develop some good loads so I can steal them from you. Merry Christmas! -Gary

[@levigne25]

It’s got nothing to do with the 6.5 PRC . The 147gr ELD -M’s sucks no matter what it’s shot in , the reason for this it’s cause it’s got a terrible variation of BC at 2% that is way to high . Reloading it will not help you . A BC variation of 2% is exactly like having poor SD’s . At 100 yards this projectile can group well at times but at distance it’s very inconsistent. So many people chose a bullet blindly , you need a projectile with a BC variation of below 1.5% when you shoot at distance . The 140gr ELD-M will perform , it has a BC variation of 1.5% .

[@j2144-c1o]

Hornady match doesn't hold weight . The best saying disintegrates apart in a ballistic gel test. Never liked too harsh to me. To my is horrible 308. Win.

[@TorchyBurns1]

You never said what rifle you are shooting! My Bergara Wilderness 6.5 PRC hates the Hornady 143 gr. but LOVES the same in the 147 gr. The 143 was all over the place but the 147 Match ELD-X is consistently on target.

[@paramounttactical]

I was shooting MPA PMR Pro II. Twist is 1:7.5

[@shanemoore6780]

Like Torchy, my Bergara Wilderness Ridge 6.5 PRC favors the Hornady 147 gr ELD-M over the 143 gr ELD-X. 24 in barrel with 1:8 twist.

[@marklloyd4153]

Cold it be we are getting older😂

[@paramounttactical]

😂 I’m not getting older. I refuse.

[@andymills6583]

Your rifle just doesnt like them!

[@paramounttactical]

Absolute possibility. But I also was getting very inconsistent SDs. That’s not a rifle issue. Many people in the comments had the same issue as well.