The highly efficient 6.5 PRC
DESIGNED specifically for Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competition, the 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) failed to achieve Hornady’s hoped-for level of popularity with target shooters, but gained a following among hunters due to its ballistic advantage. This is not surprising since the 6.5 PRC fills a hole in the 6.5-calibre picket fence between anaemic rounds like the 6.5 Grendel and the 6.5 Creedmoor and the overbore magnums like the 26 Nosler and 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum.
The 6.5 PRC’s credentials for hunting use are impeccable, for PRS competition is designed to simulate field-shooting with long-range rifles. Targets are set up at unknown distances both near and far, and competitors shoot throughout the year to accumulate points. At one particular end-of-year shoot, ranges varied from 200 to 1510 yards. PRS rules limit the calibre to .30 or less and muzzle velocity to 3200fps. It is difficult to get around the limit on bullet speed since spot checks can be carried out at any time during a match. If the velocity limit is exceeded, the shooter faces disqualification.
The 6.5 PRC may have proved a bit too much of a good thing for targeteers since Hornady’s mild 6.5 Creedmoor and 6mm Creedmoor are currently dominating the PRS series. Evidently the 6.5 PRC’s recoil (16ft-lb to 18.5ft-lb) was too robust and barrel life too short
