Hunters and long-range shooters are always looking for the perfect ammunition to make their shooting more effective. In fact, many hunters often have to experiment with different kinds of ammunition before settling for one that seems to do the trick. If you have been keen on the goings-on in the hunting community, you may have noticed a new buzz surrounding the 6.5 PRC ammo. Almost every hunter and blogger speaks about these new cartridges and why you should try them out.
While these cartridges have been around since 2018, many people have not had the opportunity to try them out owing to the company’s low production rate. However, those that have had the opportunity have many good things to say about them. This article is for you if you are curious about these cartridges but have yet to try them out.
History of the 6.5 PRC Ammunition
The 6.5 PRC ammo for sale was first available in the market in 2018. However, this was after extensive work was undertaken on the original design to make it suitable for the needs of the consumers. The story of the 6.5 PRC ammunition, or Precision Rifle Cartridge, traces its roots to mid-2013 when George Gardner from GA Precision decided to introduce a new cartridge specific to the needs of competitive shooters and hunters at long range.
Gardner realized there was a gap in the cartridges used by shooters in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competition. While these cartridges had been quite effective and popular for a long time, they suffered from several drawbacks and needed modification. Therefore, he created a rifle cartridge that would meet the specifications of the PRS competition but would also fit in short-action rifles which are famous for both hunters and competitive shooters.
Characteristics of the 6.5 PRC Ammo
The 6.5 PRC ammo stands out from many other cartridges for various reasons. However, the ballistics performance, accuracy and consistency, and the recoil and muzzle energy give these cartridges an edge over others of the same category.
The ballistics performance of the 6.5 PRC ranges between 2,960fps and 2,910fps, depending on the handloading procedure used in loading the rifle. As such, the cartridges retain energy at longer distances with minimal wind drift and subsequent drop. For that reason, you can rely on them for long-range shooting compared to others, the closest of which is around 200 fps slower.
When shooting at long ranges, every shooter or hunter relies on the consistency and accuracy of the cartridges to make appropriate estimations on marksmanship. Compared to others in the same category, the 6.5 PRC is accurate at longer distances, even at high velocities. When used in similar conditions, others drift as far as 9.4 inches, while the 6.5 PRC only drifts 8.5 inches owing to its flatter trajectory on the flight.
Many shooters, in general, prefer rifles with low recoil because of the lower reload time. If you are such a hunter, then the 6.5 PRC ammo is ideal. On average, the 6.5 PRC produces 16.27 ft-lbs recoil energy at 11.19fps. Thus, while the recoil is still present and noticeable, it is still very mild compared to other cartridges of similar categories. The low recoil makes it an ideal round for beginners with a low tolerance.
Uses of the 6.5 PRC Ammo
While the 6.5 PRC ammo has wide usage for different scenarios, it excels in hunting, long-range, and competition. Since the rounds have high degrees of accuracy with low drift over long distances, they are an ideal choice for shooting while hunting at long distances. The round is powerful enough to take down heavy game like elk and black bears but is also suitable for smaller ones like deer. Thus, having the rounds in your hunting arsenal guarantees consistent results.
PRS competitions are always timed and involve engaging with multiple targets in various ranges. Thus, shooters need rounds with low recoil to allow rapid fire and facilitate quick succession shots to correct for misses across all ranges. While other categories of rounds can facilitate even better performance under similar circumstances, many are often too expensive or are out of the competition’s specifications, including size and velocity (.308 inches at 3,200 fps). Due to its low recoil and high accuracy ratings at the set standards of the competition, the 6.5 PRC is easily an ideal cartridge for such scenarios.
Pros of the 6.5 PRC Ammo
The aerodynamic design of the rounds is one of the highest selling points of the 6.5 PRC. The design makes it highly resistant to wind deflection, even in extreme situations. With the high velocity indicated above, you can rely on the rounds for high-speed shooting and hunting. Secondly, for people who need to shoot in quick succession or reload multiple times, the 6.5 PRC makes everything smoother due to the low recoil.
Lastly, the high ballistics performance and accuracy make the rounds ideal for various uses, including hunting for both small and large games, long-range shooting, and competitive shooting.
Cons of the 6.5 PRC Ammo
Notably, the rounds have slight disadvantages, which any new user must be aware of. Firstly, compared to other rounds of the same range, the 6.5 PRC is slightly pricier. However, what the rounds lack in pricing, they make up for in utility and specs. The rounds are also limited in availability and may be unavailable in many retail shops. Luckily, as the popularity of the rounds continues to grow, they will increase in availability to meet market demands.
Parting Shot
The 6.5 PRC is an excellent cartridge for both novice and expert shooters. As a beginner shooter, you will be satisfied to know that the rounds are pretty accurate and offer low recoil, making everything easier for you as you start on the shooting learning curve. Similarly, for experts, especially in the competitive stage, knowing that the rounds meet the requirements of the PRS competition should be comforting since you will enjoy better performance within the accepted range.
Unfortunately, the rounds are slightly pricier than other cartridges and may need more availability. Further, some rifles may not be compatible with cartridges. To that effect, you should ensure that the cartridges are compatible with your rifle before adding them to your arsenal.
