New caliber recommendations

[Tomsky]

I am looking to buy a new rifle. I am focused on a Browning X Bolt Hells Canyon Long Range. I have it narrowed down to 3 calibers. I would like anyone's opinion on the 270 WSM, the 7mm Rem Mag, or the 6.5 PRC. I would like a caliber and Rifle accurate to hunting conditions to 500 yds. These are the 3 calibers I have done the most research on. I know with the ammo shortage and such, any of these will be tough to get. I am leaning towards the 6.5 PRC, but would like anyone that has one to weigh in on it. Thanks in advance.

 

[MarbleEyez]

6.5 PRC would get my vote. It has the most energy of the 3 at 500yds. Impressive little cartridge

 

[Achucker]

I have been reading alot about the 300PRC. may want to consider. Here is a good read.

https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/65-prc-versus-300-prc/330107

If I had to chose between the choices you provided it would be 6.5 PRC

 

[SLE]

I'm on my first full season with my 6.5PRC and I've been nothing but impressed thus far. The gun, scope, ammo combo that I am using have been nothing short of amazing for long distance accuracy. To the point that I'm constantly shooting better with this combo and caliber than I have with any other in 30 years of being an avid outdoorsman. Using factory Horandy147 ELDMs, I laid a sub 2" 3 shot group in at 750 yds. That's sub 1/4" MOA. Hunting is a little limited thus far since it's the first year but I took my antelope at 300 yds, my buddy used it on his putting one through at 325 yds and a second one at 409 yds, and to top it off, I took a nice white tail doe at 545 yds with a single shot that was absolutely devastating. One of the guys hunting with me that regularly shoots a 300 Ultra Mag was quite impressed with the shot on my deer with this "little pea shooter" lol.

Needless to say, I vote 6.5PRC.

 

[BGH]

Before you decide on that gun, find a good trigger replacement. Man that trigger is disappointing.

- - - Updated - - -

But out of those 3, 7mm gets my vote!

 

[5575]

7mm and you'll be a happy camper.:;:thumbsup

 

[Enslow]

6.5 PRC would get my vote. It has the most energy of the 3 at 500yds. Impressive little cartridge

Are you sayin the 6.5 prc has more energy at 500 yards then any bullet for the .270 wsm or the 7mm rem mag?

 

[Captain Ahab]

If you don't hand load, the 7mm is a no brainer over the 6.5 PRC just for the factory ammo options.

 

[SLE]

If you don't hand load, the 7mm is a no brainer over the 6.5 PRC just for the factory ammo options.

Captain, I don't disagree with you very often but I'm going to have to agree to disagree with that statement. Although you have less choices with the PRC, the factory ammo that is available is absolutely superb, really providing very little reason or benefit to hand load for the PRC. It's the very reason I settled on the PRC was for the fact that I did not want to have roll my own to get a high level of accuracy and performance. On the flip side, if your willing to hand load for the 7mm, you can get similar performance to what the PRC gets from factory ammo. To me, the "ONLY" positive for the 7 over the PRC is more factory ammo options, however that doesn't mean they are all good. I doubt the PRC will ever reach the level of popularity of the 7, however as it's becoming more popular more companies will be rolling ammo for it. It has only been out for 2-3 years so give it time.

This of course is assuming a typical 7mm with a 1:9.5 twist which is too slow to properly stabilize high SD bullets.

 

[Callem'In]

I was heavily looking at a 6.5 x 300 Weatherby as my next rifle, But the 6.5PRC is a close second in my opinion. I own a 270wsm and really like it, but the long range ballistics of the 6.5 are where I'm leaning. For out to 500, all options will work as intended. I would lean toward the PRC for over 500.

 

[Tomsky]

Thanks guys! This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much! How about a scope for the yardage talked about and up to $1000 range for price?

 

[SLE]

If $1k is your goal on glass and want to shoot 1000 yds, probably one of the best bang's for the buck would be a Vortex Viper PST 5-25x50.

 

[Kurtr]

Brother has that exact rifle with a sig scope. I am really impressed with what sig has to offer both glass and range finder. He had been banging steel to 1500 with both the 147 eldm and 156 Berger.

 

[Enslow]

You could get a 26 nosler with a 50x scope and really get after it .

 

[Kurtr]

Bbl wore out before load development is done. The bbl makers love those but most people that get them just have 1000 yard out the box mentality so only need to shoot a few rounds a year.

 

[Enslow]

Is this supposed to sound like snipers hide? Lol

- - - Updated - - -

Load was so hot wore my barrel out during load development with my 6.5 creedmoor. Those creedmoors are so hot you could melt lead for jigs after a string of shots.

 

[PrairieGhost]

I have the Vortex second generation 5x25 by 50mm on a Creedmoor that I load to a little over 3000 fps with the 140 ELD-M and the 140 VLD. I shot my first coyote this fall at 400 yards with 140 ELD-M. In the right side low in the neck and out in front of the left hind quarter. She ran 300 yards and when I got to her I still had to shoot her in the head with the 22 handgun. The exit wasn't much bigger than the entrance. I didn't open her up to look at the damage since I thought the path it took had to hit the gut and my nose didn't want the experience.

I thought I would like the ELD-M since it is very accurate. I only have shot one animal so I suppose I shouldn't get to down on it. I like the price compared to the VLD. Sure hope it's better next time. I would like to hear experience from others.

 

[MarbleEyez]

Are you sayin the 6.5 prc has more energy at 500 yards then any bullet for the .270 wsm or the 7mm rem mag?

270 wsm
150gr
1,447 ft/lbs @ 500yds

7mm mag
150gr
1,445 ft/lbs @ 500yds

6.5PRC
143gr
1,610 ft/lbs @ 500yds

- - - Updated - - -

 

[Kurtr]

270 wsm
150gr
1,447 ft/lbs @ 500yds

7mm mag
150gr
1,445 ft/lbs @ 500yds

6.5PRC
143gr
1,610 ft/lbs @ 500yds

- - - Updated - - -

plug the 156 Berger in the prc. Might as well use all that horse power

 

[MuleyMadness]

I was heavily looking at a 6.5 x 300 Weatherby as my next rifle, But the 6.5PRC is a close second in my opinion. I own a 270wsm and really like it, but the long range ballistics of the 6.5 are where I'm leaning. For out to 500, all options will work as intended. I would lean toward the PRC for over 500.

I also did a lot of research for my next rifle and it is going to be the 6.5-300. 26 Nosler was my second but wasnt really that close