What cartridge for 1k PRS

[The pilgrim]

Had a quick look through so if this has been covered apologies.

Have a new Kelbly Atlas Tactical short action but undecided on cartridge, looking at either 6mm or 6.5 stables but there seems a lot negatives on the 6mm for spotting hits/splashes.

6mm BR
6mm SLR
243 win
6x47 lap
6.5 Creedmoor
6.5x47 lap
6.5 Super imp

These are all the cartridges I’m considering, I already have a .308 and 300 Wsm but figure you can’t have to many.

Advice appreciated.

 

[xswanted]

Out of your list I’d go with the 6Br or variant or the 6x47.
Splashes show up just fine with the 6mms

Most matches will have hit indicators on targets that would otherwise be hard to see splashes on because of long yardage.

 

[std7mag]

6.5GT?

Just to throw a wrench into the works.

 

[Rob01]

So do you handload or use factory ammo from time to time?

Have you shot any matches or are new and getting into it?

 

[The pilgrim]

Have just seen the 6GT but will stick with what I’m favouring. I am new to PRS but have shot a couple of matches. I do reload so ammo isn’t an issue but on the shelf components will be.

 

[Rob01]

Being new I would say go with the 6.5 Creed. Plenty of components and easy to load for and better barrel life than the 6mm so you will shoot it longer. With a good brake recoil will not be an issue. Don’t chase what the winners are using as you won’t be a winner now anyways and all the tiny 6s require more BS in the loading room and what you need is time at the range and not the loading room.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

My first couple of choices would be, the Barrel saving, 6 XC and 6mm SLR,.. IF, IF, IF,. the Winds, not blowing, too Hard !
MY Second "choices", would be, a 6.5 x 55 GWI ( or AI ) as cheap Lapua 6.5 x 55 Brass IS avail. or the 6.5 SLR then, lastly maybe, the 6.5 Creed for, the windier Days !
Build TWO Rifles, exactly the same except, the Cartridge ! ( IF, you can afford to ).
Then, you "could" win,.. in most, Conditions !

 

[linebaugh]

6x47

 

[Rob01]

Whatever cartridge you choose it needs to feed reliably from a 10 round aics mag. I would not even consider a x55 or SLR for the sport. The velocity isn’t needed or desired.

 

[Dgd6mm]

It's not the arrow, it's the Native American... I've been shooting the 6mm Competition Match since February '07, my newest barrel hardly gets shot. My .243 is getting cobwebs on it. I have a 6mm Competition Match that was short chambered by .092 , I call it a 6CMS, it sits. I'm really growing fond of my 6br. Slowest one of all and real easy to load for and accurate. It's an excellent 1000 yard steel banger and than some.

On your list if it where me I'd go,
6br
6.5 Creedmoor
6.5x47 Lapua
Later down the road when my .243 gives up I may try the 6GT, if not the 6br is here to stay for me.

 

[JFrank]

What about the Dasher ?

 

[Matt_3479]

There is benefits to both the 6 and the 6.5.
6mm
- less recoil (making spotting and tracking easier)
- easier follow ups
- faster

6.5mm
- better splash
- better barrel life

it’s a tough choice. I started with 6.5 and still have one, but after switching to a 6 it’s far more enjoyable to shoot. Being able to stay on target, track the bullet better and splash is generally enough. There has been certain ranges I’ve shot local to me where the 6.5 is way easier to spot! The 25 is a perfect mix in my opinion, if only the blackjacks were easy to get. With the new bergers we will see how they perform but the 25 has a lot of benefits.

In order

- 6bra/6 dasher/6br
- 25x47/25 creed
- 6x47/6 creed
- 6.5x47/6.5creed/260

 

[Rob01]

With a properly set up rifle with a good brake and good practice you should be able to stay on the rifle and spot any of the cartridges. I shoot a 6.5 Creed and can stay on it just as easy as the .223 I use for certain Tac Div matches. A good brake makes a lot of difference as the rifle just barely comes back into the shoulder.

 

[ballisticxlr]

6XC or 6SLR. Great velocity, great barrel life, great brass life, great feeding reliability, modest powder appetite. With a good brake and a properly set up position on the obstacle you'll easily be able to watch bullets hit through your scope.

None of the magazine issues of any of the BR based stuff, more velocity than the GT or ARC.

The best I've ever used was .243AI, 3200fps with 115's at modest pressures and amazing barrel life for how spicy it was (I got 1800 rounds of match work plus several hundred of case forming and varmint loads) before growing beyond mag length. Only suck part was a little lump in the feeding so I had to push the bolt forward, pause for a split second, then finish the push and close the bolt. 6XC isn't quite so fast as the .243AI but feeds super cleanly. 6SLR gives the velocity of the 243AI without the feeding issues and has the longer neck of the 6XC. I'm about to order my 6SLR reamer, brass and bullets and start setting up my spare 6XC as a 6SLR.

 

[22DASHER]

I have only ever shot 6mm stuff and would never ever think of going to a 6.5mm in PRS. No need for it. I have never been screwed over by a light impact. Most of the targets are well within range to report a solid 6mm impact. If they are questionable the range will have flashers on the targets anyways

 

[Rob01]

Not all about target impacts but being a new shooter other things going on as well. Barrel life, ease or loading for the most part. I have shot .308, 6.5 Creed, 6mm Creed, .243, 300WM and .223 in PRS matches so no need to be stuck in one spot but for him being new I really think he should go with an easy button round. If he wants a 6mm then a 6 Creed would be the choice. Also with him being in the UK that might make his choices more important also.

And no need for 3200fps in PRS anymore. People used to do that years back when there were UKD and trying to shoot as flat as possible but most are shooting 105/109s at around 2800-2850fps.

 

[22DASHER]

I do agree with the 6 Creedmoor choice due to off the shelf components

 

[The pilgrim]

Great replies guys, thank you. I’m still not decided on a cartridge and many have their own merits as per your replies. As has been said, I may need two rifles…

 

[Rob01]

Not sure if the UK laws but you could do a switch barrel and have the same rifle with two or three caliber barrels. Just something to think about.

 

[The pilgrim]

Not sure if the UK laws but you could do a switch barrel and have the same rifle with two or three caliber barrels. Just something to think about.

Alas, the archaic laws make such things an absolute ballache, achievable, but not without jumping through hoops the puppet masters set. We could wait months for changes made to our tickets…