6.5 PRC for LR groundhogs

[Sigfla]

I already have a Dakota .243 in a 10 twist. I am toying with the idea of a 6.5 PRC in an 8 twist. I want to play in the 95-140 grain range. Not 100% on what bullet exactly but I am kinda wanting a 6.5 PRC. I might consider a 6 PRC as well but I shoot lefty and I don’t have a million options. Looking at Bergara (barrel length too short at 20 inches), Savage 110 Precision, Tikka, or maybe taking my old unused Savage long action .308 and turning it into a single shot 6.5 PRC. Any thoughts or suggestions? Anybody think I am way off in my thinking or have a better option?

 

[itchyTF]

If for ghogs might consider the Sierra 105 TVK (used to be BK).

 

[Sigfla]

If for ghogs might consider the Sierra 105 TVK (used to be BK).

I am leaning towards the Bergara even with the shorter barrel. I suppose I could shoot it a bunch then eventually rebarrel longer. I am a traditionalist and just don’t love the chassis look on the Savage. That Sierra TVK has me wanting the 6.5 even more. I also like the Hornady ELDVT 100’s and Nosler BT’s.

 

[357Mag]

I already have a Dakota .243 in a 10 twist. I am toying with the idea of a 6.5 PRC in an 8 twist. I want to play in the 95-140 grain range. Not 100% on what bullet exactly but I am kinda wanting a 6.5 PRC. I might consider a 6 PRC as well but I shoot lefty and I don’t have a million options. Looking at Bergara (barrel length too short at 20 inches), Savage 110 Precision, Tikka, or maybe taking my old unused Savage long action .308 and turning it into a single shot 6.5 PRC. Any thoughts or suggestions? Anybody think I am way off in my thinking or have a better option?

Sigfla -

Howdy !

I have been shooting NE IN groundhogs, ever since 1972, using a CF varmint rifle on them since ‘73.

Commentary:
I DK where you are located, or what constitutes “ long range “ for you ?

Historically, shooters have used “ varmint “ bullets as the means of providing the desired
terminal effects on groundhogs @ distance. For responsible shooters, a big part of that is a clean kill; and ideally….. no crawlers. It’s not just “ you can’t count the kill if you can’t produce the carcass “. How ' bout.... let's not have them making it back to the den, at all !

Long VLDs that are heavy in their caliber have come into vogue in recent years, for shooting targets at extended ranges. These have sometimes been pressed into service for engaging groundhogs @ extended ranges, but have they not been designed as… let alone been intended for use on groundhogs that are “ out there " a'wayz. The long heavy VLDs are sub-optimal for use taking shots, where/when a likely outcome is the bullet " shooting through ". When engaging live animals, bullets are used to deliver terminal kinetic energy @ distance. IF/ when the bullet shoots through and exits a groundhog, the shooter cannot be assured of having made a clean kill. This will become readily apparent not long after the shot, and the varmint starts making headway back towards the den. And.... who wants that ?!

Opting to use a lighter, middle-weight aerodynamic VLD will reduce practical/responsible engagement ranges; compared to use of a heavier VLD that can be expect to carry more energy out farther down range. At the same time, a mid-wt VLD can itself present
" shoot throughs " also, when circumstances make such occurances possible.
I experienced one 100yd and one 200yd groundhog engagement last year, where the 6mm 87 " V "- Max I was using exited the groundhog. For the 100yd shot, I was forced to shoot the groundihog quartering away from me. Not my prefered side chest shot, but
I figured I had him cold. The bullet entered the Rt rear hip, went all the way through; and then exited from the animal's Rt front shoulder. I hadn't had a "crawler" since 1975,
and I gotta tell ya'..... I did not like this one at all ! I never had a crawler when shooting the Hornady .224" cal 55SX using my @ .22-35 Remington " wildcat.

- IMHO:
The same reasons and rational' that gave us dedicated varmint bullets for use on groundhog; are still as valid today as they have been for decades.

Depending on long/heavy VLDs for clean groundhog kills is a proposition fraught with the possibility of negative outcomes, such as....bullets that exit the animal, then skip or ricochete... only go further down range than desired/intended.
And again, who wants that ?! " DANGER.... DANGER Will Robinson !! "

For 2026, I took the 6mm barrel off my rifle and am returning to use of my .22-35 and the 55SX; for shooting " Soybeanus Digestus " @ 550yd and under. That's where the bulk of my local groundhog shots have place. F My new gain twist Bartlein and Wichita WBR 1375 action are awaiting their turn @ the riflesmith, right now

But hey.... that's just me !


With regards,
357Mag

 

[alf]

I am leaning towards the Bergara even with the shorter barrel. I suppose I could shoot it a bunch then eventually rebarrel longer. I am a traditionalist and just don’t love the chassis look on the Savage. That Sierra TVK has me wanting the 6.5 even more. I also like the Hornady ELDVT 100’s and Nosler BT’s.

I bought the Bergara Canyon with the 20" barrel, as I wanted to use my suppressor, so that's what I wanted for barrel length.

I was concentrating on Berger 130 VLD's because I had a bunch on hand, & I wanted a little more velocity of those versus the 140 class. I can't quite get to 3000 with the 130's, but I don't feel handicapped.

I stuck mine in a bigger McMillan with a Vortex 3-15x44 on top for load work:

 

[Sigfla]

I bought the Bergara Canyon with the 20" barrel, as I wanted to use my suppressor, so that's what I wanted for barrel length.

I was concentrating on Berger 130 VLD's because I had a bunch on hand, & I wanted a little more velocity of those versus the 140 class. I can't quite get to 3000 with the 130's, but I don't feel handicapped.

I stuck mine in a bigger McMillan with a Vortex 3-15x44 on top for load work:

Great looking stock. How is the accuracy? I generally don’t run suppressed on my target rigs but I have been thinking about it. I travel out of state to shoot groundhogs so I never bother bringing a can. I have 1 threaded .204 and 3 more unthreaded. My .243 is also not threaded. Maybe I should rethink using a can? I was thinking in an ideal world I would like a 26-28 inch barrel.

 

[alf]

Great looking stock. How is the accuracy? I generally don’t run suppressed on my target rigs but I have been thinking about it. I travel out of state to shoot groundhogs so I never bother bringing a can. I have 1 threaded .204 and 3 more unthreaded. My .243 is also not threaded. Maybe I should rethink using a can?

Accuracy hovers around a half minute if you hold your mouth right.

Cans are kinda up to you whether you feel it's needed or not. They could possibly give you more shot opportunities in the long run. In the last couple months, I have got all my prairie dog barrels threaded for suppressor use, so I feel it's worth it. Certainly isn't going to hurt.

I wanted one for this gun, so the 20" tube was the happy medium between barrel length, portability, & velocity loss.