SAUM requires either a WSM action or feed rail modifications. PRC works in a magnum action with no modifications.
6.5 PRC vs 6.5-284
- Thread starter 284winner
- Start date
SAUM requires either a WSM action or feed rail modifications. PRC works in a magnum action with no modifications.
I think it's important for you guys to understand what is being done here, and what was done with the 6.5 Creedmoor is a perfect illustration.
The competition PRS Shooters put the 6.5 mm cartridges back in the game, using several wild cats. Hornady developed a cartridge for which they could load accurate ammunition in a desired caliber, overcoming the objections of the non-reloading crowd. By developing a cartridge they were able to spec a chamber, enabling them to overcome throat length and bullet style issues. By defining a new cartridge and designing a chamber for their bullets they were able to easily load accurate, repeatable factory ammunition for their new cartridge.
They did enough testing to make sure that it worked, a rarity in this business. Combine this with a very intensive marketing campaign on shooting sites, especially snipers hide, and the effort succeeded. Now they intend to make everybody sell their 6.5 Creedmoor rifles and by 6.5 PRC.
Time will tell if they are able to pull it off again. But the precedent is established. They will sponsor top-level Shooters in PRS who will win matches with the cartridge and the rifles. And soon it will be raining used 6.5 Creedmoor rifles even harder than it is right now, as many have already swapped for the 6 Creedmoor.
And so we will all watch them learn again the lessons of overbore cartridges and barrel life.
The competition PRS Shooters put the 6.5 mm cartridges back in the game, using several wild cats. Hornady developed a cartridge for which they could load accurate ammunition in a desired caliber, overcoming the objections of the non-reloading crowd. By developing a cartridge they were able to spec a chamber, enabling them to overcome throat length and bullet style issues. By defining a new cartridge and designing a chamber for their bullets they were able to easily load accurate, repeatable factory ammunition for their new cartridge.
They did enough testing to make sure that it worked, a rarity in this business. Combine this with a very intensive marketing campaign on shooting sites, especially snipers hide, and the effort succeeded. Now they intend to make everybody sell their 6.5 Creedmoor rifles and by 6.5 PRC.
Time will tell if they are able to pull it off again. But the precedent is established. They will sponsor top-level Shooters in PRS who will win matches with the cartridge and the rifles. And soon it will be raining used 6.5 Creedmoor rifles even harder than it is right now, as many have already swapped for the 6 Creedmoor.
And so we will all watch them learn again the lessons of overbore cartridges and barrel life.
I know the 6.5-284 is still popular, just rustling a few feathers for fun
Wish the shooting world would bring light back to the 6.5 Rem Mag. Not that it ever really had any time in the spotlight...but what an amazing cartridge. Super fast ultra efficient round and very inherently accurate design.
Like everything Remington has ever done with cartridges in its entire miserable existence. I will NEVER forgive them for the 244 Remington
...The 6.5 PRC, I think, just fixes the rebated rim and offers more short action compatibility than the 6.5x284 which is too big for a short action and, as mentioned, can be finicky in feeding.
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Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
Nothing. Difference is the PRC has one of the largest manufacturers backing it up and breathing life into it.
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
The PRS has three Bolt Gun Divisions – Open, Tactical, and Production. This does not include the gas gun division, obviously. I think you're about a year behind what the actual cartridges are for PRS, at least in the professional divisions. Currently, the short 6mm BR variations are winning and changing the hearts and minds of men in the Open and Tactical Divisions. In the Production division though, in an attempt to cater to the beginning shooter, with the emphasis on price ceiling and availability of commercial ammunition, the Ruger RPR rifles and other similar versions from other manufacturers in 6.5 Creedmoor and the 6mm Creedmoor dominate.
PRS has a velocity ceiling, something which pushed us towards H-1000 in the original 6.5 GAP 4S. Ostensibly, this 6.5 RSAUM when loaded with the 140 gr. Berger VLDs over 61 grains of H-1000 yielded the proper velocity in order to safely make the cut for competitions. This is, as most know, holding the 6.5 RSAUM back, maybe not substantially but holding it back none the less. But there was no need for more velocity as it was a rules violation. So any cartridge with nearly the same capacity and performance will be less than suitable for the current levels of PRS competitions. In essence, the 6.5 PRC will not run the Creedmoors off let alone the 6mm BR variants in competition. Smaller capacity cartridges, smaller, sleeker bullets with lower recoil are edging out the bigger, higher performance (velocity potential) cartridges. This is no different from what is taking place in 1,000 yard benchrest where the 6mmBR cartridges are winning over the magnum cartridges and WSM variants when the wind gods keep it under a dull roar!
This 6.5 PRC is an excellent exercise in managed development and marketing by Hornady. It has the potential for being a superb hunting cartridge as well as F-class competitor. Testing is underway to see what results from using lighter weight Match solids and some of the hunting style solids in this cartridge. So far, magazine feeding is right on the mark.
Another thing that is appealing about the 6.5 PRC from a gunsmiths perspective is that because there is factory ammo...it is basically impossible to mess up. My gunsmith can build his chambers around the factory ammo, give the rifle to a customer, and get him a box of ammo and say "Go shoot this" with little to no worry.
Some people are not responsible enough to reload, and some people do not follow instructions very well. I have seen guys get custom Mausers, and they are told specifically...do not shoot Military Surplus ammo through this because the chamber has a shorter throat for good hunting ammo...and the first thing they do is shoot laquered cased Czech ammo through it and the gun locks up.
Some people are not responsible enough to reload, and some people do not follow instructions very well. I have seen guys get custom Mausers, and they are told specifically...do not shoot Military Surplus ammo through this because the chamber has a shorter throat for good hunting ammo...and the first thing they do is shoot laquered cased Czech ammo through it and the gun locks up.
You can say that again!!!!!
I really try and avoid going to public ranges. I cannot turn a blind eye when someone is doing something wrong. One for safety reasons but you never know how they are going to react when you in all honesty are trying to help. Sometimes they freak out on ya!
Last time at the public range I seen 3 guys trying to get a M1 Garand to shoot. Yes not one but three! My son looked over at me and said, “Dad you really need to go over there!”. I said o.k. So I pointed out the workings on the M1 etc...and care and tips for it and got them up and running.
When we we’re leaving the range one guy said,” I seen your one ammo box was marked 6.5CM?” I said yes. Why? Well we have a 6.5CM but the ammo won’t chamber. So I said let me see your gun and ammo. OH MY GOD! They bought 6.5PRC ammo and they we’re trying to get it to chamber in a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5CM. I nicely said that’s not 6.5CM ammo. Showed them the difference in the ammo and gave them a box of 6.5CM ammo I had on me.
A lot has to do with marketing... First off...a 260 Ackley will get you 2950 ish with a 140 bullet. The 6.5 PRC is shooting the same bullet at the same velocity in Hornady factory ammo. I'm guessing they are limiting the velocity to 2950 because they are keeping within a certain pressure limit. Look at the 6.5 Creedmoor. What is it really doing that a 260 Rem, 6.5x47, 6.5 slr, 260 Ackley , 6.5/250 AI, 6.5x55 (ya I get this is a Long action round essentially), and other 6.5 wildcats based off of a 47-51mm case? Marketing was phenomenal and the 6.5 CM was touted as the greatest round invented in the last century! It is a great round but if any of the other rounds mentioned were pushed hard by ammo/brass makers, top shooters, and gun writers...I'd bet they would be just as popular..Same applies to the 6mm CM... better than 6x47 Lapua or 6xc or 6 SM, 6 SLR, 6 Competition match or even 243?
My favorite rifle of all
Thanks
wedgy
Gold $$ Contributor
The 6.5 Sherman Short now has ADG brass
https://shermanwildcatcartridges.com/6-5-ss
https://shermanwildcatcartridges.com/6-5-ss
I just bought a Cooper model 22 6.5-284 and I am looking to re-load with Lapua brass what would be your suggestion for the Bullits I’m thinking 140 or 143’s plan on shooting some seven 800 yard I’ve done a lot of bench shooting and have done lots of re-loading and Gunsmithing in the last 40 years but have no idea where to even start with this Cooper I welcome any help thanks
Both of those are a great start. I have to believe that Cooper has plenty of throat for the 140 class bullets. My favorite powder is H4831sc. I'd start around 45 grains and go up from there. 51.3 is where I see optimal results. 2975 fps and easy on the barrel. I've run it to 3075 with still no pressure but accuracy isn't as good. I'm jumping my 140 smk .010. Berger's I'm about on the rifling. ELDs love to jump so they'll be less finicky( at least in my guns they are). Good luck. John
My 6.5-284 is a hunting rifle. I'm not a competition shooter but since retirement have shot at two 600 yard matches locally. Seemed like a decent way to keep my skills honed and get some behind the rifle time when normally I don't. Was unimpressed on my last two 20 Rd strings at yesterday's shoot. Shots opened up considerably and can't say why. Extraction was hard and velocity increased quite a bit. My loads were all identical. The first 20 round string had around a 15 SD and the last two had a 65 SD. I will say the barrel did get extremely hot. I did not bring my usual barrel cooling method when I shoot long strings. Not sure if that heat caused this issue or not. Another's thing I noticed was a loose leg lever causing the right bipod leg to move slightly. Cross hairs were on target and shots felt good. I only noticed that bipod issue ( don't believe it was the issue) the last 5 shots and once I fixed the issue my last shots were X's and 10's. I did notice my vertical was in trouble while my horizontal was around 3-4". Looks like I'll have to see how my September match turns out. I'll have a barrel cooler and have a solid bipod.
As far as factory ammo goes they are about the same for accuracy, they both have #1 Benchmark barrels, 1-8 twist
I have handloaded more for the 6.5-284 so can’t really compare them in that respect yet, the 6.5 PRC is about a 100 FPS faster with factory ammo, mind you the 6.5-284 is a 22" barrel and the 6.5PRC is a 24" barrel.
I have handloaded more for the 6.5-284 so can’t really compare them in that respect yet, the 6.5 PRC is about a 100 FPS faster with factory ammo, mind you the 6.5-284 is a 22" barrel and the 6.5PRC is a 24" barrel.
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