6.5 PRC vs 6.5x284

[Ironworker]

Other than case design ,what's the difference between the two ? Barrel life ?

 

[Laurie]

On the face, there isn't a lot of difference in ballistic terms. Shooting Times magazine's look at the PRC gives its case 68.8gn water capacity whilst the 6.5-284 has around 66gn. The PRC has a slightly higher SAAMI MAP allowance at 65,000 psi. Neither of these increases will make a great difference - they don't amount to a hill of beans as Bogie put it in Casablanca. So, all other things (pressure they're loaded to, barrel length, chamber freebore, propellant flame temperatures etc) being the same you'd not notice any difference in performance or barrel life. The 6.5-284 being overwhelmingly used in custom rifle / chambers probably has its bullets seated out further in the main giving them identical case / combustion chamber capacity. (That is 6.5-284 Norma, not the much shorter COAL and freebore Winchester.)

The PRC needs a magnum face bolt (and short magnum magazine in repeating rifles) whilst the 6.5-284 uses the more common 0.473" dia. case-head and matching bolt. So far, only Hornady brass (which I don't rate) is made for the PRC, whereas 6.5-284 has Norma and more commonly used Lapua available, both excellent makes.

The pluses for the PRC are factory ammo for those who want it. Not many companies load 6.5-284. Also it is designed for use in short magnum action rifles which is a plus for some hunting users.

 

[maxscm]

Short Action
Vs
Long Action