Does 6.5 PRC require a long action?

[buggz]

Does 6.5 PRC require a long action?
Or can this be used in a short action with a .308 bolt face?

 

[Gil P.]

Does 6.5 PRC require a long action?
Or can this be used in a short action with a .308 bolt face?

I've never used the cartridge, but I hear a lot of people have success with it in a short action.

The case length looks to be about the same as a 308. Heavy 6.5mm bullets will likely be longer than 308 bullets so you may not be able to seat the long.

 

[Gil P.]

It should require a magnum bolt face like a 7 saum.

 

[buggz]

This what I was thinking as well, that the longer heavier bullets would not be able to be used.

Good to know about the bolt face.

Action is a Bighorn TL3 SA.

Thanks.

 

[shoot4fun]

Does 6.5 PRC require a long action?
Or can this be used in a short action with a .308 bolt face?

First, yes it will feed in a SA. I use Accurate Mag WSM mags when I need to feed mine but mostly use a Bob Sled and single feed since I switched to the long A-Tip for match use.
As already stated, you will have to have a magnum bolt face bolt.

 

[DirtySteve]

Due to the replies I would say use a long action if wanting a repeater with the heaviest most aerodynamic bullets. Short if this is not a concern.. I have not owned this cartridge..

 

[tonyb]

Defiance XM length action is your best choice.

Tony.

 

[Orr89rocz]

In a savage 10, you can seat to 2.97” overall length and still feed in a mag. Thats where i put my wsm at. Idk what that would translate for the 6.5 prc with heavies

 

[wboggs]

I used a 700 LA because I wanted to seat long bullets. My loaded 150 SMKs are 3.06" seated 0.02 off. It feeds perfectly through modified 700 rails and the long magazine.
As others have mentioned, a .308 bolt face has to be opened up.
My rifle started as a 30-06.

 

[JB10]

Depending on use is depending on what action i would use. For hunting rig, short action. For bench/ target possibly long action. I have a factory rifle in 6.5 prc. I loaded up some 156 bergers i intend to use for hunting. Its a .143 jump to the lands in order to fit in the mag. Have not shot them yet but from my experiences closer to lands the better. Who knows, this bullet might do ok with jump.... i hope.

 

[wboggs]

Depending on use is depending on what action i would use. For hunting rig, short action. For bench/ target possibly long action. I have a factory rifle in 6.5 prc. I loaded up some 156 bergers i intend to use for hunting. Its a .143 jump to the lands in order to fit in the mag. Have not shot them yet but from my experiences closer to lands the better. Who knows, this bullet might do ok with jump.... i hope.

Depending on use is depending on what action i would use. For hunting rig, short action. For bench/ target possibly long action. I have a factory rifle in 6.5 prc. I loaded up some 156 bergers i intend to use for hunting. Its a .143 jump to the lands in order to fit in the mag. Have not shot them yet but from my experiences closer to lands the better. Who knows, this bullet might do ok with jump.... i hope.

It will be interesting to see how they do with that jump. I loaded some in mine 0.02 off and they shot well. Didn't persue them since they are hard to find and I have plenty of 150 SMKs that shoot well.

 

[Orr89rocz]

I have 30 cal elite hunter 180’s and 210 vld jumping that far or farther and doing very well

 

[L.Sherm]

Can you do it Yes, is it ideal NO

 

[wboggs]

Can you do it Yes, is it ideal NO

The Weatherby freebore was enormous in his attempt to gain every last pfs with a larger powder charge. I had one .300 with a Sauer barrel that was accurate with the old Norma 205 and 180gr Hornady bullets. So, you never know until you try it.

 

[L.Sherm]

The Weatherby freebore was enormous in his attempt to gain every last pfs with a larger powder charge. I had one .300 with a Sauer barrel that was accurate with the old Norma 205 and 180gr Hornady bullets. So, you never know until you try it.

And what if it doesn't work?
Why build a rifle and hinder the chances of it shooting to its potential.

 

[wboggs]

I thought be already had the rifle. Agree, would never build one that way.

 

[Nomosendero]

I would only want a Med. or Long action. I have a Vanguard in 6.5 PRC, it is a long action, I can seat bullets as needed and extend the throat if I wish.

 

[Texas10]

I can tell you that the 300 PRC will work in a short action, even with 220 gr Bergers or 225 gr ELD Match bullets, although if your bolt is set up with no ejector as a single shot, you'll have issues trying to remove the live cartridge as there just isn't room to get your finger tip around the bullet tip to remove it from the action. It's a tight fit, but it does fit.

I'm only guessing the 6.5 PRC is not as long as the 300, but it makes sense that it would be shorter, depending upon the bullet profile you're using.

 

[Nomosendero]

300 PRC in a short action, wow! Not for me