Results with Hornady Match Ammo for 6.5 mm PRC

[riflemonkey]

I have just built a 6.5 mm PRC rifle with a 5R stainless 1:7.5 twist barrel 26 inches long. Just started shooting it and have about 110+ rounds through it. I used GA Precision's guide to break in and clean. I am finding that the shooter/ammo/rifle combo is not as consistent as with me/Federal Gold Medal Match for 308/my 308 that I am used to.

I typically shoot 5 shot groups from 100 yards to test and practice. With the Hornady Match for 6.5 mm PRC, I have gone from shooting a 0.2 moa (group) and averaging (per box) 0.5/0.6 moa, to averaging 0.9 moa (per box) depending on the day and box of Hornady Match 147 gr ammo.

So I got out the lab radar and measured the muzzle velocity for some of the ammo like I have in the past for the 308 and the Federal Gold Medal Match ammo. Thought I would share some of the results.

HM 6.5 PRC Box 1 (17 rounds measured)
Average MV: 2911 ft/s
Extreme Spread: 75 ft/s
Standard Deviation: 19.9 ft/s

HM 6.5 PRC Box 2 (ONLY 3 rounds measured)
Average MV: 2975 ft/s
Extreme Spread: 58 ft/s
Standard Deviation: 29.7

Now, I know sample size is important here so I would basically ignore the ES and SD of the second box. Though I will add that there was a tremendous change in average MV across the boxes. I do see why I was having trouble shooting as consistently as I do with my 308. Results for a box of Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr that I measured for my 308 rifle:

FGMM 308 Box 1 - average MV 2649.1 ft/s, ES 39 ft/s, and SD 9.9 ft/s (for a single box of 20 rounds)

My thought on my results:
I was having trouble with inconsistent shooting with my new 6.5 PRC rifle and shooter/ammo/rifle combo. I began looking for reasons why (barrel/action torque, scope mounting, shooter, etc.). I think it was the consistency of the ammo that I am now shooting compared to the consistency of the ammo that I was used to that was the biggest contributing factor. I believe the chronograph results (though very limited on a statistical basis) show this to be the case.

I am going to reload for the 6.5 PRC soon but wanted a baseline to compare to. I am also looking into the Norma Match for 6.5 PRC 143 gr ammo.

What results have you experienced with Hornady Match for the 6.5 mm PRC (or other cartridges) - quantitative or qualitative ? I would be interested in learning more. Have you found a factory load that works well for your 6.5 mm PRC ?

 

[wboggs]

I have just built a 6.5 mm PRC rifle with a 5R stainless 1:7.5 twist barrel 26 inches long. Just started shooting it and have about 110+ rounds through it. I used GA Precision's guide to break in and clean. I am finding that the shooter/ammo/rifle combo is not as consistent as with me/Federal Gold Medal Match for 308/my 308 that I am used to.

I typically shoot 5 shot groups from 100 yards to test and practice. With the Hornady Match for 6.5 mm PRC, I have gone from shooting a 0.2 moa (group) and averaging (per box) 0.5/0.6 moa, to averaging 0.9 moa (per box) depending on the day and box of Hornady Match 147 gr ammo.

So I got out the lab radar and measured the muzzle velocity for some of the ammo like I have in the past for the 308 and the Federal Gold Medal Match ammo. Thought I would share some of the results.

HM 6.5 PRC Box 1 (17 rounds measured)
Average MV: 2911 ft/s
Extreme Spread: 75 ft/s
Standard Deviation: 19.9 ft/s

HM 6.5 PRC Box 2 (ONLY 3 rounds measured)
Average MV: 2975 ft/s
Extreme Spread: 58 ft/s
Standard Deviation: 29.7

Now, I know sample size is important here so I would basically ignore the ES and SD of the second box. Though I will add that there was a tremendous change in average MV across the boxes. I do see why I was having trouble shooting as consistently as I do with my 308. Results for a box of Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr that I measured for my 308 rifle:

FGMM 308 Box 1 - average MV 2649.1 ft/s, ES 39 ft/s, and SD 9.9 ft/s (for a single box of 20 rounds)

My thought on my results:
I was having trouble with inconsistent shooting with my new 6.5 PRC rifle and shooter/ammo/rifle combo. I began looking for reasons why (barrel/action torque, scope mounting, shooter, etc.). I think it was the consistency of the ammo that I am now shooting compared to the consistency of the ammo that I was used to that was the biggest contributing factor. I believe the chronograph results (though very limited on a statistical basis) show this to be the case.

I am going to reload for the 6.5 PRC soon but wanted a baseline to compare to. I am also looking into the Norma Match for 6.5 PRC 143 gr ammo.

What results have you experienced with Hornady Match for the 6.5 mm PRC (or other cartridges) - quantitative or qualitative ? I would be interested in learning more. Have you found a factory load that works well for your 6.5 mm PRC ?

I have just built a 6.5 mm PRC rifle with a 5R stainless 1:7.5 twist barrel 26 inches long. Just started shooting it and have about 110+ rounds through it. I used GA Precision's guide to break in and clean. I am finding that the shooter/ammo/rifle combo is not as consistent as with me/Federal Gold Medal Match for 308/my 308 that I am used to.

I typically shoot 5 shot groups from 100 yards to test and practice. With the Hornady Match for 6.5 mm PRC, I have gone from shooting a 0.2 moa (group) and averaging (per box) 0.5/0.6 moa, to averaging 0.9 moa (per box) depending on the day and box of Hornady Match 147 gr ammo.

So I got out the lab radar and measured the muzzle velocity for some of the ammo like I have in the past for the 308 and the Federal Gold Medal Match ammo. Thought I would share some of the results.

HM 6.5 PRC Box 1 (17 rounds measured)
Average MV: 2911 ft/s
Extreme Spread: 75 ft/s
Standard Deviation: 19.9 ft/s

HM 6.5 PRC Box 2 (ONLY 3 rounds measured)
Average MV: 2975 ft/s
Extreme Spread: 58 ft/s
Standard Deviation: 29.7

Now, I know sample size is important here so I would basically ignore the ES and SD of the second box. Though I will add that there was a tremendous change in average MV across the boxes. I do see why I was having trouble shooting as consistently as I do with my 308. Results for a box of Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr that I measured for my 308 rifle:

FGMM 308 Box 1 - average MV 2649.1 ft/s, ES 39 ft/s, and SD 9.9 ft/s (for a single box of 20 rounds)

My thought on my results:
I was having trouble with inconsistent shooting with my new 6.5 PRC rifle and shooter/ammo/rifle combo. I began looking for reasons why (barrel/action torque, scope mounting, shooter, etc.). I think it was the consistency of the ammo that I am now shooting compared to the consistency of the ammo that I was used to that was the biggest contributing factor. I believe the chronograph results (though very limited on a statistical basis) show this to be the case.

I am going to reload for the 6.5 PRC soon but wanted a baseline to compare to. I am also looking into the Norma Match for 6.5 PRC 143 gr ammo.

What results have you experienced with Hornady Match for the 6.5 mm PRC (or other cartridges) - quantitative or qualitative ? I would be interested in learning more. Have you found a factory load that works well for your 6.5 mm PRC ?

I have found the most accurate factory ammo in my rifle is the Berger 156 load. About 0.5 moa for 5 shot groups at 200 yds.
My handloads will beat all the factory ammo but that is not your question.

 

[Zero333]

At 110 rounds down the tube, your barrel might still be picking up some speed. Wait until 200 rounds before testing the 6.5 prc again.

But I concur, 308 FGMM factory ammo is as good as factory ammo can get.

 

[Straightshooter1]

I have just built a 6.5 mm PRC rifle with a 5R stainless 1:7.5 twist barrel 26 inches long. Just started shooting it and have about 110+ rounds through it. I used GA Precision's guide to break in and clean. I am finding that the shooter/ammo/rifle combo is not as consistent as with me/Federal Gold Medal Match for 308/my 308 that I am used to.

I typically shoot 5 shot groups from 100 yards to test and practice. With the Hornady Match for 6.5 mm PRC, I have gone from shooting a 0.2 moa (group) and averaging (per box) 0.5/0.6 moa, to averaging 0.9 moa (per box) depending on the day and box of Hornady Match 147 gr ammo.

So I got out the lab radar and measured the muzzle velocity for some of the ammo like I have in the past for the 308 and the Federal Gold Medal Match ammo. Thought I would share some of the results.

HM 6.5 PRC Box 1 (17 rounds measured)
Average MV: 2911 ft/s
Extreme Spread: 75 ft/s
Standard Deviation: 19.9 ft/s

HM 6.5 PRC Box 2 (ONLY 3 rounds measured)
Average MV: 2975 ft/s
Extreme Spread: 58 ft/s
Standard Deviation: 29.7

Now, I know sample size is important here so I would basically ignore the ES and SD of the second box. Though I will add that there was a tremendous change in average MV across the boxes. I do see why I was having trouble shooting as consistently as I do with my 308. Results for a box of Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr that I measured for my 308 rifle:

FGMM 308 Box 1 - average MV 2649.1 ft/s, ES 39 ft/s, and SD 9.9 ft/s (for a single box of 20 rounds)

My thought on my results:
I was having trouble with inconsistent shooting with my new 6.5 PRC rifle and shooter/ammo/rifle combo. I began looking for reasons why (barrel/action torque, scope mounting, shooter, etc.). I think it was the consistency of the ammo that I am now shooting compared to the consistency of the ammo that I was used to that was the biggest contributing factor. I believe the chronograph results (though very limited on a statistical basis) show this to be the case.

I am going to reload for the 6.5 PRC soon but wanted a baseline to compare to. I am also looking into the Norma Match for 6.5 PRC 143 gr ammo.

What results have you experienced with Hornady Match for the 6.5 mm PRC (or other cartridges) - quantitative or qualitative ? I would be interested in learning more. Have you found a factory load that works well for your 6.5 mm PRC ?

Though this test isn't about 6.5 PRC, it might give you some idea what to expect out of various factory ammo:

6.5 Creedmoor Ammo Test Summary: Hit Probability At Long-Range

Choosing the right ammo can dramatically increase your odds of connecting with a target at long ran...

precisionrifleblog.com

 

[wboggs]

Though this test isn't about 6.5 PRC, it might give you some idea what to expect out of various factory ammo:

6.5 Creedmoor Ammo Test Summary: Hit Probability At Long-Range

Choosing the right ammo can dramatically increase your odds of connecting with a target at long ran...

precisionrifleblog.com

Good analysis for the factory ammo shooter of the creedmoor. Another caliber might be completely different. No individual has the resources to do this testing in many calibers. I have found Bergers often do the best in my handloads. Barts is superb in 6mm.

 

[STOMP442]

Why build a rifle and shoot factory ammo? That's like buying a sports car and only using a few gears. That being said I have yet to see a 6.5PRC that has impressed me with either velocity or accuracy. Decent but not great. Unlike the 6.5-284 it was designed to replicate / replace.

 

[Straightshooter1]

Good analysis for the factory ammo shooter of the creedmoor. Another caliber might be completely different. No individual has the resources to do this testing in many calibers. I have found Bergers often do the best in my handloads. Barts is superb in 6mm.

Yes, you're right than another caliber can be (and most likely would be) different, and that can also be true if one were to run the same test all over again. Still, I feel that data can give one an idea of how comparing various factory ammo shows how much difference one might expect. I agree that Berger ammo does well, and tends to be pretty consistent.

 

[wboggs]

Agree that the data is very useful for the factory ammo shooter. Factory ammo has made enormous advances in recent years. It is my impression that reloading is declining. I don't see a lot of younger shooters doing it and many that do use internet information that is downright dangerous.

 

[SKWERLZ]

Meh
Either your rifle likes that particular factory load or not.
Can’t judge it with one rifle.

 

[wboggs]

Agree 100%. Live firing is the only way to know.