Why not try 6.5 prc in F-open

[swd]

F Class rifles get shot hard. 6.5 Creeds go 1500ish. I would expect the PRC to live 900-1300.

 

[dakor]

N-165 is one of the coolest burning powders available, along with N-160. I load N-160 in the 7-6.5 PRC and the barrel on my rifle has ~920 rounds on it. I scoped it after the last cleaning, and I saw the barest hint of fire cracking just before the lands. There's a bunch of life left in this barrel. My previous barrel shot better with RL-23, and the fire cracking was quite apparent at a similar round count, and it was done at 1,400 rounds.

N-165 is yes but 565 is not. I should have been more specific.

 

[JLT]

N-165 is yes but 565 is not. I should have been more specific.

The 500-series powders are all double-base, containing nitroglycerin. They can't help but run hotter, and some more than others from what I hear.

 

[dakor]

Do you already have the rifle or are you looking at getting one?

 

[Fast14riot]

The 500-series powders are all double-base, containing nitroglycerin. They can't help but run hotter, and some more than others from what I hear.

Even so, I've noticed less barrel heat from N555 than RL23 or H4831, in the same barrel and cartridge.

Sure the 6.5prc with 140 class bullets can shoot well for F/class with low pressure loads, but the economy of burning an extra ~8gr of powder doesn't make economical sense. If you had an action/gun with mag bolt face already, maybe, but going 7mm would be a better choice for precision and using the powder capacity available.

If its going to be a new build, lots better options in standard or AI chamberings, using less powder for same velocity. Cost per round not only in barrel life, but powder, primers and bullets. Straight 284 still shoots as good as before, with 180gr bergers pointed. 140hybrid or 142smk in 6.5 run from a case that can deliver 2950ish with <50gr powder will always shoot well.

But, where are you in your F/class journey and what are your long term goals? I think this may be a better determination of what chamber to choose than ease of loading. Pick one and learn it through and through. Usually it's not the bullet diameter or velocity that decides winners. It's who shoots the least imperfect match that wins.

 

[Bc'z]

F Class rifles get shot hard. 6.5 Creeds go 1500ish. I would expect the PRC to live 900-1300.

A fella in our club got 900 rounds with his 6.5 PRC

 

[Martin52]

I’d rather not shoot anything above 20ftlbs of recoil due to shoulder surgery.
I run the numbers and it seems at certain velocity it can be on par with .284 win.
I am planning to load 144gr bergers over N565/N165.

Maybe a RAD recoil reducer would help ?

 

[marchx]

Thank you all for the questions.
1. I have to go with a magnum cartridge since bought a Bat action with magnum bolt face. I waited for the action 8 months. It flew to me from the US and is being cleared by our brave customs. I don’t have time to order a separate standard bolt and wait another couple of months.
2. I will have a dima stock with RAD.
3. “If you have a RAD, so why not 7prc or 300wsm?” First off because 6.5prc with RAD recoils way less than 7prc with RAD. Secondly, it’s much easier to obtain 6.5prc brass and 140gr bullets than 180gr bullets and 7mm brass.
4. I am not competing every month in f-class. It is rather training and 2-3 big matches a year including nationals. So a new 6.5 prc barrel should last 2 seasons. After that I decide on switching to 7mm.
That’s the plan.

 

[marchx]

I received lately some valuable feedback saying that:
1.regardless of barrel life and recoil 6.5 prc does not group that well as 6.5 creed. That it will not be winning with .284 win even in perfect weather condtitions. That’s someone’s experience and I cannot dispute that.
2. Would movin up to 7-6.5 prc improve the situation? Will it agg up to f-class expectations? Heard it is difficult to tune…