precision_shooter
New member
I have a friend who lives in Montana and I have an open invitation to come hunting (Whitetail, Mule Deer, Elk, etc.). I live in north central TX so my hunting is limited to mostly feral hogs and whitetail where my 30-30, 6.5 Grendel, and 6.5 Creedmoor are more than enough to get the job done.
I know Elk tags are luck of the draw, but knowing that Elk-sized game is potentially available, I found myself questioning what is "enough gun". There many many articles to read ranging from 6.5 creedmoor is sufficient to it's nowhere near enough. Now, bullet weight, construction, shot placement, all that plays a factor for sure. All things being perfect, broad side shot, 100 yds or less, etc. etc. 6.5 creedmoor with 143gr ELD-X bullet is capable.
Don't think i've ever encountered "perfect conditions" when hunting, so I don't count on that.
Studying up on the 6.5 PRC, the ballistics on-paper are pretty impressive. Using the same 143gr ELD-X bullet as the Creedmoor, the PRC out-punches .270 Win., and delivers near the same TERMINAL energy as 30-06 and 7mm Mag but with less recoil.
I've been told by a few "just get a 30-06". That option isn't off the table, but I tend to like short action cartridges. I hand load so ammo availability/cost doesn't concern me.
So, I guess my questions are:
1) Do you have any experience with the PRC (I know it wasn't designed as a hunting cartridge, but neither was the 30-06 and many others), and if so, in what capacity?
2) Have you hunted with the PRC or would you consider it?
3) What is your overall opinion on the 6.5 PRC for Elk-sized game?
I don't want this to turn into a 6.5 bashing thread, there are plenty of those.
Thanks for your insight.
I know Elk tags are luck of the draw, but knowing that Elk-sized game is potentially available, I found myself questioning what is "enough gun". There many many articles to read ranging from 6.5 creedmoor is sufficient to it's nowhere near enough. Now, bullet weight, construction, shot placement, all that plays a factor for sure. All things being perfect, broad side shot, 100 yds or less, etc. etc. 6.5 creedmoor with 143gr ELD-X bullet is capable.
Don't think i've ever encountered "perfect conditions" when hunting, so I don't count on that.
Studying up on the 6.5 PRC, the ballistics on-paper are pretty impressive. Using the same 143gr ELD-X bullet as the Creedmoor, the PRC out-punches .270 Win., and delivers near the same TERMINAL energy as 30-06 and 7mm Mag but with less recoil.
I've been told by a few "just get a 30-06". That option isn't off the table, but I tend to like short action cartridges. I hand load so ammo availability/cost doesn't concern me.
So, I guess my questions are:
1) Do you have any experience with the PRC (I know it wasn't designed as a hunting cartridge, but neither was the 30-06 and many others), and if so, in what capacity?
2) Have you hunted with the PRC or would you consider it?
3) What is your overall opinion on the 6.5 PRC for Elk-sized game?
I don't want this to turn into a 6.5 bashing thread, there are plenty of those.
Thanks for your insight.