6.5 vs 7 PRC: The Results Might Surprise You

[The Big Game Hunter]

On paper, there's a significant difference in performance between the 6.5mm PRC and the 7mm PRC.
But what about in the real world?
I've hunted with both rounds extensively and have used a variety of bullet types in each one over the past few years. The details matter a lot here depending on the exact loads we're comparing, etc., but I was pleasantly surprised at how well the 6.5 PRC performed relative to its bigger brother.
You can see exactly how these two cartridges stack up next to each other on paper, in ballistic gel, and afield on game in this video:

What have your experiences been using each cartridge? And what loads have you used with them?

[CamoDup]

I don't have any first hand experience with the 7PRC although I have heard good things. What I do know is that I absolutely love my 6.5 PRC. It's a fun gun to shoot and very accurate with the Hornady factory ammo. For the people saying it's too light of a round for elk... I killed a bull moose with a 6.5 PRC 

[Sakko300wsm]

I don't have any first hand experience with the 7PRC although I have heard good things. What I do know is that I absolutely love my 6.5 PRC. It's a fun gun to shoot and very accurate with the Hornady factory ammo. For the people saying it's too light of a round for elk... I killed a bull moose with a 6.5 PRC

It is definitely not too light for elk - I have killed multiple with my 6.5PRC 

[The Big Game Hunter]

I don't have any first hand experience with the 7PRC although I have heard good things. What I do know is that I absolutely love my 6.5 PRC. It's a fun gun to shoot and very accurate with the Hornady factory ammo. For the people saying it's too light of a round for elk... I killed a bull moose with a 6.5 PRC

It is definitely not too light for elk - I have killed multiple with my 6.5PRC

I wouldn't hesitate to hunt elk or moose with the 6.5 either. What ammo did each of you guys use on your hunts? And can you tell me more about the details? Shot distance, shot angle on the animal, how it reacted afterwards, did the bullet exit, etc.?

[b23]

I like both cartridges but IMO Hornady dropped the ball when they didn't do their 7 PRC off of the bigger 300 PRC case.  They marketed their 7 PRC for shooting the heavy for caliber bullets but they put it in a 7 Rem mag size case so the only real advantage over a 7 Rem mag is factory rifles come with a fast enough twist to shoot factory ammo with 175-180gr bullets.  A factory 7 PRC off of their 300 PRC case would have put it in the same league as the 28 Nosler but with Hornady's much better way of marketing and likely much more successful then the 28 Nos.

Even as is it's not like the 7 PRC is a slouch but I just think it could have been something better had they used the bigger 300 PRC case instead.

For a good solid all around cartridge that checks A LOT of boxes the 6.5 PRC has definitely earned its place at the table.  Now if we could just get Hornady to do a 25 PRC off of their 6.5 case all would be good in the world. 

[Mtnwalker]

I like both cartridges but IMO Hornady dropped the ball when they didn't do their 7 PRC off of the bigger 300 PRC case.  They marketed their 7 PRC for shooting the heavy for caliber bullets but they put it in a 7 Rem mag size case so the only real advantage over a 7 Rem mag is factory rifles come with a fast enough twist to shoot factory ammo with 175-180gr bullets.  A factory 7 PRC off of their 300 PRC case would have put it in the same league as the 28 Nosler but with Hornady's much better way of marketing and likely much more successful then the 28 Nos.

Even as is it's not like the 7 PRC is a slouch but I just think it could have been something better had they used the bigger 300 PRC case instead.

For a good solid all around cartridge that checks A LOT of boxes the 6.5 PRC has definitely earned its place at the table.  Now if we could just get Hornady to do a 25 PRC off of their 6.5 case all would be good in the world. 

  been dragging my feet on getting a 25prc done for a couple years now but its gotta be coming soon, especially now that they released the 25 creed.

[Karl Blanchard]

I like both cartridges but IMO Hornady dropped the ball when they didn't do their 7 PRC off of the bigger 300 PRC case.  They marketed their 7 PRC for shooting the heavy for caliber bullets but they put it in a 7 Rem mag size case so the only real advantage over a 7 Rem mag is factory rifles come with a fast enough twist to shoot factory ammo with 175-180gr bullets.  A factory 7 PRC off of their 300 PRC case would have put it in the same league as the 28 Nosler but with Hornady's much better way of marketing and likely much more successful then the 28 Nos.

Even as is it's not like the 7 PRC is a slouch but I just think it could have been something better had they used the bigger 300 PRC case instead.

For a good solid all around cartridge that checks A LOT of boxes the 6.5 PRC has definitely earned its place at the table.  Now if we could just get Hornady to do a 25 PRC off of their 6.5 case all would be good in the world. 

or the 25 on a 7prc case

[The Big Game Hunter]

I like both cartridges but IMO Hornady dropped the ball when they didn't do their 7 PRC off of the bigger 300 PRC case.  They marketed their 7 PRC for shooting the heavy for caliber bullets but they put it in a 7 Rem mag size case so the only real advantage over a 7 Rem mag is factory rifles come with a fast enough twist to shoot factory ammo with 175-180gr bullets.  A factory 7 PRC off of their 300 PRC case would have put it in the same league as the 28 Nosler but with Hornady's much better way of marketing and likely much more successful then the 28 Nos.

Even as is it's not like the 7 PRC is a slouch but I just think it could have been something better had they used the bigger 300 PRC case instead.

For a good solid all around cartridge that checks A LOT of boxes the 6.5 PRC has definitely earned its place at the table.  Now if we could just get Hornady to do a 25 PRC off of their 6.5 case all would be good in the world. 

or the 25 on a 7prc case

I was just talking to a guy yesterday who said his 25 PRC shoots a 134gr ELDM at nearly 3,200fps... 🔥🔥🔥

[Karl Blanchard]

I've got a 20" 7.5tw .750 taperless contour 25-7prc barrel on order. Should be a fun gun.

[kentrek]

I like both cartridges but IMO Hornady dropped the ball when they didn't do their 7 PRC off of the bigger 300 PRC case.  They marketed their 7 PRC for shooting the heavy for caliber bullets but they put it in a 7 Rem mag size case so the only real advantage over a 7 Rem mag is factory rifles come with a fast enough twist to shoot factory ammo with 175-180gr bullets.  A factory 7 PRC off of their 300 PRC case would have put it in the same league as the 28 Nosler but with Hornady's much better way of marketing and likely much more successful then the 28 Nos.

Even as is it's not like the 7 PRC is a slouch but I just think it could have been something better had they used the bigger 300 PRC case instead.

For a good solid all around cartridge that checks A LOT of boxes the 6.5 PRC has definitely earned its place at the table.  Now if we could just get Hornady to do a 25 PRC off of their 6.5 case all would be good in the world. 

or the 25 on a 7prc case

I was just talking to a guy yesterday who said his 25 PRC shoots a 134gr ELDM at nearly 3,200fps... 🔥🔥🔥

Thats sounds about perfect

[CamoDup]

I don't have any first hand experience with the 7PRC although I have heard good things. What I do know is that I absolutely love my 6.5 PRC. It's a fun gun to shoot and very accurate with the Hornady factory ammo. For the people saying it's too light of a round for elk... I killed a bull moose with a 6.5 PRC

It is definitely not too light for elk - I have killed multiple with my 6.5PRC

I wouldn't hesitate to hunt elk or moose with the 6.5 either. What ammo did each of you guys use on your hunts? And can you tell me more about the details? Shot distance, shot angle on the animal, how it reacted afterwards, did the bullet exit, etc.?

For my moose I used Hornady 143 ELDx. I shot him 4 times because he was standing there on the edge of a deeeeeep dark creek drainage and I did not want him to go down into it. This was my first moose hunting experience and everyone said to keep shooting until they drop. First shot was right at 100 yards broadside, he turned and took a few steps so then he was slightly quartered away, shot him twice there and he wore it. Last shot he was facing away and standing on the edge looking into the deep creek drainage. I was above him so I shot him in the spine between the shoulder blades and dropped. I believe the first shot was a pass thru but the other 3 were not. I did find one bullet on the inside of his hide.  It was hot and we started to work quickly so I honestly didn't look too close at the damage. All I cared about in that moment was that I just filled my OIL Moose tag!

[tracksoup]

Not to stir the pot.
But 4 shots? Answers the question.
I shot my WA. Bull moose with my 300 WBY. one shot he dropped immediately.

[highside74]

Not to stir the pot.
But 4 shots? Answers the question.
I shot my WA. Bull moose with my 300 WBY. one shot he dropped immediately.

For every story like that, there's plenty going the other way. Every animal and situation is different. I've seen elk get buckled by a 25.06 and also seen elk take 5 rounds from a 300wm.

[b23]

I like both cartridges but IMO Hornady dropped the ball when they didn't do their 7 PRC off of the bigger 300 PRC case.  They marketed their 7 PRC for shooting the heavy for caliber bullets but they put it in a 7 Rem mag size case so the only real advantage over a 7 Rem mag is factory rifles come with a fast enough twist to shoot factory ammo with 175-180gr bullets.  A factory 7 PRC off of their 300 PRC case would have put it in the same league as the 28 Nosler but with Hornady's much better way of marketing and likely much more successful then the 28 Nos.

Even as is it's not like the 7 PRC is a slouch but I just think it could have been something better had they used the bigger 300 PRC case instead.

For a good solid all around cartridge that checks A LOT of boxes the 6.5 PRC has definitely earned its place at the table.  Now if we could just get Hornady to do a 25 PRC off of their 6.5 case all would be good in the world. 

or the 25 on a 7prc case

Karl, I know you're a big fan of belted cases so I'm a little surprised you didn't go with its ballistic twin the 257 Wby mag 

[Karl Blanchard]

Not to stir the pot.
But 4 shots? Answers the question.
I shot my WA. Bull moose with my 300 WBY. one shot he dropped immediately.

You're case of 1 answers absolutely nothing.  Ive seen deer and elk take multiple vital hits from large 30 cals on countless occassions and even big 338's like the Terminator. I've also seen countless deer and elk go down with 1 shot from .22 cal centerpieces and 6mm.  100's of big game animals and ive seen zero correlation between bore diameter, or projectile weight and time to incapacitation. Zero.

[b23]

I was just talking to a guy yesterday who said his 25 PRC shoots a 134gr ELDM at nearly 3,200fps... 🔥🔥🔥

Is it a 25-6.5 PRC or 25-7 PRC like Karl is building?

I had a 25 RSAUM built this past winter.  With a 22in barrel and suppressor screwed on the end I'm launching 134 ELD-M's right at 3200.  The 25-6.5 PRC guys with the same barrel lengths are generally in the 3100 range and the 25-7 PRC folks are usually a little over 3200.

Hornady seems to do a pretty good job of reading the room with what people want and with the recent surge in popularity for fast twist 25 cals to shoot the 130 class bullets it'll be interesting to see how long it takes them to SAAMI a 25 off of either the 6.5 or 7mm PRC case.  Or, will Winchester beat them to the punch and come out with a 25 Western.........   

[Karl Blanchard]

I like both cartridges but IMO Hornady dropped the ball when they didn't do their 7 PRC off of the bigger 300 PRC case.  They marketed their 7 PRC for shooting the heavy for caliber bullets but they put it in a 7 Rem mag size case so the only real advantage over a 7 Rem mag is factory rifles come with a fast enough twist to shoot factory ammo with 175-180gr bullets.  A factory 7 PRC off of their 300 PRC case would have put it in the same league as the 28 Nosler but with Hornady's much better way of marketing and likely much more successful then the 28 Nos.

Even as is it's not like the 7 PRC is a slouch but I just think it could have been something better had they used the bigger 300 PRC case instead.

For a good solid all around cartridge that checks A LOT of boxes the 6.5 PRC has definitely earned its place at the table.  Now if we could just get Hornady to do a 25 PRC off of their 6.5 case all would be good in the world. 

or the 25 on a 7prc case

Karl, I know you're a big fan of belted cases so I'm a little surprised you didn't go with its ballistic twin the 257 Wby mag 

I'd have much preferred a 25-7RM for the edge on case capacity over the 7prc but the west texas ordinance 25-7prc reamer is where it's at.

[Karl Blanchard]

I was just talking to a guy yesterday who said his 25 PRC shoots a 134gr ELDM at nearly 3,200fps... 🔥🔥🔥

Is it a 25-6.5 PRC or 25-7 PRC like Karl is building?

I had a 25 RSAUM built this past winter.  With a 22in barrel and suppressor screwed on the end I'm launching 134 ELD-M's right at 3200.  The 25-6.5 PRC guys with the same barrel lengths are generally in the 3100 range and the 25-7 PRC folks are usually a little over 3200.

Hornady seems to do a pretty good job of reading the room with what people want and with the recent surge in popularity for fast twist 25 cals to shoot the 130 class bullets it'll be interesting to see how long it takes them to SAAMI a 25 off of either the 6.5 or 7mm PRC case.  Or, will Winchester beat them to the punch and come out with a 25 Western.........   

small possibility of a 25-6.5prc but no way we see a 7prc variant.  Way too over bore.

[b23]

I was just talking to a guy yesterday who said his 25 PRC shoots a 134gr ELDM at nearly 3,200fps... 🔥🔥🔥

Is it a 25-6.5 PRC or 25-7 PRC like Karl is building?

I had a 25 RSAUM built this past winter.  With a 22in barrel and suppressor screwed on the end I'm launching 134 ELD-M's right at 3200.  The 25-6.5 PRC guys with the same barrel lengths are generally in the 3100 range and the 25-7 PRC folks are usually a little over 3200.

Hornady seems to do a pretty good job of reading the room with what people want and with the recent surge in popularity for fast twist 25 cals to shoot the 130 class bullets it'll be interesting to see how long it takes them to SAAMI a 25 off of either the 6.5 or 7mm PRC case.  Or, will Winchester beat them to the punch and come out with a 25 Western.........   

small possibility of a 25-6.5prc but no way we see a 7prc variant.  Way too over bore.

You and I have talked about this to some degree before but with ADG making WSM & 6.8 Western brass if I were to do all over again I'm not so sure I wouldn't do a 25 Western or 25 WSM.  I keep thinking the guys at Unknown are going to do a 25 UM, which would essentially be a 25 Western, but I haven't seen anything yet. 

I know someone over in CDA that has a 25-7PRC off the WTO specs and you're correct they seem to have nailed because he is extremely thrilled with his.

[CamoDup]

Not to stir the pot.
But 4 shots? Answers the question.
I shot my WA. Bull moose with my 300 WBY. one shot he dropped immediately.

Ahhh yes there it is.... he was dead on his feet. I just didn't want him running into the hell hole he was standing in front of. I've watched tons of videos where guys are using bigger calibers and they have to shoot them multiple times.

I've shot a deer with my .300 Weatherby Mag at 75 yards right behind the shoulder one time and he took off like I didn't touch him. When I got down to where he was last standing, there was literally lungs and guts on the trees. He still ran probably 40-50 yards. Riddle me that.

[Karl Blanchard]

25 variant off the 270wsm would be the way.  Maybe I need a tikka with a mag bolt face🤔

[Sakko300wsm]

I don't have any first hand experience with the 7PRC although I have heard good things. What I do know is that I absolutely love my 6.5 PRC. It's a fun gun to shoot and very accurate with the Hornady factory ammo. For the people saying it's too light of a round for elk... I killed a bull moose with a 6.5 PRC

It is definitely not too light for elk - I have killed multiple with my 6.5PRC

I wouldn't hesitate to hunt elk or moose with the 6.5 either. What ammo did each of you guys use on your hunts? And can you tell me more about the details? Shot distance, shot angle on the animal, how it reacted afterwards, did the bullet exit, etc.?

4 elk with this 6.5 PRC,  CA Ridgeline shooting Nosler 142 ABLR and right in the 3200 FPS range. And shots were 200-400 yrds and all 1 shot 1 kills. 2 dropped in their tracks and 2 went under 30 yrds. I believe 2 pass thrus and 2 were stuck in the opposite hide

[The Big Game Hunter]

I don't have any first hand experience with the 7PRC although I have heard good things. What I do know is that I absolutely love my 6.5 PRC. It's a fun gun to shoot and very accurate with the Hornady factory ammo. For the people saying it's too light of a round for elk... I killed a bull moose with a 6.5 PRC

It is definitely not too light for elk - I have killed multiple with my 6.5PRC

I wouldn't hesitate to hunt elk or moose with the 6.5 either. What ammo did each of you guys use on your hunts? And can you tell me more about the details? Shot distance, shot angle on the animal, how it reacted afterwards, did the bullet exit, etc.?

4 elk with this 6.5 PRC,  CA Ridgeline shooting Nosler 142 ABLR and right in the 3200 FPS range. And shots were 200-400 yrds and all 1 shot 1 kills. 2 dropped in their tracks and 2 went under 30 yrds. I believe 2 pass thrus and 2 were stuck in the opposite hide

Very interesting, thanks! Those 142gr ABLRs shot better than anything else in my 6.5 PRC. Accuracy was fantastic.