Post by: T-Dozzer on June 06, 2020, 07:24:45 AM
I have gotten a different opinion from the handful of folks I trust, read every "vs" article & compared numerous ballistic tables side by side.
Anything else I should consider or anyone out there who knows there stuff care to throw in your 2 cents?
TIA
Post by: opdinkslayer on June 06, 2020, 08:05:12 AM
Post by: T-Dozzer on June 06, 2020, 08:14:38 AM
280AI if you’re building & handloading. Probably a better choice for elk as well :twocents:
Thanks. I don't know for sure I would build yet. I like the Christianson Arms Ridgeline & the Savage ultra-light w/ the proof barrel.
Post by: buckfvr on June 06, 2020, 08:19:41 AM
Post by: headshot5 on June 06, 2020, 08:23:18 AM
Post by: 280ackley on June 06, 2020, 08:26:07 AM
Post by: T-Dozzer on June 06, 2020, 08:41:31 AM
Alot of folks (including me at first) hear "6.5" & think its just another creedmore. Tables show it having the energy of a magnum type platform.
Post by: headshot5 on June 06, 2020, 08:53:42 AM
For me overall the 280 just checks all the boxes.
Post by: T-Dozzer on June 06, 2020, 09:05:25 AM
The PRC ballistics I looked at you can run a 140gr bullet at 2900 + or - fps, which is about what the factory loads run at. So it's close to a 270 win. With a 280AI you can get 3000 fps or close with a 150/160 grain bullets. I tend to enjoy heavy for load bullets so a 280AI gets the nod for versatility.
For me overall the 280 just checks all the boxes.
:tup:
Thanks, direction I was leaning as well. I do like the option to push a heavier bullet.
PRC just seemed interesting with its ballistics (mainly energy at distance) & supposedly impressive accuracy.
Post by: bullfisher on June 06, 2020, 09:11:29 AM
The ballistics are easy to pull the PRC away from the 280ai if you handload but not by that much. Factory ammo probably less or even.
Tough to beat the terminal performance of a 162 or 168 grn from the 280 and the extensive bullet choices give you more wiggle room than the PRC. That said I'm lovin the PRC so far. Better LR performance with 150 class loads and less wind call with very manageable recoil.
So the choice here is pretty clear to me.. ya gotta get both. So the real question is which one first :dunno:
Post by: T-Dozzer on June 06, 2020, 09:16:34 AM
The current PRC factory ammo choices are only eldx and eldm from hornady, though I'm sure more choices are on the way.
The ballistics are easy to pull the PRC away from the 280ai if you handload but not by that much. Factory ammo probably less or even.
Tough to beat the terminal performance of a 162 or 168 grn from the 280 and the extensive bullet choices give you more wiggle room than the PRC. That said I'm lovin the PRC so far. Better LR performance with 150 class loads and less wind call with very manageable recoil.
So the choice here is pretty clear to me.. ya gotta get both. So the real question is which one first :dunno:
:chuckle: :bash:
All good points. Unfortunately.
Post by: opdinkslayer on June 06, 2020, 09:17:12 AM
Post by: fishngamereaper on June 06, 2020, 09:26:10 AM
The current PRC factory ammo choices are only eldx and eldm from hornady, though I'm sure more choices are on the way.
The ballistics are easy to pull the PRC away from the 280ai if you handload but not by that much. Factory ammo probably less or even.
Tough to beat the terminal performance of a 162 or 168 grn from the 280 and the extensive bullet choices give you more wiggle room than the PRC. That said I'm lovin the PRC so far. Better LR performance with 150 class loads and less wind call with very manageable recoil.
So the choice here is pretty clear to me.. ya gotta get both. So the real question is which one first :dunno:
:chuckle: :bash:
All good points. Unfortunately.
:tup: just add a 26 nosler and your covered.
I'm PRC shopping right now and have been impressed with all the ballistics I've been looking at and how much energy the round carries down range.
Post by: jjhunter on June 06, 2020, 09:28:36 AM
Post by: hogslayer on June 06, 2020, 10:06:23 AM
Post by: bullfisher on June 06, 2020, 10:15:05 AM
Nobody has mentioned it yet, but the 6.5 PRC is a TRUE short action caliber even with the heavies seated way out.
For the most part. My 156 berger loads are 3.04 @ 20thou. off of a .188 freebore.
Post by: Jonathan_S on June 06, 2020, 10:34:13 AM
I shoot a 6.5-06AI which outruns the PRC handily and it definitely isn't magnum performance as much as I like it.
All that said, I would consider the PRC the 3rd best option if I wanted a short action 6.5 and that's no slouch :tup:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 06, 2020, 11:01:43 AM
6.5 PRC is a nifty new thing and I'm glad to see all the support it is getting but that doesn't mean it's magic. 280 Ackley and it wouldn't even be close for me. The PRC is definitely not packing magnum energy even if external ballistics make it look that way.spot on. Factory ammo is the only wild card. Offerings for wsm or saum extremely limited. Peterson 280ai brass excited me!
I shoot a 6.5-06AI which outruns the PRC handily and it definitely isn't magnum performance as much as I like it.
All that said, I would consider the PRC the 3rd best option if I wanted a short action 6.5 and that's no slouch :tup:
Post by: CaNINE on June 06, 2020, 11:31:35 AM
Post by: opdinkslayer on June 06, 2020, 11:37:20 AM
Post by: savagehunter on June 06, 2020, 12:36:03 PM
Post by: T-Dozzer on June 06, 2020, 01:49:49 PM
I think you will shoot more with the prc. You said you had time restraints limiting reloading. Hornady ammo has excellent accuracy and speed. Short action cartridge that you could always load up in bullet weight speed or use monos i.e. hammers. The advantage the 280 has is on elk with heavier bullets the 6.5 will do it but leaves a very small margin of error in shot placement. If that is an issue you might look at going 300prc or 28
As far as deer & elk go, I have stuff from .243 to .300wm & some in-between. I'm not ashamed to say I favor less recoil. I guess Im looking for a goldi-locks rig that checks most my boxes so Im grabbing it most often. I've had a few .280s & liked them except for the Ruget boat paddle.
Appreciate all the input. Leaning toward the AI, but I think the 6.5 PRC is next on deck.
Post by: crabcreekhunter on June 06, 2020, 08:49:17 PM
Post by: Taco280AI on June 06, 2020, 09:05:11 PM
I run the 145 LRX and while the 6.5 can match or exceed that weight, not with the same bullet construction. I like tough bullets that don't fly apart, yet still expand well. And the LRX is crazy accurate.