6.5 PRC advice

[92xj]

I’m thinking of buying a 6.5 prc, 20” barrel, 1-8 twist with a can for the kids to grow up on and me use randomly for deer. 
I wish the savage axis 2 pro came in a 6.5prc, but it doesn’t, so I’m thinking the ruger American 2 with the shortest lop it will adjust down to should work. 
I do reload and plan to continue that with the prc. 
I’ve been out of the gun buying and playing world for a long time. 
I’ve had great luck with hammer hunters and will most likely continue to use them for this gun, but not sure exactly which one yet.   
Also being a new caliber and gun to me, I’m open to experimenting with anything out there.   With the above twist and barrel length, what should I avoid and/or what do you recommended?
I’m also open to other gun brand suggestions.   
This is going to get beat up and I’m not going to dump lots of money into building something.   I just want an off the shelf gun with threaded barrel for a suppressor, that’s sub $750.   

[HereDuckyDucky]

Look for a Tikka.

RW

[dreadi]

Savage has a couple to compete with the Ruger.
With SHOT Show opening soon, there may be some more options coming to market.


Black Hammer Arms
www.blackhammerarms.com
The Guy On HuntWA Selling Suppressors
@blackhammerarms

[92xj]

Thanks dreadi, I’m hoping to buy the gun in the next 2 months and then figure out the suppressor options.  I’m hoping I know of a guy that could help me out when that time comes….


And as far as tikkas, is there one that comes with a threaded 20” and a 12” lop?   I haven’t found one but know lots of folks love the tikkas, but I don’t want to buy a gun and then get the barrel cut and threaded and buy a new stock.   If this was something for me to play with I’d go that route, but just a throw together gun that’ll kill, for the kids, I’m hoping I can find something factory. 

[CamoDup]

Look for a Tikka.

RW

  no regerts

[The scout]

Tikka makes a 22”, I just bought one for my kids. Also no need to reload. 6.5 prc has the most accurate factory ammo out there. I reload for all my other guns and will probably play with it once I shoot up a bunch of factory ammo. But don’t have to to get accuracy and consistency.

[fishngamereaper]

Hornady ELDM.

[The scout]

    Or the 156 bergers

[treefarmer]

I got my son the Ruger American in 6.5 creedmore.  Really happy with it.  Planning on a can soon.   It has spacers in the stock
You can remove if they need more of a youth stock.   Super accurate

[buglebuster]

147 gr ELDM absolutely hammer. Accurate too! X3 on the tikka. My kids are shooting a full size rifle even at 10 years old no issue.

[jrebel]

I'm assuming your looking at the rifles mentioned because they are also wallet friendly.  That said, I'm not sure I can offer much insight in the way of other rifles. I love Savage rifles, though have not been a huge fan of the Axis series (no specific reason and others love them).  I have a Ruger American gen 1 in 300 blackout and it shoots really well.  I have some issues with it, but overall have been very happy with it. 

If money is not an issue, I would recommend a savage 110 ultralite or similar model with the carbon fiber barrel.  They shoot great and are adjustable LOP, to fit the kiddo's.  Both of my kids cut their teeth on Savage Ultralites, on in 300wsm and the other with a 6.5 creed.  I don't believe they make one in a 20" barrel....most are 22 and 26".  I'm not sure a 20" barrel would be my barrel length of choice for that caliber.  I think you are leaving to much speed on the table.  Matter of fact, If I was going with the 20" barrel.....I would look at the 7-08, .308 win or 6.5 creed as options.  Especially......if you are considering Hammer bullets and the quarry being deer sized game (though each would kill elk within reasonable ranges). 

As for the bullets.....Most of my rifles are now shooting Hammer Hunter Bullets.  I'm a huge fan of their bullets and have killed many animals with them.  The 6.5 / .264 line of bullets is something I have played around with quite a bit and I keep coming back to the same bullet....124HH.  I shoot the 124 HH in both 6.5 prc and 6.5 creed.  It is accurate and deadly on game.  I have shot the 105 AHT and it gets more velocity and has a huge following.  I didn't find it to be as accurate as the 124 HH, though still under MOA.  I have a creed that shoots the 124HH under .5 MOA with some of the best 5 shot groups being under .25 MOA.  Currently I am shooting and loading the 85 HH in a creed and it shows promise.  For deer / bear sized game....I wouldn't hesitate to shoot any of the three bullets mentioned.  If Elk was on the menue, I would want the 123 AH or 124 HH. 

I will also add that a lot of Hammer shooters are really liking the tipped hammers or the HBC (High BC) bullets.  I have tried the HHT line and keep coming back to the HH line.  The parabolic drive bands on the HH line give more options for seating depth.  The HHT or HBC have limited options for seating depth due to the minimal drive bands. 

I would think a 6.5 creed with a 20" barrel pushing the 123 AH at 2850 ish fps would be good medicine for deer sized game. 

Lastly.....here are some speeds I'm getting in my set ups that may help make a decision.

6.5 creed 26" barrel with 124 HH.......2950 fps
6.5 creed 22" barrel with 124 HH.......2850 fps
6.5 creed 22" barrel with 105 AHT......3280 fps
6.5 creed 22" barrel with 85 HH.........3500 fps (still working the load but will be very close to these velocities)
6.5 prc 24" barrel with 124 HH..........3265 fps

[dreadi]

Thanks dreadi, I’m hoping to buy the gun in the next 2 months and then figure out the suppressor options.  I’m hoping I know of a guy that could help me out when that time comes….


And as far as tikkas, is there one that comes with a threaded 20” and a 12” lop?   I haven’t found one but know lots of folks love the tikkas, but I don’t want to buy a gun and then get the barrel cut and threaded and buy a new stock.   If this was something for me to play with I’d go that route, but just a throw together gun that’ll kill, for the kids, I’m hoping I can find something factory.

Oh I can help with both actually


Black Hammer Arms
www.blackhammerarms.com
The Guy On HuntWA Selling Suppressors
@blackhammerarms

[92xj]

I'm assuming your looking at the rifles mentioned because they are also wallet friendly.  That said, I'm not sure I can offer much insight in the way of other rifles. I love Savage rifles, though have not been a huge fan of the Axis series (no specific reason and others love them).  I have a Ruger American gen 1 in 300 blackout and it shoots really well.  I have some issues with it, but overall have been very happy with it. 

If money is not an issue, I would recommend a savage 110 ultralite or similar model with the carbon fiber barrel.  They shoot great and are adjustable LOP, to fit the kiddo's.  Both of my kids cut their teeth on Savage Ultralites, on in 300wsm and the other with a 6.5 creed.  I don't believe they make one in a 20" barrel....most are 22 and 26".  I'm not sure a 20" barrel would be my barrel length of choice for that caliber.  I think you are leaving to much speed on the table.  Matter of fact, If I was going with the 20" barrel.....I would look at the 7-08, .308 win or 6.5 creed as options.  Especially......if you are considering Hammer bullets and the quarry being deer sized game (though each would kill elk within reasonable ranges). 

As for the bullets.....Most of my rifles are now shooting Hammer Hunter Bullets.  I'm a huge fan of their bullets and have killed many animals with them.  The 6.5 / .264 line of bullets is something I have played around with quite a bit and I keep coming back to the same bullet....124HH.  I shoot the 124 HH in both 6.5 prc and 6.5 creed.  It is accurate and deadly on game.  I have shot the 105 AHT and it gets more velocity and has a huge following.  I didn't find it to be as accurate as the 124 HH, though still under MOA.  I have a creed that shoots the 124HH under .5 MOA with some of the best 5 shot groups being under .25 MOA.  Currently I am shooting and loading the 85 HH in a creed and it shows promise.  For deer / bear sized game....I wouldn't hesitate to shoot any of the three bullets mentioned.  If Elk was on the menue, I would want the 123 AH or 124 HH. 

I will also add that a lot of Hammer shooters are really liking the tipped hammers or the HBC (High BC) bullets.  I have tried the HHT line and keep coming back to the HH line.  The parabolic drive bands on the HH line give more options for seating depth.  The HHT or HBC have limited options for seating depth due to the minimal drive bands. 

I would think a 6.5 creed with a 20" barrel pushing the 123 AH at 2850 ish fps would be good medicine for deer sized game. 

Lastly.....here are some speeds I'm getting in my set ups that may help make a decision.

6.5 creed 26" barrel with 124 HH.......2950 fps
6.5 creed 22" barrel with 124 HH.......2850 fps
6.5 creed 22" barrel with 105 AHT......3280 fps
6.5 creed 22" barrel with 85 HH.........3500 fps (still working the load but will be very close to these velocities)
6.5 prc 24" barrel with 124 HH..........3265 fps

Roger that.
no creed for me, but with the prc, I should be able to get around 3k fps with 124s HH.  HH is what I have settled on in my 300wm and I love them.  Everything from small deer to moose have hit the dirt, so I plan/hope to stick with them in this gun.

And you are correct in that I am looking at this gun as being wallet friendly.  I dont see myself using this gun much because I enjoy my 300 so much, so the kids will get this one and it won't be babied like I do my stuff.  Wallet friendly is better for now. 

[highside74]

Savage Core Hunter is a 22" for $799 msrp. Adjustable everything and not to heavy.

110 Core Hunter | Cerakote Barrel Core Rifle | Savage Arms https://share.google/ta27W9Drr9PGH3Ghj

Core hunter pro not much more $1049

110 Core Hunter Pro | Bolt Action Hunting Rifle | Savage https://share.google/n8Gi7R6AdHV00o6mM

Savage is a great manufacturer and all mine shoot lights out.

[highside74]

I will be ordering a lefty 6.8W in the core hunter pro for my son as soon as I sell his youth rifle.

[92xj]

That savage looks like it could fit the bill.   What makes them so heavy, compared to other brands?   They seem to be roughly 1.5lbs heavier.  The two extra inches of barrel aren’t doing it.   

https://ruger.com/products/americanRifleGenII/specSheets/46916.html
Vs
https://savagearms.com/firearms/sku/32537

Sure would be nice to be under 10lbs loaded with scope and can.  I can see that with the ruger, not so much the savage

[highside74]

That savage looks like it could fit the bill.   What makes them so heavy, compared to other brands?   They seem to be roughly 1.5lbs heavier.  The two extra inches of barrel aren’t doing it.   

https://ruger.com/products/americanRifleGenII/specSheets/46916.html
Vs
https://savagearms.com/firearms/sku/32537

Sure would be nice to be under 10lbs loaded with scope and can.  I can see that with the ruger, not so much the savage

 I think I read they designed it with a heavy sporter fluted contour barrel to help with some weight forward giving more muzzle control.

Tbf my 110 ultralite with Manners stock and scope is in the 9# range so 8# from the factory plus a decent scope won't be much more.

[highside74]

The Carbon Hunter is 20" barrel and only 6.76#  $1149

https://savagearms.com/firearms/sku/32952

[highside74]

The 110 trail blazer looks like it could fit the bill also. Probably will be sub $700 at the store. Adjustable stock 22" barrel 7.3#

[92xj]

Thanks for your researching work, I really appreciate it.   

[dreadi]

That savage looks like it could fit the bill.   What makes them so heavy, compared to other brands?   They seem to be roughly 1.5lbs heavier.  The two extra inches of barrel aren’t doing it.   

https://ruger.com/products/americanRifleGenII/specSheets/46916.html
Vs
https://savagearms.com/firearms/sku/32537

Sure would be nice to be under 10lbs loaded with scope and can.  I can see that with the ruger, not so much the savage

Them accu-stocks have an aluminum bedding vs the standard Savage stock has two pillars that are likely aluminum.

Savage 110 Trail Hunter Lite Hogue stock is 2.3lbs. Overall weight is 6.9lbs


Black Hammer Arms
www.blackhammerarms.com
The Guy On HuntWA Selling Suppressors
@blackhammerarms

[92xj]

Ok, I’ve changed my mind based off long conversations…
The route now, for the kids, is 6mm creedmore.   Still wanting to keep this purchase a low cost factory gun that has the features I desire, factory threaded 20” short lop and low cost.   So, I’m going to see if the local sport stores can get a Ruger gen 2
And now onto deciding on the suppressor.  Never done the can thing, but in my head I’m thinking short, light, sub 1k. 
This should work well for 500yds and less, deer, antelope, bear.   
Tell me wha I’m thinking wrong.
I do not want 6.5 creedmore and do not want 6ARC

[jrebel]

Can't help much with suppressors, though I love the idea.  I also love the Ruger Gen 2 in 6 creed as the barrel twist is fantastic.  My initial thought was, why not a .243.....then I saw the difference in barrel twist.  Especially for shooting monolithic bullets (hammers).  The 75gr. HHT or 80gr HH will be amazing in that set up.  Can't wait to hear how it shoots when you get it put together. 

[92xj]

I’m real curious how the 90gr hhts and the 88gr stones would do in the rifle and on game.   

[buglebuster]

I’m real curious how the 90gr hhts and the 88gr stones would do in the rifle and on game.

I can’t speak for that, but my daughter shot a spike elk and 2 deer with a ruger American predator gen 1 in 6mm creed. We were using the 105 Berger VLD. They put the smack down on the critters and the thing was a tack driver. Terrible mag design. The rifle actually got sent back to ruger 2 separate times and they couldn’t fix the feeding issue. Hopefully the gen 2 are better.

[Caseknife]

I’m real curious how the 90gr hhts and the 88gr stones would do in the rifle and on game.

Think the 87Absolute Hammers would clip right along in the 6CM.  My 6ARC Howa Mini pushes them out at 3000fps.

[jrebel]

I’m real curious how the 90gr hhts and the 88gr stones would do in the rifle and on game.

I haven't done the calculations....but I would be curious if the 90 HHT will fit in the ruger gen 2 magazine. 

The math that I always do when considering Hammer Bullets the stability factor.  I like speed and SF's as close to or over 2 if at all possible.  The 88 SH would be an absolute killer and has a great stability factor.  The 75 HHT and 80 HH also have SF's at or above 2.  The 90 HHT, depending on velocity is in the 1.6-1.7 range....acceptable, but on the lower end of what I want.  Hammers base their twist rate on 1.5 SF at sea level if I'm not mistaken.  I don't want environmental factors affecting my bullets in flight thus looking to be closer to a SF of 2. 

You will likely be fine with any of the above bullets.....just me using an abundance of precaution when looking at SF. 

[92xj]

Well, here’s a conclusion post.  Ended up getting the ruger gen 2. 20” 6mm creedmoor.  Found a good deal on a vx5 and slapped that on there.   First 5 shots were off paper, cleaned barrel then dry patched it.  The next 15 shots are shown.  I’m pretty impressed so far and think the kids will do just fine behind this gun.

[jrebel]

Well, here’s a conclusion post.  Ended up getting the ruger gen 2. 20” 6mm creedmoor.  Found a good deal on a vx5 and slapped that on there.   First 5 shots were off paper, cleaned barrel then dry patched it.  The next 15 shots are shown.  I’m pretty impressed so far and think the kids will do just fine behind this gun.

Looks like a really nice set up for the kids.  What bullet did you end up going with? 

[92xj]

Well, here’s a conclusion post.  Ended up getting the ruger gen 2. 20” 6mm creedmoor.  Found a good deal on a vx5 and slapped that on there.   First 5 shots were off paper, cleaned barrel then dry patched it.  The next 15 shots are shown.  I’m pretty impressed so far and think the kids will do just fine behind this gun.

Looks like a really nice set up for the kids.  What bullet did you end up going with?

I bought a box at the store for the break in, but after the grouping it’s doing it’s hard not to keep shooting it.   Though, I really want to try a work up a hammer load, which I’ll do this summer. 

103gr eldx precision hunter from the store