6.5 PRC and 156gr. Berger EOL

[DKW II]

Looking for some real-world feedback. I am looking at building another gun this year and want to hear some feedback for the guys shooting the 156gr. Bergers from a 6.5 PRC. I originally was set on building a 7 PRC but recently shot a 6.5 PRC and now starting to lean that direction. Anyone have any real-world experience on Whitetail with the 156 Bergers from a 6.5 PRC.

This will be a dedicated South Texas deer gun with 99% of the shots being within 300 yards. Plan on running a 22" barrel with a suppressor (still need to purchase) on the end of it. I am not opposed to a 7 PRC with a 22" barrel and a can, but really interested in the 6.5 PRC now.

I appreciate any feedback.

[Slick8]

I get your interest in the 6.5 PRC as I am too. It's what we all wished the creed would have started life as, IMO.

But given the range you want to shoot and the shorter barrel I feel like you'd be better served with the 7PRC topped with a 140-160 grain boolet. It will make better use of the short barrel speed wise and offer greater flexiblity in bullet weight.

Both will get it done but that 6.5 at 22 inches will be slooow and not really taking advantage of the BC from big bergers.

[Jon-Paul]

I have a 6.5 PRC with a 22" barrel. I did plan on shooting 156 out of it, however I never made it to that bullet. I opted for the 140 Berger Elite Hunters shooting 2906 FPS suppressed. It has performed flawless on the few whitetail I have shot with the longest being 426 yards. This setup also put the smack down on an 8' grizzly this year.

I have some 156 EOL I had load up by Superior Ammo, but never shot them. This gun will be for sale and I am building another 6.5 PRC with a 20" barrel.

I do not think you can go wrong with it that combo. For what I have read, to get the best speeds with that combo you should look at using R26, but that is just want I read.

Wish I could help more and probably just rambled along not giving you the info you wanted.

[D u s t y]

I wouldn’t shoot anything lighter than a 160 in a 7prc kinda defeats the purpose of that round. If your not thinking elk size game then 6.5 prc is a great flat round. I’ve heard great things about the 156 but most people if there not reloading shoot the 147eldm and its bang flop. The 140 Berger elites are a great option as well as mentioned above.
if I wanted just one rifle in my safe then I’d do the 7prc since it’ll cover anything in North America. But I find myself shooting my 308 more and more now days. So one day I’ll get around to building a 7prc then a 6.5 prc

[DKW II]

I appreciate the info, I think I'm still stuck between the two calibers. I would shoot the 156s out of the 6.5 PRC and the 175s out of the 7 PRC. I do feel the older I get the smaller the gun I tend to build, hence the reason I'm starting to lean towards the 6.5 PRC.

[sectxag06]

I have to ask why you want a 6.5 PRC for 300 yard and under whitetail shots? Other than just because.

[DKW II]

I have to ask why you want a 6.5 PRC for 300 yard and under whitetail shots? Other than just because.

That will be my main use for it and majority of my shots are within that range. When I am not hunting, we have a 1,200 yard range that it'll be used on. I have shot a 6.5 PRC at steel at various ranges quite a bit but want to hear first hand experiences with it hunting using the 156 Berger's.

[sectxag06]

That will be my main use for it and majority of my shots are within that range. When I am not hunting, we have a 1,200 yard range that it'll be used on. I have shot a 6.5 PRC at steel at various ranges quite a bit but want to hear first hand experiences with it hunting using the 156 Berger's.

awe. that makes sense. personally, i'm a little leery of the shooting some of these ultra long range bullets at close game. in order for them to expand at extreme distances, they have to be extremely thin jacketed.

[coop2564]

I have a 6.5 PRC 22" Browning X bolt. The 156 berger has some issues at times opening. See you tube Barbourcreek long range and their testing. I use 124gr Hammer Hunter mono's or 143 eldx have loads for both worked up. with 143 I'm getting 3020 fps with the 22" barrel. With 124 3235 fps. I'm using 6.5 staball for powder. Since your shots will likely be 300 in. The 156 would not be my choice. Its a long-range specialty bullet. With high speeds of 6.5 prc at close range a tougher bullet would be wise. Mono's or Accubond. If I know I'm likely to have a shot under 300 I use 124 Hammers its mono. I have the 143 as a long-range option.

[Bullseye07]

Don’t count out some of the lighter bullets like the Barnes 127 lrx. That’s what I shot my Nilgai with in my 6.5prc about 2 weeks ago. Punched through both shoulders while going through vitals. Massive damage.

[trophy8]

Short barrel for the caliber and a heavy for caliber bullet.

barrel length isn’t crazy short. But I’d roll a 24” (and I do)

I like bergers. Haven’t ran that 156 but know lots that do and like it.

I was going to run the 140 hybrid. Ended up going with a 140 accubond. For your hunting purposes I don’t think you can beat it. For long range target shooting there’s several better options lol

[DKW II]

I figured more guys would be using the 156 gr.

I think I am still leaning towards the 6.5 PRC. Thanks for the feedback fellas.

[stxhunter]

While I don’t shoot a 6.5prc, I do shoot a 260ai with the 143eldx around 2900fps. Haven’t had any issues with that combo on deer and hogs out to 300 yards. I’m sure the 6.5prc is more than enough with a variety of bullet choices out to 300.

[RMW]

6.5prc 22inch 130TGKs Hendershot custom ammo is what I run and love it. Had rifle built by West Texas Ordance

[DKW II]

6.5prc 22inch 130TGKs Hendershot custom ammo is what I run and love it. Had rifle built by West Texas Ordance

West Texas Ordnance just built a 6mm for me and will be building this rifle as well. The 6mm they built for me shoots lights out, couldn’t be happier.

I will have to check out Hendershot, heard good thing about them. I have been shooting Classic Custom Ammo in all my rifles and have zero complaints.

Have you tried the 156s? Or just stayed with the the 130 TGKs?