6.5 PRC Rifles

The development of the 6.5 PCR (Precision Rifle Cartridge) began in 2013, a few years after the 6.5 Creedmoor saw the light. By that time, shooters were becoming less skeptical about the 6.5 Creedmoor, so there wasn’t so much ado around it. Maybe this is why George Gardner wanted to develop a more powerful 6.5 cartridge specially for long-range competition shooters.

Made by Hornady, the cartridge officially entered the market in 2018, when the hunting and shooting worlds were already taken by the 6.5mm cartridges. But because 6.5 Creedmoor has become so popular during all these years, people fail to see what is special about the 6.5 PCR. Well, it does have some advantages, though.

The 6.5 PCR Performance

The 6.5 PCR is a magnum version of the 6.5 Creedmoor. The former has a greater overall length, a longer case, and a larger rim diameter. The operating pressure of the 6.5 PCR is 65.000 psi as opposed to 62.000 psi of the 6.5 Creedmoor.

The 6.5 PCR is capable of firing the same bullet 200-250 ft-lbs faster than its brother. This converts to a flatter trajectory, greater wind resistance, and more energy on impact. In fact, the bullet drop is 18% less, and the bullet retains 23% more energy at 500 yards.

The superiority of the 6.5 PCR only grows as the bullet travels at even farther distances. 

As you see, the 6.5 PCR is not only a great long-range cartridge but also a capable hunting one. Imagine yourself in a challenging terrain somewhere in the mountains. Such an accurate, long-range cartridge will spare you from the need to climb up and down closer to the target, and you’ll have more chances to take a precise shot and humanely kill an animal. The 6.5 PCR can bring down such big animals as elk or deer.

The Hornady 6.5 PCR also gives a tolerable recoil. It generates harder recoil than 6.5 Creedmoor but milder than 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum.

6.5 PCR Rifles and Ammo

The 6.5 Creedmoor is more popular among hunters and shooters simply because the 6.5 PCR is relatively new. But still, there is a nice selection of prime 6.5 PCR rifles on the market. The 6.5 PCR ammo is harder to find as there are fewer manufacturers making it. That means higher prices. But as it happened with 6.5 Creedmoor, the situation will probably change as more and more people will learn about the advantages of a 6.5 PCR rifle.

A precision long-range cartridge in conjunction with a short-action rifle, which is more accurate by nature, will bring you to stardom.

Gritr Sports has a great variety of the best 6.5 PCR bolt-action rifles for sale. All the rifles are made by such well-known companies as Bergara, Sauer, and Savage.