Which PRC for my lightweight mountain rifle

[KurtB]

Just curious have you had any experience with the cartridge on Elk? I've looked and read every story I can on it just looking for more input.

Bullets do the lifting, not the cartridges. Berger 140 vld with an impact velocity above 2000 fps is a sure killer on critters. Last fall watched one at around 2100 fps kill a raghorn bull very dead at 400 yards. Busted shoulder and found under hide on opposite side.

Recovered bullet.

So a 6.5 PRC should do a comfortable 2900 fps. At 9000 feet in the elk woods, it is carrying 2000 fps to 900 yards. It'll penetrate and expand nicely. Seen the 140 vld kill many deer, elk, black bear, mtn goat, elk, antelope over the years.

 

[Sykes]

I have almost the same setup you are looking to buy, difference being mine has a VX6HD 3-18x44 and a mesa precision altitude stock. Weighs 7.5 pounds. 140 Berger vlds loaded at 3020 fps shoot under .5 moa to 900 yards. My wife killed her bull at 360 yards last year, one shot through the heart. I killed a cow at 125 yards. The 6.5 will kill elk no problem to 500 and probably further with low enough recoil you can watch it happen through the scope. It's a great cartridge and the Ridgeline is a solid rifle IMO .

 

[Will16]

Ok I'd do 6.5 for now.

 

[Wilderness Blacktail]

Are we talkin bout the lil PRC vs the huge PRC? That's a ginormous difference. Bout like. This..

 

[MighteyWhiteHunter]

Get the 6.5 PRC if It is going to be an all around gun, if a dedicated Elk gun then go .300PRC. I have the Ridgeline in .300PRC and took my bull last year at just under 700yds 1 shot.

 

[Another Casual]

Very happy with my 6.5 PRC in a lightweight package. Recoil is manageable and I shoot it well (which is what matters). I think in 300 I wouldn't shoot it as well. YMMV

 

[Westernhuntr]

Hey guys,
I am new to the forum, but I have read through plenty of posts. I am planning on buying a CA Ridgeline, a Leopold VX-5HD 3-15, with Talley lightweight integral rings. I know that is the glass and rifle combo I want to go with. I know I want either the 6.5PRC, or .300PRC for caliber. I know the 6.5PRC will give me a lighter all around rifle. I plan on using the rifle mostly for hunting and some target shooting. I live on the east coast, and have never hunted out west, but I plan on getting out west to hunt semi regularly. I like the idea of a 6.5PRC as an all around mountain gun but what is everyone's experience on Elk? I have seen videos of it being used out to 700+ yards, I wouldn't shoot that far on Elk probably keep it within 500. I also have my 45-70 if I am hunting somewhere and it is all closer range. So my question is do I go with the 6.5PRC or should I bump up to the 300 PRC? I know there are plenty of other tried and true calibers, but I am really interested in the new PRC line.

After taking 4 bulls with a 6.5 saum I really would advise heavier bonded bullets for elk, especially beyond 500 yards.
My buddy is super recoil shy and he shoots a Ridgeline 300 PRC no problem, a good brake makes a big difference.

 

[DJ Fergus]

300prc would have quite the recoil in a lightweight mountain rifle but if you plan on long range past 500 yards on elk I'd go 300prc. If inside that I'd be all over the 6.5prc. Much less recoil and still a thumper.

Best Answer!

 

[406precision]

We have built quite a few prcs if your going light id stick with the 6.5 its much more enjoyable to shoot in an 8lb and under configuration..the 6.5 pictured weighs 8 lbs for reference

 

[RMulhern]

Just stick with the 6.5 Creedmoor! You can thank me later!

 

[vortech347]

A buddy has a Ridgeline in 300 PRC and it's a mild recoiler with the brake. Without it's a thumper.

He also rebarreled his Mesa long range 7mag to 6.5 prc without a brake and it recoiks abiut like a 270win.

With what you listed either cartridge would be fine but the 6.5 prc will be easier to shoot if you want to hu t without the brake and still have the power needed.

 

[ramrod79]

I used my 6.5-284 witch is is a mirror of the PRC just in a different case for everything up here in the north country, no issues with it on elk. My wife shoots a 6.5 CM and has taken numerous cow elk out to 400 yards with one shot kills. The 6.5 will do you just fine in that platform plus if you reload you can load up the 156 Berger for elk there's a great review with the ridge line and 156 Berger on long range only forum.

 

[Backcountry sports]

Hey guys,
I am new to the forum, but I have read through plenty of posts. I am planning on buying a CA Ridgeline, a Leopold VX-5HD 3-15, with Talley lightweight integral rings. I know that is the glass and rifle combo I want to go with. I know I want either the 6.5PRC, or .300PRC for caliber. I know the 6.5PRC will give me a lighter all around rifle. I plan on using the rifle mostly for hunting and some target shooting. I live on the east coast, and have never hunted out west, but I plan on getting out west to hunt semi regularly. I like the idea of a 6.5PRC as an all around mountain gun but what is everyone's experience on Elk? I have seen videos of it being used out to 700+ yards, I wouldn't shoot that far on Elk probably keep it within 500. I also have my 45-70 if I am hunting somewhere and it is all closer range. So my question is do I go with the 6.5PRC or should I bump up to the 300 PRC? I know there are plenty of other tried and true calibers, but I am really interested in the new PRC line.

Go with the 6.5 prc

 

[Allen Kitts]

I have the Ridgeline in 6.5 PRC with a VX6HD 3-18 x 44 and I love it. I had the VX 5 on it but swapped it out for a little more power. Great cartridge and great rifle. The combination is very sweet over the shoulder or on the pack. I have only been able to shoot it out to 600 yards but it is incredibly accurate with the 143 grain ELD-X and the 156 grain Berger's so far. I have not killed an elk with the PRC yet but have killed elk sized game in South Africa with a 6.5 x 284 with 140 grain Berger's and they have very similar ballistics. I also have the 300 PRC in a Traverse, I love it as well but the long action adds weight and so do the loaded rounds. I would recommend the 6.5 as well. Good luck with your rifle and good luck hunting.