6.5 PRC or 6.5 SAUM?

[BCinKS]

I just received my Defiance action and am getting ready to order a Proof 1-7.5 twist barrel. My question is there any advantage of a SAUM over a PRC? I strictly handload and I want a 24" barrel. This will be for deer, steel and possibly elk out to 700 yards?

 

[Buxndiverdux]

The SAUM has a tiny bit more powder capacity. Other than that, you can't go wrong with either of them IMO. I picked 6.5 PRC with 26" Proof on Defiance XM action. Still waiting on stock.

 

[Deleted member 25294]

I agree both are great choices.
I have a 6.5 SAUM that I've been stacking bulls and bucks with.
My go to load is a 147 @ 3050 with H1000 from a 25" barrel, not a Max load either .
If you're after top velocity from a 24" barrel with a heavy bullet like the 156 EOL, then I'd go SAUM.

 

[Plinker147]

They will both work perfectly for what your asking. SAUM will be 50-100fps faster. PRC will have more brass, loaded ammo, and long term support available. For me the brass is key I would lean towards PRC.

 

[lancetkenyon]

What about the 6.5SS. I have two. Love them. Fits a bit better in an SA, with seating the bullets out a bit further in the same COAL. 40° shoulder is very efficiently as well.

 

[Holycity73]

We have a hurricane visiting us since late last night. I separated brass. This is all Hornady 6.5PRC, once fired. Planning on loading them hotter than they came. If they produce equal or better accuracy results than factory, I'll be happy.
Should improve velocities and still have no pressure signs.
For you, I think it will come down to personal preference. I'm sure you'll be happy with either.
You may want to consider commercial availability. You never know when you might need to grab a box due to some unforeseen event.

I've never had an animal complain that I shot them with a cartridge they didn't like... unlike so many forum members would, I'm sure.

 

[Kimber7man]

Will your rifle be detachable mag fed or BDL bottom metal?
SAUM works best with detachable mags.
PRC works well with both.

 

[BCinKS]

I'm leaning towards BDL bottom metal.

 

[BCinKS]

I've thought about the 6.5ss but the cost of brass and dies are a turn off.

 

[Rick Richard]

Will your rifle be detachable mag fed or BDL bottom metal?
SAUM works best with detachable mags.
PRC works well with both.

Not sure why you think that way? My SAUM experienced zero feed issue from a BDL.

 

[Weatherby Fan]

I would go 6.5 PRC but nothing wrong with the SAUM either,
I know you said you strictly handload but at least you have the option of reasonably priced readily available factory ammo not to mention 4 choices for brass with the PRC, Hornady, ADG-Gunwerks, Bertram

 

[Deleted member 25294]

I would go 6.5 PRC but nothing wrong with the SAUM either,
I know you said you strictly handload but at least you have the option of reasonably priced readily available factory ammo not to mention 4 choices for brass with the PRC, Hornady, ADG-Gunwerks, Bertram

6.5 SAUM brass is also available from Hornady, Bertram, and ADG.
Not to mention it's extremely easy to form from 7 saum.
The Bertram is junk though, I've got a bag of 100 and it's the most inconsistent stuff I've ever used.
I'm still on the Norma cases that I made from 7 saum, if I ever wear them out I'll be excited to switch over to ADG.
I think the PRC is an awesome choice, but again if shooting heavy for caliber the saum wins for sure..

 

[Weatherby Fan]

I know lots of people complain about Hornady brass but I'm using it in both my 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC without issue.

 

[Deleted member 25294]

I know lots of people complain about Hornady brass but I'm using it in both my 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC without issue.

Two PRC's.. Nice!
I'm getting my 300 PRC in a week or two, can't wait to start load development.
I've got a pile of RL26 and N570 to put behind the 225's