Torn between 300wsm and 6.5 prc medium hunter build

i think I have developed paralysis through analysis on my build. I originally started with the intention to build a 300wsm with 22" proof senders barrel. The more I have looked and read the 6.5 PRC with lighter recoil and good bullet selection for a reloader has peaked my interest. The rifle I want is a medium hunter that will be used for coyotes to elk in Colorado. I have a defiance deviant medium action with mag bolt face aw cut and nothing else. Trying to be from 8-10 pounds without scope depending on options I choose. I guess I am fishing for opinions, I have a Tikka 300wsm already so I have been reloading for it but I'm not opposed to trying something new.

Thanks

If your hunting elk use the 300. For deer and antelope size game I like the 6.5 prc.

morning, the WSM is going to the way side. the WSM is a great
cartridge. I do not care for the 6.5prc. as for a all around
cartridge u could go the 300Winny. lots of brass, very reliable,
great performance. this cartridge performance speaks for itself.
justme gbot tum.

I shot with the guy who manages the ranch for the ELR match here in Wyoming. He set up all the stages and said he proofed them out with his 6XC and quite a few guys ran a 243/6 mm Creedmoor or something similar. I asked him about his thoughts on this question and he said the gap 4s was plenty for that match. He told me the year before most had a Win mags and Normas and a majority of people he talked to decided that was too much rifle for that match as it was difficult to spot impacts. There furthest target was 1760. I have no personal experience with the match and I am waiting on a PRC myself so I can only pass on what I was told. Hope it helps.

6.5 prc is enough gun for elk, is it going to do the job on a running quartering bull in deep cover in the weeds? I'd want more. In a 26" barrel, a 7mm saum will push 175-180gr bullets at the same speed a prc pushes 147s. With much more energy on target. No flies on a 300wsm either, killed 2 bulls with it using 185 vld, both elk bang flop. For any of these cases to be run correctly with heavy for cal bullets, an intermediate length action is needed. However kimber, Winchester and Montana rifle Co short actions allow seating over 3" which is needed. Tikka actions with a 3.35" length also work great, are cheap, and have a great trigger. One cartridge can cover all aspects from elk to varmint, however it will do neither optimally. I personally suggest a 2-3 gun battery for that. 6mm something for predators/pronghorn, 7mm or 30 cal for deer on up, just me. I've got too many guns tho, I don't listen to my own advice!

Get both and be happy.

You already have a 300WSM, do the 6.5 PRC or 6.5 x 284. But u could do a 270 WSM also just get it in 8 twist.

I'm tempted to try a sauer 100 in 6.5 prc, 1:8 twist 24" barrel, long action design with short magazine, could change bolt stop and mag just like a Tikka and run max oal to lands. 700$ rifle, great reviews on accuracy from reviews I've read on those rifles.

If I were to build a 6.5 I would go with the Sherman. You get about 100 fps more with a shorter case. I think before I built a 300 wsm I would go with the 300 Sherman for the same reason.

I'm not so sure about the 300 WSM going to the way side there seems to be more and more BR shooters building them and talking about how well the tune. A med. length action is the way to go.

Between the 2, I'd lean on 300WSM if elk is on the menu a lot. The 6.5PRC will handle elk, but IMO, you are only looking for a perfect shot in perfect conditions with a 6.5. Shot placement is always priority #1.

Personally, I usually take extra firepower for insurance. Animals move, and we don't always hit where we aim under fantastic conditions.

tmmcampbell said:

If I were to build a 6.5 I would go with the Sherman. You get about 100 fps more with a shorter case. I think before I built a 300 wsm I would go with the 300 Sherman for the same reason.

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How is a 300 SS with 73gr capacity going to outrun a case with 79gr capacity? Seat a 215 Berger with the bearing surface slightly above the neck/shoulder junction, shoot in equal length barrels and you'll find that the wsm case capacity is still equal to or slightly faster than the Sherman short. The Sherman cases opperate at and mask higher psi than saami cases.

Just build both!lol. I have almost the exact 300 WSM you are talking about. Defiant XM action with proof 26" barrel. It weighs in at 9.48 lbs with scope (Leupold VX-6HD). Still working up loads for that but right now I've found a sweet spot using 190 grn Nosler ABLR right around 3000 FPS. I then wanted something with less recoil for deer/yotes so I had a 6.5-06 AI made. I've only put 50 rds through it, but it's showing promise. My plan is to use the 300 for elk and big mulies. I'll be using the 6.5 on smaller whitetail/southern mulies/antelope.
If 2 guns isn't in the options then I'd go with the 300. I'm still a little hesitant to use a 6.5 on elk sized animals. Call me old school I guess.

He has a defiance medium (short) action not a XM.