6.5 PRC in Long Action?

I was looking into building my own rifle in a 6.5 PRC, but wanted to know if the cartridge works in a long action? Also, I had thought of going 6.5-284Norma, my understanding is they are pretty close in ballistics, I figured the PRC will have more options as times goes on. If you had to start new, any preference in one over the other?

I'd go at least a medium (xm) or long so you can get the most out of it.

sierracharlie338 said:

I'd go at least a medium (xm) or long so you can get the most out of it.

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I have both 6.5-284 and 6.5prc and I have a 6.5prc on a short action and a long action go with the 6.5 prc on your long action if that's what you have better yet a medium action my 6.5 284 will not out perform my 6.5 prc the 6.5 prc can hold its own too a 264 win mag

6.5mm x .284. Newer ain't always better!

shortgrass said:

6.5mm x .284. Newer ain't always better!

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I have 2 6.5-284s a 284 win and a 25 -284 the 284 parent case is very efficient but the 6.5 284 can't get close too my 2 6.5 prcs

I run a 6.5 PRC out of a long Curtis action and couldn't be happier with it. The only length restriction on bullet seating is the chamber, not magazine length.

Sounds like a LA is the way to go if one builds either. Just torn between which to choose, the PRC or the Norma. I have heard of issues with sizing dies not working well with the PRC case, anybody run into a problem with the dies not sizing them correctly?

Kmccord said:

Sounds like a LA is the way to go if one builds either. Just torn between which to choose, the PRC or the Norma. I have heard of issues with sizing dies not working well with the PRC case, anybody run into a problem with the dies not sizing them correctly?

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I've got my second build on a Curtis Axiom short action .145 free bore mag length is 2.980 factory 143 gr eldx is 2.950 I load the 124 gr hammers at 2.940 the Sami oal is .188 free bore and started at .133 so the .145 seems about right factory 143 gr puts me.010 too .020 off lands

Hard rock said:

I've got my second build on a Curtis Axiom short action .145 free bore mag length is 2.980 factory 143 gr eldx is 2.950 I load the 124 gr hammers at 2.940 the Sami oal is .188 free bore and started at .133 so the .145 seems about right factory 143 gr puts me.010 too .020 off lands

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And no problem with the redding bushing dies on either of my 6.5 prcs one a Bartlien and the other a proof done by Straight Jacket Armory

I've put four 6.5 prc's together now on long actions. I used Alex Wheeler's revision 2 reamer to deal with the sizing issues people were having. Factory Hornady 143 eld-x ammo shot 1/2 moa in all four rifles. Rifles were built to 7.5 twist barrels to shoot 156"s Berger's. With Re-26 they are pushing them right at 3000 fps in 24" Proof barrels. Accuracy with the Berger's has been great with all rifles shooting groups 2" or less at 500 yards. Even had one group that was just under an inch at 500 yards with one of the rifles.

I did have to mees around getting two of them to feed out of a Wyatt's box while the other two feed flawlessly out of Hawkins Hunter detachable magazines. Other than that they've been great rifles.

So far, no. I'm running ADG brass and sizing with a Forster custom honed fl sizing die. I usually don't push into really high pressures for max velocity and I have enough brass that I'm only on my fourth loading for the oldest of it. I have no experience with Lapua brass in this caliber, but have been waiting on an order since January.

Hard rock said:

I've got my second build on a Curtis Axiom short action .145 free bore mag length is 2.980 factory 143 gr eldx is 2.950 I load the 124 gr hammers at 2.940 the Sami oal is .188 free bore and started at .133 so the .145 seems about right factory 143 gr puts me.010 too .020 off lands

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I have some 124 hammers loaded now for a trial run, loaded .040 off the lands and with a light factory crimp. Trying RL26 and H4831 first in a 27 inch Proof barrel bthink my freebore is .188, cbto is 2.190

G. Neely said:

So far, no. I'm running ADG brass and sizing with a Forster custom honed fl sizing die. I usually don't push into really high pressures for max velocity and I have enough brass that I'm only on my fourth loading for the oldest of it. I have no experience with Lapua brass in this caliber, but have been waiting on an order since January.

I have some 124 hammers loaded now for a trial run, loaded .040 off the lands and with a light factory crimp. Trying RL26 and H4831 first in a 27 inch Proof barrel bthink my freebore is .188, cbto is 2.190

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I'm running the 124 hammer at 3300 and the 123absolute at 3454 fps with N 165 and cci250s

Hard rock said:

I'm running the 124 hammer at 3300 and the 123absolute at 3454 fps with N 165 and cci250s

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That'll work.

Thanks to all on the responses, either way, looks like using a L/A is not an issue with the PRC or Norma cartridges.