- Joined
- Jul 13, 2010
- Messages
- 5,495
- Reaction score
- 7,924
I'll take the 200gr + for magnum 30 cal.
6.5 prc for elk?
- Thread starter 308_Branden
- Start date
308_Branden
Well-Known Member
So if the 6.5s are all " better" when are 30 cals advantageous? Are 30 cals only better when we get into the 215 plus gr weights? Genuinely interested where this forum discussion has gone lol 
@khart1988
@khart1988
khart1988
Well-Known Member
So if the 6.5s are all " better" when are 30 cals advantageous? Are 30 cals only better when we get into the 215 plus gr weights? Genuinely interested where this forum discussion has gone lol
From a pure performance standpoint, when you have a round that can push the velocity of a 215, then yes.
I was just demonstrating that the warm and fuzzy sentiment of "mo' cal is mo' betta" is entirely and demonstrably misplaced between the OP's calibers of choice.
That being said, I own a 308 and not a 6.5 because I already had one when the creed really took off, and I'm not a collector, and it's always worked perfectly.
I don't personally see the need for a 300 WM for elk, because even a ballistic calculator will show that it becomes identical to a 308 at 150 yards. So really, what's the difference between shooting an elk with either old caliber at 600?
Of course things change with heavy bullets in a PRC, but if a 150-180gr 300 WM has always been a go-to for long range elk, it won't suddenly cease to be so because Hornady needs to sell new cartridges.
Viking142
Active Member
For my purposes, there is not a time when they are "better". Admittedly, I do not have experience with high bc .30 cal bullets in the wind, maybe those make up some ground on a 6.5. I am not the worlds best wind caller and I know that my hit rates go up notably with a 6.5 143 eldx over a .308 168 match king in the wind. To me alone the wind advantage makes the 6.5 a winner. This is on top of all the previous mentioned things.So if the 6.5s are all " better" when are 30 cals advantageous? Are 30 cals only better when we get into the 215 plus gr weights? Genuinely interested where this forum discussion has gone lol
matt_3479
Well-Known Member
I've never killed an elk but for me it's whatever one you can shoot better. If you can handle the 300 wsm then I'd go that route or something heavier. If you are recoil shy then the prc is great.
My 6.5 prc short action is running thr 156 at 3050fps and is very accurate. For this I'd feel comfortable taking big game but would reach for my 300 Norma first. Looking at a 6.8 western or 270 wsm fast twist as well
6.5 prc
300 Norma
My 6.5 prc short action is running thr 156 at 3050fps and is very accurate. For this I'd feel comfortable taking big game but would reach for my 300 Norma first. Looking at a 6.8 western or 270 wsm fast twist as well
6.5 prc
300 Norma
308_Branden
Well-Known Member
So I get that but we are talking about a 300 wsm not a 308 Winchester. For example I have loaded for a friends 300 wsm and it's moving a 200 gr eldx at 2860, I imagine I can put a 180 or 190 gr bullet up in the 2900s. So where that 30 cals advantageous loses in bc it makes up for it in speed so I bet the wind resistance is probably very similar and energy on target has to be more in favor of the 30 cal just because of the mass no?
308_Branden
Well-Known Member
Beautiful rifle my friend
matt_3479
Well-Known Member
Thank you
If you reload there is other options as well that might get you a bit more performance. I take it your impact is a short action?
But a 300 wsm with a 180 accubond at 3000fps vs the 6.5 156 at 3000 fps they match energy at 350 yards and the 6.5 over takes it from then on out. For example at 700 the drop difference is 13" less, wind is 11" less drift and 208ft/lbs more energy from the 6.5. The 300 has larger diameter, larger hole, more mass, and most likely a little more penetration bullet to bullet. Mass and the size of the hole you put in an animal matters no matter what the numbers say.
There are better bullets with better bc but you said 180 so that's what I went with. There is also other options that are happy mediums if you reload. 6.8 western with a 170 is very impressive, 7 saum with a 175-180, 7ss would really get great performance.
If your deciding between those two, the choice is simple. 300WSM hands down. Heavier bullets and a better choice for Elk. The PRC will get it done but it's tough to beat the extra 50 grains of bullet weight pushed at nearly the same speeds as the 6.5 bullet.
Viking142
Active Member
The 143 still has a better bc, but like I said, I have no experience shooting high bc 30 cal magnums so I have not shot them side by side to "know" real world differences. Ive shot a ton of .30-06 and when shooting 178 eldx at 2765ish fps, it does not hang with the 143 eldx at 2710.
30 cal magnums with high bc are going to put more energy on target at most any reasonable range, that is physics. In theory that is better, I have just not seen that theory play out in real life (see my previous posts on this) I think it was earlier in this thread where I mentioned that I would like to hear of a real world situation where big bullet going fast (magnum) saved a situation. Ive not seen it in my 90ish elk kills Ive been a part of. I would however like to keep my mind open to what I might be missing, which was the reason I asked the question.
I did just dream up a situation where the big bullet could probably save the day. I suppose if you had a wounded elk that was trying to get away from you and all you had was a rear end shot to try and put him down, a 30 cal mag would definitely be a better bet to break those big hind quarter bones.
I would also admit that I am biased by my own observations and my own limitations. Previously I spoke of my observations of others with recoil, but I myself am also firmly in the camp of being affected by recoil. I absolutely shoot better in field positions with less recoil. I also want to be able to spot my own impacts, so for me less recoil is a bigger advantage than theoretical advantages of bigger heavier bullets.
I started out elk hunting in a time when there was no internet and everything a guy read in hunting magazines said .270 and 30-06 were just barely okay for elk but you really needed a 7mm or 300 magnum. My grandpa was also in that school of thought. I got a 30-06 because it was going to be my do everything rifle. It worked great so I felt this was the way too. I really scoffed at the idea of smaller calibers until I saw them in action. When I realized the benefits, I my thoughts ended up where they are now.
Anecdotally, the .270 has probably been the most "effective" elk killer in the 90 ish elk kills ive been a part of (larger sample size that 7-08 and 6.5c) I doubt any elk is going to know the difference between a .270 and a 6.5 prc. I also doubt that any shooter is going to notice much difference between the recoil. My son's PRC recoils notably less than my .270 but his has a brake and mine is bare muzzle.
308_Branden
Well-Known Member
I won't argue with you at all about the effect of recoil on shooters. My 300 wm used to recoil tons to me at least till I learn how to deal with it on a functional level. But that being said on close targets I couldn't really spot my misses or hits cause the gun would move me around so much. So totally agree you'll shoot lighter recoiling guns with more precision. No doubt there
Sculpin
Active Member
Have you considered designing your rifle for the Barnes .308 bore rider 212 gr. lrx bullet... (but it would require a long action). https://barnesbullets.com/0-308-30-cal-lrx-212-gr-bt-bore-rider/That's why I'm hoping the rifle likes monos
Dang that's a nice rig right there!
Hey y'all, when you get a smoke break look up the 6.8 Western online. Great cartridge of the new, new kids on the block. I have one and it hits like Thor's hammer. I use either a 165 Gr Nosler ABLR at 2950 or the 175 gr, STGK at 2850. I haven't played with the Nosler 170 gr Ballistic tip yet. Moderate recoil and muzzle blast, very accurate and great long-range performance. Since I already have a 6.5 PRC and the 6.8, I'm not sure I NEED a 7 PCR, but you know...I want one.
Similar threads
Recent Posts
-
.338 Winchester Magnum or .338-06 Improved.- Latest: cabelasken
-
-
-
-
Will reloading disapear with the new too lazy to do it generation
- Latest: Turpentine21
-
-
-
-
-
-
