6.5 PRC Custom Build Advice
- Thread starter DKW II
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Westernhuntr
Well-Known Member
If you're open to another action option you really should consider picking up a Tikka.
These actions are a med length and perfect for the PRC.
I built a 6.5 saum off a Tikka 7RM, I'm using the factory LA mag and the trigger.
Coal right at 3" with 147's.
There are some really nice Tikka prefit barrel options coming out, including Proof CF
Id like to stick with the Defiance actions, I have heard good things about the Tikka though, just set on Defiance.
Weatherby Fan
Well-Known Member
Ive used two XM Defiance Actions for 6.5 PRC builds, just waiting for the stock to arrive for my latest one, Defiance Rebel XM action, 24" SS #3 contour fluted 1-8 twist Benchmark, Timney Calvin Elite trigger, Wildcat Carbon Fiber stock, Talleys and a ZEISS V4 4-16x44 scope.
I'm having a 6.5PRC being made with a Defiance DeviantUltralight short action with their Wyatt box. Gives 2.990 COAL which I thought was ok for 140 gr -147gr bullets I plan on using.
Westernhuntr
Well-Known Member
I measured a 147 seated properly in my 6.5 saum and it's only 2.97 coal.
I believe the PRC is shorter than the saum case
406precision
Well-Known Member
We have have built them on all 3 platforms a long action tenacity is fine if run a center feed mag..but I wouldnt advise a bdl style btm metal unless you use the medium and with a short you are really limited in length however it hasnt seemed to bother the accuracy at all
I built my 6.5 PRC last year. I used a Bighorn Origen action. It's a short action. It's a shooter. 1/4" MOA. I love it. The Hornady 147 gr March ammo is great so far. No complaints.
A friend of mine build the same 6.5 PRC on a long action. He loves his too.
My sense is that you just can't go wrong on this one.
Enjoy! Peace.
Sam
I had a PRC built from Seekin and you are limited to your length, If you have a choice i,d go with the Med. length. Factory loads from Hornady shoot and feed fine.
vancewalker007
Well-Known Member
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- Mar 30, 2013
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I built mine on a medium Defiance action and have had zero length issue worries. At the time the 156 didn't exist so I had the Smith set up the chamber throat to put the ogive in the lands with the bullet base just above the case neck shoulder junction. That way the powder column can go all the way to the neck shoulder before the bullet touches it. The defiance magazine allows about 3.2 OAL and most of my reloads are running around 3.0ish. It also gives my a little room to chase the lands. You can do the same setup with a long action if you can't use a medium. Lots of short actions have been built as well you just have to do more to get the right magazine and setup the bolt travel etc and you loose some case space with the super long bullets, but they work. The factory stuff will not cycle from a straight up short action 700 for example.
BrentM
Well-Known Member
If you choose a short action and the mag limits you to 2.8 then I'd go medium/long, or wyatts. If you run a external AICS mag without a binder plate you will be at 2.950 COAL. That is what my rifle set up uses.
Here is the deal tho. I have not personally seen any velocity numbers from a single source that compared a long action COAL to a short COAl of 2.8 to see the loss or gain of potential in terms of velocity and accuracy. I don't personally know the real world difference. In comparing my rifles velocity to book or other shooters on long actions it seems there is not enough difference to be concerned about. The 6.5 PRC is kind of an odd duck. SAAMI chamber has long throat, the case is a little long, it seems to shoot most everything well, but it's not really a true SA round.
Here is the deal tho. I have not personally seen any velocity numbers from a single source that compared a long action COAL to a short COAl of 2.8 to see the loss or gain of potential in terms of velocity and accuracy. I don't personally know the real world difference. In comparing my rifles velocity to book or other shooters on long actions it seems there is not enough difference to be concerned about. The 6.5 PRC is kind of an odd duck. SAAMI chamber has long throat, the case is a little long, it seems to shoot most everything well, but it's not really a true SA round.
Jeffrey Van Zandt
Well-Known Member
I called Defiance and spoke with them about this in length. With the new heavier bullets coming out now they recommended a long action. I ordered their new Tenacity which has the barrel lug machined into the action now. Some custom gun makers are also offering .150 of free bore as a chamber option also.
That is interesting, maybe with Berger releasing the 156gr EOL bullets we will start hearing more about these on a long action. Even though it seems like its pretty common to have these built on a long action.
