Cleaning house. One bolt action (caliber) for the man that probably doesn't need a bolt action.

[EotS]

I just barely need a BA rifle. Just not my jam. I rarely hunt, and don't take part in PR matches, but I'd like the option to do both one day, especially PRS. I've done a fair shars of 3-Gun,and would like to learn about PRS.
I have a 336 for deer and whatever, so that's covered.

So, 6.5 Cm OR 6.5 PRC.

I'd like to stay with a SA round.
I live in Louisiana, so either caliber will suffice for whatever game I'd want to take. We have a 1,000yd range within 30min from me, and I also own 220ish acres with the ability to shoot up to 400yds there. I don't see myself reloading anytine soon, but maybe one day. Also, i have pretty definite plans to move to E Texas, N Arkansas/South Missouri in the next 10yrs. Game hunting won't change a lot between those areas. My concern with the CM is lack of umph at distance. Concern with PRC is box ammo available over time. I'm worried it will fade.

Thoughts?


Fwiw, I'll be topping whatever I get with an Athlon Cronus BTR I already have an an MPA 1pc mount.

 

[b6graham]

6.5CM easy

PRC is way too much for what you'd need

and honestly even a 6CM would work

 

[Kadams1563]

6.5 CM will fit the bill especially since your not a reloader.

That round will take just about anything in North America at distance. I wouldn’t worry about it.

Plus 6.5 cm is probably the cheapest all around cartridge you can get in to for match and hunting ammunition.

 

[chevy_man]

Creed.

Prc is hugely popular and won't go away soon. Makes a difference who's pushing the caliber and in this case it's a large ammo manufacturer.


That said, I've seen plenty of elk dropped with the 6.5 cm, it will go past 1000 easily, and there's a ton of factory match and hunting ammo.


I always error on the side with the lowest recoil to get it done, as this generally means more time spent behind the rifle and more shots per $.

In your case I see the PRC as excessively costly in terms of both ammo cost per round and also barrel life. Can't burn more powder without taking more life.

 

[Mister Ridge]

A Nucleus in 6.5 Creed and an extra bolt head if you change your mind. Or something like that.

 

[CerebralDistortion]

Why complicate things? Get a 308.

 

[Kadams1563]

Why complicate things? Get a 308.

Because this ain’t the 90’s

 

[Crews]

Because this ain’t the 90’s

Yeah whatever man, 308 is still just as relevant in 2022. Go do some factory ammo shopping and get back to me.

 

[hlee]

As the OP specified PRS, the 308 is irrelevant- regardless of your feels. The 6.5 CM does everything the 308 does with less drift, less drop, and less recoil. The PRC is more than is necessary for PRS, and more recoil is certainly a negative in that game. Southern whitetails, pigs, and PRS? It’s not even close. 6.5 CM. All day. Every day.

 

[FuhQ]

I just barely need a BA rifle. Just not my jam. I rarely hunt, and don't take part in PR matches, but I'd like the option to do both one day, especially PRS. I've done a fair shars of 3-Gun,and would like to learn about PRS.
I have a 336 for deer and whatever, so that's covered.

So, 6.5 Cm OR 6.5 PRC.

I'd like to stay with a SA round.
I live in Louisiana, so either caliber will suffice for whatever game I'd want to take. We have a 1,000yd range within 30min from me, and I also own 220ish acres with the ability to shoot up to 400yds there. I don't see myself reloading anytine soon, but maybe one day. Also, i have pretty definite plans to move to E Texas, N Arkansas/South Missouri in the next 10yrs. Game hunting won't change a lot between those areas. My concern with the CM is lack of umph at distance. Concern with PRC is box ammo available over time. I'm worried it will fade.

Thoughts?


Fwiw, I'll be topping whatever I get with an Athlon Cronus BTR I already have an an MPA 1pc mount.

As much as I hate to say this, 6.5CM would be the way to go. I'm a big .308 Win fan for 20+ years. But I also own a .260 Rem, and I love the little 6.5's. They have no recoil, they're accrue, 140gr pills are plentiful, and are very good sounding when suppressed using .30 caliber cans.

If you reload, and want an impressive cartridge, the .25CM with a 20" 1:7 twist barrel to shoot the Berger 133 & 135's would be another really good option. Get Lapua 6.5CM brass, and then It's a simple 1-trip through the .25CM FL sizing die, and you got brass ready to shoot. Simple as that.

 

[Charger442]

As the OP specified PRS, the 308 is irrelevant- regardless of your feels.

It's like no one can predict what 308 will do. All ballistics tables and dope have been lost and the bullets being used just don't fly consistently. It's really crazy. Nothing we can do now but destroy barrels when we come across them and NEVER, EVER teach anyone how to manage recoil while shooting again.

 

[hlee]

It's like no one can predict what 308 will do. All ballistics tables and dope have been lost and the bullets being used just don't fly consistently. It's really crazy. Nothing we can do now but destroy barrels when we come across them and NEVER, EVER teach anyone how to manage recoil while shooting again.

Sure, I could chisel tablets and find a runner and have him deliver to you the explanation chiseled in stone. But, the internet is more efficient.

PRS is a game. If you are buying equipment for a game, buy purpose built equipment. Anyone that says that the 308 win is equal to or superior to a 6.5 CM in PRS competition is a retard that should be excised from your life like the smelly, oozing cancer that they are. Buying a 308 win for a PRS gun is the firearm equivalent of purposely kicking yourself in the nuts.

If PRS were a schoolyard game, and rifle cartridges were kids, the 308 win would be the slow fat kid that doesn’t understand why he never gets picked. 308 shooters would be his parents. “It’s ok. We still love you. Let’s go get some ice cream. Put on your helmet before crossing the street.”

 

[pmclaine]

You used “man” in gendering your question so the answer would have to be 30-06.

 

[CerebralDistortion]

155 gr .30 or 140 gr .264 at roughly the same speed and then there is the wheight of the gun. Recoil difference barely matters.

Wind drift is higher and so is drop with a 308, but not less consistent. Dial more. At 400 yds, what is that .4 mil? .2?

The numbers game is fun, but real world application all things considered...

 

[AirgunnerPCP]

This is a no brainer. 6.5CM all the way. Sounds like you don't need the extra punch of the PRC so why deal with the extra recoil, blast and cost?

Not even sure why folks would even bring up the 308 for these uses.

 

[hlee]

I have to imagine those that say “just dial more” haven’t ever actually shot a rifle competitively. If it were just a matter of dialing more elevation and holding more wind, we could shoot comps with a subsonic 300 blackout. I mean, you just dial a bit more. Right? No, of course not. The more ballistically efficient cartridges give you more error budget than their fat, slow, retarded cousins. Is the wind at 700 blowing 5 mph or 7 mph? The wrong call on a 308 is a miss, but an edge hit with the 6.5. Is that target at 700, or did you inadvertently range the grass 50 yards beyond? That could be a miss with the 308, but a hit with the 6.5.

It’s a game. No one thinks your a better shooter because you make it harder on yourself. No one is telling their buddies “there’s a real man.” If anything they’re saying “look at the newb” or “look, that poor sucker has to shoot his duty rifle.” All the while, the guy in flip flops is cleaning your clock with a 30 lb 6bra…

 

[CerebralDistortion]

I have to imagine those that say “just dial more” haven’t ever actually shot a rifle competitively. If it were just a matter of dialing more elevation and holding more wind, we could shoot comps with a subsonic 300 blackout. I mean, you just dial a bit more. Right? No, of course not. The more ballistically efficient cartridges give you more error budget than their fat, slow, retarded cousins. Is the wind at 700 blowing 5 mph or 7 mph? The wrong call on a 308 is a miss, but an edge hit with the 6.5. Is that target at 700, or did you inadvertently range the grass 50 yards beyond? That could be a miss with the 308, but a hit with the 6.5.

It’s a game. No one thinks your a better shooter because you make it harder on yourself. No one is telling their buddies “there’s a real man.” If anything they’re saying “look at the newb” or “look, that poor sucker has to shoot his duty rifle.” All the while, the guy in flip flops is cleaning your clock with a 30 lb 6bra…

So, you didn't read the first post, just went full Karen when I suggested a 308?

If it's a game, bring what you've got. Participate, have fun and if it becomes more serious, get something more suited to your needs...

 

[hlee]

So, you didn't read the first post, just went full Karen when I suggested a 308?

If it's a game, bring what you've got. Participate, have fun and if it becomes more serious, get something more suited to your needs...

Yes, I went full Karen. I suggested a cartridge not specified by the OP. I then went full retard suggesting that the difference between the two is academic.

The OP specifically stated that he is looking for a bolt action rifle “especially for PRS” in 6.5 Creedmoor or PRS.

The first post strongly suggests that he doesn’t have a bolt action rifle. There is no ‘run what you brung’ in this scenario. (Did you read the first post?)

Suggesting he intentionally handicap himself with a demonstratively inferior cartridge is retarded. There is a meme somewhere on the hide to the effect of “Everyone says buy once cry once, then tells the newbs to buy a 308.”

A 308 rifle, equally appointed, does not cost less than a 6.5. It cannot make better use of a lower tier scope. The ammunition is a wash, or favors the 6.5 for cost and availability of match quality factory ammo. Reloading favors the 6.5 slightly in cost of bullets. Brass, powder, and primers are a wash. It, literally, makes no sense to start with a 308 and buy something else if the op “gets into it.” Just buy the more optimized choice first.

If you like 308, Great. I have one too. But, I don’t take it to comps. Making hits is more fun than watching dollar bills fly out of the muzzle.

 

[Chickentoast]

Agree on 6.5 manbun or smaller (25 creed 133/135) for stated purpose. Disagree manbun>308 when reloaded. 208 eldm's seated out for a 700 (Porn Star Throat) drift less than manbun running 147's or 140's, and hold more energy - simply because the COAL is >3" allowing for more charge, and the BC is better with the 30 cal. Factory ammo, manbun wins in the wind.

 

[hlee]

Agree on 6.5 manbun or smaller (25 creed 133/135) for stated purpose. Disagree manbun>308 when reloaded. 208 eldm's seated out for a 700 (Porn Star Throat) drift less than manbun running 147's or 140's, and hold more energy - simply because the COAL is >3" allowing for more charge, and the BC is better with the 30 cal. Factory ammo, manbun wins in the wind.

Mag fed in a short action? If not, not suitable for stated purpose...

I was also speaking more to the cost of reloading. It is not less expensive to reload for 308, for precision. So, one less reason to suggest a 308 over 6.5 CM for a "beginner rifle."

 

[Chickentoast]

Mag fed in a short action? If not, not suitable for stated purpose...

I was also speaking more to the cost of reloading. It is not less expensive to reload for 308, for precision. So, one less reason to suggest a 308 over 6.5 CM for a "beginner rifle."

Right, agree. Only reason I mentioned it is to ensure that people, especially beginners, understand the versatility of the 308 cartridge - it's only ballistically "obsolete" if running old loads like 168 gmm. It's a ~50 grain case that can be interesting with 155 scenars, 185 juggs, 200 class, and even 220 lrht's. I wouldn't kick it out of bed as a do it all rifle. I also wouldn't choose it to be competitive in PRS, as stated before.

 

[Digetydog]

So, you didn't read the first post, just went full Karen when I suggested a 308?

If it's a game, bring what you've got. Participate, have fun and if it becomes more serious, get something more suited to your needs...

If you know you might play the game, the smart choice is to get the cartridge better suited for that game. The 6.5CM was literally designed to outperform the 308 in long range competitions.

Since he does have a 308 laying around, the 6.5 is the better choice for him.

 

[CerebralDistortion]

If you know you might play the game, the smart choice is to get the cartridge better suited for that game. The 6.5CM was literally designed to outperform the 308 in long range competitions.

Since he does have a 308 laying around, the 6.5 is the better choice for him.

If OP had wrote that he was looking for the absolute best cartridge to whole heartedly get into PRS competitions, you are absolutely right.

But OP might want to buy a boltie to try "LR"...

The "lay around" is a 336(?).

 

[hlee]

Let’s focus in on the aspect of dabbling in ‘PRS style’ comps. Where does a 308 win surpass a 6.5 CM? And, I’m going to postulate that for the purposes of the discussion;

1) increased recoil requiring more focus on the fundamentals of marksmanship is a negative for competitive use. Training is a separate discussion.

2) increased wind deflection requiring better wind reading skills is a negative for competitive use. Training is a separate issue.

3) increased drop at distance requiring better range estimation skills is a negative for competition use. Training is a separate discussion.

 

[W54/XM-388]

Sure, I could chisel tablets and find a runner and have him deliver to you the explanation chiseled in stone. But, the internet is more efficient.

PRS is a game. If you are buying equipment for a game, buy purpose built equipment. Anyone that says that the 308 win is equal to or superior to a 6.5 CM in PRS competition is a retard that should be excised from your life like the smelly, oozing cancer that they are. Buying a 308 win for a PRS gun is the firearm equivalent of purposely kicking yourself in the nuts.

If PRS were a schoolyard game, and rifle cartridges were kids, the 308 win would be the slow fat kid that doesn’t understand why he never gets picked. 308 shooters would be his parents. “It’s ok. We still love you. Let’s go get some ice cream. Put on your helmet before crossing the street.”

If that is your strident stance, then you should be pushing him towards the 6cm as the 6mm stuff is starting to take over in the whole game world of PRS.

 

[moosemeat]

I shoot 308 for every thing and will never be without one. That said if it weren't for F T/R I would have moved on to 260 AI, 6x47 or 6 br by now in short action. If a Creed shooter can call wind to 2 mph you would have to call it to 1 mph to beat him. Alot of shooters can call to 2mph. I can count on 1 hand the number I know that can call to one.... I ain't one of em.

 

[anon]

2 years ago

Build something with a replacable bolt head or bolt, get two barrels and two bolt heads or bolts.

 

[hlee]

If that is your strident stance, then you should be pushing him towards the 6cm as the 6mm stuff is starting to take over in the whole game world of PRS.

Except I place a high value on the availability of quality factory match ammunition. 6Creedmmoor has it, but it’s the only one. 6.5 has better availability. 6BR, 6bra, 6xc, 6 dasher, etc are all handloader only cartridges. For the guy just getting started, the 6.5 CM is the best nexus of shootability, performance, and available ammo. It is telling that even with the proliferation of 6mm “somethings” that the 6.5 CM still shows up within the “what the pros use for PRS” surveys. It’s a minor component, but there. The 308win, on the other hand is nowhere to be seen.

 

[roostercogburn98]

All the while, the guy in flip flops is cleaning your clock with a 30 lb 6bra…

Who want to carry a 30# gun hunting or just to the range on occasion. I could see if PRS style was the only reason for the build, but for a “jack of all trades” kinda build would be silly IN MY OPINION.

 

[W54/XM-388]

Except I place a high value on the availability of quality factory match ammunition. 6Creedmmoor has it, but it’s the only one.

6cm was specifically what I was talking about, none of the others.

that the 6.5 CM still shows up within the “what the pros use for PRS” surveys. It’s a minor component, but there.

"it's a minor component" (regarding the 6.5cm) says much about the direction things are going so why not go with what is becoming the biggest share?

 

[Charger442]

Who want to carry a 30# gun hunting or just to the range on occasion. I could see if PRS style was the only reason for the build, but for a “jack of all trades” kinda build would be silly IN MY OPINION.

and also, at 30 pounds of rifle, doesnt 308 have negligible recoil?

 

[roostercogburn98]

and also, at 30 pounds of rifle, doesnt 308 have negligible recoil?

My Barrett barely weighed 30 pounds with glass. I’m not a gamer so 30# rifle makes almost no sense to me period

 

[912173]

I shoot mostly .308 but If I were considering competing is PRS comps, I would run the calibers they run. .308 is better than it ever has been in the past but competition demands every possible edge. Hunting rifles have different mission requirements which don't include a 30lb curb weight. Right tool for the job as they say. If you already have a hunting rifle, build a PRS rifle.

 

[hlee]

6cm was specifically what I was talking about, none of the others.



"it's a minor component" (regarding the 6.5cm) says much about the direction things are going so why not go with what is becoming the biggest share?

Ammo availability is still the hang up for me, especially for a non-reloader. I can find Hornady match, Hornady black, and federal berger in 6.5 CM at the local big box store. Even before covid, the only place I had ever seen 6CM in the wild was at the Cabelas in Lubbock TX. If you are sourcing all of your ammo on line, the world is your oyster, but I like to be able to slide into the local Academy sports and pick up a few boxes. But, if factory ammo isn’t a concern (or you’re ok with buying predominantly on line) and PRS is the game, then 6CM is the more popular of the 2.

But, the OP specified 6.5 CM and this discussion only sparked because someone still thinks that 30hate is relevant for PRS.

 

[mikeshaw2]

Because this ain’t the 90’s

or the 80s
or the 70s
or the 60s
or the 50s

Not saying the .308 isn't a good round, but times have changed

M

 

[912173]

I fear this .308 discussion may be the work of a troll

 

[Chickentoast]

This thread has followed the path to full-gay just as PRS did

 

[Digetydog]

6cm was specifically what I was talking about, none of the others.



"it's a minor component" (regarding the 6.5cm) says much about the direction things are going so why not go with what is becoming the biggest share?

You have good ppints, but I think OP's references to his hunting use of the one rifle suggests the 6.5cm might be the best compromise.

 

[Charger442]

You have good ppints, but I think OP's references to his hunting use of the one rifle suggests the 6.5cm might be the best compromise.

Hell... Why not .243?

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

I be curious, what part of Louisiana do you live in, north south southeast or southwest? If you are anywhere near North Louisiana, I'll meet up with you and let you throw some rounds down range with a 6.5CM to see if you like it.

My first centerfire rifle was a 336, but that was somewhere around the middle of the last century. Stupidly, let it go before just before my rich uncle offered me an all expense paid trip to Southeast Asia. Brenda Lea purchased JM labeled 1894 just before Remington bought them out. I believe that the Marlin's are the hidden secret of American Riflery. Hoping Ruger can get the good one's back into production with the same quality the old timers at John Marlin made them.

 

[Pointman007]

I just barely need a BA rifle. Just not my jam. I rarely hunt, and don't take part in PR matches, but I'd like the option to do both one day, especially PRS. I've done a fair shars of 3-Gun,and would like to learn about PRS.
I have a 336 for deer and whatever, so that's covered.

So, 6.5 Cm OR 6.5 PRC.

I'd like to stay with a SA round.
I live in Louisiana, so either caliber will suffice for whatever game I'd want to take. We have a 1,000yd range within 30min from me, and I also own 220ish acres with the ability to shoot up to 400yds there. I don't see myself reloading anytine soon, but maybe one day. Also, i have pretty definite plans to move to E Texas, N Arkansas/South Missouri in the next 10yrs. Game hunting won't change a lot between those areas. My concern with the CM is lack of umph at distance. Concern with PRC is box ammo available over time. I'm worried it will fade.

Thoughts?


Fwiw, I'll be topping whatever I get with an Athlon Cronus BTR I already have an an MPA 1pc mount.

At 975 yards my 308 holds 4 moa and I'm a tearable shot.

 

[westhewelder]

I just barely need a BA rifle. Just not my jam. I rarely hunt, and don't take part in PR matches, but I'd like the option to do both one day, especially PRS. I've done a fair shars of 3-Gun,and would like to learn about PRS.
I have a 336 for deer and whatever, so that's covered.

So, 6.5 Cm OR 6.5 PRC.

I'd like to stay with a SA round.
I live in Louisiana, so either caliber will suffice for whatever game I'd want to take. We have a 1,000yd range within 30min from me, and I also own 220ish acres with the ability to shoot up to 400yds there. I don't see myself reloading anytine soon, but maybe one day. Also, i have pretty definite plans to move to E Texas, N Arkansas/South Missouri in the next 10yrs. Game hunting won't change a lot between those areas. My concern with the CM is lack of umph at distance. Concern with PRC is box ammo available over time. I'm worried it will fade.

Thoughts?


Fwiw, I'll be topping whatever I get with an Athlon Cronus BTR I already have an an MPA 1pc mount.

Hello. I have a 6x47 Lapua that shoots like a Lazer beam. I also have ammo to go with it. This can be sold as a barreled action or with the manners stock. If you are interested, please let me know.

 

[W54/XM-388]

Hello. I have a 6x47 Lapua that shoots like a Lazer beam. I also have ammo to go with it. This can be sold as a barreled action or with the manners stock. If you are interested, please let me know.

 

[westhewelder]

LOL....gotcha

 

[Farsight]

Either the 308 or 6.5 will turn life to death under 500y it doe not matter. 6.5 is easier is you are recoil sensitive. I have a 308 and 6.5 and recommend getting both.

 

[SONIC SAAMI]

I found it true that inside 500 yards doesn’t matter what you’re shooting.
Personally I like a 243 Ackley.

 

[Max4007]

I just barely need a BA rifle. Just not my jam. I rarely hunt, and don't take part in PR matches, but I'd like the option to do both one day, especially PRS. I've done a fair shars of 3-Gun,and would like to learn about PRS.
I have a 336 for deer and whatever, so that's covered.

So, 6.5 Cm OR 6.5 PRC.

I'd like to stay with a SA round.
I live in Louisiana, so either caliber will suffice for whatever game I'd want to take. We have a 1,000yd range within 30min from me, and I also own 220ish acres with the ability to shoot up to 400yds there. I don't see myself reloading anytine soon, but maybe one day. Also, i have pretty definite plans to move to E Texas, N Arkansas/South Missouri in the next 10yrs. Game hunting won't change a lot between those areas. My concern with the CM is lack of umph at distance. Concern with PRC is box ammo available over time. I'm worried it will fade.

Thoughts?


Fwiw, I'll be topping whatever I get with an Athlon Cronus BTR I already have an an MPA 1pc mount.

It sounds like you want a one size fits all rifle. In this instance you will only come close. A rifle normally used to stalk a game animal is made to be reasonable light weight because it's carried more than it's fired. The light weight rifle has a thin barrel to keep the weight down. A good rifle will put bullets into a 1" target for the first 3 rounds. After that the barrel starts to heat up causing the point of impact to shift and the group to open up. A bolt gun with a medium weight barrel sounds more like what you need. I'm looking at the 6.5 cm for my next rifle. SOCOM and the Marine Corps are scheduled to replace 7.62 caliber sniper rifles with 6.5 cm caliber weapons. Being a retired Recon scout sniper Marine I guess I need to switch weapons myself. A rather good reason for some new toys. This new caliber intrigued me when it started showing up at the shooting club I belong to. We shoot practical, tactical, sniper and hunting rifle matches as well as CMP service rifle matches. It's looking like it's what your looking for. You just have to make a decision as to what your going to shoot at and how your planning on shooting it.

 

[pmclaine]

Hello. I have a 6x47 Lapua that shoots like a Lazer beam. I also have ammo to go with it. This can be sold as a barreled action or with the manners stock. If you are interested, please let me know.

@RegularGuyTrainingLLC wants to hear more.

 

[JMGlasgow]

Hello. I have a 6x47 Lapua that shoots like a Lazer beam. I also have ammo to go with it. This can be sold as a barreled action or with the manners stock. If you are interested, please let me know.

Are you trying to sell a rifle outside the for sale section? Seems fishy, and against the rules.

 

[Kinz]

Sure, I could chisel tablets and find a runner and have him deliver to you the explanation chiseled in stone. But, the internet is more efficient.

PRS is a game. If you are buying equipment for a game, buy purpose built equipment. Anyone that says that the 308 win is equal to or superior to a 6.5 CM in PRS competition is a retard that should be excised from your life like the smelly, oozing cancer that they are. Buying a 308 win for a PRS gun is the firearm equivalent of purposely kicking yourself in the nuts.

If PRS were a schoolyard game, and rifle cartridges were kids, the 308 win would be the slow fat kid that doesn’t understand why he never gets picked. 308 shooters would be his parents. “It’s ok. We still love you. Let’s go get some ice cream. Put on your helmet before crossing the street.”

I was having a shitty day until I read this and nearly shot coffee out my nose. Thank you for your sardonic wit. It’s nice to know someone enjoys sarcasm as much as I do.