I'm seriously considering purchasing a new rifle chambered in 6.5 PRC. Any feedback on this particular round is appreciated, as it has been out on the market for several years now.

I really like the Bergera Wilderness Ridge because of the barrel reputation, weight and price point...

I am really not looking for feedback on any other caliber, as I have either owned or researched quite a few others (i.e. 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5-284 Norma, etc.)

Hmmmm.
Make sure you buy LOTS of loaded rounds and or reloading components because good chance it'll be a forgotten cartridge within 10 years.

I bought a built M70 (CRF, McMillan edge stock, bartlein 1:8 barrel, Sightron S111 3.5-10)in early 2022. I loaded 147gr ELD-M in Lapua brass and R26. Had a run of 20+ kills before s as miss. That rifle accounted for over 6 deer that year, none made it out of sight before expiring.

I really like the chambering and don’t see it going away soon.

Bought my 13yo son this chambering in a Mossberg Patriot Predator. It was less than $400 new, and I really like the round. I agree with BucksnBears recommendation on buying lots now - because this basically happened to me with my 7mm RUM.

I read on another forum that Bergera has had quality control issues recently. They built their reputation on barrels that delivered excellent accuracy and I have no personal experience with them, but would suggest you research carefully. Tikka's are raved about on the same forum.

I bought two cva wolf that have betgra barrels on them one was good the other vertical strung 8" with 4 different factory rounds. I spent more than the price of the rifle on ammo messing with it. Eventually it had enough rounds to smooth out the problem.but it finally shoot one load satisfactory

My son bought one in a Tika t3x. I watched him shoot a big 4 point mule deer at 350 yards with it. First shot behind the front shoulder, it went about 10 yards, second shot behind the shoulder down it went. No hold over. He's shooting norma bondstrike factory ammo. He worked up a load with nosler accubonds that will shoot a half inch group

What's with the popularity with the 6.5? I think there are better choices.

have shot them all, there is not, some as good, none better for medium sized big game.

Best ballistics, long skinny bullets, killes way beyond its size . It's not new 6.5 sweed is what 100 years old and very popular in Europe.

I had a rifle built in 260 Remington before the credmore came out for long range shooting. Less wind drift and drop than 300 win mag and 30% less recoil than 308. Turns out it's not only accuracy and good for targets it's a great deer and coyote gun. Well coyote if you don't mind half dollar size exit holes.

Gave my boy one for Christmas 2022. He has killed few deer, elk, antelope and bunch of coyotes. I love the gun with my hand loads it put 5 in same hole at 100 yards. It’s a Bergera B14. I like it so much I’m getting me one this summer.

If it's a caliber that's been made in the last 10-20 years your not gonna get much good feed back here

what most folks don't realize is the 6.5 PRC is just a short action 264 win mag, now why didn't it catch on way back when? was it 1960'ish? I haave shot a 6.5 Gibbs since 2007, for all intensive purposes it is a 6.5 PRC on viagra, for deer hunting or 1000 yard target.

Pppffttr don't you know the 264 win mag was just the (insert old cartridge no ones heard of or can even find a rifle or readily available ammo for)

Got a couple 264 win mags. My go to every year. No PRC or Needmore for me

What is barrel life like on the PRC? I know the barrel life of the CM is about 25-50 percent of the .308

For hunters who shoot 50 rounds or less a year, not an issue. But if you enjoy getting out the guns every weekend or once a month, barrel life may be a consideration.

A platform like an AR where barrel swaps can be done yourself make it a bit more tolerable. A bolt gun (like a Rem 700 pattern) involves more money and time.

Edit: I looked it up. 6.5 PRC barrel life ranges from 800-2000 rounds for peak accuracy. Seems about the same as the CM.

Mike

So easy to get sucked into the newest and greatest.
Cartridges from .243,25_06/.270/ 30_06/300 mag are good to 300 yards. Sight in 3" high at 100 yards for deer sized animals.
After 300 yards, you better have a dang good rangefinder.
Your new 6, 6.5, 7 mm manbun ain't gonna do squat over the ones I mentioned.


Your $$. Waste it as you see fit.

Your cread more number are bs. 308 is about 6000 260/ 6.5 creedmore are about 4000 and a 243 is about 2000. It reduces wuth the bore Size reduction with increased heat in the smaller bore with same amount of powder.

Your. 2k rounds is accurate for a 243 not a creedmore or 260.

You will notice I mentioned "peak accuracy." If a shooter is satisfied with 1 or 1.5 moa, then yes, barrel life is extended. But typically a shooter who is happy with that level of accuracy is only concerned with hunting and probably won't wear out the barrel in their lifetime.

If you're shooting for points where accuracy is paramount then it will matter.

6.5 Creedmoor is a known barrel burner. That is the trade off for increased performance.

Mike

I'm over 2k out of my 260 and it will still shoot .3 and less. Probably time to set the barrel back.