.308 Winchester vs 6.5 PRC
Part of our full caliber comparison chart — energy, drop and recoil for every rifle caliber side by side.
The .308 Winchester vs 6.5 PRC comparison pits a legendary short-action hunting caliber against a modern precision cartridge. The 6.5 PRC (143gr ELD-X at 2960 fps) retains 1610 ft-lbs at 500 yards, while the .308 (150gr Polymer Tip at 2820 fps) delivers 1049 ft-lbs. Drop at 500 yards measures 43.5 inches for the 6.5 PRC and 57.5 inches for the .308. Recoil runs nearly identical at 22.4 ft-lbs for the 6.5 PRC versus 22.2 ft-lbs for the .308. The 6.5 PRC shoots flatter and holds energy better at distance with high-BC bullets. The .308 costs less, has decades of proven performance, and offers the widest ammunition selection of any hunting cartridge. Performance varies with ammunition selection and barrel length.
Ammunition Parameters
.308 Winchester Parameters (Reference Load)
6.5 PRC Parameters (Reference Load)
.308 Winchester vs 6.5 PRC Ballistics Chart
Comparing bullet drop at various ranges between .308 Winchester and 6.5 PRC.
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.308 Winchester vs 6.5 PRC Energy Comparison
Comparing the muzzle energy and energy retention at various distances between .308 Winchester and 6.5 PRC.
.308 Winchester vs 6.5 PRC Recoil
Comparing recoil energy and impulse between .308 Winchester and 6.5 PRC.
.308 Winchester Recoil (Reference Load)
6.5 PRC Recoil (Reference Load)
Notes:
- Recoil calculations based on bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight
- Recoil energy indicates the felt force when firing the weapon
- Recoil impulse represents momentum transfer during firing
- Actual felt recoil can vary based on grip, stance, and firearm design
.308 Winchester vs 6.5 PRC Velocity
Velocity decay from muzzle to 500 yards for .308 Winchester and 6.5 PRC.
.308 Winchester vs 6.5 PRC Average Cost
Comparing cost per round and training affordability between .308 Winchester and 6.5 PRC.