Best 6.5 PRC Ammo

The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is a high-performance rifle cartridge introduced by Hornady in 2018, designed to push the boundaries of what 6.5mm cartridges can achieve. Built on the .300 Ruger Compact Magnum case necked down to accept .264 caliber bullets, the 6.5 PRC delivers approximately 200-250 fps more velocity than the popular 6.5 Creedmoor while still fitting in a short-action rifle platform. This velocity advantage translates to flatter trajectories, less wind drift, and greater retained energy at extended ranges.

Hornady developed the 6.5 PRC specifically for long-range hunting and precision rifle competition, filling the gap between the 6.5 Creedmoor and larger magnum cartridges like the .264 Winchester Magnum. The cartridge excels at launching heavy-for-caliber bullets with high ballistic coefficients at velocities that keep them supersonic past 1,400 yards. With a 143-grain bullet leaving the muzzle at approximately 2,960 fps from a 24-inch barrel, the 6.5 PRC offers genuine long-range capability without excessive recoil or barrel wear.

The 6.5 PRC has gained rapid acceptance among western hunters pursuing mule deer, elk, and pronghorn in open country where shots beyond 400 yards are common. Its flat trajectory and excellent wind-bucking ability make it forgiving of range estimation errors, while the high sectional density of 6.5mm bullets ensures deep penetration on larger game. Competition shooters have also embraced the cartridge for PRS and NRL matches where its ballistic performance provides a measurable advantage over smaller 6.5mm rounds at extreme distances.