Best 6.5mm Cartridge Of Them All
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26nosler
Explore "26nosler" with insightful episodes like "Best 6.5mm Cartridge Of Them All", "Reasons To Hunt Elk with a 6.5 Creedmoor (Really!)", "26 Nosler vs 6.5 PRC: 6.5mm Hotrods" and "6.5 PRC vs. 6.5 Creedmoor (and all the other 6.5mms) for Backcountry Hunting" from podcasts like ""Backcountry Hunting Podcast", "Backcountry Hunting Podcast", "Ammunition Guides with Ammo.com" and "Backcountry Hunting Podcast"" and more!
Episodes (4)
Reasons To Hunt Elk with a 6.5 Creedmoor (Really!)
Controversial, capable, unpredictable... The 6.5 Creedmoor is one of those cartridges that generates a lot of love and hate. Even though we usually recommend bigger cartridges for elk, there are times and situations where the 6.5 Creedmoor is the best choice.
In this episode, we take a candid look at the 6.5 Creedmoor's capability, consider ballistic data, and compare it to legendary cartridges such as the .270 Win. and .30-06 Springfield, and establish where we believe the "Creed's" comfort zone is for use on elk.
As bullet choice is more crucial than cartridge choice, we also detail optimal 6.5 projectiles for use on elk, and discuss shot distance, shot angle, and shot placement.
Anchoring the discussion, we detail several different solid reasons to choose the 6.5 Creedmoor for hunting elk.
ENJOY!
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26 Nosler vs 6.5 PRC: 6.5mm Hotrods
The release of the 6.5 Creedmoor by Hornady in 2007 signaled a change in North American shooting culture. For over a century, the 0.308” diameter bullet was the go-to option for long-range shooting, as the 300 Win Mag and 308 Winchester were the preferred precision rifle cartridge for many competitors.
With shooters warming up to the Creedmoor and finally discovering that 0.264” (6.5mm) caliber bullets had lower recoil and higher ballistic coefficients than their 30-cal counterparts, a flurry of new cartridges started hitting the market. The 6.5mm cartridge wars had begun, and multiple manufacturers looked to improve upon the success of the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Two such new cartridges that were designed to push the limits of the 6.5mm bullet are the 26 Nosler and 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC).
Although these two centerfire rifle cartridges fire the same diameter bullets, they each have their own nuances that make them ideal for different situations.
The 26 Nosler is the hotter of the two rounds with superior ballistics and long range trajectory. However, it's a barrel burner and has been known to shoot out barrels in 1000 rounds or less. The 6.5 PRC, on the other hand, is a bit softer shooting and will have at least 50% more barrel life than the 26 Nosler. However, the 6.5 PRC should not be underestimated as it has extreme long range shooting potential and an excellent trajectory as well.
The 26 Nosler is hampered by low ammo and rifle availability while the 6.5 PRC is considerably more prolific in ammo variety and rifle options.
For most shooters, the 6.5 PRC will be a fine choice, however if you want the best possible ballistics then the 26 Nosler is the choice for you.
6.5 PRC vs. 6.5 Creedmoor (and all the other 6.5mms) for Backcountry Hunting
SHOW NOTES
Intro: 6.5 outlawed for elk?
Best 6.5mm cartridge: 6.5 Creedmoor vs. 6.5 PRC
Technical discussion:
- Advantages & disadvantages of the 6.5mm bore diameter
- Cartridge case capacities
- Appropriate bullet designs & weights for various game
- Limitations of the 6.5mm's
Mythbusting: Scandinavian moose & and the legacy of the 6.5x55
What the 6.5mm's are really good at:
- Extreme inherent accuracy
- Downrange ballistics (and limits)
- Mild recoil
Effectiveness on Western big game:
- Authority, & channeling what the 6.5mm's have
- What does "adequate" mean?
- Shot opportunities & picking your angles
- The 6.5mm long-range temptation
How to get the best out of your 6.5mm cartridge
- Pick your bullet
- Construction
- Weight
- Aerodynamics
- Tune for accuracy
A list of favorite, recommended 6.5mm hunting bullets:
- Barnes 127-grain LRX
- Hornady 129-grain InterBond
- Swift 130-grain Scirocco II
- Berger 140-grain VLD Hunting
- Nosler 140-grain Partition
- Swift 140-grain A-Frame
- Hornady 143-grain ELD-X
- Hornady 147-grain ELD Match
- Berger 156-grain EOL Hunter
6.5mm cartridges discussed & compared:
- 6.5 Grendel
- 6.5 Creedmoor (primary)
- .260 Remington
- 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser
- 6.5-284 Norma
- 6.5 PRC (primary)
- .264 Win. Mag.
- 6.5 WBY RPM
- 26 Nosler
- 6.5-300 WBY
WRAP: Hunters tend to shoot well on game when carrying a 6.5mm cartridge.
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