6.5 PRC vs. 6.5 Creedmoor: 6.5mm Long Range Battle

In this 6.5 PRC vs. 6.5 Creedmoor comparison, we pit the two rounds head-to-head in several categories. You'll understand their pros and cons and know which is better suited to your needs.

Keep reading to discover which cartridge dominates distances better. The results ... might just surprise you.

Category	Winner	Note
Recoil	6.5 Creedmoor	The 6.5 Creedmoor has approximately 17 ft-lbs of free recoil vs. 21.6 ft-lbs for the 6.5 PRC.
Trajectory	6.5 PRC	Out to 500 yards, these rounds are virtually identical. Beyond that, the 6.5 PRC has a flatter trajectory.
Accuracy	6.5 PRC	The 6.5 PRC wins a slim margin when firing over distances greater than 500 yards.
Ballistic Coefficient	6.5 PRC	The 6.5 PRC generally has a higher ballistic coefficient than the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Stopping Power	6.5 PRC	The 6.5 PRC wins by a slim margin thanks to its higher velocities (and higher resultant striking energy).
Hunting Capabilities	6.5 PRC	The 6.5 PRC’s longer effective range makes it more versatile.
Home Defense	6.5 Creedmoor	Neither is ideal for defense, but the 6.5 Creedmoor lower recoil and theoretically lower risk of over-penetration give it an edge.
Cost/Availability	6.5 Creedmoor	The 6.5 Creedmoor is much more abundant and available for lower prices.
Reloadability	6.5 Creedmoor	6.5 Creedmoor components (brass, especially) are easier to source and less expensive.

6.5 PRC vs. 6.5 Creedmoor Differences & Similarities

We're comparing these rounds in nine separate categories. That way, we'll avoid having a draw (unless there's a draw in an odd number of categories, but what are the odds of that happening?).

In our pursuit of a fair comparison of these rounds, we contacted long-range shooting experts, leaned on our knowledge, researched ballistic data, and went to the shooting range.

Before we start the battle, let's discuss a few similarities and differences between the cartridges.

Cartridge Specs

It wouldn't be difficult to mix these two rounds up at the range. The 6.5 Creedmoor could fit into a 6.5 PRC rifle, though they’re far from interchangeable. Far from it, as chambering the more powerful 6.5 PRC into a 6.5 CM firearm could wind up destroying said firearm (to say nothing of whomever fired it).

The biggest difference between the two cartridges is that the 6.5 PRC has a larger case, which holds more propellant, increases chamber pressure, and shortens barrel lifespan. The 6.5 PRC is similar to the 6.8 Western, which, uncoincidentally, is another powerful long-range round.

If you’re looking for even higher case capacity, check out the 26 Nosler. Its case is over 50% more capacious than the 6.5 PRC’s.

Since both of these rounds were developed for the same reasons, it's no surprise their specs are similar (not unlike 260 Rem vs. 6.5 Creedmoor).

6.5 Creedmoor vs. 6.5 PRC Recoil

Lots of recoil and long-distance shooting go hand-in-hand, right? Well, that might have been the case pre-6.5 Creedmoor, but it's quickly changing.

Most shooters (myself included) prefer less recoil. It allows us to be more accurate and avoid flinching in anticipation of recoil. Firing is much more comfortable when the first shot doesn't put a big bruise on your shoulder, too.

So, which round has less recoil?

The 6.5 PRC impacts the shoulder with 21.6 ft-lbs of recoil. The 6.5 Creedmoor hits significantly softer, with only 17 ft-lbs of free recoil.

The first time I fired a 6.5 Creedmoor, I was blown away by its light recoil. Granted, 17 ft-lbs is not inconsequential, but other popular hunting rounds put you through way, way worse recoil.

You probably wouldn’t notice much difference while firing these rounds side by side. Even so, the 6.5 Creedmoor takes an early lead.

Trajectory

The bullet's trajectory plays a significant role in long-distance accuracy. I've never met someone who prefers firing a bullet with a steeply arching trajectory over a flatter one.

A flat trajectory allows you to compensate less for bullet drop. More accuracy. Less math. Very nice.

Out to 500 yards, these rounds’ performance is virtually identical, with the 6.5 PRC having a slightly flatter trajectory.

When zeroed at 200 yards, the 6.5 PRC drops 6.1" at 300 yards; 34.6" at 500 yards.

When zeroed at 200 yards, the 6.5 Creedmoor drops 9.6" at 300 yards; 48.9" at 500 yards.

It's when we pass 500 yards that the 6.5 PRC begins to drastically outperform the 6.5 Creedmoor.

If we're looking to name the "Dominator of the Distances," the 6.5 PRC takes it with its flatter trajectory at extended ranges.

Accuracy

Many things factor into the accuracy of a given round, such as the shooter, recoil, trajectory, scope, rifle, and shooting conditions.

There's no arguing that these two rounds are extremely accurate. Both are capable of sub-MOA groups ("minute of angle," where 1 MOA equals 1" at 100 yards). With quality factory ammo, 3/4 MOA and 1/2 MOA groupings are attainable to the average shooter.

However, when all things are as equal as they can be – meaning the same shooter, scope, conditions, and rifle model – the 6.5 PRC edges out the 6.5 Creedmoor because it has a flatter trajectory.

Ballistic Coefficient

The ballistic coefficient (BC) is a numerical expression of a bullet's aerodynamics. Put another way, it's how effectively a bullet cuts through the air and resists wind drift.

Most shooters want high BC bullets that slip through the wind more easily, as they tend to be the most accurate.

Heavy bullets generally have a higher BC because it takes relatively more force (e.g., wind) to disrupt their flight path.

BC also varies depending on bullet design, as well as other factors that are beyond the scope of this article.

6.5mm caliber bullets typically have high BCs. Their long, slender profiles are highly aerodynamic and ideally suited toward resisting wind deflection.

Stopping Power

Stopping power doesn't matter to long-distance shooters. As a hunter, I think it's an overrated concept, largely because aim will ultimately determine whether a trigger pull results in a miss or a well-deserved venison dinner.

But I understand that not all shots are well-placed, which is why stopping power merits consideration.

Stopping power boils down to several factors, including striking energy and terminal expansion. There is no formula to calculate how "deadly" a bullet can be, although sectional density (SD) does contribute a great deal to a bullet's lethality. It's a measure of how deeply a bullet can penetrate body mass based on two variables: mass and diameter.

Because the 6.5 PRC and 6.5 Creed fire similar bullets, they also have very similar SD values: 0.25 to 0.30, depending on the exact bullet weight.

Since the 6.5 PRC pushes its projectile to a higher velocity the 6.5 CM, I would argue that it also has more stopping power – especially when long-range hunting.

The 6.5 PRC wins yet another category.

Hunting

If you've read the other categories, then it's obvious that the 6.5 PRC is the better big-game-hunting cartridge.

While the 6.5 Creedmoor makes a solid whitetail deer hunting round in states like Texas (within 500 yards), the 6.5 PRC is capable of ethically harvesting mule deer and elk over much longer ranges (up to 800 yards) due to its higher stopping power and flatter trajectory.

The 6.5 PRC wins another section and looks to be dominating this comparison.

Home Defense

These rounds are both terrible selections for home defense. They are better than a knife, of course, and a well-placed shot with either would neutralize the threat (to say the least). But they are just too much: certain to pass clean through the threat and jeopardize bystanders, with accompanying recoil, muzzle flash, and report that will rock you, blind you, and deafen you, respectively.

Technically speaking, the 6.5 Creedmoor is less likely to over-penetrate. I'd prefer it over the 6.5 PRC for that reason alone and declare it the winner of this admittedly pointless section. Recommending either of these rounds for home defense is like suggesting a jumbo jet for trips to the local park.

Ammo and Rifle Cost/Availability

The biggest drawback of the 6.5 PRC is the availability and price of ammo and rifles.

6.5 PRC ammo is difficult to find – and when you do find it, be prepared to fork over your paycheck. It'll likely cost you more than $2 per trigger squeeze.

As far as 6.5 PRC rifles go, they're not ridiculously priced. You can find Savage 110 Apex Hunter, Ruger American, and Weatherby Vanguard bolt-action rifles for well under $1,000. If you'd like to step up to a Tikka T3X Lite or Christensen Arms Ridgeline, you can expect to spend $1,500 to $2,500.

6.5 Creedmoor ammo is much easier to find and less expensive, though some of it, like Hornady Precision Hunter 143 grain ELD-X, costs nearly $2 per round as of writing.

The prices of 6.5 CM rifles are nearly the same as prices of analogous 6.5 PRC rifles. You can spend as little as $600 on a Remington 700, or as much as you want on a custom 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.

The 6.5 Creedmoor wins this section thanks to its abundance of ammo and lower prices.

Reloading

Handloading is a great way to save money on ammo and still shoot high-quality rounds.

Both rounds are reloadable, although 6.5 Creedmoor brass is easier to find and less expensive.

Once again, the 6.5 Creedmoor wins a category by a small margin (and some might say a technicality).

Ballistics

The team at Ammo.com has gathered the ballistics for 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC factory loads so you can quickly compare each long-distance cartridge.

6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart

Note: This information comes from ammo manufacturers. Actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from the advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load.

6.5 PRC Ballistics Chart

Note: This information comes from ammo manufacturers. Actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from the advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load.

Parting Shots: 6.5 PRC vs. 6.5 Creedmoor

With the 6.5 PRC winning 5/9 categories, you might think it's the winner. In most instances, it would be.

However, unless you're consistently firing across distances greater than 500 yards, the 6.5 Creedmoor will be your better bet based on ammo availability alone.

What good is a long-distance rifle if you don't have any ammo for it?

While the 6.5 Creedmoor only won 4/9 sections, I believe it won the more important sections. For that reason, I declare it the winner of the 6.5 PRC vs 6.5 Creedmoor battle.

If you're upset with my decision, reach out to the ammo manufacturers and let them know they need to crank out more 6.5 PRC ammo. Until I see more for a reasonable price, I'll stand by my decision.

Whether you agree with me or not, you can stock up on 6.5 PRC ammo or 6.5 Creedmoor ammo at Ammo.com!