Two cartridges that are used for long range shooting are the 28 Nosler and the 6.5 PRC. Both these cartridges are often mentioned for their ability to shoot at long ranges with efficiency. But which one is better? What makes these cartridges good for shooting at long range? In this article, we will look at both these cartridges and compare them.
here is the short answer:
The 28 Nosler is a heavier hitting cartridge better suited for larger game at long ranges. The 6.5 PRC is better suited for game like deer and antelope at long range and long range bench rest shooting.
Since we have looked at the short answer, we can look in depth at each cartridge, their ballistics, their best uses, and how they compare to each other.
In-Depth Look at the 28 Nosler
The 28 Nosler was introduced in 2015 and quickly gained popularity among hunters and long-range shooters because of its high energy and flat trajectory. It is based on the .404 Jeffery case necked down to fit a 28 caliber bullet and is capable of pushing a 160-grain bullet at over 3,300 fps, delivering over 3,500 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle. The cartridge is designed for long-range hunting of larger game, such as elk and moose.
The 28 Nosler has a relatively large case capacity, which allows it to hold more powder than many other cartridges in its class. This extra powder capacity results in higher velocities and more energy, making it an excellent choice for long-range hunting.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 28 Nosler with a 155-grain terminal assent bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3200 | 3524 |
| 50 | -0.3 | 0.1 | 3114 | 3337 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 3029 | 3158 |
| 150 | -0.6 | 1 | 2947 | 2988 |
| 200 | -2.3 | 1.8 | 2865 | 2826 |
| 250 | -5 | 2.9 | 2786 | 2671 |
| 300 | -8.8 | 4.3 | 2707 | 2523 |
| 350 | -13.9 | 6 | 2630 | 2381 |
| 400 | -20.1 | 7.9 | 2555 | 2246 |
| 450 | -27.7 | 10.2 | 2481 | 2117 |
| 500 | -36.6 | 12.6 | 2407 | 1994 |
In-Depth Look at the 6.5 PRC
The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is a relatively new cartridge that was introduced in 2017. It is based on the .300 Ruger Compact Magnum case, necked down to hold a 6.5 mm bullet. The cartridge is designed for long-range precision shooting and hunting of smaller big game such as deer and antelope and at closer ranges even elk.
The 6.5 PRC is capable of pushing a 140-grain bullet at over 2,900 fps, delivering over 2,500 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle. The high ballistic coefficient of the 6.5 mm bullets used in this cartridge provides a flat trajectory and excellent accuracy at long ranges. The 6.5 PRC is designed to provide long-range precision shooting performance in a relatively compact package.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6.5 PRC with a 140-grain soft point bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2925 | 2659 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2817 | 2467 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.7 | 2713 | 2287 |
| 150 | -1 | 1.6 | 2610 | 2117 |
| 200 | -3.2 | 2.9 | 2510 | 1958 |
| 250 | -6.8 | 4.6 | 2412 | 1808 |
| 300 | -12 | 6.7 | 2316 | 1667 |
| 350 | -18.7 | 9.4 | 2222 | 1535 |
| 400 | -27.3 | 12.5 | 2131 | 1411 |
| 450 | -37.7 | 16.1 | 2041 | 1295 |
| 500 | -50.1 | 20.2 | 1954 | 1187 |
In-Depth Answer
When it comes to deciding between the 28 Nosler and the 6.5 PRC, there are several factors to consider, the main residing factor being the size of the game being hunted, and the shooting distance.
The 28 Nosler is a larger cartridge that is designed for long-range hunting of larger game. It is capable of delivering high velocity and energy, making it an excellent choice for taking down elk and moose at long ranges. However, the high recoil of the 28 Nosler may be a concern for some shooters, particularly those who are sensitive to recoil.
The 6.5 PRC is designed for long-range precision shooting and hunting of the smaller big game animals. It is a more compact cartridge that delivers excellent accuracy and a flat trajectory at long ranges. The low recoil of the 6.5 PRC makes it an excellent choice for long-range precision shooting, particularly for shooters who may be sensitive to recoil.
Wise of price and availability, the 6.5 PRC is growing at a faster rate than the 28 Nosler and is generally less costly to shoot than the 28 Nosler.
Conclusion
The 28 Nosler is a powerhouse cartridge that excels at taking down big game at long distances, while the 6.5 PRC offers excellent accuracy and ballistics for long-range hunting and target shooting. Both cartridges are excellent choices for hunters and long-range shooters, and each has its own unique strengths and advantages.