The 300 PRC and 6.5 Creedmoor are two popular cartridges used by hunters and long-range shooters. In this article, we will take a look at both cartridges and compare their performance to help you make an informed decision when selecting a cartridge for your next hunting or shooting adventure.
Here is the short answer:
The 300 PRC is a more powerful cartridge that is better used for hunting big game such as moose, bison, or brown bear. The 6.5 Creedmoor is a less powerful cartridge that is also more popular and has far less recoil.
Now that we have looked at the short answer we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and see how they compare in-depth.
In-depth look at the 300 PRC
The 300 PRC is a relatively new cartridge developed by Hornady in 2018. It features a 30-degree shoulder angle, a beltless design, and a longer overall length, making it capable of accommodating the newer, high-BC bullets. The 300 PRC uses .308-inch diameter bullets and can be loaded with bullets ranging from 165 grains to 250 grains.
The 300 PRC’s long-range capabilities are impressive, with an average muzzle velocity of around 2,950 feet per second for a 212-grain bullet. This results in a high energy output, with around 4,000 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. The 300 PRC also has excellent accuracy and a flat trajectory, making it an ideal cartridge for long-range shooting and hunting.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 300 PRC with a 212-grain ELD-X bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2860 | 3850 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2790 | 3663 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 2720 | 3483 |
| 150 | -1 | 1.1 | 2652 | 3310 |
| 200 | -3.2 | 2 | 2585 | 3145 |
| 250 | -6.7 | 3.1 | 2518 | 2986 |
| 300 | -11.6 | 4.4 | 2453 | 2833 |
| 350 | -17.9 | 6.1 | 2389 | 2686 |
| 400 | -25.7 | 8 | 2325 | 2545 |
| 450 | -35.2 | 10.4 | 2263 | 2411 |
| 500 | -46.4 | 13 | 2202 | 2282 |
In-depth look at the 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a relatively new cartridge developed by Hornady in 2007. It features a 30-degree shoulder angle, a relatively short overall length of 2.825 inches, and a smaller .264-inch diameter bullet. The 6.5 Creedmoor can be loaded with bullets ranging from 85 grains to 160 grains but generally is loaded with bullets weighing 140 grains.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is known for its exceptional accuracy, low recoil, and flat trajectory which is why it is a favorite among long-range shooters. The 6.5 Creedmoor is also a popular choice for deer hunters as it has good energy at close range without any unnecessary recoil.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6.5 Creedmoor with a 140-grain soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2750 | 2351 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.2 | 2647 | 2177 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2546 | 2014 |
| 150 | -1.2 | 1.7 | 2447 | 1861 |
| 200 | -3.8 | 3.1 | 2350 | 1717 |
| 250 | -8.1 | 5 | 2256 | 1582 |
| 300 | -14.1 | 7.4 | 2163 | 1455 |
| 350 | -21.9 | 10.3 | 2073 | 1336 |
| 400 | -31.7 | 13.7 | 1985 | 1225 |
| 450 | -43.5 | 17.5 | 1899 | 1121 |
| 500 | -58 | 22.1 | 1816 | 1025 |
In-Depth Comparison
Now that we have examined the 300 PRC and 6.5 Creedmoor individually, it’s time to compare them side by side.
Ballistics:
The 300 PRC shoots bullets that are nearly double the weight of the 6.5 Creedmoor. This gives it a significant advantage in energy and terminal performance, especially at long range. The 6.5 Creedmoor is known for its exceptional accuracy, and its bullets have a high ballistic coefficient, which allows it to retain velocity and energy at longer distances. However, it can’t compete with the 300 PRC in terms of raw power.
Recoil:
As expected, the 300 PRC generates more recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor. While both cartridges are manageable, the 300 PRC can be quite punishing, especially in lightweight rifles. The 6.5 Creedmoor, on the other hand, is known for its mild recoil, which makes it popular among hunters and competitive shooters who value shot placement and follow-up shots.
Accuracy:
Both cartridges are capable of exceptional accuracy, but the 6.5 Creedmoor has an edge in this department due to its lower recoil and higher ballistic coefficient. It is easier to shoot accurately, and it is less affected by wind drift and other external factors.
Availability and Cost:
The 6.5 Creedmoor is widely available and relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for many shooters. On the other hand, the 300 PRC is still relatively new and less common, which can make it more difficult to find ammunition and firearms chambered in this caliber. Additionally, the 300 PRC is more expensive to shoot due to the higher cost of components.
Applications:
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a versatile cartridge that is suitable for a wide range of applications, including hunting, target shooting, and long-range competition. The 300 PRC, on the other hand, is a specialized cartridge that is best suited for long-range hunting and competition, where its high energy and flat trajectory can be put to good use.
Conclusion
Both the 300 PRC and 6.5 Creedmoor are excellent cartridges that offer unique advantages and disadvantages. The 300 PRC is a powerful and flat-shooting cartridge that excels at long-range hunting and competition, while the 6.5 Creedmoor is a versatile cartridge that is suitable for a wide range of applications.