When it comes to long-range shooting and hunting, cartridge selection is critical. Two cartridges that have gained popularity in recent years are the 6.5 PRC and the .270 Winchester. Both cartridges are versatile and capable of delivering excellent performance at various ranges. In this article, we will compare the 6.5 PRC to the .270 Winchester, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various shooting applications.
Here is the short answer:
The 6.5 PRC is a newer cartridge designed for long-range precision shooting, while the .270 Winchester is a classic cartridge that is better suited for medium-range big game hunting. Both cartridges have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice depends on the shooter’s intended application.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look in-depth at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 6.5 PRC
The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) was introduced in 2017 by Hornady as a high-performance cartridge for long-range precision shooting. It features a .264-inch diameter bullet and a relatively large case with a small primer pocket, allowing for high powder capacity and high muzzle velocity. The 6.5 PRC is capable of achieving high velocities and excellent accuracy at extended ranges, making it an excellent choice for long-range target shooting and hunting.
The 6.5 PRC has a reputation for excellent ballistics, with a flatter trajectory and less wind drift than many other cartridges in its class. It is capable of delivering consistent accuracy at ranges of up to 1,000 yards and beyond, making it a popular choice among competitive long-range shooters.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6.5 PRC with a 140-grain Accubond:
| 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 Look at the .270 Winchester
The .270 Winchester was introduced in 1925 and quickly gained popularity as a versatile cartridge for hunting and target shooting. It features a .277-inch diameter bullet and a case that is slightly larger than the .30-06 Springfield case. The .270 Winchester is known for its flat trajectory, excellent accuracy, and excellent performance on game.
The .270 Winchester has a reputation for excellent long-range accuracy, making it a popular choice for long-range target shooting. However, it is primarily known as a hunting cartridge and is capable of delivering excellent performance on medium to large game, including deer, elk, and moose.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 270 Winchester with a 130-grain jacketed soft point bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3060 | 2703 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2929 | 2477 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2803 | 2267 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.8 | 2679 | 2072 |
| 200 | -3 | 3.2 | 2560 | 1891 |
| 250 | -6.3 | 5.1 | 2443 | 1722 |
| 300 | -11.2 | 7.6 | 2329 | 1566 |
| 350 | -17.7 | 10.6 | 2219 | 1421 |
| 400 | -25.9 | 14.2 | 2111 | 1286 |
| 450 | -36 | 18.3 | 2006 | 1161 |
| 500 | -48.3 | 23.1 | 1904 | 1046 |
In-Depth Comparison
When comparing the 6.5 PRC to the .270 Winchester, several factors come into play, including ballistics, bullet selection, recoil, and availability.
First, ballistics are critical when it comes to long-range shooting. The 6.5 PRC has a flatter trajectory and less wind drift than the .270 Winchester, making it more capable of delivering consistent accuracy at extended ranges.
Second, bullet selection is essential for both hunting and target shooting. The .270 Winchester has a wider selection of bullet weights and styles available, making it a versatile cartridge for hunting a wide range of game species. The 6.5 PRC has a narrower selection of bullet weights and styles available, but the available options are generally high-BC bullets designed for long-range precision shooting.
Third, recoil can be a significant factor for shooters, especially those who are sensitive to recoil. The both of these cartridges have pretty much the exact same recoil. They both will shoot a 140-145 grain bullet with 16.5-17.5 foot-pounds of recoil so the difference is indistinguishable.
Lastly, availability of ammunition and cost are important considerations. The .270 Winchester has been around for over 90 years and is widely available, making it generally less expensive than the 6.5 PRC, which is a newer cartridge and may not be as widely available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the 6.5 PRC and the .270 Winchester are excellent cartridges with different strengths and weaknesses. The 6.5 PRC is a high-performance cartridge designed for long-range precision shooting, with a flatter trajectory and less wind drift than the .270 Winchester. It is an excellent choice for competitive long-range shooting and hunting, especially when targeting smaller game species at longer distances.
Recoil statement in this article is incorrect. The 6.5 PRC generates LESS recoil than the 270 Win. Difference isn’t much 13 ftlbs vs 17 ftlbs.
The difference between the two cartridges is more like 16-17 FTLBS; either cartridge could have more recoil depending on how hot the cartridge is loaded. But from my research, the 6.5 PRC generally has slightly more recoil but I could see it going either way. Thanks for the insight.