When choosing a rifle cartridge for big game hunting, two very popular calibers for ht take are the 6.5 PRC, and the 270 WSM. These two cartridges are often compared but how do they really compare in-depth? How versatile are they? what are their ballistics? in this article we will discover all the answers to those questions and more.
Here is the short answer:
The 270 WSM has more energy is more versatile and has better ballistics. The 6.5 PRC is better suited for hunting smaller game animals such as deer or sheep while the 270 WSM is better for hunting big game such as elk. moose, or bear.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we look in-depth at each cartridge, their best uses, each cartridge’s ballistics, how the cartridge compare in-depth, and which cartridge is better.
Deep dive on 6.5 PRC
The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is a newer cartridge that was developed specifically for long-range shooting. It was introduced by Hornady in 2017 and has quickly gained popularity among hunters and long-range shooters. The 6.5 PRC has a sleek design, with a long, narrow bullet that has a high ballistic coefficient. This allows it to maintain its velocity and energy over long distances, making it a great choice for hunting sheep sized game at longer ranges.
The 6.5 PRC also has a relatively low recoil (about that of a 270 Winchester), which makes it easier to shoot accurately. It is suitable for hunting deer and other big game, but it may not be the best choice for larger animals like elk and moose.
Here is a ballistics chart of a 6.5 PRC with a 140-grain 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 |
Deep dive on 270 WSM
The 270 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) has been around since 2002 and is a popular choice for big game hunting. It is a short, fat cartridge that has a lot of power and a flat trajectory. The 270 WSM is good for hunting large game like elk and moose. The 270 WSM is also a popular choice for long-range shooting competitions, where its flat trajectory and high muzzle velocity are an advantage.
Here is a ballistic chart of a 270 WSM with a 150-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3060 | 3118 |
| 50 | -0.3 | 0.1 | 2962 | 2922 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 2867 | 2737 |
| 150 | -0.8 | 1.3 | 2773 | 2561 |
| 200 | -2.8 | 2.4 | 2682 | 2395 |
| 250 | -5.9 | 3.8 | 2592 | 2237 |
| 300 | -10.3 | 5.5 | 2504 | 2088 |
| 350 | -16.1 | 7.5 | 2418 | 1947 |
| 400 | -23.4 | 10 | 2333 | 1813 |
| 450 | -32.4 | 12.9 | 2250 | 1687 |
| 500 | -43 | 16.3 | 2169 | 1567 |
In-depth answer
When deciding between the 6.5 PRC and 270 WSM the biggest residing factor is what you want to hunt. If you are primarily hunting deer, the 6.5 PRC may be the better choice as it would cause the least among of damage to the meat and hide. The 270 WSM’s high energy lends it well to hunting big game but can be overkill if you are hunting deer within 300 yards.
If you desire a heavy hitting round for game like elk and moose, the 270 WSM is the better choice. Its higher muzzle velocity and greater stopping power make it well-suited for these animals, particularly at mid-range distances. The 270 WSM also has a flatter trajectory than many other cartridges, which can be an advantage when hunting in hilly or mountainous terrain.
In addition to your hunting needs, it’s important to consider factors like the availability and cost of ammunition. The 6.5 PRC is a newer cartridge and may be harder to find at some hunting stores. It is also more expensive than many other cartridges. The 270 WSM, on the other hand, is widely available and is often less expensive than the 6.5 PRC.
Conclusion
Both the 6.5 PRC and 270 WSM are excellent cartridges for big game hunting. The 6.5 PRC is a good choice for deer hunting at long ranges, while the 270 WSM is better suited for hunting larger game at mid-range distances. When choosing between the two it is important to to consider your hunting needs, as well as factors like availability and cost of ammunition.