The 6.5mm caliber has been gaining popularity among hunters and shooters due to its excellent ballistic properties and long-range capabilities. Two cartridges that are frequently compared are the 6.5×55 and the 6.5 PRC. In this article, we will provide an in-depth comparison of these two cartridges to help you determine which one might be the right choice for your shooting needs.
Here is the short answer:
Overall, the 6.5×55 is a weaker cartridge than the 6.5 PRC. the 6.5×55 has less energy, more drop, more wind drift, and less velocity. If you want a cartridge for big game like elk or moose, go with the 6.5 PRC. But for deer size animals, the 6.5×55 will work great.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look, closer at each cartridge and see their history, their best uses, their ballistics, and compare both on an in-depth scale.
In-depth look at the 6.5×55
The 6.5×55 was developed in Sweden in 1891 and has been in use for over a century for hunting and long range shooting. The cartridge uses a .264-inch diameter bullet and has a maximum average pressure (MAP) of 51,000 psi. Over its many years of use it has developed a reputation for being a mild recoiling cartridge with good ballistics performance.
The 6.5×55 is a versatile cartridge that can be used for hunting a variety of game but is best used for hunting deer sized within 500 yards. It is also an excellent choice for target shooting, with a reputation for high accuracy and consistency that is very comparable to that of the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6.5×55 with a 156-grain soft point:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2500 | 2165 |
| 50 | 0 | 0.2 | 2412 | 2015 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.7 | 2326 | 1874 |
| 150 | -1.6 | 1.8 | 2242 | 1740 |
| 200 | -5 | 3.3 | 2159 | 1614 |
| 250 | -10.2 | 5.2 | 2078 | 1496 |
| 300 | -17.5 | 7.7 | 1999 | 1384 |
| 350 | -26.6 | 10.3 | 1921 | 1278 |
| 400 | -38.3 | 13.7 | 1845 | 1179 |
| 450 | -52.7 | 17.9 | 1772 | 1088 |
| 500 | -70 | 22.7 | 1702 | 1003 |
In-depth look at the 6.5 PRC
The 6.5 PRC was developed by Hornady in 2017 as a cartridge specifically designed for long-range precision shooting. The cartridge uses a .264-inch diameter bullet and has a maximum average pressure (MAP) of 62,000 psi. The 6.5 PRC also has a good reputation for being a fantastic long range shooting cartridge and hunting cartridge.
The 6.5 PRC is a cartridge which is popular for hunting elk and deer at medium range. It has a reputation of being a very stable cartridge for big game due to its high energy and flat trajectory. The 6.5 PRC does have a fair bit of recoil but nothing most shooters will not be able to control.
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 comparison
When comparing the 6.5×55 and the 6.5 PRC, several factors should be considered.
First, the 6.5×55 has been in use for over a century and has a reputation for excellent accuracy and moderate recoil. It is a versatile cartridge that can be used for hunting and target shooting. The 6.5 PRC, on the other hand, is a newer cartridge designed specifically for long-range precision shooting. It has a flatter trajectory, less wind drift, and higher muzzle velocity, making it an excellent choice for precision shooting.
Second, the cost of ammunition should be considered. The 6.5×55 is a more popular cartridge and therefore can be more readily available than the 6.5 PRC, which is a newer cartridge and may not be as widely available. Additionally, the 6.5 PRC is typically more expensive than the 6.5×55, which could be a consideration for those on a budget.
Third, bullet selection is another factor to consider. Both cartridges use .264-inch diameter bullets, but the 6.5 PRC has a wider selection of high-BC bullets available, which can help narrow down the best long range bullet you need. The 6.5×55 also has a good selection of bullets available, but not as many as the 6.5 PRC.
Fourth, accuracy is essential for both hunting and target shooting. The 6.5×55 has a reputation for excellent accuracy and consistency, while the 6.5 PRC is designed for long-range precision shooting and has a flatter trajectory and less wind drift, allowing for consistent accuracy at longer ranges.
Lastly, recoil can be a significant factor for shooters, especially those who are sensitive to recoil. The 6.5×55 has moderate recoil, which makes it comfortable for many shooters to shoot accurately. The 6.5 PRC generates more recoil due to its larger case compacity.
Conclusion
The 6.5×55 is a versatile cartridge with a century-long reputation for excellent accuracy and moderate recoil, making it an excellent choice for hunting and target shooting. The 6.5 PRC, on the other hand, is a newer cartridge specifically designed for long-range precision shooting, with a flatter trajectory and less wind drift, making it an excellent choice for precision shooting.