Choosing the right caliber for your rifle can be a daunting task, especially when considering two high-performing cartridges like the 7 SAUM and the 6.5 PRC. Both are capable of delivering impressive ballistics, but which one is better? In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the 7 SAUM and the 6.5 PRC, comparing their features and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Here is the short answer:
The 7 SAUM offers greater power and is better suited for larger game, while the 6.5 PRC has better ballistic coefficients and is ideal for long-range precision shooting.
With the short answer out of the way, we can look closely at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 7 SAUM
The 7 SAUM (Short Action Ultra Magnum) was developed by Remington and introduced in 2002. It is based on the 300 Remington SAUM case necked down to 7mm. The 7 SAUM offers a high ballistic coefficient and excellent accuracy, making it a popular choice for hunters and competitive shooters alike. The 7 SAUM is popular among hunters because it can be used in a short action rifle which saves weight and space.
The 7 SAUM is often used for hunting game such as elk or moose because of its high energy and flat trajectory. However, like all heavy-hitting cartridges, the 7 SAUM will also kick pretty heavily.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7 SAUM with a 180-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2900 | 3361 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2764 | 3054 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2633 | 2770 |
| 150 | -1.1 | 2.1 | 2505 | 2508 |
| 200 | -3.5 | 3.8 | 2381 | 2265 |
| 250 | -7.5 | 6.1 | 2260 | 2041 |
| 300 | -13.2 | 9 | 2143 | 1835 |
| 350 | -20.8 | 12.5 | 2029 | 1646 |
| 400 | -30.4 | 16.7 | 1918 | 1471 |
| 450 | -42.4 | 21.8 | 1812 | 1313 |
| 500 | -57.4 | 27.8 | 1711 | 1170 |
In-Depth Look at the 6.5 PRC
The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) was developed by Hornady in 2017. It is based on the .300 Ruger Compact Magnum case necked down to 6.5mm. The 6.5 PRC was designed specifically for long-range precision shooting, offering a high ballistic coefficient bullets to retain long-range energy.
The cartridge delivers impressive velocities, with a muzzle velocity of around 2,950 fps for a 143-grain bullet. The 6.5 PRC has a very flat trajectory and low recoil, making it ideal for long-range target shooting. It is also a very popular choice among hunters who hunt deer in the open or mountainous terrain because of its ability to shoot at long range.
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 7 SAUM and the 6.5 PRC, it is clear that both cartridges have their strengths and weaknesses. The 7 SAUM offers greater power and is better suited for larger game, while the 6.5 PRC has better ballistic coefficients and is ideal for long-range precision shooting.
In terms of ballistics, the 6.5 PRC has a higher ballistic coefficient than the 7 SAUM, making it more aerodynamic and therefore better suited for long-range shooting. The 7 SAUM, on the other hand, has a greater maximum effective range and is better suited for larger game animals.
When it comes to recoil, the 6.5 PRC has less recoil than the 7 SAUM, making it easier to shoot accurately for longer periods of time or for smaller frame shooters. The 7 SAUM, on the other hand, has more recoil, but this is to be expected given the greater power of the cartridge.
When it comes to popularity and ammo cost, the 6.5 PRC is the superior cartridge. The 6.5 PRC is a more popular cartridge and because of its popularity and more production, it is also cheaper.
Conclusion
Overall, the choice between the 7 SAUM and the 6.5 PRC will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a cartridge that offers greater power and is better suited for larger game, then the 7 SAUM is the better choice. If you are looking for a cartridge that has better ballistics and is ideal for long-range precision shooting, then the 6.5 PRC is the better choice.