When it comes to choosing a rifle cartridge, there are a lot of factors to consider, including range, accuracy, and stopping power. Two popular cartridges among hunters and shooters are the 7mm WSM and the 6.5 PRC. Both cartridges have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to understand them before making a decision.
Here is the short answer:
The 7mm WSM is a versatile and powerful cartridge that is great for long-range shooting and big game hunting. The 6.5 PRC, on the other hand, is a newer cartridge that is known for its long-range accuracy and low recoil.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 7mm WSM
The 7mm WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) was introduced by Winchester in 2001. It is a short, fat cartridge that is designed to deliver high velocity and accuracy at long range. The cartridge is based on the .404 Jeffery case, and it has a case length of 2.100 inches and a maximum overall length of 2.860 inches.
The 7mm WSM can handle bullets that range in weight from 120 to 175 grains, which makes it a versatile cartridge for big game hunting. It has a muzzle velocity of around 3,150 feet per second and a muzzle energy of approximately 3,300 foot-pounds.
One of the main advantages of the 7mm WSM is its flat trajectory and long-range accuracy. It is capable of delivering a high velocity and flat trajectory at distances of up to 500 yards, making it ideal for long-range shooting. It is also known for its excellent stopping power, making it a popular choice for big game hunting.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7mm WSM with a 150-grain jacketed soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3100 | 3200 |
| 50 | -0.3 | 0.2 | 2963 | 2925 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2831 | 2669 |
| 150 | -0.8 | 1.8 | 2703 | 2433 |
| 200 | -2.9 | 3.3 | 2578 | 2213 |
| 250 | -6.2 | 5.3 | 2457 | 2010 |
| 300 | -10.9 | 7.7 | 2338 | 1821 |
| 350 | -17.3 | 10.8 | 2224 | 1647 |
| 400 | -25.5 | 14.5 | 2112 | 1486 |
| 450 | -35.5 | 18.8 | 2003 | 1337 |
| 500 | -47.6 | 23.7 | 1898 | 1199 |
In-Depth Look at the 6.5 PRC
The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) was introduced by Hornady in 2017. It is a short, fat cartridge that is designed to deliver long-range accuracy with low recoil. The cartridge is based on the .300 Ruger Compact Magnum case, and it has a case length of 2.030 inches and a maximum overall length of 2.955 inches.
The 6.5 PRC is capable of handling bullets that range in weight from 120 to 156 grains. It has a muzzle velocity of around 2,940 feet per second and a muzzle energy of approximately 2,800 foot-pounds.
One of the main advantages of the 6.5 PRC is its long-range accuracy. It is capable of delivering a high velocity and flat trajectory at distances of up to 1,000 yards, making it ideal for long-range shooting. It is also known for its low recoil, which makes it more comfortable to shoot over extended periods of time.
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 7mm WSM and the 6.5 PRC, there are a few key differences to consider.
Firstly, the 7mm WSM is a more powerful cartridge than the 6.5 PRC. It has a higher muzzle energy and is capable of delivering more stopping power, making it a better choice for big game hunting.
Secondly, the 6.5 PRC has a longer effective range than the 7mm WSM. It is capable of delivering accurate shots at distances of up to 1,000 yards, while the 7mm WSM is most effective at distances of up to 500 yards.
Finally, the 6.5 PRC has a lower recoil than the 7mm WSM, which makes it more comfortable to shoot over extended periods of time.
Conclusion
The 7mm WSM and the 6.5 PRC are both excellent cartridges, but they excel in different areas. The 7mm WSM is a great choice for hunters who want a flat-shooting cartridge with enough power to take down larger game animals. On the other hand, the 6.5 PRC is a better choice for long-range shooting and hunting medium-sized game animals. Ultimately, the decision between the two cartridges will come down to personal preference and intended use.