PRC Comparison: 6.5 PRC vs 7mm PRC vs 300 PRC

So which PRC or Precision Rifle Cartridge is right for you? I suppose it depends on what your intended purpose is like any other rifle cartridge. When it comes to hunting big game, I may be able to shed a bit of light onto this question. Over the last three years I have been fortunate to have used all of the PRC calibers, 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, and .300 PRC in the hunting field, resulting in a few well-earned thoughts on the matter.

In a nutshell, all the PRCs offer increased velocity, flatter trajectories, higher ballistic coefficients, and more down range energy at greater distances as compared to some of the old standby cartridges. Essentially, they are built for long range hunting or competition shooting.

Why Go PRC At All?

All of the PRCs are based on the .375 Ruger case with their case lengths being action-specific and striving to produce maximum efficiency along with accuracy while not overlooking barrel life.

Speaking of barrel life, you can expect to get 1200-1500 rounds out of the PRCs before seeing any decline in accuracy. For long range competition shooters this might seem too short. For hunters, not likely you will ever shoot that barrel out.

6.5 PRC

The 6.5 PRC (.264 caliber) was the first of the three Hornady introduced in 2018. The manufacturer designed it as a big brother to the 6.5 Creedmoor.  With nearly 300 feet per second higher velocity (greater but acceptable recoil), it delivers increased velocity, flatter trajectories, and more down range energy at greater distances. Ideal for western deer and pronghorn hunts at long distances.

In my experience the 6.5 PRC is great for deer sized game. I have seen it used effectively on Aoudad out to 500 yards. For game larger than deer, say elk, moose or the larger African plains game, all the 6.5s of today are a bit on the light side in both bullet weight and diameter for my liking. Nevertheless, the 6.5 PRC is an awesome hunting cartridge in its category and I have thoroughly enjoyed it in the hunting field.

Hunting feral hogs is most often considered a close-range endeavor. However, in the past year I’ve had opportunity to take hogs out to 400-500 yards via the 6.5 PRC in the Model 2020 Springfield Boundary. Sure, most any rifle caliber can do the job at those distances on a feral pig, but I must admit these distances and beyond seem to be where all the PRCs really begin to shine.

.300 PRC

In 2018 Hornady also introduced the .300 PRC soon after the launch of the 6.5 PRC. The 0.308 caliber bullet and many of the early .30 cartridges have been around for well over 100 years. They’re still a top choice for hunters today. With the advent of “modern cartridge design” the .300 PRC really excels in the .30 caliber category. With its long action the cartridge allows for fast rifling twists while enabling it to utilize today’s long, extra-heavy .30-caliber bullets. The end result is ballistic coefficients and down range energy that are truly impressive.

Most of my hunting done with the .300 PRC has been with 212-225 grain bullets in the Hornady ammo line. Having hunted with the Bergara Wilderness Sierra in .300 PRC, I assure you the cartridge performs well on the larger African plains game such as eland and oryx. Essentially, if the bullet is built for hunting and designed to perform on game, there isn’t much a .300 PRC can’t handle.

The .300 PRC is perfectly suited for taking deer and other mid-sized big game. I would advise any hunter not to shy away from it. You can expect greater felt recoil with the heavier bullets and powder loads. But I have found the recoil no more noticeable that the .300 Win Mag or say the 30-06 for that matter especially during the hunt itself.

7mm PRC

I must admit to having the most hands-on experience with the 7mm PRC  (.284 caliber). The cartridge made its debut by Hornady in 2022. It really fits perfectly between the 6.5 PRC and the .300 PRC having more bullet weight and frontal area than the 6.5 PRC while having less bullet—and less recoil than the .300 PRC. The 7mm PRC also falls into the middle for case length. It’s shorter than the .300 and longer than the 6.5. Rifling twist is specified at 1:8. That’s ideal for stabilizing bullets weighing from 160 to 195 grain.

The 7mm PRC is a long action cartridge and provides for longer distances that rivals the 6.5 PRC but also takes advantage of the high ballistic coefficient and heavier bullet weight of 7mm projectiles. Essentially, the 7mm PRC is ideal for hunting at longer-than-average ranges because of its high ballistic coefficient. The projectile has higher velocities and more down range energy than what you will find in most cartridges of the same caliber.

The cartridge with its greater down range energy is ideal for say elk, oryx, and the like. In 2024 utilizing the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT in 7mm PRC I took 14 head of plains game in multiple South Africa provinces with the 7mm PRC. Ranging in size from the tiny duiker (50 +- lbs.) up to kudu (650 +- lbs.), and everything in between. Using a quality muzzle brake I found that felt recoil is negligible, although I must admit utilizing hearing protection before shots were taken in the absence of a suppressor.

Ballistics Compared

The following tables show a ballistics comparison of the PRC cartridges. We used the Hornady Hunter Precision ELD-X line of ammunition for the data:

6.5 PRC Hornady 143 gr ELD-X

7mm PRC Hornady 175 gr ELD-

.300 PRC Hornady 212 gr ELD-X

Final Thoughts

Having used all three of the PRC caliber rifles now from three different manufactures. I would have to say I would prefer the 7mm PRC as an all-around big game hunting cartridge. Given its blend of velocity, down range energy and moderate recoil it seems to fit the bill nicely. But, make no mistake, I have enjoyed the 6.5 PRC and the .300 PRC and would have zero hesitation to use these superb hunting cartridges when the situation calls for them.

There are of course many other manufacturers of ammo for all the PRC calibers. You should choose the round that groups the best in your specific rifle based on the application. Having said that, I must admit that while any given rifle will shoot a particular brand and weight grain of ammo better than others…rifle accuracy is more about a quality barrel being precisely joined to a solid action AND consistent ammo, than about cartridge design alone.

Other variables such as quality sights, optics, mounts, and the shooter themselves are, of course, essential as well.