6.5 Prc Vs 270 Wsm Ballistics Chart
Introduction
When it comes to choosing the right caliber for your hunting or shooting needs, it can be overwhelming. There are so many options available and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Two popular calibers that are often compared are the 6.5 PRC and the 270 WSM. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ballistics of each caliber and compare them to help you make an informed decision.
What is 6.5 PRC?
The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) was introduced by Hornady in 2017. It is a cartridge designed for long range shooting and hunting. The cartridge is based on the 300 Ruger Compact Magnum case and has a slightly shorter overall length than the 6.5 Creedmoor. The 6.5 PRC has a reputation for being extremely accurate with a flat trajectory and low recoil.
What is 270 WSM?
The 270 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) was introduced by Winchester in 2002. It is a cartridge designed for long range shooting and hunting. The cartridge is based on the .300 WSM case and has a shorter overall length than the .270 Winchester. The 270 WSM has a reputation for being a hard-hitting cartridge with a flat trajectory and low recoil.
Ballistics Comparison
When comparing the ballistics of the 6.5 PRC and the 270 WSM, there are a few key differences to consider.
Muzzle Velocity
The 6.5 PRC has a muzzle velocity of around 2,940 feet per second (fps) with a 143-grain bullet. The 270 WSM has a muzzle velocity of around 3,200 fps with a 130-grain bullet. This means that the 270 WSM has a faster initial velocity, which can give it an advantage when shooting at longer ranges.
Energy
The 270 WSM has more energy at the muzzle than the 6.5 PRC. The 270 WSM has around 3,000 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of energy with a 130-grain bullet, while the 6.5 PRC has around 2,700 ft-lbs of energy with a 143-grain bullet. This means that the 270 WSM has a harder-hitting bullet, which can be advantageous when hunting larger game.
Drop and Drift
The 6.5 PRC has a flatter trajectory than the 270 WSM. At 500 yards, the 6.5 PRC drops around 29 inches while the 270 WSM drops around 35 inches. The 6.5 PRC also has less wind drift at longer ranges than the 270 WSM.
Recoil
The 6.5 PRC has less recoil than the 270 WSM. The 6.5 PRC has around 22 ft-lbs of recoil energy while the 270 WSM has around 27 ft-lbs of recoil energy. This means that the 6.5 PRC can be more comfortable to shoot, especially for those who are sensitive to recoil.
Which Caliber is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing between the 6.5 PRC and the 270 WSM, there is no right or wrong answer. It all depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a cartridge with a flatter trajectory and less recoil, the 6.5 PRC may be the better choice. If you are looking for a cartridge with more energy and a harder-hitting bullet for larger game, the 270 WSM may be the better choice.
Conclusion
Both the 6.5 PRC and the 270 WSM are excellent cartridges for long range shooting and hunting. When comparing the ballistics of each caliber, it is important to consider factors such as muzzle velocity, energy, drop and drift, and recoil. Ultimately, the choice between these two calibers comes down to personal preference and intended use.