6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge

The popularity of 6.5mm (.264) cartridges in the U.S. has wavered for more than 60 years.

- Brian Pearce

However, for roughly a decade new cartridges and bullets have attracted attention due to the bullets’ ballistic coefficient (BC) and low drag, which translates into higher retained velocities down range combined with low recoil. While 6.5 cartridges have been popular throughout Europe for many years, such as the 6.5x55 Swede, they have now established legitimacy in the U.S. among hunters and longrange competitors.

Recognizing a gap in 6.5mm cartridges, in early 2018 Hornady introduced the 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC). It features a modern case design, bench rest level accuracy, is based on a nonbelted case, offers acceptable barrel life, efficiency and a performance level many hunters and shooters will appreciate. Handloaders can easily duplicate and even exceed factory load velocities while improving accuracy.

Before proceeding, it seems appropriate to briefly discuss a few past American 6.5mm cartridges, and why some failed while others are flourishing. The .264 Winchester Magnum was introduced in 1958 in the Winchester Model 70. It was based on the .375 H&H belted case shortened to function in .30-06-length actions. Winchester initially published impressive velocities – a 100-grain bullet at 3,700 fps or a 140 at 3,200 fps. Actual velocities from 26-inch barrels were around 3,450 and 3,000 fps, respectively. Nonetheless, the cartridge offered a comparatively flat trajectory. Being something of an “overbore” cartridge, it needed a long barrel to reach its potential, which was oppo site of period rifle trends. The two-diameter bullets in factory loads also confused some shooters, the shoulder was 25 degrees and the .264 Winchester became known as something of a barrel-burner.