6.5 PRC Ballistics Calculator
Select a common 6.5 PRC load below to generate a full ballistics table, or use the calculator with your own data.
Popular 6.5 PRC Load Presets
147gr Hornady ELD Match
- Muzzle Velocity: 2910 fps
- BC (G1): 0.697
- Use: Extreme long range precision
143gr Hornady ELD-X
- Muzzle Velocity: 2960 fps
- BC (G1): 0.625
- Use: Long range hunting
156gr Berger EOL Elite Hunter
- Muzzle Velocity: 2900 fps
- BC (G1): 0.679
- Use: Large game at extended range
6.5 PRC Drop Chart — Reference Data
147gr Hornady ELD Match — 2910 fps MV — 100 Yard Zero
| Range (yds) | Drop (in) | MOA | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2774 | 2511 |
| 200 | -3.0 | 1.4 | 2642 | 2277 |
| 300 | -11.0 | 3.5 | 2513 | 2061 |
| 400 | -24.6 | 5.9 | 2389 | 1862 |
| 500 | -44.2 | 8.4 | 2267 | 1678 |
| 600 | -70.6 | 11.2 | 2150 | 1508 |
| 700 | -104.5 | 14.3 | 2035 | 1352 |
| 800 | -146.8 | 17.5 | 1925 | 1209 |
| 900 | -198.6 | 21.1 | 1818 | 1079 |
| 1000 | -260.8 | 24.9 | 1716 | 961 |
*Reference data calculated at sea level, 59°F, 50% humidity, no wind. Use the calculator above for conditions specific to your environment.
6.5 PRC Ballistic Performance
Velocity & Trajectory Advantage
The 6.5 PRC delivers approximately 200 fps more muzzle velocity than 6.5 Creedmoor with identical bullet weights. This translates to meaningfully flatter trajectories: the 147gr ELD Match drops approximately 261 inches at 1000 yards — about 50 inches less than the same bullet from a 6.5 Creedmoor. Match bullets remain supersonic past 1400 yards in standard conditions.
Energy Retention & Hunting Use
With 961 ft-lb of energy remaining at 1000 yards and over 1500 ft-lb at 600 yards, the 6.5 PRC maintains effective terminal performance at distances where other 6.5mm cartridges fall below hunting thresholds. Recoil is moderate at approximately 20 ft-lb — noticeably more than 6.5 Creedmoor but manageable for most shooters.
6.5 PRC FAQ
What is 6.5 PRC designed for?
The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) was designed by Hornady specifically for long-range precision shooting with heavy, high-BC 6.5mm bullets. It pushes 140-156gr bullets approximately 200 fps faster than 6.5 Creedmoor, making it ideal for extreme long-range applications and hunting where maximum velocity and energy are needed.
How far can 6.5 PRC shoot accurately?
With the 147gr ELD Match at 2910 fps, the 6.5 PRC remains supersonic past 1400 yards in standard conditions. The cartridge maintains over 960 ft-lb of energy at 1000 yards and drops approximately 261 inches — about 50 inches less than the same bullet from a 6.5 Creedmoor. It excels in ELR (extreme long range) competitions and western hunting scenarios.
What is the recoil of 6.5 PRC compared to other calibers?
The 6.5 PRC produces approximately 20 ft-lb of recoil energy — noticeably more than 6.5 Creedmoor (around 15 ft-lb) but less than 300 Win Mag. Most shooters find it manageable in a properly weighted rifle. The increased recoil is the trade-off for the velocity advantage over smaller 6.5mm cartridges.
Related Comparisons
See how 6.5 PRC stacks up against other popular calibers.
Manufacturer Resources
Verify ballistic coefficients and load data from the bullet manufacturers:
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