Regarding long-range precision shooting, the 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) has quickly earned its place as a favorite among hunters and precision shooters alike.

Developed by Hornady and officially approved by SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) in 2018, the 6.5 PRC was designed to offer a balance of speed, accuracy, and minimal recoil, making it ideal for hunting and tactical applications. This innovative cartridge was built to provide superior ballistics, with a flat trajectory that excels at extended distances, while maintaining manageable recoil for shooters.

The 6.5 PRC was born to create a round that could outperform existing cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor and 270 in long-range performance without sacrificing the recoil characteristics that hunters and precision shooters rely on. Thanks to its efficient design and strong performance across various platforms, the 6.5 PRC quickly gained traction in the competitive shooting world and hunting circles.

The 6.5 PRC is undeniably a capable caliber for western big game, and I can attest to this through firsthand experience. Shortly after the 6.5 PRC was released, I had one custom-built by my friend Travis at TS Customs. With that rifle, I harvested a large public-land 7x7 bull elk and a big western whitetail. I also witnessed my brother take his biggest bull elk using the same caliber. Later, I had the opportunity to test a 6.5 PRC rifle sent by PROOF Research, which I used to successfully hunt a Nebraska whitetail. But don’t just take my word for it—let’s explore the data.

The 6.5mm caliber has often been the subject of some debate in the hunting community. Some critics argue that it lacks the "punch" needed for taking down large, tough animals like elk or moose, especially when compared to traditional heavy-hitting rounds like the .300 WIN or 7MM. This reputation has earned the 6.5mm cartridges, including the 6.5 Creedmoor, a bit of undeserved hate over the years.

However, the 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is here to prove that when it comes to large game, the 6.5mm can deliver all the performance needed — and then some!

The 6.5 PRC boasts superior ballistics that make it a formidable choice for big-game hunting. Thanks to its high ballistic coefficient (BC), the 6.5 PRC maintains a flatter trajectory and less wind drift than many other rounds, which is particularly useful for hunters who engage at extended ranges. A 143-grain Hornady ELD-X bullet, for instance, can travel at speeds upwards of 3000 FPS, retaining supersonic velocities well beyond 1,000 yards with minimal drop — a key factor when extended ranges come into play.

At more typical hunting ranges, the 6.5 PRC has more than enough power to humanely harvest large animals. With over 2,100 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards, a 143-grain bullet offers excellent penetration and expansion, ensuring a quick, ethical kill even on tough hides and heavy bones. When combined with its manageable recoil, the 6.5 PRC gives hunters the ability to take accurate, powerful shots without being hindered by excessive kick, making it a great option for those who value precision without sacrificing power.

While the 6.5mm might not have the raw mass of larger rounds, the 6.5 PRC's high velocity, efficient design, and optimal energy retention at long distances ensure that it can confidently take down a wide variety of large game. Whether you're targeting elk in the Rockies or moose in the north country, the 6.5 PRC delivers the performance and reliability needed for an ethical harvest.

When hunting deer, it’s crucial to ensure the bullet delivers enough energy to ethically and humanely take down the animal. Generally, a bullet should deliver at least 1,000 to 1,200 foot-pounds of energy at the point of impact to ensure deep penetration of vital organs like the heart and lungs, leading to a quick, humane kill. (SOME ARGUE ONLY 600 FT/LBS ARE NECESSARY) . The 6.5 PRC easily meets and exceeds this threshold, even at extended ranges.

For example, a 143-grain bullet from the 6.5 PRC delivers over 2,100 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards — more than enough to take down a deer with a clean, ethical shot. At 800 yards, this same bullet still retains approximately 1,100 foot-pounds of energy , making the 6.5 PRC a capable round for long-range deer hunting. However, I’m not recommending that everyone attempt shots at these distances without proper training, experience, and confidence in their equipment. Long-range shots require careful consideration, and ethical hunting practices should always be the priority.

When it comes to elk hunting, the energy requirements are higher than those for deer due to the larger size and heavier bone structure of the animal. To ethically take down an elk, a bullet should ideally deliver at least 1,500 to 2,000 foot-pounds of energy (again, subject for debate) at the point of impact. This ensures the round is capable of penetrating deeply enough to reach vital organs like the heart and lungs, even through thick muscle and bone, which is crucial for a quick and humane kill.

The 6.5 PRC with a 143-grain bullet delivers over 2,100 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards, which is more than enough to ethically harvest an elk. Even at 500 yards, the same round retains over 1,500 foot-pounds of energy , making it a powerful and efficient choice for long-range elk hunting.

Of course, shot placement is always the most important factor, and ensuring that you have the skill and experience to make an accurate, ethical shot is essential when hunting large game like elk.

For my latest project, I’ve built a 6.5 PRC that combines precision, durability, and cutting-edge technology. At the heart of this rig is an 8-twist barrel, offering the perfect balance for stabilizing a variety of bullet weights and ensuring the accuracy and consistency that long-range shots demand (I will be hunting with the Hornady 143 ELD-Xs). Paired with the Muley Freak Wombat Action, known for its smooth cycling and precision engineering, this setup is ideal for high-performance cartridges like the 6.5 PRC.

The build features a KS1 stock by Travis Stevens, designed for ultimate stability and comfort, whether in the field or on the range. Its lightweight yet rugged construction provides a solid shooting platform for both accuracy and ease of handling.

Topping the rig is a NightForce NX8 4-32x50 scope. With its clear, reliable optics and precise adjustments, it’s built to handle everything from close-range shots to long-range precision - not to mention it’s bulletproof construction.

To finish it off, I’ve added the KGM R30 suppressor, which helps reduce recoil and noise, ensuring a smoother shooting experience. The R30’s compact design and exceptional sound suppression make it an ideal addition, allowing for greater accuracy and less disruption in the field and on the range.

Combining shootability with a manageable weight, this rifle weighs in at 9 pounds 1 ounce. It’s the sweet spot for a hunting rig — light enough to carry into the backcountry without compromising performance, but heavy enough to provide stability and recoil control. Too light, and the rifle becomes unshootable, while too heavy and it’s just not practical for the kind of backcountry hunts I enjoy. In my experience, the best shooting hunting rigs typically fall in that 9 to 10.5-pound range, where you get the ideal balance of portability and accuracy.

Watch the full build video below.

I’m confident that this custom 6.5 PRC build will handle any hunt North America throws at me, from chasing Coues deer in the deserts of Mexico to hunting Yukon moose in the rugged wilderness of Alaska. With its combination of a Proof Research barrel and Muley Freak Wombat action , this rifle is engineered for precision, durability, and long-range performance — making it perfect for everything from stalking small, elusive game to taking down big, tough animals at extended distances. The lightweight, balanced design of the KS1 stock and the clarity and adjustability of the NightForce NX8 scope make this rig easy to handle in any environment, while the KGM R30 suppressor ensures a smoother, quieter shooting experience. No matter where my hunt takes me, I’m confident that this rifle will deliver the power, accuracy, and reliability I need to get the job done. Anywhere.

If you're looking to build a precision long-range hunting rifle, I’d love to help you get started. Building a custom rig isn’t just about choosing parts; it’s about crafting a rifle that’s perfectly suited to your needs — whether it’s for elk in the Rockies or precision shooting at the range.

We offer Proof Research barrels, known for their exceptional accuracy, durability, and lightweight design. These barrels are a game-changer for hunting - espeically for backcountry adventures, and I can guide you in selecting the right twist rate and profile for your build.

Additionally, we have access to Muley Freak Wombat Actions — a top-tier, smooth-cycling action that is perfect for hunting. And here's the best part: you can get in on one of our actions while the serial numbers are still low, giving you a unique, limited-edition setup that stands out.

Whether you're building a rifle for hunting or competition, I’ll help you every step of the way, from selecting parts to assembly and tuning. This is your chance to create a rifle that’s perfectly tailored to you and your style of shooting. Let’s get started on building the long-range hunting rig you’ve always wanted.

If you're looking to build a precision long-range hunting rifle, I’d love to help you get started. Building a custom rig isn’t just about choosing parts; it’s about crafting a rifle that’s perfectly suited to your needs — whether it’s for elk in the Rockies or precision shooting at the range.

We offer Proof Research barrels, known for their exceptional accuracy, durability, and lightweight design. These barrels are a game-changer for hunting - espeically for backcountry adventures, and I can guide you in selecting the right twist rate and profile for your build.

Additionally, we have access to Muley Freak Wombat Actions — a top-tier, smooth-cycling action that is perfect for hunting. And here's the best part: you can get in on one of our actions while the serial numbers are still low, giving you a unique, limited-edition setup that stands out.

Whether you're building a rifle for hunting or competition, I’ll help you every step of the way, from selecting parts to assembly and tuning. This is your chance to create a rifle that’s perfectly tailored to you and your style of shooting. Let’s get started on building the long-range hunting rig you’ve always wanted.