Poll: Rifle Caliber for Western Hunting

[daltrix99]

Hey everyone. Interested in Hunttalk's preference here. Some context for your vote:

• I live in Montana and hunt everything from Pronghorn to Elk.
• I like the accuracy and kinetic energy retention of the PRC, but I like the 200gr bullet option for the WSM (~147gr for the PRC).
• I have extensive military and long training, so I can reach out to 500+ (when conditions allow), which I mention for consideration of the PRC long range ballistics.
• I have quotes from three custom shops and I am ready to order:
  • Snowy Mountain Rifles
  • GA Precision
  • Alamo Precision
• Will be doing a 20 or 22" barrel, roughly 7lbs, with a can

Thanks all!

 

[Hammsolo]

300, for the reason you stated; bullet weight options.

 

[VikingsGuy]

I voted for 300wsm because of the very limited choice, I like my 300WSM, but I prefer .257 calibers for antelope and deer and prefer 7mm calibers for all-purpose incl. those + elk & moose.

I would pick 280AI, 270Win, or .308Win cartridges before either of the proposed options and keep my shots under 500y for reasons that have nothing to do with cartridge choice.

 

[belshawelk]

I cant choose either because they are so different. For elk the 300WSM no question. For deer and antelope I the 6.5PRC. Neither in my opinion are a 1 gun solution. If so then you have to go with the 300.

But then I continue to convince myself I need critter/hunt specific guns. So forget all I wrote above.

 

[El Jason]

Flip a coin. If someone struggles to kill elk with a 6.5, a .300 won’t be a magic solution for them.

 

[antelopedundee]

Technically neither one is a caliber; they are cartridges so I would say that any comparable .264 or .30 caliber cartridge would do. Of the 2, I would choose the 6.5 PRC.

 

[TN2shot07]

I’m with the above opinions, neither of those would be my do all choice. If those two cartridges are your preference and you have the budget for a custom rifle you listed why not split it between two? There are a number of high end rifles in those chamberings (Christensen, Tikka, bergara, browning, Winchester, etc) and you can still afford nice glass (vx5) in the same budget

There is also a super nice fierce in the classifieds right now for a good price (6.5 prc)

 

[nhenry]

I chose the 6.5 PRC because you said you hunted pronghorn to elk.

I'd honestly consider a 7 SAUM if you're going custom on a short magnum action.

 

[S-3 Ranch]

I chose 6.5 PCR, as a guide/ outfitter , I think the recoil of a .300 makes some people flinch, especially people who don’t shoot them much except during a hunt, and women and child can handle a 6.5
a .300 is superior imo but I like when folks can shoot with redundant accuracy

 

[daltrix99]

I’m with the above opinions, neither of those would be my do all choice. If those two cartridges are your preference and you have the budget for a custom rifle you listed why not split it between two? There are a number of high end rifles in those chamberings (Christensen, Tikka, bergara, browning, Winchester, etc) and you can still afford nice glass (vx5) in the same budget

There is also a super nice fierce in the classifieds right now for a good price (6.5 prc)

Currently shooting a Fierce 6.5 CM that I have been very happy with

 

[daltrix99]

Flip a coin. If someone struggles to kill elk with a 6.5, a .300 won’t be a magic solution for them.

A lot of 50/50 sentiment regarding this choice across the internet. And for whatever it's worth, this isn't because I've struggled with a 6.5.

 

[daltrix99]

I chose 6.5 PCR, as a guide/ outfitter , I think the recoil of a .300 makes some people flinch, especially people who don’t shoot them much except during a hunt, and women and child can handle a 6.5
a .300 is superior imo but I like when folks can shoot with redundant accuracy

Point well taken and a common point between the two. Never any concern with the 6.5 hitting larger animals with thick fur at distance?

 

[Don Fischer]

Your gonna have a magnum rifle made and get it with either a 20" or 22" barrel? I would not pick either one of those, but then I don't shoot magnums any more either.

 

[El Jason]

A lot of 50/50 sentiment regarding this choice across the internet. And for whatever it's worth, this isn't because I've struggled with a 6.5.

Sorry, I wasn’t and didn’t intend to imply YOU were struggling. Just a generality.

Look at your drifts and drops and see if that is significant to your situation.

Regardless of what the internet says, they’ll both kill elk equally well.

 

[buffybr]

Of the two you listed, I'd pick the 6.5 PRC but with a 24" barrel and no can.

 

[Potsie]

Of the two, I'd go .300 WSM. WSM's are pretty ideal for short barrels with a can. Tough to beat that combo.

 

[EastTNHunter]

Of the two I’d go 300 wizzum, but that’s only because 30-06 and 270 Win weren’t on the list

 

[brockel]

Your gonna have a magnum rifle made and get it with either a 20" or 22" barrel? I would not pick either one of those, but then I don't shoot magnums any more either.

Wouldn’t consider either one of those a magnum cartridge. 6.5 prc has same case capacity as 6.5-284 or 6.5-06. 300 wsm is a 30-06 ackley basically

 

[brockel]

You mention longer range shooting. Is spotting your hits and misses important to you? Reason I ask is I don’t think you will be able to spot your shots with a 7lb 300 wsm with a suppressor. The 6.5 prc you will be able to follow your shots. You really can’t go wrong with either one although I wouldn’t pick the 147 eldm as my bullet of choice in the 6.5. I’d go 20” on either one especially running suppressed.

 

[mtmuley]

Wouldn’t consider either one of those a magnum cartridge. 6.5 prc has same case capacity as 6.5-284 or 6.5-06. 300 wsm is a 30-06 ackley basically

I think the .30-06 AI is really interesting. Not sure why. Slinging a 166 maybe. mtmuley