6.5 PRC Ballistics
The 6.5 PRC pushes the same high-BC bullets as 6.5 Creedmoor at 200+ fps faster. Designed for extended long-range precision shooting, it requires a magnum bolt face AR-10.
Cartridge Specifications
Common Bullet Weights and Types
Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length
Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length
Bullet Drop Table
Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.
| Load | Zero | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.2 | 0 | -4.9 | -13.8 | -27 |
| 130 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.2 | 0 | -4.9 | -13.8 | -27 |
| 130 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.2 | 0 | -4.9 | -13.8 | -27 |
| 143 gr ELD-X | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.3 | -14.9 | -29 |
| 143 gr ELD-X | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.3 | -14.9 | -29 |
| 143 gr ELD-X | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.3 | -14.9 | -29 |
| 147 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.2 | -14.5 | -28.2 |
| 147 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.2 | -14.5 | -28.2 |
| 147 gr ELD-M | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.2 | -14.5 | -28.2 |
Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind
Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.
| Load | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 gr ELD-M | 2.7 | 5.5 | 8.2 | 11 | 13.7 |
| 130 gr ELD-M | 2.7 | 5.4 | 8.1 | 10.8 | 13.5 |
| 130 gr ELD-M | 2.7 | 5.3 | 8 | 10.6 | 13.3 |
| 143 gr ELD-X | 2 | 4.1 | 6.1 | 8.2 | 10.2 |
| 143 gr ELD-X | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| 143 gr ELD-X | 2 | 4 | 5.9 | 7.9 | 9.9 |
| 147 gr ELD-M | 2.1 | 4.1 | 6.2 | 8.2 | 10.3 |
| 147 gr ELD-M | 2 | 4 | 6.1 | 8.1 | 10.1 |
| 147 gr ELD-M | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9.9 |
Effective Range by Application
Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations
Published Load Data
| Weight | Type | Barrel | MV (fps) | ME (ft-lb) | BC (G1) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 gr | ELD-M | 22 in | 3,000 | 2,597 | 0.53 | Hornady 6.5 PRC 130 ELD-M published load data |
| 130 gr | ELD-M | 24 in | 3,050 | 2,685 | 0.53 | Hornady 6.5 PRC 130 ELD-M published load data |
| 130 gr | ELD-M | 26 in | 3,100 | 2,774 | 0.53 | Hornady 6.5 PRC 130 ELD-M published load data |
| 143 gr | ELD-X | 22 in | 2,870 | 2,615 | 0.625 | Hornady 6.5 PRC 143 ELD-X published load data |
| 143 gr | ELD-X | 24 in | 2,920 | 2,707 | 0.625 | Hornady 6.5 PRC 143 ELD-X published load data |
| 143 gr | ELD-X | 26 in | 2,970 | 2,800 | 0.625 | Hornady 6.5 PRC 143 ELD-X published load data |
| 147 gr | ELD-M | 22 in | 2,850 | 2,651 | 0.697 | Hornady 6.5 PRC 147 ELD-M published load data |
| 147 gr | ELD-M | 24 in | 2,900 | 2,745 | 0.697 | Hornady 6.5 PRC 147 ELD-M published load data |
| 147 gr | ELD-M | 26 in | 2,950 | 2,840 | 0.697 | Hornady 6.5 PRC 147 ELD-M published load data |
Data Disclaimer
Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Hornady 6.5 PRC 130 ELD-M published load data; Hornady 6.5 PRC 143 ELD-X published load data; Hornady 6.5 PRC 147 ELD-M published load data. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.
Pick the right barrel
Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in 6.5 PRC.