Black bear and 6.5 PRC
- Thread starter kabdriver2000
- Start date
maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I wouldn't be so worried about whether the rifle, but its terminal velocity. Can you trust the bullet to dissipate all its energy in the vital area of a potentially dangerous animal? There are recommended minimum cartridges for a reason. As an ethical hunter, your most important job is to make a one-shot kill.
I had to look at the tables to learn more about the cartridge, and one source suggests it is equivalent to the .270 Winchester. It was designed to shoot at targets. What bullet weight and construction did you have in mind and are available? What engagement range will you have? Are you stalking or hunting over bait? Can your target scope zoom down enough for you to get a good hold and point of aim on a very bristly black hide?
https://backfire.tv/6-5-prc-cartrid...ost comparable to the 6.5 SAUM,270 Winchester.
https://backfire.tv/6-5-prc-cartrid...ost comparable to the 6.5 SAUM,270 Winchester.
I had to look at the tables to learn more about the cartridge, and one source suggests it is equivalent to the .270 Winchester. It was designed to shoot at targets. What bullet weight and construction did you have in mind and are available? What engagement range will you have? Are you stalking or hunting over bait? Can your target scope zoom down enough for you to get a good hold and point of aim on a very bristly black hide?
https://backfire.tv/6-5-prc-cartrid...ost comparable to the 6.5 SAUM,270 Winchester.
https://backfire.tv/6-5-prc-cartrid...ost comparable to the 6.5 SAUM,270 Winchester.
The bear I shot with my 270win and 130gr interbonds left a blood trail a blind man could follow. Of course the 130gr corelokt I used on a different bear was a passthrough and yet left almost no trail... As long as you pick a suitable bullet I don't think you'll have any issues with the 6.5prc. Put it where it counts and it'll be a dead bear, but keep an eye on where it goes because bears are notorious for not leaving much blood trail regardless of caliber used.
I have shot several Black Bear with the 6.5x55 and the 140 Partition.
Never had an issue with them going far after a solid lung shot.
The PRC should work just fine, [Good bullet in the proper place] EE
Never had an issue with them going far after a solid lung shot.
The PRC should work just fine, [Good bullet in the proper place] EE
As stated above, a good 140 gr bullet in the vitals will work just fine. And again, no match ammo or target bullets; you want reliable penetration and expansion.
You did not state the type of hunting you'll be doing.
Stand hunting over a bait, where shot distances are short, may not be the ideal cartridge choice, but will still work. Just beware the shot angle, and try to ensure the bullet is exiting low in the chest/shoulder on the off side to assist in a good blood trail.
On a level broadside or quartering away shot, aim for the bottom third of the chest to allow blood to drain and not collect inside the blood trail; again to promote a good blood trail.
Ideally, try to break the offside shoulder with your shot, as it will assist on knocking the bear down, and hopefully allowing for a quick follow up shot, if required.
Main thing here, is to reload quickly and be prepared for a quick follow up shot...do NOT sit there admiring your first shot, or you will miss an opportunity if needed!
You did not state the type of hunting you'll be doing.
Stand hunting over a bait, where shot distances are short, may not be the ideal cartridge choice, but will still work. Just beware the shot angle, and try to ensure the bullet is exiting low in the chest/shoulder on the off side to assist in a good blood trail.
On a level broadside or quartering away shot, aim for the bottom third of the chest to allow blood to drain and not collect inside the blood trail; again to promote a good blood trail.
Ideally, try to break the offside shoulder with your shot, as it will assist on knocking the bear down, and hopefully allowing for a quick follow up shot, if required.
Main thing here, is to reload quickly and be prepared for a quick follow up shot...do NOT sit there admiring your first shot, or you will miss an opportunity if needed!
I've shot black bears with 6.5x55 with no issue, and was about to take a Creedmoor for the same task last year. 140's work fine. Use a hunting bullet and put it in the vitals and job done.
Last one I shot with a 180 out of a .30-06 left nothing more than a few drops of blood, even after a double lung hit from 90 yards. It was a short tracking job though, <15 yards.
Last one I shot with a 180 out of a .30-06 left nothing more than a few drops of blood, even after a double lung hit from 90 yards. It was a short tracking job though, <15 yards.
Pretty tough bullet?
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Equivalent of 264 win mag. The trauma caused is massive. From a tree stand/bait or short distance it's going to be dramatic with anything resembling a real hunting bullet. Long range, I don't care where you start 8n velocity and energy, light bullets are marginal. Ethics over ego.
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
It’s a fancy name for .270 Winchester performance at all hunting ranges. That’s killed a lot of bears effectively.
Only we humans get worked up about a diameter difference equivalent to wrapping the bullet in a sheet of paper, on two bullets of the same construction, of the same weight, at the same speed.
Only we humans get worked up about a diameter difference equivalent to wrapping the bullet in a sheet of paper, on two bullets of the same construction, of the same weight, at the same speed.
ex bear guide here - PRC? just use a non-match bullet. At close range, if youre not after every ounce of meat, i suggest thru the shoulders - they will usually drop on the spot. Shattered bone will goop up the vitals real good.
I have a PRC, and many other big boomers, but...Personally, from a stand/bait barrels, 12g 1oz slug out of a Browning BPS is my fave by a large margin. Usually 90-100% energy transfer. Have yet to see one go further than a few feet. Shoot the vitals thru the shoulders.
I have a PRC, and many other big boomers, but...Personally, from a stand/bait barrels, 12g 1oz slug out of a Browning BPS is my fave by a large margin. Usually 90-100% energy transfer. Have yet to see one go further than a few feet. Shoot the vitals thru the shoulders.
