Build Ideas

[adamsoa]

I'm exploring options for a new hunting rifle and would appreciate your advice on some rounds. My goal is to have a setup that works well with a 22-24" barrel and a suppressor while still having enough power for longer shots. I hunt whitetail in Idaho every year, often taking 300-700-yard shots across canyons. Recoil is a consideration, so I'm looking for something manageable (I have some friends with a 6.5 prc and haven't been impressed with their performance).

I've been considering a few rounds, but I'd love to hear your input:

• Sherman 6.5SS
• .25-06
• .257 Weatherby Magnum
• I've also looked into the .25 PRC and .25 Creedmoor, though I'm unsure about their performance, particularly with a 130+ grain high-BC round at longer ranges.

If anyone has experience with these rounds or other recommendations that might fit what I'm looking for, I'd really appreciate your input.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Andy

 

[bucksnbirds]

6.5 prc honestly sounds like the winner in my experience for the stated situation.

 

[dieselchessy]

22-24” with a can makes for a long rifle.
If its a dedicated can gun 20” or less would be better in my opinion.

I just built a 19” 7saum, should be a good one.

What about the 6.5 PRC didn't impress? It would seem to better everything you have listed. Though Im not familiar with the Sherman.

Maybe 6mm creedmoor would be up your alley. Or 6 saum, 6 prc, 6 um, 6mm-06.

Anything but a quarter bore! LOL!

 

[blacktail434]

What specifically about the 6.5 PRC performance has been unimpressive?

Maybe consider a 6 Creedmoor?

 

[dirtytough]

I would pick the bullet and a backup bullet or two you would like to shoot. Then I would figure out the starting velocity I need for that bullet to make it to my max range in the conditions I hunt in. If 700 yards is your max distance on game figure out the velocity/energy you want the bullet to impact @700 yards. (velocity is probably a better metric than energy but that's a different discussion) Once you figure out what velocity the bullet needs to start at, then figure out what combo of case capacity and barrel length is needed to achieve that velocity.

If you want to go 16" barrel you might need a magnum case. If wanting to go 26" barrel you might get away with a small Creed sized case. I believe the short/fat cartridges are easier to get to shoot accurately. And the shorter the cartridge the longer the bore. So you get more velocity with a shorter cartridge versus longer in the same barrel length if the case capacity is the same.

The easy button seems like a 6 Creed, 6.5 Creed, or 6.5 PRC with your intended game and distances.

I have a 6.5 SS shooting the 156. It is accurate but now days I would do the 6.5 PRC instead. It's just easier to get brass, dies, etc. It shoots a little faster than the average PRC but with the small increase we are talking it's not the difference in me killing or not.

A 25 creed would easily do what you are looking to do. I would lean that direction myself.

 

[Scottgolf]

I have a safe safe full of rifles 338 and down. My 6.5 Prc is my everything gun now. I would reconsider that cartridge for your new build. Killed a grizzly in Alaska last year with it one shot and dead.

 

[eric1115]

Two questions to try to give useful advice (as others have already done)-

1) In what way did 6.5PTC fail to impress (especially if you can include info on what bullet, barrel length, range, etc)?

2) what are your criteria for desired performance at 700 yards? For example, a 6CM is likely doing 1800+ fps with a 108/109 ELDM especially with your intended barrel length (or a decent bit shorter which is what I'd do if I were in your shoes).

 

[hereinaz]

My recommendation is the 25 Creed or 25 SST shooting the 133. I can match speeds and ballistics of the 6.5 SS out of shorter barrel in my 25 SST.

The 6.5 SS is awesome, helped friends set them up.

Any of the ones you mentioned are good too.

The 25 creed is good for most distances, so look at that and decide whether you need the extra powder. But, you can also step down and go with the 6 creed instead of the 25. Splitting hairs to some extent there.