NRL Hunter/Hunting Rifle in 20" 6.5 PRC, 6.5 CM, or 260?

[C Cape]

Guys,

I'm looking to build a hunting rifle that I could also use to shoot a NRL Hunter match next year if the opportunity arises. I ordered a 20" Bartlein CFW Barrel and a Big Horn Origin Action. Wanted to go 20" due to always running it suppressed.

I have a ton of components for 6.5 Creed but I'm worried about being able to make power factor for the match if I get to shoot. The .260 should make it a little easier and the PRC would be easy peasy.

What are y'alls thoughts?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Mk32784]

I would do 6.5PRC in your boat if you can find the supplies.

A 144 in 6.5CM you only need 2650fps to make powder factory which should be possible with hand loads in a 20inch.

 

[powdahound76]

How is it easy in 260 but not with 6.5 creed?

I get same speed from a 140 in a creed than a 139 scenar in my old 260.
41.3 gr in creed vs 42.8 in .260. Same powder. Lapua brass.

Shoot a 130 hybrid or a lighter Solid and should be fine.

 

[C Cape]

I would do 6.5PRC in your boat if you can find the supplies.

A 144 in 6.5CM you only need 2650fps to make powder factory which should be possible with hand loads in a 20inch.

So basically just run it turned down slightly?

 

[C Cape]

How is it easy in 260 but not with 6.5 creed?

I get same speed from a 140 in a creed than a 139 scenar in my old 260.
41.3 gr in creed vs 42.8 in .260. Same powder. Lapua brass.

Shoot a 130 hybrid or a lighter Solid and should be fine.

You can get another 50-70 FPS out of a 260 vs a creedmoor from what I’ve read when handloading

 

[Secant]

If you want 6.5 creed, go that route. You can always shoot factory ammo at a match if you end up not meeting power factor with handloads.

 

[C Cape]

If you want 6.5 creed, go that route. You can always shoot factory ammo at a match if you end up not meeting power factor with handloads.

I didn't realize that factory ammo makes it where you don't have to go by the power factor. Good to know.

 

[Secant]

I didn't realize that factory ammo makes it where you don't have to go by the power factor. Good to know.

Rules - NRL Hunter

2025 SEASON NRL HUNTER RULES AND REGULATIONSDOWNLOAD RULES PDF HEREThe NRL HUNTER is an evolving competition series which intends to offer participants an educational and exciting means to practice shooting in unknown hunting-like conditions. The following rules and regulations govern the...

nrlhunter.org

 

[C Cape]

Yeah I read that after the fact.

 

[Mk32784]

So basically just run it turned down slightly?

If you go 6.5 PRC just run it normally.

If you go to 6.5CM you can run a heavier bullet and probably still make PF in a 20inch, is what I am saying.