The Precision Rifle Series has long been dominated by 6mm and 6.5mm calibers. In the early days, retired military shooters favored the .308, but as PRS evolved and bullet technology advanced, shooters shifted to smaller, more efficient calibers. The 6.5mm quickly gained popularity for its high ballistic coefficient (BC) and reduced recoil. Eventually, hot-rod 6mm cartridges emerged, pushing speeds near 3200 FPS to flatten trajectories and fight the wind.
Today, the trend is shifting—competitors are running 6mm rounds slower for better shot visibility, lower recoil, longer barrel life, and improved consistency. At the same time, 6.5mm and even 25-caliber options are making a comeback, with heavier bullets at moderate velocities providing better impact visibility and reliability.
Breaking Down The Options: What Is The Right Cartridge For You?
6MM: Small, efficient cases using 30-40 grains of powder under 105-115gr bullets, delivering excellent accuracy with low recoil. Popular choices: 6BR, 6 Dasher, 6GT, 6x47L, 6 Creedmoor.
- The 6BR, being the smallest case in this example, is widely known for its exceptional accuracy and consistency. With just 30 grains of powder and a 105-grain bullet, you can achieve impressive results, reaching speeds of around 2750-2800 FPS.
- The 6 Dasher is essentially an improved BR case, designed with increased case capacity for higher velocities. It typically runs 50-100 FPS faster than the BR while maintaining the exceptional accuracy that makes the BR case so renowned.
- The 6GT bridges the gap between the small BR case and larger x47 or Creedmoor. Unlike BR variants, which require mag spacers and feed lip adjustments, the GT feeds reliably without modifications. It maintains the BR’s consistency, efficiency, and accuracy while burning ~35 grains of powder, reaching up to 3000 FPS (though most run 2800-2900 FPS with 105-115 gr bullets). Recoil remains mild, making it a popular choice for competitive shooters who prioritize reliability over pure speed.
- The 6 Creedmoor and 6x47L are the fastest in this class, but come with increased recoil. Shooters, especially in windy regions like out west, often accept this trade-off for better wind-cutting performance.
25 CAL: A rising favorite that balances recoil and BC. With target-style bullets becoming more available, it’s gaining traction. It offers less recoil than a 6.5 but a bigger splash for spotting impacts. The most common cartridges—25x47L, 25GT, and 25 Creedmoor—typically run 2600-2850 FPS. Its higher BC allows for similar ballistic performance to fast 6mm rounds without needing to push velocities as hard.
6.5MM: The 6.5x47L and 6.5 Creedmoor remain solid choices, pushing 140-150gr bullets at 2600-2750 FPS. These rounds offer high BC, greater splash for spotting impacts, and a longer dwell time between firing and impact, making them increasingly popular again.
Choosing the Right Cartridge
So, which is best? It depends. Our experiences shooting all three in competition has given us valuable insight. We love the 25 cal for its balance, but since it’s still gaining traction, bullet availability is limited. It’s a must-reload cartridge, often requiring brass modification, as few manufacturers produce headstamped 25 cal brass for competition. Reloading knowledge is essential. That said, it offers the best of both worlds—high-BC bullets compensate for lower speeds, recoil is lighter than a 6.5, and it provides a bigger impact signature on target.
The 6mm is an excellent choice for all shooters due to its forgiving nature and light recoil. The 6.5 has more recoil, but offers the widest bullet selection.
When selecting a cartridge, first ensure you can source components—brass, bullets, powder, and dies—especially if you reload. If not, a mainstream option like the Creedmoor, with factory-loaded offerings, may be a better fit. All these cartridges are highly accurate and effective, with no clear advantage over one another. At the end of the day, the best shooters win with any cartridge—they just practice more. Pick one, perfect it, and hit the range.
If you have any questions or want to discuss which cartridge is best for you, feel free to call us at (815) 493-6360 or email us at info@forsterproducts.com. We’re here to help!