392: 6.5 PRC vs 270 Winchester Caliber Comparison

The legendary 270 Winchester celebrates its 100^th birthday this year in 2025. So, in honor of that impressive milestone, I conduct a deep dive comparing the venerable 270 Winchester to a much newer round with a more modern design that, as you’ll learn here shortly, has shockingly similar performance: the 6.5 PRC.

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North Fork's 130gr, 140gr, 150gr Semi-Spitzer bullets are outstanding choices for the 6.5 PRC and 270 Winchester respectively that facilitate the best possible terminal performance for both cartridges. Both projectiles are absolutely outstanding on all manner of game at ranges inside 300 yards. You can purchase both bullets directly from the North Fork web site, from MidwayUSA, or from our network of other distributors all over the world.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses the 6.5 PRC vs 270 Winchester.

John conducts a deep dive on both cartridges, shows how modern bullets have dramatically improved the performance of the 270 Winchester at extended range, and compares how both rounds perform in several ballistic gel tests.

John's takeaway? Both cartridges are capable of almost shockingly similar performance, but the 270 Winchester and 6.5 PRC are each ideally suited for specific niches and interests. As you'll learn, most hunters will be served well by either one though.

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Resources

Ep 116: 6.5 PRC vs 6.5 Creedmoor - Episode comparing the 6.5 PRC to 6.5 Creedmoor

Ep 328: 25 Caliber Cartridges-The Complete Guide - Episode referenced about all the other 25 caliber SAAMI standardized rounds.

Ep 366: Modern Cartridge Design With John Snow - Episode referenced where John Snow and I discuss Modern Cartridge Design principles

375 H&H Ballistic Gel Test - Episode referenced in episode