A recent survey detailing the gear choices of the top 200-ranked shooters in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) provides invaluable insight into what’s currently driving success at the national level. The data, compiled directly from elite competitors, cuts through marketing hype to highlight the calibers proving most effective on the competitive stage.
Overall, 6mm cartridges continue their long-standing dominance, accounting for 70% of these top-ranked competitors. While this figure is a slight decrease from the 77% reported in the previous year, it firmly establishes the 6mm as the prevailing standard. The most significant shift observed is the rise of the .25 caliber, now representing 16% of the top 200, a substantial increase from 10% last year. The 6.5mm maintains a steady presence at 6%. Additionally, ten shooters among the top 200 utilized a .30-caliber — specifically .308 Win or .223 Rem — all competing in the Tactical Division, yet still achieving ranks within the Open Division standings. Two competitors each employed 7mm and .22 caliber cartridges.
The trend is even more pronounced when examining the top 25 PRS-ranked shooters. Among this elite group, .25 caliber usage jumps to 40%, while 6mm cartridges are used by 52%. This highlights the .25 caliber's ascendancy, particularly at the very highest echelons of the sport.
The choice of caliber involves a critical balance of factors: recoil, wind drift, barrel life, and crucially, the ability to spot impacts. The 6mm has long been the default for its mild recoil, which aids significantly in watching impacts and misses. It offers acceptable barrel life, often around 2,000 rounds, and a wide selection of proven match bullets in the 105 to 110-grain range. This recoil advantage is particularly valuable on typical PRS stages with targets from 300 to 800 yards and tight par times. One highly experienced pro shooter noted, “I went back to my 6mm this year, and I started seeing every bullet again.” However, 6mm bullets carry less energy downrange and exhibit more wind drift than heavier, higher-BC options, especially at distances beyond 1,000 yards or in heavy winds.
The .25 caliber has emerged as a disruptor, largely due to manufacturers like Berger and Hornady introducing high-BC match bullets in the 131 to 135-grain class. These offerings provide ballistics comparable to many 6.5mm loads but with noticeably reduced recoil. Shooters often experience less wind drift than many 6mm setups and slightly more energy on target, while retaining the ability to stay on target through recoil and observe impacts. While it involves a touch more recoil and muzzle blast than a 6mm, and potentially shorter barrel life than slower 6mm cartridges, the ballistic performance can be a worthy trade-off, especially in windy conditions.
The 6.5mm, with its heavier 140 to 156-grain bullets, remains a strong performer for those prioritizing maximum downrange energy and superior wind bucking. However, its increased recoil demands meticulous positional shooting fundamentals to stay on target and spot impacts, a challenge that can hinder rapid corrections within match time limits. While a skilled shooter can certainly win matches with a 6.5mm, the survey data suggests fewer top PRS competitors currently choose it due to the tactical disadvantage its recoil can present when the clock is running.
