Ruger Precision 6.5CM opinions

[FNGGlock]

I?m looking at getting a new RPR in 6.5 CM and wanted to get people?s experiences and opinions. It is for paper punching and steel. I want something that can reach out more than my 556 and be as affected by wind, distances of 300yd +. The 556 can reach out to around 500 yds, but steel hits are not very satisfying and windy conditions really impact.

The RPR seems to be a good setup for the price range and 6.5CM seems good enough with plenty of ammo options at a semi reasonable price. I don?t reload and not a competitive long range shooter, thus 6.5CM look attractive.

Experiences and opinions from experiences.

[sfvshooter]

I think these have been around for almost 10 years and they're on 3rd generation. There are probably dozens of reviews readily available online.

I owned g1 6.5 and it was a good entry into LRP shooting. Upgraded to an MPA BA, which I never shot, but that's another story. Bought an RPR in 6CM because I wanted to try out the cartridge. No regrets on either buy.

I think RPR was the first to provide affordable, out of the box to 1,000 yards, but there are now other options.

[hermosabeach]

FNG

I will ask you to expand a bit more on how you will use the rifle and your total budget?


There are a lot of great rifles being made today.

For 600 yards, unless recoil is a concern, I would opt to go with 308 for budget reasons. I have a dwindling supply of 7.62 x 51 Australian ammo in 200 round battle backs that hits hard on steel out to 600.

where I shoot we have targets at 400, 600 and 1K.

While I can keep them all in a small group at 600, the bullets are too light for 1,000. Groups become a 20 foot pattern.



If you only have a 500 yard range within 90 minutes, I would look at 308 simply for the option of some cheaper ammo options.


If you might want to join the fun world of PRS, I would say a different platform would be better due to the support for aftermarket upgrades.

I think the RPR is around $1500.

This budget gives you a lot of choices...

https://precisionrifleblog.com/category/rifles/ blog on different shooters rifles

Bergara is a Rem 700 platform rifle.... Very accurate and you have all the Chassis, triggers, 0-40 MOA bases should you want to explore longer ranges

Example

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1030159128

Some of us are hoarders and never sell guns.... others want to sell as we upgrade....



If you might want to sell and get a different rifle, look at the used prices before you buy a new rifle...


Let us know where you end up

[ShaunBrady]

The 6.5CM RPR is a solid value for entry into LR shooting.

I started with the 308 R700VS. That was the early '90s. They're over.

6.5CM is a good balance between performance and barrel life for an entry level shooter. Don't kid yourself about using cheap ammo to learn long range shooting or even shoot 100 yard groups. Do think about adding reloading to your hobby.

I have 2 of the short action RPRs and 3 of the Magnums. The short actions have been rebarreled in 223 and 6XC. The first 6XC barrel was recently replaced. Two of the magnums have been rebarreled from 338 Lapua to 300 Norma and 300 Lapua. The last magnum still has its Ruger supplied 300 PRC barrel.

I have similar lineups with Remington and Savage actions.

Today, the RPR is a better starting point.

[FNGGlock]

I'm definitely looking at using 6.5CM as the match type ammo is not much different in price from 308. The BC for the 6.5 seems much better than 308, which should help a lot with accuracy for windy days. I definitely will be using OTM type ammo for my use, but not expecting to shoot 1000s of rounds a year.

Primarily looking for an entry level rifle capable of doin some LR work, the RPR seems to come up a lot as it doesn't expensive mounts to get going. The Bergara's seem nice, but looks like they require some extra accessories to mount a good scope.

I expect only do 300 yd+ a few times a year, with some 500yd+ days included. If I really enjoy it and able to make more time I will increase the number of times and distances. At which point I may also consider an upgrade if warranted.

At this point looking to get a good entry rifle for LR, good optics and setup. See how I like it and take it from there.

So far I have seen the RPR, Savage Models, Christiansen arm models, Browning, even a Sig in the mid $1000 price range. The RPR seem to get a good rep overall for LR and seems like a good setup, thus my request for actual people's experiences and opinions. Oh almost forgot saw some Howa and Tika offerings too.

[splithoof]

I have had one for some time now, and it has worked very well. Took it to school for a few LRR classes, and was making many 1st round hits at 1K. I used it to gain experience in loading 6.5CM, and found a good recipe that works very well with a R700 that Randall set up. My RPR has a Vortex Gen2 Razor, SPUR mount, and Atlas Bipod. Trigger very good from factory. It is a rifle that is very easy to shoot. I would certainly buy another. For the price it is a good value.

[1990Husky]

Have had a RPR in 6.5 Creedmoor for over 3+ yrs. I put a Vortex Viper PST 5-25x50 FFP scope on it ($649 on sale at Midway). I am in it for under $2k for the entire set up.

A year earlier I purchased a Ruger American in 6.5 as my first rifle in that caliber so I had a bunch of Hornady American Gunner 6.5 in 140gr BTHP. Was getting just over 1/2 inch groups at 100 yrds straight out of the box with the RPR after a little clean up of the barrel.

Have since settled on a load (140gr Hornady BTHP Match and 43.8 gr of 6.5 Staball) that gets me 1/4" or less groups. Easy hits at 1k yards on a 10"x20" steel plate. Now working on a load for 147 grain ELD Match bullets.

[sigstroker]

A Savage chassis rifle should be more than adequate. I've seen them under $800 on sale. For 600 yards you don't even need a chassis rifle.

https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57550

600 isn't very far. If you're shooting on a range, with good lighting, you don't even need an expensive scope. You can find a 400 to 500 dollar one that should be fine. You don't need 25x or even 18x.

[FNGGlock]

Thanks for the input guys.

sigstroker I want to be able to reach out to 1000yds if I get the opportunity and do want to be able to get some decent accuracy at 500+yds. I can reach out to 500yds with 556, but wind, conditions and accuracy gets iffy. My concern is that if I don't get a good entry setup, but just something that will work to 500-600 yds, it may come up short when I want to go a bit further or if conditions are a bit more challenging. Not looking to spend $$$$ on a Barrett setup, but a setup that can hold up for LR opportunities.

[sigstroker]

1000 is well within reach of a 6.5 CM, and most rifles that are better than the entry level rifles. Even then, I think audiophil used to shoot over 1000 with a cheap Ruger American that he stiffened up the plastic stock on by filling the forend. The next tier up of rifles should be fine. I got a Savage Desert Tactical 110 because I had read some reviews on it where it shot well, past 1000. It doesn't have a chassis and I got it for under $600. It has multiple cheekpieces and length of pull pieces to adjust it as needed.

[opticsauthority]

The Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) in 6.5 Creedmoor (CM) is highly favored for its long-range shooting capabilities. Owners praise its impressive accuracy out of the box, often achieving sub-MOA (minute of angle) groups with quality ammunition. This means hitting targets beyond 300 yards consistently. The 6.5 CM cartridge's flat trajectory, low recoil, and good wind resistance add to its versatility, making it suitable for various long-range shooting applications.

One of the RPR's strengths is its modularity and extensive aftermarket support, allowing users to customize it with different triggers, stocks, optics, and other components. Moreover, compared to other high-end precision rifles, the RPR offers commendable value for its performance. However, potential buyers should consider certain factors such as its weight, as the RPR can be quite heavy, weighing around 10-12 pounds when unloaded. This could be a concern for individuals who need to carry it over long distances.

Additionally, while the stock trigger is decent, some users prefer upgrading it for a lighter, crisper pull. Recoil management is also essential, despite the 6.5 CM's relatively low recoil compared to larger calibers, especially for long-range shooting. And, considering the cost of factory 6.5 CM ammunition, reloading can be a more economical alternative, albeit requiring additional investment and learning. Overall, while the RPR in 6.5 CM offers great accuracy, versatility, and upgradeability at a reasonable price, buyers should carefully weigh these factors against their budget and shooting goals before making a decision.

[Tommy Gun]

Own one

Con:
Heavy pig, but pro for recoil management.

Pro:
Accurate out of the box

Can use magpul mags, Ruger sells polymer AICS mags cheap.

Quality built

Can go 308 but 6.5 is a great precision round.

Tikka was the only competition when I bought mine. Price won out $1200 vs $1700. Also Tikkas stupidly priced mags.

My bias will tell you go RPR because I've been impressed since Day 1 with my decision. For me it was balance of price and quality. Ruger makes good firearms.

Now ammo will be expensive. I reload and am glad I do. Still have 140gr ELDM projectiles I bought back in 2015ish for like .37 each so I'm loading at around .50 to .55 a round. Compare to 6.5 ammo online. Even now I have current 140s and will still reload them at .70 a round, plus you need to have the control of your own ammo, but factory will work fine, just at 1.50 - 2.50 a round.

RPR is a solid choice.