I’ve been mostly using a 6.5 creedmoor the past 7 or 8 years as my main hunting rifle. It’s done the job but I’m looking at moving up to something that can throw more lead.

I shoot suppressed so I don’t want more than a 22” barrel, which kind of limits me from 300winmag and wsm and even 7mm mag)
Found a 30-06 and 7mm PRC in 22”. I like the options with 30-06 but I think the extra FPS with the 7PRC would help with terminal performance since I mostly shoot mono’s. And not too worried on cost of ammo since I’ll probably use one box to sight in and then fire 5-6 rounds annually.
Initial thought was 30-06 but 7PRC is looking more attractive.

(30-06 would be tikka T3x and 7PRC would be begara carbon wilderness)

What’s the ALDeer consensus?

Other than using heavier bullets, what are wanting to accomplish? Shooting animals at a further range?

If shooting animals at a further range is a priority, then the 6.5 CM perfect for it with a better choice in bullets than monos.

How far are you wanting to shoot?

There is very little that one cartridge does and the other wont. For an all around gun, it's going to be really hard to beat the 7PRC. I'm a huge fan of the 30-06, but other than the ability to shoot heavier bullets (220gr +) the 7PRC outclasses it. the biggest down fall of the 7prc now is the limited factory ammo and rifles on the market. This is an instance where I'd say go with your gut, you cant go wrong either way.

I dont have nuttin to ad, BUT i have the 6.5prc, 300prc, and will be adding the 7mmprc to the lineup soon 😁

No more than 500yds. I think the furthest shot I have available at my club is only 400yds at the moment.

Not going to get rid of the 6.5 and I’ll still use it probably mor often than not, just want something with more oomph.
Part of the reason for wanting more lead is I’d like to do a nilgai or elk hunt this next year and also have a buddy trying to get us in to do a moose hunt with his family lodge up north.

I bought a 223 over the summer. With my setup for it, I’m good to 450 yards. I’m 2 for 2 with it this season. It’s a dream to shoot.

I’ll fill my next elk tag with my 7-08. If I don’t take my 223.

Your 6.5 CM is plenty. Elk aren’t impossible to kill.

I have no doubt the 6.5 could do the job, but if I go on an elk/nilgai/moose hunt, it’s probably going to be a once on a lifetime hunt for me. Bigger/faster bullets give you a larger margin of error, which I’d prefer on a limited hunt.
I usually keep two nice rifles so I have one for myself and one as a backup/guest. Sold the backup one in 6.5cm so that’s what I’m looking to replace. Intent is to replace it with something more capable. Still primarily going to be for alabama but I’d also just like it to be more capable (efficient might be better term) for bigger game.

30-06 always has ammo available. I read an article last week that might help and I thought it was interesting... I just looked it up and will post it here.

30-06 vs 7Mag

Good luck with your search.

I’d split the difference and look at a 280AI.

Nice article. I initially was debating 30-06 vs the 7Mag but couldn’t find a rifle I liked in a 7Mag with a 20-22” barrel. Was sold on the tikka in 30-06 with the 22” barrel til I ran across the Bergara in 7PRC with a 22”. Just checked out both in person and I think I like the bergara a bit more than the tikka t3x lite.

If your running suppressed I’d go up to a 308. 7mm-08 if you like that.

My 270Win will send a 150 grain Partition nearly 3000fps from its 22” barrel.

A stainless Tikka Lite for less than $700 and a $300 scope is a great package that is hard to beat for a long range shooting/hunting package.

Tikka 30-06.

Accurate and available. Lot's of options already loaded for the 06 as well. Can't go wrong.

I was looking at those to begin with but want a threaded barrel. Looks like you have to step up to the Veil’s to get threads. I had my mind made up on the tikka 30-06 for the past couple weeks til I ran across the bergara. Finally got hands on the tikka earlier at cabelas. Wasn’t bad, but it’s at the same price point at the begara carbon ridge and I liked the bergara slightly more than the tikka.

You can get the Tikka threaded by a gunsmith. You can buy a stainless Tikka Lite online for $722. Tikka has a $75 rebate right now. The blued ones are cheaper.

That ^^^^^^^^

So many options for Tikka's when it comes to upgrading and swapping components as well. It's basically the modern equivalent to the model 700 Remmy.

Thanks for all the input but I ended up going with the Bergara Carbon Ridge in 7PRC.
Looked at the Christensen Mesa’s pretty hard but didn’t like the 1/2x28 thread pattern on the barrels.

Ain’t a thing wrong with that rifle. Great choice.