392: 6.5 PRC vs 270 Winchester Caliber Comparison

392: 6.5 PRC vs 270 Winchester Caliber Comparison

Author: John McAdams October 9, 2025 Duration: 54:01

The legendary 270 Winchester celebrates its 100th 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.

Sponsor: Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday.

Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to suggest future episode topics (I chose this specific episode in response to Patreon suggestions) and also obtain access to all my bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter 

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.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

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


John McAdams hosts the Big Game Hunting Podcast, a conversation grounded in the realities of pursuing game across continents. Each episode feels like a detailed campfire talk, moving from the technical specifics of terminal ballistics and caliber selection to the raw, unforgettable narratives from the field in Africa, North America, and beyond. McAdams brings together a global community, with voices ranging from seasoned industry professionals to fellow hunters who call in with their own experiences. The focus is always on practical knowledge and authentic stories, stripping away any pretense to get to the heart of what hunters actually want to discuss. By sharing his own journey of learning and improvement, McAdams creates a space where curiosity and respect for the wilderness drive the dialogue. Tuning into this podcast means joining a serious yet accessible exchange where the complexities of the hunt are explored without filter. New conversations are released every Thursday, offering a consistent dose of insight and camaraderie for anyone passionate about the pursuit.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!
Podcast Episodes
430: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Jim Harmer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:51
Jim Harmer (aka Backfire on YouTube) is back on the show and we discuss a subject I know you'll enjoy: our favorite cartridges for hunting virtually any species of big game. We play little game where Phil and I each list…
429: Is The New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak The End of the 6.5 PRC? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:02
Federal has taken the high-pressure case technology first seen in the 7mm Backcountry and applied it to the 6.5 Creedmoor, creating the new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak. This new ammunition promises to deliver 6.5 PRC level perfo…
428: 5 Guns Every Hunter Should Own [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:53
If you could only choose 5 guns to hunt with for the rest of your life, what would they be? Join me as I answer that very question as I lay out practical recommendations for a well-rounded five-gun battery that covers ev…
427: Weatherby Rifles & Cartridges Explained With Tyler Grethen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:40
In this episode, John McAdams sits down with Tyler Grethen, Marketing Director at Weatherby, for a comprehensive look at one of America's most storied firearm manufacturers. Tyler shares the fascinating history of Roy We…
424: 300 HAM'R: Bill Wilson's 3,300+ Hogs, Zebra, Wildebeest, & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:24
Bill Wilson, founder of Wilson Combat, shares the story behind the 300 HAM'R — the AR-15 cartridge he designed to outperform the 300 Blackout and match the legendary 30-30 Winchester out of a 16″ barrel. In this wide-ran…
423: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Phil Massaro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:47
Phil Massaro is back on the show and we discuss a subject I know you'll enjoy: our favorite cartridges for hunting virtually any species of big game. We play little game where Phil and I each list our favorite cartridge…