I don’t find barrel life bad. I have chronographed my factory loads at 2682 (hornady eld match 140gr). I made some handloads with 147gr eld match, and came in at 2710.
I’ll probably build a 300 PRC this year for more range, but you’re right, there are better choices for a mile and more.
The US army is using 6.5 in some application, so it’s definetly going places. They had a team shoot a range with their semi auto 308 (Think it was seals if memory serves) and the same team went through the same range with 6.5 semi and scored 50% more hits. I’d have to do some digging to find the article again. Reduced recoil and high ballistic coefficients combined with a good velocity equals great stopping power.
I like to bring up the benefits of the 6.5 because gun people are like horse people. “if it’s not a quarter horse, it’s not a horse.” that’s the way it is up here in rodeo land anyways. A lot of guys including myself would say it’s not a battle rifle if it’s not 308. I’ve since changed my mind, proving that an ol infanteer’s stubborn attitude can be overcome heh.
I just remembered about Billy Dixon’s 1538yd kill shot at Battle (2nd?) of Adobe Walls. 45-70 black powder, iron sights. 2 ranging shots, third shot kill. Years later he felt their was an element of luck.
Re; The horse people. A lot of quarter horses beat my Tennessee Walker in mounted shooting. He was a better trail horse and I miss him.