The 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) are both high-performance rifle cartridges designed to excel in long-range shooting, but they differ significantly in their ballistic performance, applications, and ideal target game animals. The 6.5 Creedmoor, introduced by Hornady in 2007, has gained immense popularity due to its excellent accuracy, moderate recoil, and suitability for long-range target shooting and hunting medium-sized game such as deer and antelope. Its ballistic performance is characterized by a muzzle velocity typically around 2,700 to 2,900 feet per second (fps) with a 140-grain bullet, offering a flat trajectory and impressive precision out to 1,000 yards and beyond. 

The 6.5 PRC, on the other hand, is a newer, more powerful cartridge developed by Hornady in 2018. It was designed to offer superior ballistic performance with a higher muzzle velocity, typically around 2,900 to 3,100 fps with the same bullet weight. This higher velocity results in a flatter trajectory, reduced wind drift, and more energy downrange, making the 6.5 PRC a better choice for extreme long-range shooting and hunting larger game. The increased powder capacity of the 6.5 PRC gives it a significant ballistic edge over the 6.5 Creedmoor, especially at extended distances, where maintaining velocity and energy is crucial.

In practical applications, the 6.5 Creedmoor is often preferred by competitive shooters and hunters who prioritize manageable recoil and ammunition availability, making it a versatile choice for target shooting and hunting game up to the size of elk at moderate ranges. 

Conversely, the 6.5 PRC is favored by long-range precision shooters and hunters targeting larger game animals such as elk, moose, and even some species of bear, due to its ability to deliver more energy on target and maintain higher velocity at long distances. While both cartridges benefit from the high ballistic coefficients of 6.5mm bullets, the 6.5 PRC's superior speed and energy make it particularly effective in scenarios where maximum range and stopping power are required. 

However, this increased performance comes with the trade-off of greater recoil and typically higher ammunition cost. Additionally, rifles chambered in 6.5 PRC may experience shorter barrel life due to the higher pressures involved. 

Overall, while the 6.5 Creedmoor remains a highly capable and popular choice for a wide range of shooting activities, the 6.5 PRC is emerging as a top contender for those who demand the utmost in ballistic performance for the most challenging long-range shooting and hunting situations.