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7mm PRC Ammo

7 PRC Ammunition: In Depth

The 7mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is a relatively new entry in the world of long-range shooting, quickly gaining popularity among precision rifle enthusiasts, long-range hunters, and competitive shooters. Introduced by Hornady in 2022, this cartridge was designed to push the boundaries of 7mm performance, offering an optimal balance of high velocity, exceptional ballistic coefficients, and manageable recoil. The 7mm PRC has quickly established itself as a formidable option for those seeking extended range capabilities in both hunting and target shooting applications.

History and Development

The 7mm PRC is a product of Hornady's continuous innovation in the precision shooting market. Its development was driven by the growing demand for cartridges that could deliver exceptional long-range performance while remaining practical for real-world applications.

Key points in the history and development of the 7mm PRC include:

  • Conception: The idea for the 7mm PRC emerged from Hornady's success with previous precision cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 PRC. The goal was to create a 7mm cartridge that could outperform existing options in terms of velocity, energy retention, and wind drift resistance.
  • Design Process: Hornady's engineers worked to optimize the case design, choosing a non-belted magnum case with a standard magnum bolt face. This design allows for efficient powder burn, high velocities, and compatibility with existing long-action rifles.
  • Testing and Refinement: Extensive testing was conducted to ensure the cartridge met the high standards set for precision and consistency. This included evaluating various bullet weights and designs to determine the optimal loadings.
  • Official Introduction: Hornady officially announced the 7mm PRC in August 2022, introducing it alongside a range of factory ammunition options and reloading components.
  • SAAMI Standardization: The 7mm PRC was quickly standardized by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI), ensuring consistent specifications across the industry.
  • Market Adoption: Following its introduction, the 7mm PRC saw rapid adoption by rifle manufacturers and enthusiasts, with several major firearms companies announcing rifles chambered for the new cartridge within months of its release.

The 7mm PRC was developed to address perceived limitations in existing 7mm cartridges, offering:

  • Higher velocities than traditional 7mm magnums
  • Improved barrel life compared to some other high-velocity 7mm options
  • Optimized case design for consistent powder burn and accuracy
  • Compatibility with high-ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets for superior long-range performance

Performance

The 7mm PRC offers impressive ballistic performance, particularly in long-range shooting scenarios. Key performance characteristics include:

  • Velocity: Factory loads typically achieve muzzle velocities between 3,000 and 3,150 feet per second (fps) with 175-180 grain bullets. This high velocity contributes to the cartridge's flat trajectory and energy retention at extended ranges.
  • Energy: Muzzle energy generally ranges from 3,500 to 3,900 foot-pounds, depending on the specific load. This puts it ahead of cartridges like the 7mm Remington Magnum and close to some .300 magnum loads.
  • Trajectory: The 7mm PRC boasts an exceptionally flat trajectory, thanks to its high velocity and the use of high BC bullets. This flat trajectory reduces the need for significant holdover at long ranges, simplifying long-distance shots.
  • Wind Drift: The combination of high velocity and high BC bullets results in excellent wind drift resistance, a critical factor in long-range accuracy.
  • Recoil: While recoil is subjective and depends on rifle configuration, the 7mm PRC generally produces less felt recoil than larger magnum cartridges while delivering similar downrange performance.
  • Accuracy: The 7mm PRC is capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality rifles. Its efficient case design and consistent powder burn contribute to shot-to-shot consistency.
  • Effective Range: In capable hands and with quality equipment, the 7mm PRC can be effective at ranges exceeding 1,000 yards for target shooting and 500-600 yards for ethical hunting, depending on the specific application and conditions.

Applications

The 7mm PRC is well-suited for a variety of shooting applications:

  • Long-Range Hunting: Ideal for big game hunting at extended ranges, offering flat trajectory, high energy retention, and excellent terminal performance on medium to large game.
  • Precision Rifle Competition: Well-suited for competitions like the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and National Rifle League (NRL), where long-range accuracy and wind-bucking ability are crucial.
  • Target Shooting: Popular among long-range target shooters and enthusiasts looking to push their skills at extended distances.
  • Tactical/Military: While not currently adopted by military forces, its performance characteristics make it a potential candidate for specialized long-range applications.
  • Handloading: Attracts handloaders who enjoy optimizing loads for extreme accuracy and performance.

Available Firearms

As a relatively new cartridge, the list of firearms chambered in 7mm PRC is growing. Here are some notable options:

  • Bolt-Action Rifles:
    • Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle (MPR)
    • Fierce Firearms CT Rival
    • GA Precision Gladius
    • Gunwerks Magnus
    • Mossberg Patriot Long Range
    • Proof Research Glacier Ti
    • Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Target
    • Savage 110 Elite Precision
    • Seekins Precision Havak HIT Pro
  • Custom Rifles: Many custom rifle builders offer 7mm PRC as a chambering option.
  • Barrel Options: Several barrel manufacturers produce barrels in 7mm PRC for custom builds or rebarreling projects.

As the cartridge gains popularity, it's likely that more manufacturers will introduce rifles chambered in 7mm PRC.

Available Ammunition

While the 7mm PRC is a new cartridge, there is a growing selection of factory ammunition available:

  • Hornady:
    • 175 grain ELD-X Precision Hunter: 3,000 fps
    • 180 grain ELD Match: 3,000 fps
    • 160 grain CX Outfitter: 3,150 fps
  • Federal:
    • 155 grain Terminal Ascent: 3,175 fps
    • 175 grain Terminal Ascent: 3,000 fps
  • Nosler:
    • 160 grain AccuBond Long Range: 3,110 fps
    • 175 grain AccuBond Long Range: 2,980 fps
  • Browning:
    • 150 grain BXS: 3,185 fps
    • 175 grain STRIKE: 2,930 fps
  • Handloading Components: Major bullet manufacturers like Berger, Sierra, and Nosler offer component bullets suitable for handloading 7mm PRC.

When selecting ammunition, it's important to consider your specific application (hunting vs. target shooting) and to ensure compatibility with your firearm's twist rate.

Comparisons

To better understand the 7mm PRC's place in the shooting world, it's helpful to compare it to other popular long-range cartridges:

  • vs. 7mm Remington Magnum: The 7mm PRC typically offers 100-200 fps higher velocity with similar bullet weights, resulting in flatter trajectory and better long-range performance.
  • vs. .300 Winchester Magnum: The 7mm PRC achieves similar velocities with less recoil, while the .300 Win Mag has a slight edge in energy for heavier bullets.
  • vs. 6.5 PRC: The 7mm PRC pushes heavier bullets at similar velocities, offering more energy and potentially better performance on larger game, with a small increase in recoil.
  • vs. .28 Nosler: The .28 Nosler can achieve higher velocities but at the cost of increased barrel wear and recoil. The 7mm PRC offers a more balanced approach for many shooters.
  • vs. 7mm WSM: The 7mm PRC typically offers higher velocities and better long-range performance while being more widely adopted by rifle manufacturers.

7 PRC Bullets: FAQs:

Yes, its high velocity, flat trajectory, and excellent energy retention make it well-suited for ethical long-range hunting of medium to large game.

The 7mm PRC generally produces less felt recoil than larger magnum cartridges like the .300 Win Mag while delivering similar downrange performance.

While not as common as some established cartridges, availability is improving as major manufacturers add 7mm PRC to their lineups. It's wise to check local availability or consider online retailers.

In many cases, long-action rifles with a standard magnum bolt face can be converted to 7mm PRC with a barrel change. However, it's best to consult a qualified gunsmith.

Most 7mm PRC rifles come with a 1:8" twist rate, which is suitable for stabilizing the heavy, high BC bullets typically used in this cartridge.

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