7 mm mag conversion

[kochie]

i have a 7 mm mag paddle tail ruger thinking about changing it to a 7 PRC with a 8 twist barrel what you guys think?

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

Case head is the same, OAL is similar.
Slightly more taper in the 7mm Rem Mag, but probably not anything that would be an issue.
Great rifle, although you will find very little love for Rugers around here!

 

[kochie]

i have a 7 mm mag paddle tail ruger thinking about changing it to a 7 PRC with a 8 twist barrel what you guys think?

for hunting mostly but some target shooting.

 

[kochie]

for hunting mostly but some target shooting.

well it's a old paddle tail plastic stock been shot very little bought it from my brother in-law for $400 dollars so i thought it was worth it .

 

[L.Sherm]

What will the 7PRC do that the 7 mag wont?

 

[kochie]

What will the 7PRC do that the 7 mag wont?

well with the faster twist barrel can shoot heavier & higher BC bullets with more velocity.

 

[AckleymanII]

To see any major changed in accuracy, you are going to have to change stocks. I don' t know if there are any differences in the 7 PRC and the 7 Rem mag in terms of accuracy, and the BS about the belt can be ignored.

I would suggest that you add a Gentry muzzle break to your existing rifle, float the magazine box, freefloat the barrel, remove the center screw, or only tighten it with your fingernail and see what kind of groups you are getting. I added those stick-on wheel weights in the forearm, which helped the accuracy of my 270 boat paddle stock tremendously.

If you are not shooting 180g+ bullets, no need to run an 8 Twist.

Every Rem 700 that I own with a wood stock shoots 3/8" and better, pillar bedded, bbl floated, upgraded trigger, high power glass. I have had Savage and Browning A bolts that shot extremely well, sub 1/2" depending on the load.

Heed what I mentioned on the Ruger tweeks, as it produces some very fine shooting rifles.

 

[kochie]

To see any major changed in accuracy, you are going to have to change stocks. I don' t know if there are any differences in the 7 PRC and the 7 Rem mag in terms of accuracy, and the BS about the belt can be ignored.

I would suggest that you add a Gentry muzzle break to your existing rifle, float the magazine box, freefloat the barrel, remove the center screw, or only tighten it with your fingernail and see what kind of groups you are getting. I added those stick-on wheel weights in the forearm, which helped the accuracy of my 270 boat paddle stock tremendously.

If you are not shooting 180g+ bullets, no need to run an 8 Twist.

Every Rem 700 that I own with a wood stock shoots 3/8" and better, pillar bedded, bbl floated, upgraded trigger, high power glass. I have had Savage and Browning A bolts that shot extremely well, sub 1/2" depending on the load.

Heed what I mentioned on the Ruger tweeks, as it produces some very fine shooting rifles.

ok thanks very informative information.

 

[kyotekiller25]

Just keep the 7 mag. The PRC will do absolutely nothing for you. I'd get a timney trigger and a 4 port brake and see what it does. It shouldn't have much trouble shooting under 1 MOA then with good handloads. I've had several of those old boat paddle Rugers and they all shot very well with just a trigger, brake, and handloads.

 

[slm9s]

Those boat-paddle Rugers have a big following and can bring good money. IMO you'd be better off selling it and buying whatever modern (fast twist for heavy bullets) hunting rifle you like.
Depending on condition you might get $800-$1200. Let's say you get $800. If you were to rebarrel it, you'd need a barrel, (I assume) gunsmith fees, dies, brass; probably $600 spent at least. Take that $600 you'd spend plus the $800+ from selling it and now your $1400 can buy a hell of nice hunting rifle. Some Seekins PH2's are selling for that.
Good luck.

 

[AckleymanII]

+1

A wood stock Tikka would be a great upgrade, and I mean upgrade!

 

[Rtheurer]

that 7mm PRC wont do anything that the 7mm Rem Mag wont do. Despite the massive and extremely persuasive Hornady marketing machine will tell you. (They are so dam good at that. It almost impresses me how they do it) But at the end of the day. External Ballistics are almost identical.

 

[kochie]

ok guys thanks maybe just keep it and buy a separate rifle.

 

[kochie]

that 7mm PRC wont do anything that the 7mm Rem Mag wont do. Despite the massive and extremely persuasive Hornady marketing machine will tell you. (They are so dam good at that. It almost impresses me how they do it) But at the end of the day. External Ballistics are almost identical.

ok thanks maybe just keep it and get a different rifle .

 

[L.Sherm]

well with the faster twist barrel can shoot heavier & higher BC bullets with more velocity.

The faster twist isn't gonna do anything for velocity.
Between the two same twist and bullet you won't see squat of a difference.
I load for my Nephews 7 mag with 180 Bergers and it shoots great at 2950fps
I sent him some Random stuff I threw together to try V568 and it showed promise with extra speed as soon as hunting season is over and I get my hands on the gun I'm gonna test it fully.
Now you tell me a 7 PRC can do better not even close to really trying.
I guarantee you refined powder charge and seating depth it will be easily .5 m.o.a at my usual 665

 

[MClark]

that 7mm PRC wont do anything that the 7mm Rem Mag wont do. Despite the massive and extremely persuasive Hornady marketing machine will tell you. (They are so dam good at that. It almost impresses me how they do it) But at the end of the day. External Ballistics are almost identical.

This is the story of most new super cartridges. Lots of hype from manufacturers and internet but no real difference compared to older ones. Especially with a hunting rifle under field conditions.

 

[AckleymanII]

enthusiasm promotes sales.

 

[STOMP442]

7PRC is the most underwhelming cartridge I have ever come across. In my experience with it, max loads out of numerous powders put it right around 2850fps with 180s. I have never seen a 7 mag not do 2900 plus with relative ease and excellent accuracy. A standard 9 twist stabilizes a 180 class bullet just fine and the 8 twist is only needed if you are planning on running the 190-195s but the heavier weight doesn't really do you much good if you are running it 100-150fps slower. I have messed with handfull of 7PRCs now either custom built or factory rifles in the shop for a tune up and haven't been impressed by any of them nor been able to get close to all the gun mag / internet hype behind it.

 

[kochie]

7PRC is the most underwhelming cartridge I have ever come across. In my experience with it, max loads out of numerous powders put it right around 2850fps with 180s. I have never seen a 7 mag not do 2900 plus with relative ease and excellent accuracy. A standard 9 twist stabilizes a 180 class bullet just fine and the 8 twist is only needed if you are planning on running the 190-195s but the heavier weight doesn't really do you much good if you are running it 100-150fps slower. I have messed with handfull of 7PRCs now either custom built or factory rifles in the shop for a tune up and haven't been impressed by any of them nor been able to get close to all the gun mag / internet hype behind it.

ok guys thanks for information

 

[L.Sherm]

Stomp has great advice.
If you want to run 195's you need to be in 28 Nos territory to see much benefit.