7mm caliber choice for my first custom build?

[Downeast]

Thinking of having my first rifle build for F class style shooting. Right now I'm shooting a .284 Winchester in a Savage 12 with a 30 inch Brux barrel and an aftermarket trigger. I've attended a match or two but really find more pleasure and joy shooting against myself and a few friends.

My question is should I stay with the straight 284? Right now I'm sitting on over a thousand pieces of unfired still-in-the-box .284 Peterson and Lapua brass.

Some have told me to switch to the 7PRC? Is it worth it?

 

[Fuj]

Stick with the 284.....I shot a 12 PTA, 30" Brux for a couple of years, and
other then my shortened 284 cats, I never viewed the PRCs as anything
really better. If you must though, put a Shehane reamer in that barrel and
fire form the brass you have......

 

[Evlshnngns]

Lots of cleans were shot with a straight 284.

By going prcw you gain 100+fps and stronger brass. What else?

 

[std7mag]

I agree with @Fuj.

284 Win has proven itself.
If you want more ompf, go with the Shehane.

Plus you already have the brass.
Why increase the expense?

 

[marchx]

7prcw is just shehane in better case, isn’t it?

 

[Ranger188]

If you were trying to be competitive nationally, then maybe change.
But if you are trying to improve yourself, then stay with the 284 for a bit longer.
Nothing wrong with it and as others have said it's a proven winner.
Get a 8.5 or 9 tw and some Berger 180g hybrids and call it a day.
You might gain a little bit with the 7-6.5 PRC
They are always trying some new design. In a couple years another caliber
might come out.

 

[dthomas]

I would stick with the 284 if you have 1000 new cases. If you want to shoot the prc later all you need is a new bolt.

 

[swd]

A less than perfect wind call has a lot more of an effect than the difference between a 284 and a 7/6.5 PRC. Unless your at the top of the HM list you won't see a difference.