7mm PRC release and perspective

[RegionRat]

The new wonder cartridge is being shown off with some news and reviews on the internet this week... the 7mm PRC

The design was sent to SAAMI and there are only a few in the hands of the early adopters for testing. I caught a video review on YouTube by gavintoobe where he shows two rifles he put together for the new cartridge and shows some numbers that I used for a perspective. I used his energy levels to balance an identical bullet for each of the PRC designs and just threw in something close for each one just to have a side by side.

Don't take these too serious since anybody could use a longer or shorter barrel or push the pressure up or down a little on their favorite, but here are some values from his video and a chart I threw together for perspective on how the new PRC compares to an available option.

The 7mm PRC appears to be a decent piece of brass with a decent shoulder angle that should help avoid the belt issues of the 7mm Rem Mag. At first glance, it appears to be an efficient design, but only time will tell. It will take it getting out into more hands for a better view of pressure, brass life, and barrel life. My guess is feed should not be a problem so it should make a decent hunting round.

Here is Gavin's chart and the video link.
7mm PRC Overview from gavintoobe



And here is a little perspective chart I threw together based on rough values for approximate energy values by comparison.



I used a middle of the road muzzle energy value for the 7mm Mag just to show a perspective, and it would be hard to know if the values for 7mm PRC are inflated or typical. On the upside, it sounds like it may be a decent belt-less cartridge to work with if the brass gets adopted by a high quality manufacturer like Lapua. Only time will tell. YMMV

 

[RegionRat]

Here is the Hornady Podcast on the 7mm PRC with their story. I will warn you it is like an hour long.
Hornady Podcast 7mm PRC story

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Just like putting new mag wheels on your truck.

 

[whatwind?]

This is a better analysis

 

[RegionRat]

From the video whatwind? posted.
Some case capacities he quoted. (ETA: his fired cases.)
28 Nosler 103 gr
7 LRM 88 gr
7 Mag 84.5 - 86.5 gr
7 PRC 83 gr (Hornady brass)
7 WSM 83 gr (Win brass)
7-270 82 gr (Win brass)
7 Max 75 gr (ADG brass)
7 SAUM 73 gr

 

[B23]

From the video whatwind? posted.
Some case capacities he quoted.
28 Nosler 103 gr
7 LRM 88 gr
7 Mag 84.5 - 86.5 gr
7 PRC 83 gr (Hornady brass)
7 WSM 83 gr (Win brass)
7-270 82 gr (Win brass)
7 Max 75 gr (ADG brass)
7 SAUM 73 gr

Remember he's basing these case capacities from fired and unsized cases so these numbers are going to be larger then what you will typically see because they are subject to how generous the particular chamber the brass was fired in is.

 

[RegionRat]

Edited to clear that up in case folks don't watch the video.

 

[msalm]

So how in the el is the PRC getting almost 200 FPS more than the 7 mag with less case capacity? I suppose there is capacity intrusion with a deeply seated bullet on the mag case, but that’s suspect IMO

 

[B23]

So how in the el is the PRC getting almost 200 FPS more than the 7 mag with less case capacity? I suppose there is capacity intrusion with a deeply seated bullet on the mag case, but that’s suspect IMO

It's all about "useable" case capacity, you're focusing on overall case capacity which is only one part of the equation. Also, I'd bet SAAMI max pressure is 65K for the PRC and probably only around 60K for the 7 Rem mag.

If a 7 Rem mag and 7 PRC were both built with the same SAAMI freebore as the 7PRC and they were both loaded to the same pressure with the same bullet in hypothetically identical barrels they would run essentially the same velocity.

But, in factory built guns where they are chambered to SAAMI spec chambers the 7 PRC has a significant "useable" case capacity advantage.

 

[msalm]

It's all about "useable" case capacity, you're focusing on overall case capacity which is only one part of the equation. Also, I'd bet SAAMI max pressure is 65K for the PRC and probably only around 60K for the 7 Rem mag.

If a 7 Rem mag and 7 PRC were both built with the same SAAMI freebore as the 7PRC and they were both loaded to the same pressure with the same bullet in hypothetically identical barrels they would run essentially the same velocity.

But, in factory built guns where they are chambered to SAAMI spec chambers the 7 PRC has a significant "useable" case capacity advantage.

I believe it’s more the pressure difference and hype. The new ‘wunder’ caliber. Is it better than the mag in a standard LA? Heck yeah, kind of like the creed family in a SA, just better design for the platform.

 

[effendude]

Another cartridge from Hornady? Who knew? All the gun press and magazines have articles on this new cartridge? No kidding? It has virtually the same capacities and performance as the other 7mm magnums, how creative! Wait, it doesn't have a belt, oh how fancy! They did a good job with the 6.5XC, I mean Creedmoor, they should have stopped there. Big yawn from a magnum rifle fan.
Scott

 

[Gargoyle]

I think this 7PRC will be beneficial for those long-range competition dudes that will make use of the subtle design features. Since this was posted in the hunting forum, I will say that my 7mm-08 with 120 Hammer hunters inside my self- restricted 500yds distance max limit has me placated.

 

[RegionRat]

I think this 7PRC will be beneficial for those long-range competition dudes that will make use of the subtle design features. Since this was posted in the hunting forum, I will say that my 7mm-08 with 120 Hammer hunters inside my self- restricted 500yds distance max limit has me placated.

I stopped trying to guess what the brass manufacturers decide to support and what they don't.

My guess is not worth two cents, but I am guessing that if Lapua adopts the 7 PRC, it will be a matter of time till someone from the upper ranks of F-Open gives it a try.

Many F-Open shooters are shy of magnums and seem to prefer to avoid recoil. The folks who can manage a magnum can win the day when conditions are tough. Even though the 284 and variants are pretty popular with the F-Open folks, there are often folks on the podiums with modern magnums.

One or two of these upper level shooters will probably give this a try sooner or later since it seems to fit the bill, but it will only be the folks who manage recoil well and they are in the minority.

Although all brass is hard to get these days, Lapua did decide to support the 300 PRC and the 6.5 PRC, so my guess is they will probably do this one too.

 

[B23]

I'd actually be surprised if Lapua wasn't one of the first to start making 7 PRC brass. If it gains enough popularity, I would expect ADG to jump in to making 7 PRC brass as well.

I can see this case getting the bejeezus wildcatted out of it, especially, with high quality brass. Straight neck downs creating 25-7PRC, 6.5-7PRC, 270-7PRC to all of those same but in some sort of "improved" case variation.

For me one of the first that comes to mind would be a 270 version shooting the 170 Berger's around 3100 from a 24in barrel. I know that would sure make older guys like my dad, who is a forever fan of 270's, perk up.

 

[RegionRat]

I got stuck waiting for the girls and watched this talk from GunWerks today. I will warn you it is another one of those hour long videos, but his perspective is valuable because of his background and experience with their 7 LRM. I tend to agree with most of his comments.
GunWerks 7 PRC overview podcast.

 

[RegionRat]

https://www.gunstop.com/products/re...prc-284-full-length-2-die-set?showHidden=true

 

[Beiruty]

There is no mention for the 7-300PRC with case capacity in 90s grains

 

[22BRGUY]

Until some powders get back on the shelves, I'll be holding off.

 

[AckleymanII]

So you know, My Remington 700, 7 Mag, 26" sporter barrel with 175g Nosler LRAB with R#26, 215's is shooting small groups(3/8") at 3030 fps, R#22 is 2850, have not tried Retumbo or IMR 7828 due to the accuracy of these two loads, Remington Brass.

7 prc will get you more mag length, but then a Wyatt's mag box in the Rem 700 for the 7 Rem mag quenches that thirst if need be. PRC may run better with the Ultra mag feed rails in the 700 actions, consult your gunsmith.

The only time I have had an issue with belts was with a 7 STW where the reamer was ground too tight for the winchester brass where I was shooting 140's at 3650 with IMR 7828, Larry Willis die would not fix this issue.

 

[nakneker]

I wasnt gonna drink the kool aid but I gave in, ordered a barrel, dies and found 10 boxes of ammo. Just need to get a stock, bottom metal and an action over to a a Zack at Old Dominion and try it out. I doubt it does much more than a 7 mag, I’ve had a few of those and always enjoyed them, it’s a very capable cartridge. I do think Hornady made a good case though. We shall see, should have the rifle in 7-8 months. I’ll get by on the Hornady factory loads and load their brass but the first chance I can get some quality brass I will, hopefully Lapua jumps in sooner than later.