Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 7 PRC Factory vs Handloads

There's been a few discussions recently on the 7 PRC and factory ammo velocities. Rather than tag onto one of the other threads, here are results with my Seekins Element (22" barrel). I initially bought 5 boxes of 175 ELDX and 180 ELDM ammo and shot most of that up before handloading for it.

1st session with handloads included 64 - 67 gr of H1000 and 64 - 67 gr of RL26, both with 180 Scenars and Fed 215M's. With the Magnetospeed and firing 1 round with each charge, results were as follows:

Factory 175 ELDX. 2726 fps

64 H1000. 2681.
65 H1000. 2762.
66 H1000. 2770. Light ejector mark
67 H1000. 2845. Noticeable ejector mark

64 RL26. 2833.
65 RL26. 2901. Light ejector mark
66 RL26. 2907. Noticeable ejector mark
67 RL26. 2957. Noticeable ejector mark

I decided on 65 RL26 and loaded a batch to finalize zero and hunt with. 2nd session with that load showed 2887, 2874 and 2882. Basically 2880 fps...

Comparing to my 7 SAUM (24" barrel), 61 gr RL26 and 180 Scenars gives me 2920 fps and no pressure signs. 61.5 gr gives ejector marks and slightly sticky bolt. I haven't experienced a sticky bolt in the 7 PRC but felt I should stop where I did based on ejector marks. Not sure what to think - seems the 7 SAUM equals the 7 PRC with less powder. FWIW, I'm using ADG 7 SAUM brass vs Hornady 7 PRC brass.

Good stuff, JG!

Thanks, for putting those numbers up. After almost 80 rounds on my Element in 7PRC. I averaged out at 2767 from boxed 175gr eldx ammo.

I’m headed to the range this second to shoot some preliminary speeds on a new Fierce Carbon Rage in 7PRC with a 24” tube.

My Garmin Xero C1 landed a couple days ago. Curious how the Garmin does. Just the small size alone of the Xero, if it does what it’s supposed to do. Will be a huge win over setting up my Labradar.

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Thanks for posting that JG.

Be interesting to see how better brass would act in the PRC.

In a 24", I would think factory ammo should get 2800-2850 and RE26 should get to 2950'ish.

Buddy of mine just sold me his Magnetospeed V3 so he could buy the Garmin. Haven't heard any reports from him yet, but it sounds great.

I've been wondering if the ejector marks are due to soft Hornady brass and there's more to be had with ADG or similar. I see ADG is now making 7 PRC.

I did find that neck tension varied somewhat when reloading the Hornady brass. Not confidence inspiring...

I was thinking the same thing myself. The loads and powder you used shouldn’t be straining or redlining anything. I guess you never know but those seemed pretty mild.

Hmm. I am trying to decide if a suppressed 7prc Element/180s will make all my other rifles obsolete.

Problem is that I can’t get ‘26.

From what I've been reading, quite a few folks are moving away from RL26 in favor of H1000 due to temp stability and consistency. Those doing so seem to feel the benefits are worth the velocity penalty. I have several lbs of both and will be comparing the two in more detail. So far, H1000 seems to group a little more consistently.

I located some ADG brass and have some ordered, so will start over with that soon.

I too found some ADG brass and ordered 100 pcs. I noticed ADG's notice to reduce loads due to their heavier brass and smaller volume cases, just like when using military brass. I've been using Hornady cases because that's what I have, looking forward to trying the ADG. Now if Garmin would just hurry up and get more Xero C1 Pro Chronographs on the shelves!

I still have boxes of Hornady 175gr ELD-X and 180gr ELD-M, but very interested in what some handloads will achieve. Not interested in trying to make my 7mm PRC a 28 Nosler, just the best 7mm PRC I can make it.

I’ll be watching!

Watching this thread with keen interest. I almost pulled the trigger on a Christensen Arms Mesa FFT but have not because of this very issue. Unless I can get 2900 with a 175 ABLR, I'm not switching from my 270/150 AB set up.

After gacking the numbers, I can't see me packing a rifle that weighs a pound more than my 270, with more recoil to gain 50 or so yards extra wind deflection margin. Meaning - assuming an elk has a 16" vital zone, to keep all bullets inside of 8" max wind deflection is the margin of error so to speak unless you hold for wind. Anything after about 380 yards requires a wind hold if wind is blowing. My 270 load keeps them inside 8" with a 10 mph wind out to 335 yards. The 7 PRC 175 ABLR at 2900 hits 8" at 380. If I wanted to run a 270/150 ABLR, it hits 8" at 365. All bullets mentioned are moving 22-2300 ft/sec at those distances - or fast enough to work. I would never shoot past 500 unless I was dealing with a wounded animal and have passed on animals past 400 more than a few times. Wind is something I don't take lightly. I've seen it blow 180 degrees different between me and my target when shooting across a canyon or ravine.

Possibly the biggest difference may be the frangible bullet thing - but if I'm being honest that is my biggest concern shooting the high BC bullets at significant speed. Anyone that knows me is aware that many of my elk were shot at bow distances in the timber. I think a ABLR would be OK but the ELDX still has me concerned because it's not bonded and I've seen alot of pics of pieces of ELDX bullets. I'd hate to splash one on a close quartering to shot at 2900 and end up with a rodeo.

In the end, if I can get 2900 in a PRC with a 22" barrel, I'll stick my toe in the high BC bullet game. I do think a 175 gr 'more frangible bullet' gives a margin of error on the splash effect. In my mind, the ABLR may be better for what I normally run into.

Hodgdon shows over 2900 and nearly 3k with every powder they list with the 175 ABLR in a 24” barrel. I don’t think it’ll be any big trick to make 2900 out of a good 22” barrel.

Hodgdon always seems to be the most grounded and trustworthy in my opinion of what’s possible.

Agreed on Hodgdon, although will say, I routinely get a bit more velocity than they do with the same charges. The weird thing is that almost all other powder and bullet maker data says the same thing on the PRC. I'm doubly perplexed on the discrepency because I've owned more than a few 7 mags and 2900 with a 175 was no big deal. I'm starting to think there is something with the Horn brass. I shoot alot of Horn brass (308, 6.5) and have never had an issue. I'm hoping the guys on this thread reshooting with ADG brass post results. I really want to try the 7 PRC - a 22" barrel, 8lb shooting a high BC bullet covers 99% of the animals and ground I hunt.

It’s certainly where I’ve gotten to myself. Works great for my hunting.

I'm curious about your 270 load with the 150 ABLR. I'm also working with that bullet and RL26 in a 1:9 Fieldcraft and getting some inconsistent pressure signs.

In the 7 PRC, I've no doubt that 2900 with 175's is doable in a 22" barrel with RL26, but not sure about other powders.

The ADG brass is great brass it stacks up right with Lapua
The 7 won't be immune to clicker problems either running the ADG without the back end opened up to .535 especially at the 2900fps. Manson even puts it on there website there reamers are saami except they have .535 at the .200 line

I followed DeanA down the ADG brass path this morning. I have a box coming to try against some once fired Hornady brass casings.

I’m also doing a bullet change out. Again, DeanA lead me to a sample pack of 170gr Hammer bullets I’m going to try along with some 168gr VLD Hunting Bergers. Heck, I’m certain I can at the very least generate some consistent velocity that I’ve been struggling to obtain from my boxes of Horn 175gr eldx ammo.




**I used my Garmin Xero C1 Chronograph yesterday to check some early speeds on my Fierce 7PRC and Fierce Mini Rogue in 6.5 CM. There isn’t anything I hate about the Garmin Xero. For me, it’s a game changer just in portability and ease of set up.

It’s an extremely small unit - palm sized. Even my cell phone is bigger. It comes in a box with a charging cable and small legged tripod that screws into the bottom of the unit. You charge the unit for 4 hours after opening the box. Then you’re ready to set up for shooting.

The Garmin is feature rich with pairing to your cell phone via the Shotview App for those who like stored data on their phone. The unit also allows you to enter a specific bullet you’re shooting - if you want kinetic energy and power factor information. Or, go with simple choreographed speed, without the nuisance of bullet type being fired.

The Xero C1 is using Doppler like Labradar. One could assume Garmin has targeted Labradar users and hoping to take market share and then some from them.

The small unit is extremely easy to get setup and ready for capturing a fired round. I’m far from a tech geek, but where I would sometimes struggle remembering what I needed to do to get my Labradar on ready. I had no issues like that with the Xero C1. It’s very intuitive with simple button pressing to manage and maneuver through the screen.

Another feature of the Garmin, is there isn’t a time limit to get a shot off, like the Labradar would go into sleepy mode. Then you have to hit the button to wake it up. I hated that. I would always feel rushed to take a shot. My eyes were always looking to see if the orange light was still on the LRDR if I was taking longer to get comfortable. The Garmin just sits there waiting, almost indefinitely to capture your shot.

Positioning the Garmin, when using a rifle is a lot simpler than the LBRD. With the LBRD, you must remember where the unit needs to sit in relation to a naked muzzle, which is a different position than if you have a break or suppressor attached. I placed the Garmin where my barrel met the forend of the stock. Worked perfectly. No error reading. I would typically get one or more error readings from my LBRD.

The Garmin is a simple. Just point in the direction of the target (no alignment sight) just point it and place the unit 5” to 10” behind the muzzle on either side of the barrel. Readings from fired shots are fast. I don’t know if the readings on the unit appear faster than a LBRD or a MagnetoSpeed, but it’s an extremely fast reading.

For portability and set up on a shooting table. There’s no comparison to the Xero C1. It’s light as a feather, taking up little to no room on a bench. My LBRD was a PITA to get squared away on my bench.

Smaller is better. Lighter is better. Features are better. Set up for game on, is simpler. To me the Garmin kills the competition in everything that is important to me.

The only question is…How’s its long term durability going to be? That’s the unknown. Guessing I will find out over time.

I forgot. The Garmin does Bow, Pistol, and Airgun as well. With specific settings for each weapon.

I say get one.



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My load so far with my Mossberg patriot (El Cheapo)




I painted her so she is "somewhat Prettier".....If I dare to use the word. LOL







All velocities from my FX True Ballistics---Love it!



Still working up withthe heavier bullets

Fortis,

How do you like your Vortex LHT scope?

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Great info Beav. Mines on BO from Grafs, but all the stuff you mentioned is why I ordered one up. Pretty excited to use it.

I am thinking it is going to make a huge dent into others share of the market.

How's the battery consumption? Any issues for a normal few hour range trip?

I used the 150 ABLR in my old Tikka with 26 and man, it shot like crazy right over 3K. Other rifles I have not been so lucky with, but that rifle, man, it would shoot them!









Sorry to sidetrack the post, but I figured I'd throw this up since it's what we're measuring the PRC up against. I wouldn't be scared of trying H4831, Magnum, or even RL16/H4350, etc since they'll all likely get into the 2900 range I'd think.

I haven't worked up a load with theb150 ABLR. My current load is Re under a 150 AB for a shade over 2900 from a 24" Kimber. Shoots a bit less than MOA with 5 shots.

Given the unobtainium nature of Re 26, I'd be inclined to use H1000.

Scotty, I’m not certain at this time. I only had the Garmin running for approximately 45 minutes. As of now, the unit isn’t showing any indication that the battery has any usage on it.

A guy could easily plug the charging cable of the Garmin into a portable battery and have ample time for a day at the range. I bought a block battery for the Labradar that I will use for the Garmin.

I would suggest buying a solid, hard case for the unit, tripod, and cable. I went with a Pelican Vault V100 for $45 bucks at Amazon.

Too me, it’s good money spent to protect this small unit.

Link..Copy and paste, I guess.

https://www.amazon.com/Vault-Pelican-Multi-Purpose-Equipment-Electronics/dp/B0B946VWWG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=IAC97DGGJ3ZC&keywords=PELICAN+vault+v100&qid=1701109667&sprefix=pelican+vault+v100%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-4





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JG,

Apologies. Not meaning to hijack your thread.


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I have 4 of them. Some on my WBY's They are great highly recommend. With Vortex I only use the Razor series. Probably overkill but.......

Nice. Poke an critters with the 150ablr?

I am averaging 2897 fps in my 26" Bartlein 8 twust and Hornady factory 175 ELD X loads. No ejector marks, no clickers but try gunsmith used a larger reamer at the .200 line. Rest is SAAMI.

I will check velocity again but I won't be surprised if it speeded up as the barrel gets broken in. Happened before with other chamberings. My ballistic app is giving me 2925 per trajectory validation .

No problem Beav - I want to hear about the Garmin!

Nope, sure haven't. I developed the load then eventually jettisoned the rifle for something else and I haven't tried them in my 70's. I don't think I'd be disappointed though, seeing how the 175's worked in a 7mm on stuff.


Great idea and I just happen to have one of them at home I got for a pistol that didn't end up fitting. Thank you

Federal sent my some 7 PRC ammo loaded by their custom shop with the 170gr Terminal Ascent. Velocity is right at 2900 with a 22” barrel.

I am betting that'll be a fan favorite bullet. All the rest of that line has worked like crazy on elk and deer for us. I'd love to get some of those 170's for the Mashburn when/if they ever make them as components.

Thanks. I got a couple untested. One sits on a 7PRC the other on a 7WSM.

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I have a small pelican case that I forgot about.

I bought a nice padded soft case with a cable pocket from Cole Tac. They had it for 15% off and free shipping on black Friday. Made especially for the Garmin.

Now to get the Garmin ! LOL. Don't have one yet. I am supposed to wait on Santa.

No worries - I'm contributing to the sidetrack! I stopped at 60.0 and 58.0 gr RL26 in my Fieldcraft 270 with 150 and 165 ABLR's with these results:



I'm randomly getting a slightly sticky bolt and erratic grouping with the 150's. Some days it groups like the 165's and other days it's 1.5 MOA. I think I might be on the edge pressure wise and need to back down a bit. I'm using Starline brass which I know is heavier and may require a bit less powder.

That is some good shooting Scotty!

That load would be spectacular. I like the Federal line of bullets. Shot a few deer with the 30 cal 165 trophy bonded and they work great.

I used h4831sc and 180eldms to take my elk this year. I was at 2850fos from my 22" element.

I found two 8 pound cans of H1000 at a local shop Saturday for $340/8 pounder. Now that I have that extra 15 pounds of h1000 I think I'll switch to it. My rifle seemed to like it too and shot just as well as my h4831sc load did but showed a bit less pressure signs.


That shop got me in some trouble Saturday. They had several bullets for 50% off. What's a guy to do when they have 139g and 136g 6.5 lapua scenars for $26/100 but buy them all. They also had bunches of 308 eldms and eldx. Mostly just heavier ones from 195g up to 225g. I bought 16 boxes of the 225g so I'm going to have to get a 300 prc. I also got 3000 77g matchkings for $85/5000 and a bunch of 200g 44 cal xtps at $15/box.

I almost didn't stop in because it looked busy then that little stop cost mt about $3000. The only 7mm bullets left were 162g ssts for $20 and 154g interbonds for $35. I should have bought some of the interbonds. About 20 years ago I used 165g internonds in a 300 wsm and they killed stuff very well.

So you saved money.....

At least that's the logic my wife always uses.

One of the best threads I've read in a while. Thank you JG and everyone for the information.

I just tell my wife that ammo and components are better than money in the bank. She believes it after the last 3-4 panics.

Now I've got to figure out which 300 prc to get.

Bb

Interesting, I have a Manson 7PRC reamer that I bought shortly after the SAAMI spec was announced. Wonder if it falls in-line with the ".535 @ the .200 line".

I'll be interested to see what DeanA's results with the ADG brass are.

DeanA, what rifle do you have chambered in 7PRC?

What are the reaner issues going on with the 7 prc. A local shop said they had to return several 7 prcs to the manufacturers because the chambers were out of spec but they didn't elaborate on what it was. My element has been fine and shoots well.

Bb

Could be the same as the 6.5 and 300, If you reload and get about 4-5 reloads on brass start getting clickers withe the original sammi .532 reamer.
If you run nothing but factory ammo you will have no problem. Its seems to happen alot with ADG and Lapua but I know guys who have had it happen in Horny brass also. The fix is the PRC AW reamer, the AW stands for Alex Wheeler hes the one who came up with the .535 reamer that fixs the issue.
I had to do the same on my 30-28 Nos with ADG go from .552 to .554 to fix clickers.
If you look at saami specs they allow.001 tolerance i believe so if you have a reamer ground to saammi it could be .533 instead of .532 so it could be why there's some that don't have issue with horny brass.
I know when JGS sends me a print to approve for a reamer they say .0005 tolerance. I had a reamer ground from a previous reamer make i used that was .002 small at the .200 last time I used them because of previous issues and they wouldn't make good on it.

Sherm,

What does ‘clickers’ mean?

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The ADG and Lapua is thicker in the web area compared to Horny brass so as you resize them it work hardens. You can only get the them back to .531 a small base die won't even work alot of people tried because you can only squeeze a piece of brass so far.
I've had the same problem with the original Tod Kindler reamer design for 20 VT that was set up for Rem 221 fireball grass, then when Lapua started making 221 fireball brass and switch over then clickers started even the necks with the Lapua were thicker so everbodyvstarted opening up the .200 line and neck area if you wanted no turn.
I believe Alex released his print in late 2020 now JGS and Mansion build theres .535

Its at the very top of the stroke on your bolt when the primary extraction is trying to extract the case you get the sound of " click"and then it gets very hard to extract. If you hear a click its starting and only gets worse

Eric Cortina has a discussion on his YouTube channel, Alex may on his website and there a bunch of discussion on the PRC clickers on Accurateshooter, LRH and LRO I know.

Thanks.

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Some guys have polished out the back of there chamber and some have ran in an AW2 reamer by hand to fix the clickers.

My plan from the start with my 7PRC was to run with box ammo. Due to the inconsistency I’ve been seeing from the ammunition. I’m heading in the roll my own load direction.

I will be paying attention for clickers, when I’m shooting my own stuff.

Is there an approximated round count when this issue may show up?


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4-5 seems to be the number.
I'm sure we're you run it will matter on how many times also.

I'd never heard the term 'clickers' before, until mentioned in this thread. I've been spending some time this evening reading up on the subject to educate myself. In the following partial quotes from my earlier posts, I mentioned 'slightly sticky bolts'. What I observed is exactly what has been described here as a 'clicker', not a heavy bolt lift.


In my initial load development with the 7 SAUM, I worked up to 62.5 gr RL26 with 180 Scenars in new brass (ADG) with good accuracy throughout the range of loads and no observed 'clickers'. I observed ejector marks and 'clickers' at 61.5 gr RL26 with my first run with once fired brass. I resized the once fired brass with a Redding neck die, so no body sizing.


Same as in the 7 SAUM, 270 load development was in new brass (Starline). No observed 'clickers' in the new brass and good accuracy. I'm now working with once fired brass and observing 'clickers' and inconsistent accuracy with the 150 ABLR. I haven't shot the 165 ABLR in once fired brass. I resized the once fired brass with a RCBS full length die backed off the shell holder a touch.

It sounds like I need to revisit my die set-up and sizing process. I've learned a lot on this thread and want to thank everyone for all the great input.

So is it mostly the PRC's that are prone to the clicker problem? The issue being that the chamber dimensions of the saami spec reamers are too tight near the base or at the .200 line on the print?

Is it because the brass doesn't expand enough for the size die to work it back down? So a little more clearance allows the die to sized fired brass down enough to get clearance after a bit of bounce back from the brass.

I had a lot of problems with my 7 lrm that Gunwerks chambered for me. They had just had their own brass made by Hornady and the necks were too thick for their throat on their reamer. The fired cases came out with the same neck diameter as loaded rounds. My dies then weren't moving the necks and I had tension issues and had pressure issues.

I couldn't get the first few guys at gunwerks to listen to me. One was the owners brother and he told me i didn't know what i was talking about. I even sent the gun back with a nice clean bore. They sent it back to me with a nice clean bore saying it shot great. Finally I spoke with the owner Aaron I think it was and he said he'd personally look into it. He was pretty sharp and understood that a .284 bullet in brass with .018 walls didn't have any clearence in a .320 neck. Eventually they admitted the necks on that batch of brass were too thick for their reamer. Which i figured out really quick. I didn't want to turn all my necks so I got rid of it at a big loss.

I had high hopes that that 7 lrm was going to be just what I wanted. I kind of have the same hope for my 7 prc. I haven't loaded any brass enough times yet to know if my prc is a clicker. What's unfortunate is that is seems like these problems could be avoided with a minor change to the reamer spec. Unfortunately in this industry I doubt any manufacturers will change their reemers. Especially since it's a reloaders problem.

I was just looking at what 300 prc I wanted to buy but now I'll probably go custom and have it chambered with a bit looser reamer.

Bb

I just measured some fired brass and then sized it and measured again. I'm worried there may be some clickers in my future. At the .200 fired measured .531 and resized measured the same. New ammo was about .528 in that area. So I'm getting a bit of expansion but my die is not taking it back down any at that height. Once I get my brass fired a few times I may have a problem.

Typically I rarely used brass for more than 4-5 loads because I don't anneal the necks. But some brass is pretty expensive these days so I'm looking at the options for annealing and hoping to get more loads out of my cases.

Several of my custom rifles were chambered with minimum spec match type reamers. I often find that if my brass for them gets fired in a different rifle I can't resize them enough to get them to work in the custom. For example I had a 6.5 Creedmoor build right when the cartridge was announced. I sent a Bartlein 8 twist to stiller and had them chamber it on to one of their tac30 aw actions. The gun is incredible accurate but I shot some ammo I had loaded for it in a factory built gun. I then full length sized the brass but it will no longer work in the tac30aw. I even have a small base redding die that doesn't get the brass back to working in the custom. My 300 wsm on a predator with a brux barrel is the same way. Brass for those rifles stay with them. I had a good lot of Norma 300 wsm brass that I bought a bunch of and so I know if it's Norma brass it's for that rifle. My other 300 wsms are not allowed to use Norma headstamp so I can keep track and make sure tge brass wasn't fired in a different chamber.

I may have to rethink the whole min spec match thing. Sounds like your better off being a bit wider or at least wide enough that your die resizes the body a bit. It's really about finding a good match between a chamber and a sizing die so the body is sized as far down as possible at least a few thousandths.

Bb

WiFowler, I have a Fierce CT Rage with a 24" barrel.



sherm_61, thanks for the heads up, I'll definitely be watching to see how the ADG brass runs in this rifle.

I use the Redding Master Hunter die set with a FL sizing die and micrometer seating die. Also use a Hornady Chamber Guide to check my re-sized brass in after reading about some of the reamer/chamber issues being found with the 7mm PRC. To date, every piece of re-sized brass slides right in, and out, of the chamber guide. A while back I picked up some Hornady once fired so that I'd have some brass to reload right away without the need to make my own empties. That once fired brass is the hardest I've ever had to push brass into a FL sizing die, really have to be sure it's well lubed! My press is a RCBS Rock Chucker my dad got back in the 60's. Haven't resized,and fired, brass from my rifle yet, but will soon. The reloads from that once fired I picked up, chamber, fire and extract without issue. But now that I've heard about "clickers", I'm sure my rifle hypochondriac will kick in! Lol!

More to follow as I get deeper into this. I've also picked up an excellent Gentry Mountain Rifle in 7x57 that I'm starting to mess with as well. I do have a schoolboy crush on most anything .284"!

Fierce might use the .535 reamer.
the brass you bought may have been shot in a .535 chamber explaining why it sized down harder gotta squeeze it more.

Thanks! When I sized the very first piece of brass, it was hard enough that I double checked the sizing die that it was marked 7mm PRC! Lol! I'll get out a piece of the brass that's been fired in my rifle and "feel" how it sizes.

Very interesting. I called Christensen Arms last week and chatted with a guy about the 7 PRC and discrepency in velocities with 175 gr bullets, brass issues, and "clickers". He said Hornady changed the dimensions on their reamer for the 7 PRC in Aug which should solve the issue - at least according to him. I didnt ask the particulars of "changing the reamer dimensions" but suspect it is what you guys are discussing. He indicated they are using the new reamer since Aug. I'm trying to locate a post-Aug CA .Mesa FFT in 7 PRC to stick my toes in the 7mm/high BC bullet game.

Interesting on the reamer. Good info. I think I am going to go as light as possible to partially offset a suppressor on the end of it.

Hmm wonder why IF they did change to wait 3 years.
Might want to confirm with Hornady, I would think they would have to send to saami for that but not sure.
I just looked on the saami sight and the 7PRC print still says .532-.533 and no revisions.
I've not heard anything of Hornady changing there PRC dimensions.

That's a good idea. I'll give Horn a ring - but won't be real surprised if I get someone who doesn't know what a reamer is.......

I hope you find one. Should make a helluva elk rifle.

I called Hornady and talked to a tech that seemed to know what he was talking about. He had no knowledge of Hornady changing the reamer dimensions. He did indicate he had seen cases of carbon buildup and a few lots of ammo that didn't meet pressure specs (on the high side). All told he indicated their pressure tested data with their amo should easily reach 2950 ish in 24 inch barrels all things being equal. I wonder if some if the rifle mfrs have a bit of freebore in their chambering causing pressure, therefore, velocity to drop?

Sounds like the guy at Fierce didn't know what he was talking about.
Better to get it straight from the Horses mouth.
I doudt Horny gives a [bleep] as long as there factory ammo works

This likely won't be the first or last time a manufacturer of ammo is way off on specs. Seems like Federal is running faster which in my little experience is always about right.

Anyone tried VV N165?

Bergara Wilderness Hunter Sniper Gray Cerakote Bolt Action Rifle - 7mm PRC - 22in. Hornady Brass, 175 ELD-X, 100 Yds. 3 shot groups.



65 gr RL 26, fed 215 primer, COAL 3.29. Above

66.5 gr, VV N165, Fed 215 Primer, COAL 3.29. Below

Both of them have some promise to em. Did you catch any speeds?

No, here in MN we had a heat wave today, 43 degrees. I ran out to the range over lunch hour. I knew the 26 would shoot well, had been shooting the N165 first. would like to tune it a little more. VV is $10.50a pound cheaper around here. Hopefully we will have another nice day sometime soon. Just picked up the rifle about a month ago.

Have you tried H1000 yet?

I know guys have had good luck with 565

Used Ramshot LRT to move 175 Hornady ELD-X's at 2929 fps from a 22" Bartlein barrel.

The load was shooting into the .4's at 100 yards from the bench.

Sadly, I didn't get a shot at game with it this year.

Guy

Will try that next.

I'm just starting to work with H1000 but haven't shot it
enough to form an opinion. Comparing to RL26 in the 7 SAUM and 7 PRC, initial impression is possibly a little better accuracy, and 100 fps less velocity at similar pressues.

ADG brass showed up just as we're packing for a trip to Hawaii. Threw together some H1000 loads with 180 ELDM's and ran out first thing yesterday (had to leave for airport at 2 pm).

Hornady data shows max with 180's at 67.4 gr H100 and 2900 fps in a 24" barreled. I shot 64, 65, 66 and 67 gr. Grouping really tightened up at 66 and 67 gr and 2797 and 2830 fps respectively. At 100 yds (I mislabeled as 175 ELDX):




New Arken EPL4 4-16 shot from initial bore sight without touching turrets to achieve zero. No clickers or stiff bolt lift, but very slight ejector marks at 67 gr, but damn this thing wants to shoot! I feel like 67.5 gr is doable and should be 2850'ish in a 22" barrel which jives with Hornady's data in a 24" barrel.

Will continue with RL26 in ADG brass in a couple weeks - aloha from the beach

Holy smokes. That gun does want to shoot! Thanks for posting that

Just got home from a muzzleloader hunt and the ADG brass was waiting on me. Want to do some measuring of this brass, fired brass from my rifle, and sized brass from the Redding FL sizing die. The fired brass from my rifle is every bit as hard to re-size as the once fired I picked up.

Wow. That’ll be hard to whoop!

Those are smoking groups! Please keep us updated on the progress.

Well, I ordered up Hornady Match Grade dies for my 7PRC and some ADG casings that delivered. I have 100 once fired casings that came from Horns boxed 175’s that were frustrating me.

I’m usually a Redding house, but I could get the Hornady dies faster than Redding dies. By almost a week. So, I rolled the dice….and lost.

Horn dies land. They look good, but I noticed they require a separate bushing for loading. Fugg, that. Make the bushing a part of the die set, I figured. I boxed them up and they’re on the way back now.

I ordered up the Redding dies, so now I wait. I got brass, H-1000, and a few different bullets to try. I’m going to start out loading up these…





I’am shelving my personal, ass-hurt, feelers for Bergers and hoping they fly great with solid consistency.

Laffin

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Beav, You thought about the Sierra 165Gr TGK? .610BC Vs Berger’s .618 and the other TGK’s seem to be getting a good reputation. I ordered a box to try in a .280AI im having built.

Yes Sir, I do.






Jack, I have no first hand experience sinking these into a hide. Same for the 168gr Bergers, aside from a lot of glory stories I heard from guys that kill with Bergers.

Have you used the Sierra TGK’s before?


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Only the 90gr out of a .243. 75 yds on a 100lb WT, shoulder shot, exited. Heart was jello.
Deer are easy to kill though so not much of a test. Your elk hunting is way different than what we do.

Sierra bullets always give me great accuracy though.

Fellow Mashburn shooter ran those 165 TGK's through an elk, no drama. Left a dead elk behind with an exit. Seem pretty tough to me.

Roger that, Scotty!

Good to know a Wapiti isn’t immune to them.

Mortality matters!

Grins

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ADG brass showed up, nice stuff! Want to try the Hammer HHT 170gr first, so found some data for H4831, H1000 and Retumbo and loaded 5 each with the 15 bullet sample pack from Hammer. Found a replacement chronograph at Optics Planet, a Garmin Xero C1 Pro, that was stated as being in stock when ordered. 3 days later, received a back order email! So thinking by the time they went to fill my order, they were out of them. So, no shooting until that arrives. For factory ammo, I have Hornady 175gr ELD-X and 180gr ELD-M, and thinking I might pull some of those and load them in the ADG brass to compare with the factory loads. Also found some 190gr Berger Hybrids that have me thinking...

2850 fps average out of factory ELD-X for me today.

First 20 rounds through a 26” barrel, Remington 700 Long Range.

About what I'd expect - around 125 fps more in a 26" vs 22" barrel. 30'ish fps/inch of barrel...