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

Hopefully accuracy is phenomenal, Hornady claims 3000 fps out of a 24" barrel with the 175 ELD X load.

I think we've established that what Hornady claims, and what's being achieved, are 2 different things. Why I'm handloading for this cartridge. I do have factory Hornady 180 ELD-M and 175gr ELD-X ammo on hand for reserve. Hoping the backordered Garmin shows sooner than later, so I can get at it.

Yup. I am going to start collecting dies, etc. Have H1000 on hand.

I've loaded rounds using H4831sc, Retumbo and H1000 but not willing to burn powder yet until I know what they're doing...

Not quite apples to apples but ran a pressure ladder with my 7mm RM this week with 175 gr ABLR. Reached 3035 with Re26, 2980 with H1000, and 2955 with Retumbo. I did break 3000 with Retumbo but had really stiff bolt lift so stopped short. 2955 is the highest vel w/o pressure signs. Also, the rifle is a Kimber Ascent and comes with a 26" barrel. My plan is to make it a 24" barrel - now that I know I can break 2900 with a 175, which was my original goal.

It would seem the 7 PRC, with almost identical case capacity as the 7 RM, should get close to 3000 ft/sec with a 175 in a 24" barrel.

Whacking off 2” of barrel should likely reduce your FPS about 50, IME. So you should easily break 2900 with those loads. A PRC with capacity virtually the same will do no better in same barrel lengths as your REM mag.
My 7 REM mag will do much the same as yours, given its 25” barrel. My Mashburns touch 3100 with that bullet in my 24” barrels, no pressure signs that I can detect but accuracy isn’t great. Backed down to 3050 or so and they group nicely. They seem to be a lot more finicky than regular Accubonds.

I also just picked up some Berger Hybrid Target 190gr to add to the mix...

My RAR shoot factory 180’s at 2800 into groups like these, 24” snout.