I'm considering a new rifle (Thanks Scott <G>). Its been a while since I had a 7 mag of some sort and am looking at rifles. Somehow I've sold/loaned/given all my components for various 7mms over the years - 7 RM, 7WSM, 7 SAUM, 280 AI - which surprises me greatly. Apparently I'm starting over so why not the 7 PRC.

I've seen alot of mixed reviews on Bergara rifles through the years - some swear by them, some at them. All of the Beragra rifles I've handled have been heavier than anything I'd consider taking on a mountain hunt. But this Ridge Carbon supposedly weighs 6.5 lbs in 7 PRC. The Ridge Carbon seems twisted right for a 175 ELDX (1:8), has a 22" barrel, and holds 3 which I assume is in the mag, with a 4th in the spout.

The goal of said rifle is primarily elk, I'll likely develop a load with the 175 ELDX or 175 ABLR. Scope is underdetermined yet but likely a NF or Athlon Helos. I'd like to keep this at 8 lbs all up (rifle, mounts, scope) but could live with 8.5lbs max.

Anyone happen to have a Ridge Carbon and can offer thoughts? Any thoughts on the 7 PRC in a 22" barrel, esp velocity with 175 gr bullets?

Christensen has a PRC in their offerings (Ridgeline FFT) but have also heard mixed reviews of their rifles. Other rifles to consider with the above specs in mind?

Thanks.

Sakoluver post just below mine sheds some light on the 7 PRC vels. If folks only get 2800 with the 175 ELDX, I'd prob look elsewhere.......

I've taken the 180s up to 2910 or so from a 22" element. I think my 175g factory stuff I shot for brass was up around 2850- 2870 from a new 22".

I've noticed some significant differences between different lots of factory ammo so I pulled a few rounds down and found ball powder in one lot and stick powder in the other.

With a 24" barrel and reloading I think you could pretty easily get to 2950 with a 175.

Bb

Thanks Bb!

I have a Christensen Ridgeline, no problems at all with it, shoot tight groups, I’d buy another

From what I have read, Carbon Ridge is a carbon barrel with SS inner, and a CM/coated action. For the price point, the stock must be a cheaper version of what they have on their premier series. Wish they'd do the Canyon in 7 PRC. I wish someone would chime in on the stock on the Carbon Ridge.

I've got the Bergara B-14 Ridge Carbon Wilderness in 6.5 Creed, and my son has the Bergara B-14 Wilderness Ridge (all steel barrel) in 7mm Rem Mag. These photos were taken in October while hunting mule deer. Sadly, we didn't get a shot at a buck.






Typical Bergara actions, slick and fast to operate. The 7mm Rem Mag is quite accurate, this photo was when it had a 1" scope on it, since replaced with a 30mm. That's the ammo I worked up for my sons rifle with 150 ELD-X's at nearly 3200 fps.


I haven't quite hit that level of accuracy with the 6.5 Creed and the carbon barrel yet, but am having no trouble keeping it at or under MOA. I seem to shoot my sons rifle better than mine!

The stock... It's some sort of synthetic, feels pretty solid & sturdy. Doesn't wow me, doesn't turn me off either. Handles just fine. The carbon 6.5 is an easy rifle to hike with in the hills. Handles real nice.

Triggers on both are good, right around 2 pounds and crisp.

*Oh, I've also done a fair bit of loading for a 22" 7 PRC if you want some numbers for it.

Regards, Guy

BWinters - just checked my chrono data for the 22" 7 PRC I worked with last spring & summer:

With 71.1 Staball HD the 175 gr ELD-X averaged 2899 fps with an SD of 8. I was impressed. That's a max load according to Hodgdon and I had no trouble with it last June.

Regards, Guy

Thanks!

That is alot of HP from a 22" barrel.

Ya, I thought so. A 7mm 175 at roughly 2900 fps is great - my good ol' 7mm RM was doing that 20 years ago, but with a 24" barrel. Heck of a game-taking load.

Guy

For sure. Kind of a solid sweet spot for me.