Built a 7MM PRC to be a go to ELR Western Rifle

[Gamesniper19]

Have been working with wildcats, or non-standard SAAMI rifles for quite a few years. Truly enjoy the process and discovering new and interesting ballistics profiles for hunting. I primarily build them to feed my theory. Big heavy bullet, going as fast and accurate as I can to ensure in hunting conditions, even marginal shots kill cleanly.
For this project I wanted to make it simpler. Take known components that are easier to find, and currently offered reloading tools and processes, that make a fast 7mm for western hunting. I did a 7mm-300 PRC
For this rifle I really only changed one aspect of what is already a pretty good case. All I did was neck it to 7mm. Thats it. No rocket science, no math, just a smaller bushing in the 300 PRC Redding die. In this configuration:

• BAT Action
• 24" PROOF bbl in 7.5 twist
• AG Stock
• Timney Elite Trigger
• Kahles K624 scope
• ADG Brass
• 175 gr ELDX bullet
• RL 25 powder

I am seeing 3172 fps at a 2/3rd up the ladder node which produces sub 1/2 MOA. Can go faster and started to see pressure signs at 3229 - but 3172 seems fast enough LOL

Anyone else doing something along these lines?

 

[wildbillb02]

Sounds pretty good

 

[MagnumManiac]

No, if I wanted fast I would build around the Lapua/Norma case.

Cheers.

 

[Gamesniper19]

No, if I wanted fast I would build around the Lapua/Norma case.

Cheers.

Yup, already did one of those in a 7mm-300 NMi - and as bad*ss and fast as that caliber is, this one is more manageable

 

[Slick8]

I like what you're doing and have had a little wildcat fun myself.

My only question is does this do anything that the 28 nosler doesn't? Other that hornady brass, is prc brass easier to source for quality stock like adg or lapua?

I say it often, I think nosler came up with the optimal magnum case design and capacity but they suffer from marketing and thier propatairy nature.

I find myself wanting to build a 28-33 nosler every now and then.

 

[Gamesniper19]

I like what you're doing and have had a little wildcat fun myself.

My only question is does this do anything that the 28 nosler doesn't? Other that hornady brass, is prc brass easier to source for quality stock like adg or lapua?

I say it often, I think nosler came up with the optimal magnum case design and capacity but they suffer from marketing and thier propatairy nature.

I find myself wanting to build a 28-33 nosler every now and then.

Yeah good question. Usually anything that Hornady makes gets sourced through 20+ outlets including Peterson, ADG, and many others. To me that makes it desirable especially in times like this, where we are all scrambling for components.

Ballistically, not a huge difference between the 28N and 7PRC. There is some cause the Nos holds more powder but since I already have a 30 Nosler, thought I would make myself a 7mm.

Feel like the case to bullet ratio is more optimal with the PRC when it is a 7mm. Mostly, I wanted to see what is possible and am very happy with how it turned out

 

[Slick8]

Good point about hornady and their following as of the last decade. They have produced some great rounds and are marketing masters imo.

It's a little early to say about the prc rounds but I hope they don't go the way of the rum and short mags of the early 2000s after the new wears off.

 

[sp6x6]

Think you got a nice handy,mountain and timber type setup with the 24'' barrel

 

[DJ Fergus]

Have been working with wildcats, or non-standard SAAMI rifles for quite a few years. Truly enjoy the process and discovering new and interesting ballistics profiles for hunting. I primarily build them to feed my theory. Big heavy bullet, going as fast and accurate as I can to ensure in hunting conditions, even marginal shots kill cleanly.
For this project I wanted to make it simpler. Take known components that are easier to find, and currently offered reloading tools and processes, that make a fast 7mm for western hunting. I did a 7mm-300 PRC
For this rifle I really only changed one aspect of what is already a pretty good case. All I did was neck it to 7mm. Thats it. No rocket science, no math, just a smaller bushing in the 300 PRC Redding die. In this configuration:

• BAT Action
• 24" PROOF bbl in 7.5 twist
• AG Stock
• Timney Elite Trigger
• Kahles K624 scope
• ADG Brass
• 175 gr ELDX bullet
• RL 25 powder

I am seeing 3172 fps at a 2/3rd up the ladder node which produces sub 1/2 MOA. Can go faster and started to see pressure signs at 3229 - but 3172 seems fast enough LOL

Anyone else doing something along these lines?

That's an awesome round. Smoking fast in a 24". Im at 3180 in a 28" 7 stw with a 180 eld. It's a warm load. I wouldn't be able to get to the next node. I've changed the bushing in a 6.5 PRC die to neck down to 6mm PRC. It's pushing a 108 eld to 3350 relatively easy.

 

[Gamesniper19]

Good point about hornady and their following as of the last decade. They have produced some great rounds and are marketing masters imo.

It's a little early to say about the prc rounds but I hope they don't go the way of the rum and short mags of the early 2000s after the new wears off.

I hear you. Feel like we are getting toward the end of the line with cases and new calibers. With the Noslers, the PRC's the Sherman's, the Wby's and others of various sizes etc..., the differences between like rounds between manufacturers is pretty small.

IMO the marketing is designed for people buying their first or second ELR rifle and not their 9th or 10th. If you have been running an older 270 win, or maybe a 6.5/284 or other mature cartridge, the Nos and Horn of the worlds are competing for you to trade up to theirs, then they make money selling you on ammo or components or bullets.