My opinion from a hunter's perspective....the advantage of the 7mm PRC is insignificant at hunting distances. Very large majority of big game taken inside 300 yards - almost all inside 500 yards. The PRC really gets an advantage out past hunting distances. (Also speaking to factory ammo since I am a reloading newby)
@gavintoobe most of my whitetail have been inside 50 yards 😆. I've taken 2 mule deer - both right at 175 yards. To a western hunter may mean more, but even then most people should not be taking shots beyond 500 yards
my thoughts exactly, and also when these fads come out you should wait to see if they last. I know a lot of people regretted buying some new chamberings when the short mags and super short mag craze was in. If your into long range shooting competitions all of these high BC bullets are great, but I'd plan on reloading my own too.
@@WHOTEEWHO 50 yards. That's why I have my 1950 Winchester Model 94 in 32 Win Spl. At my age, I'm too tired to walk 800 yards to pack out an elk or Muley in bear country. :)
My second rifle purchased over 30 yrs ago was a 7mm RemMag. I learned to hand load on that rifle and see no need to upgrade to a 7mmPRC. While the ballistics are impressive, I'm not a long range shooter. Thanks for posting I really enjoy the content. Cheers 🍻
@@colearmstrong2450 unfortunately I have not. Due to the Primer shortage, I have not taken the liberty of trying different bullets, primers, brass, and powders. I do have everything, besides primers, ready to test. Hornady 162gr, H4831SC, and Nosler Brass. In addition to those, 195 Berger EOL, 160gr CX, and others. Hopefully availability and price becomes favorable again
There are too many of them IMO. Why compare the 7 PRC to the 7 Rem Mag instead of the 7 WSM or 7 SAUM, more in common/ similarity? It's apples and oranges.
I just went over to Ammoseek and looked. The only factory manufacturing 7PRC ammunition is Hornady and the cheapest I could find was $4.25 per round. 7mmRM on Ammoseek from $1.35 per round and everyone loads for it. You can get whatever bullet you want up to 175gn. If you don't reload, this is a no-brainer. Maybe 3-5 years down the road the PRC will be worth a look.
I think ammo cost and availability is a factor in this conversation, especially if you already have a 7 rem mag. A premium and new cartridge with the 7 prc means much more expensive factory ammo, plus the options for rifles are on the higher spectrum as well if you are looking at hunting rifles and not precision options. I think that it is a great new option if someone is looking and has the money to get it, but it's not so much better that a person should feel the need to sell their 7 rem mag for it. Out of the 3 prc cartridges, this 7 would be the one I would pick for sure though.
You CAN build a 7RM rifle and reload to be close enough to 7prc for the difference to be negligible. If you have already done this then there isn’t much reason to switch. If you haven’t then the 7prc is superior as it has all the modernization work done already to take advantage of modern projectiles.
@yesterday I think the PRC is better for hand-loaders than the RM b/c there is no belt to fuss with. I bought my 280AI for that reason. While I won't sell it, I would get the 7PRC if I was buying a new rifle. All I would need is dies and brass to get started.
Well the rum has 1:9 twist prc has 1:8. So put a faster twist rate on or find some good fast burning powder. Cant go wrong with imr 7828 rl26 couple more than can get you faster speed than the prc. If speed is what you want with heavy bullet do not forget about the 7stw 28 nos and the 7mm tejas !!
If I didnt already have a 7mm rifle and was getting one, the 7mm PRC would be the one I would go with. Unfortunately I am pretty old compared to most, pretty heavily invested in the 7mm RM. Im a hunter not a long range target shooter. I have a custom built Rem 700 bean field rifle from the early 80's thats quite the tack driver that I am very content with and I am very unlikely to take a shot beyond 400 yards on game although I can consistently hit well beyond that. That said, I am sticking with my 7mm RM.
I've had a 7mm Rem Mag for quite a while and it's given me elk, mule deer and pronghorn. And one unfortunate coyote... :) I like it and I'll be keeping it.
I've been hunting with a 7mm Rem Mag since the early 80's and love it. My first was with a Rem 700 which put several deer and elk into the freezer. About 13 yrs ago I sold this to my son and bought a Ruger #1 SS in 7mm Re Mag. I too have a lot invested in the firearms I have and as I'm 70ish I don't see myself purchasing any new hunting rifles. I typically don't take shots much over 300 yds. But I don't mind going out to the range with my son and his boys and shooting the longer ranges, helps to know that if that once in a lifetime should show that I could make the shot. With that said if I were in the market to replace my rifle I would probably be looking at the PRC.
My you are not too old to get another rifle to play with. I myself just ordered one and I am 74 years old. I have a gun safe that's overflowing, and I told myself I didn't need another rifle not too long ago and then here I am having ordered a new 7mm PRC to hunt with. Anyhow enjoy your shooting I do whenever I can.@@oneeyedwillie1
Great review and discussion. I've been hunting with the RM since 1993. I've taken countless animals with this cartridge from as little as 10 yards. The cartridge has been very efficient at taking big game animals for me. That said, if purchasing a new 7mm cartridge today, I'd jump into the PRC. If nothing else, just for the modern updates spoken about. Keep up the great videos. thank you!
@@franksanchietti7108That is not likely. They are all shooting bullets at pretty much the same velocity. If shot equally there would be little difference. If you want to compare shooting light loads out of one and heavy loads out of the other which is apples to oranges you can convince yourself you are right, but you are not if all things are equal. I can tell you for a fact a belted case will separate causing a case failure sooner in a cartridge with a belt before a case without a belt is no longer reloadable. I own and reload for a lot of these cartridges. If one shoots enough to wear a barrel out, they can well afford a new barrel if they ever get there.
This video is 11 months old. So more 7mm prc should have hit the store shelves. Went down to the local Cabelas. 4 types of 7mm Mag, O offerings of 7mm PRC. Looking to buy and will go with the 7mm Rem Mag.
I've been a 7mmRemMag lover since I got my first one in '64 for my high school graduation present that was collectively given to me by family members. I put in the suggestion into everyone's minds by suggesting that I thought that it would be perfect and most remembered. It was! I still have it 59 years later. It needs rebarreled again for the third time and it now sports a McMillan stock and a Nightforce NXS 5.5X22X50 R1 reticle scope. Between the deer, elk, antelope, wolfs and bear, I lost count at over a hundred animals. Now, the betrayal. I'm getting old I know because at 77 my body is falling apart however, before it did, I wanted to build one more rifle for myself and when I managed to get the specs that Hornaday sent out to many rifle building companies last year I got a copy and decided that this would be the caliber of my last custom made rifle. It is finally together ready for quarter inch groups at 100!
I like the consistent accuracy of my Browning A-bolt, in 7mm rem mag. Shoot/reload 140 gr and 170 gr in both Sierra boat tail and copper. At 67 years old, I’ll keep shooting the 7mm RM, but I do like what I’m seeing on paper about the 7PRC
You are a smart man. I just ordered a 7mm PRC just because it does have some nice features. I just got a light budget rifle that I do intend to just shoot Hornady Hunting Ammo out of and will only zero it and hunt with it. It won't be used for target shooting. I did have a 7mm Rem Mag but had given it to my son in Arizona. I have a lot of rifles and do reload. If I did have a 7mm Rem Mag I wouldn't have bought this new 7mm PRC for the reasons you listed. But hey I am a gun nut and just want one but will not be shooting it any more than I have to, to familiarize myself with it and zero it to hunt with.
The real motivation for me to go to the modern cartridges with high BC bullets isn’t trajectory, but wind deflection. At long distance, wind drift is the more difficult variable to estimate, potentially leading to misses or poor shot placement on game.
I wouldn't shoot at any game animal that far away....as far away as I have heard people say they are shooting them. Shooting steel? Have at it. Whatever rings your bell. Animals? No, unless I Was starving and down to one gun and three rounds.
Lots of brass w .280 a i any 06 .270 .280 25-06 if I can make 6.5x06 out of 25x06 i usually use .270 Remington and trim The rifle likes best. 1:8 95-160 grain Iam on my 4 th barrel I’ve shot this rifle for 20 years my 300 wsm is 1:12 185/190 Berger’s one hole no since of change
I agree with you, I have two 7mm rem mags that I use for competition shooting and another for hunting. If used for competition shooting where a lot of shots are fired in a short period, the magnum rounds tend to overheat a barrel and then they lose accuracy. A good alternative to magnum rounds are Ackley improved, non magnum rounds, where not as much powder is needed. This leads to only a small decrease in velocity, but a cooler barrel and a longer barrel life.
I built a 7prc in October of 22 , got lucky and bought a case of edlx 175, hunted with it all through our roughly 3 month deer season here in Alabama , killed several deer from 50 yards out to 512 yards all where doubled shoulders exits and all dropped right there and a couple made it 20 or 30 yards , shot 3 big hogs (300lb +) both shoulders and exit they dropped instantly ! Mine has 26” barrel no noticeable recoil over any other of my long action rifles! On paper I shot a 3/4 inch 5 shot group at 300’ which was my best with it to date , I let the CDS work on that 500 yard shot , I plan to do a lot more target shooting through the summer and am planning a Elk hunt with it in Colorado this year , I am very happy with it
Not in every way. Availability of ammo, different manufacturers chambering the caliber in their rifles (choices), perhaps accuracy and larger bullets to caliber being stabilized. Faster is not beating anything in all categories, is it? There is no bullet in the market that's beats all others in all categories. Fact!
When I was 18 I bought a 1968 R700 7mag with the original Redfield tv view scope at an estate sale for 100$. I have killed everything with that gun and I will never change a thing about it.
I have both. Love both. 7 prc is indeed inherently accurate. Stupid easy to tune. 7 PRC is the easy button. A customized Rem Mag will hang all day. But for out of the box, factory ammo, 7 7:11 PRC all the way. If you took 100 Rem ( factory) Mags and 100 factory PRC’s….. PRC’s would be more accurate. The bullets to use boys is the Nosler Accubond Long-range in 175 gr. Great bc’s, great expansion. Work great in both Rem Mag and PRC
You sound like a paid influencer!!! I dont agree with your assessment,PERIOD!!!! I think you DONT have the experience OR knowledge to make such a statement!!!! Explain why it is more accurate!!!! IM WAITING!!!!!
@@scottinohio701 well your making me comment on something I’ve said 1 year ago. So let me update you. I actually am bold now on the 175 Eldx’s. I’ve tuned 4 7 prc’s and 3 rem mags for myself and family. That’s the only data I have. I think your right. I don’t have enough data or experience and I’m sure that you could find 100 7 rem mags that would out shoot 100 7 prc’s. My experience is with budget rifes and that probably skews my opinion and experience. I will say that I think the 7 prc is the easy button for long range performance based on factory ammo. My reloads perform neck and neck.
@@scottinohio701 will also say that Hornady was a little disingenuous about the 7 prc based on the fact that it would appear that the only powder you can get 3000 fps with under normal pressures is RL 26 which suddenly is unattainable. Even they can’t get 3000 fps now.
Man...Almost everything I have taken from Antelope to Elk has been with my 110 Savage in 7mm Mag..There is no doubt that the PRC is superior at long range and is a great round for the ELDX. I guess my 7mm mag has that old girlfriend factor...I just keep coming back to her..LOL..Great vid guys
7RM because I already have it in a Model 70 sporter that shoots Nosler's into sub moa's and stays dead on every time I check it before season. Numerous long range deer and antelope have seen the ice chest thanks to it. I would not try harvesting game beyond what the 7RM is capable of because there are so many other factors involved when it comes to shooting in the field. 300 yds is a chip shot and 400 to 500 yds, depending on conditions, is plenty long for ethical harvest. All of that is well within a good 7RM's capabilities. For LR or ELR target shooters, there is good reason to consider the PRC especially if you reload since PRC is $4.50 to $7 per round retail while 7RM starts out around $1.40 per round.
Ammo is not as high as you listed. It is more expensive but certainly not anywhere near $4.50 to $7.00 per round. About $50-$55 dollars a box of 20. If one reloads it costs close to the same. I own one and do reload. Nothing wrong with a proven rifle like the 7mm Rem Mag. Not a thing wrong with the new kid on the block either. I like them both.
Well done as always gentlemen. I have to agree with you completely. As a huge proponent of the 7mm Rem. Mag since mid 1980s, I have no need to change. However, if I was just starting out new rifle and all, I would go 7 PRC for sure. It is more versatile. It is everything the 7 Rem. Mag. has always been and more. I started handloading the 162 ELDX with various powders a few years ago in my 7 Rem. Mag. They all proved extremely accurate. It is more than enough and effective on anything I am hunting inside of 600 yards if I am willing/able to go out that far. I am already having this conversation with my youngest who has not yet needed to purchase his own rifle. The 7 PRC is definitely a serious option to consider. Thanks
Been shooting a .280 Rem with Barnes 140X for 25 plus years, quite a few White tails, several over 500 yds (36+ inches of drop factored in) dead on at 150 yds, never needed a follow up shot, Xs are beautiful performers.
Since I already own a 7Rem Mag that is capable of sub .50 MOA accuracy, I will happily stick with the 7RM. However if I were starting out today I would definitely go for the PRC. As it is the increased performance of the PRC is not significant enough to warrant my making a change.
I don't see any plausible universe that 7RM disappears from shelves and I would much sooner go look for it than 7PRC. To Hornady's credit, they seem to load even for obscure cartridges at least in small runs. The bigger threat to the disappearance to 7RM is more likely Washington.
@@Accidic You're right about the biggest threat. Too many people have 7 Rem Mags. I could go get 7mmRM TODAY 2 miles away, but I'll bet I can't find 7 WSM or 7 SAUM or 7 PRC on the same shelf...and if I did, I'll bet it won't be less than $40 a box for the latter 3. I do know Midway USA has exactly ZERO of the latter three, and if they did have it, Nosler Trophy Grade 7 mm SAUM would cost you $120 for just 20 rounds. When they DO GET ANY the 7PRC will cost you $60 a box for the cheapest (Copper only) that's not listed "OUT OF STOCK-NO BACKPRDER." (Their precision Hunter and Match, you are out of luck) I CAN get 7mm Rem Mag for $35.50 a box right now. EASY CHOICE for me. Also already have dies since a relative has a Rugger M77 in the caliber.
The 7RM and the 7PRC are identical in performance (except case, one has a belt the other no). Why would you need a heavier than 168-180 Grns bullet fo hunting in 7mm. And lets see if the PRC will take over all other 7mm. Plenty Guns But AMMO? and $$. Ok I'm Old fashion, but do not own a 7MM , and on the market to get one for grandson. Conclusion it will be a 280 AI.And it comes in 1:8 pitch. Didn't see that one comming? 🤣Not Crazzy, put all the specs, loads and data on the table(not as available as the 7RM), but have a pile of 30-06 cases. Pushing a 168 at under 100 fps of a 7RM not bad for almost WHATEVER 👍
If you’re buying a new rifle and you are specifically using it for for shooting steel at extreme range, advantage 7prc, If you own a 7mm rem mag for big game hunting and especially if you don’t hand load , spend more money on ammo (more practice) try the 162 eld for long range and your confidence and shooting ability will more than make up for the tiny difference in ballistics.
You missed the point of this article. Both cartridges are good. It depends on what one wants to do with what they have. The 7mm PRC is as good for hunting as target shooting. Either rifle cartridge is capable of the same hunting performance. To suggest banging steel at long ranges is what a PRC is good for is a laugh at best. It is an attempt to make a better all-around 7mm Mag Cartridge and a pretty good one getting rid of the belt and making a wider case that is more forgiving in working a load up and also designing it to shoot larger for caliber bullets if one wants to do that. It is a more versatile cartridge. Only time will tell if it can do as well as the 7mm Rem Mag in the future. Both are great cartridges. I have had both. Pros and cons in both of them. Some of the cons are debatable like all things in bullet cartridges.
The 7mm Rem Mag has been my favorite cartridge for 40 years. I've only shot factory ammo in both of mine, the performance has been awesome. I definitely see the advantage the 7 PRC has with the long heavy for caliber bullets, that's what it was designed for. My only concern is popularity and longevity. Will this new 7 PRC stand the test of time and will the ammo be soooo expensive, like the .300 RUM. I jumped on the.300 RUM when it first came out, now ammo is so expensive that I can't hardly afford to shoot it.
Can't you just reload. A simple reloading set up under 300$ . Primers the hardest to get. If you got some spare time during the week, Do a step of reloading one evening 1 Hr tops. next time another step, and in 2 weeks have 200 rds to shoot. That 300RUM has plenty life in it. You can load to plink and beyond fact. for tyranosaurus. I started with a lee Handloader and a mallet 50 Yrs ago. And you have no idea how many game/targets have I shot with my reloads(38/357-30-30/7-08/30-06/20 GA/12 Ga) . You do not have to be a Rocket Scientist (Shania Twain) to load some very decent/accurate rounds. Simple can be cheap and effective. Give it a shot and keep shooting for ever👍
I’ve been reloading since I was 17 and figured it out for the most part. Now I’ve been through over 10 cartridges and many such as the 6mm and 25 creedmoor before they were a publicly known cartridge. It’s really not a hard thing to do or get into. Sure some things might cost a good bit up front but you’ll get way better ammo as a result.
I think that all the PRCs have been well thought out and will be here in the future. I am sure that the ammo is going to stay expensive because what they sell is supposed to be premium quality. The design of these cartridges for competition shooting and the number of rifles sold should keep it alive. I reload and have done wildcats in the past. I just purchased a 7mm PRC and hope that factory ammo will shoot good enough I won't need t reload. Hopefully I will just need to shoot a few bullets to get familiar with the rifle and zero it and just use it hunting. But if they don't shoot well, I may need to get dies to reload for it. But it isn't my initial intention. This is not going to be a target rifle for me just a hunting rifle with minimal use. I have quite a collection of rifles that can be shot for bench shooting.
41 years hunting Colorado elk, first 20+ exclusively with a 7mm Rem Mag, 40 years with handloads for whatever I was carrying at the time. The 7mm PRC is, for my purposes, the ultimate 7mm cartridge. I have a Savage 111 that I purchased used with a 7mm Rem Mag barrel that was pitted inside and out. Removed the barrel, Cerakoted the action, waiting for a 7mm PRC barrel.
Right now, in my opinion the 7mm Rem is a better option, just based on ammo availability and price. The PRC might take off, time will tell. Most shooters are not going to be able to shoot a tight enough group, from a field position, to see the small difference in drop inside 500 yards. I understand that new cartridges equal new gun sales and that's what keeps companies in business, so more power to them, I just don't feel the need to run out and grab one.
I have both in multiple rifles and are equally pleased with the performance of each cartridge. the newness of the PRC wrt ammo, dies has so far been a bit of an issue
Let's put it this way: On a scale of 0 to 10, the 7mm Rem Mag is a 8, and the PRC is a 10. You can't complain about either. The standard has been raised. For me? If I was building a rifle from scratch, I'd be tempted to run a .280 A.I. with a 1:8 twist. More ammo in the mag, that's the main reason. Don't complain, folks. It's a good time to be alive in the firearms industry. Rewind a decade. Since that time, what do we have? 6.5 Creedmoor 6.5 PRC 6.5 Wby RPM 6.8 Western .280 Rem A.I. gaining popularity 7mm PRC 300 PRC Very low drag bullets, more solid-copper ammo companies coming onboard. Proliferation of inexpensive sub-MOA rifles. High performance aftermarket triggers for a wide variety of stuff. Be happy. Be shooting. And Make America Great Again.
@@guyminer2384 It's basically on the heels of the 7mm Rem mag, using less powder, having less recoil, and fitting more rounds in the magazine. With the right twist rate, you can run the really heavy stuff.
You did a good job on this comparison of the 60 year old + 7RM to the new kid on the block. As I own 2 7RM and I am 8 years older than the 7RM I am good to go. However If I were to start new not owning a 7RM the 7PRC would have to be my pick. Your video peaked my interest in building a 7PRC. Good job on your channel.
I have a 7 Rem Mag with a 1:8 twist. It’s a factory rifle. Allows me to load long and heavy bullets. I just don’t see why I would need a 7 PRC. That being said I’ve traded in my 300 WM for a 300 PRC😊
I'll get an 7mm Rem Mag (left-hand bolt), which is more available, and later rebarrel it if I REALLY need distance. Used 7RM in USN and it did fine @ 800+.
Both have almost identical CC of water capacity few ever mention this. For a guy that Reloads, 26" barrel on 7 Mag, 3030-3050 with 175-180g bullets using R#26 with CCi 250's is the norm in several barrels of mine where groups are .375 and smaller. For a shorter range load, R#22 has a sweet spot in my 700s in 7 Mag at 2850 that simply opens up a single bullet hole. In one 28" 7 Rem mag, the 162-168 9T is 3200 fps shooting very tiny groups. I run Wyatt's mag boxes on my 700s that extends the OAL .125 ergonomics for The vast majority of hunters will never see any real world need for the use of bullet weights over 168g, but past 1200 yards is where the 175-180g start to shine, and that number may be more like 1600 yards, depending on the game you are hunting. Again, the 7 PRC and 7 Remington Mag have equal powder capacities, a 7 Mashburn Super or 7 Practical would have been a more sensible choice. The 7 Mashburn is what the 7 Rem Mag should have been in the first place where the 162-168s do 3200 and never full length size with top end being 3350, now you are talking improved performance in Spades! For guys that do not reload, starting from scratch with neither cartridge on hand, the 7 PRC would be a hands down winner because much of the ammo produced has been dumbed down in the 7 Rem Mag never coming close to it's potential.
I've owned a 7mm Rem Mag and I liked it. Loading my own, and normally staying within 200 yards, call me crazy all you want, but I'll stick with my 270 Winchester. I've never felt like I've needed more than the 270 for whitetail.
I ended up buying the Bergara Squared Crest in 7PRC. After viewing this video and your video on that Squared Crest in 65 PRC, I was sold. I do not own a 7 mm rifle. So I am one of those guys that will start fresh with the 7PRC. I love your videos. You are non-biased and provide information so everyone can make their own decision and that’s the way all these Videos should be. Thank you.
Browning announced at SHOT Show, they will be increasing the twist rate of several cartridges, and increase the magazine length and freebore. These include the 7 Rem Mag and the 28 Nosler, as well as the 300 Win Mag and 270 Win. They will be treated to an 1:8” twist. This does not bode well with Hornady’s PRC cartridges. Right off the bat, that makes the 270 Win better than the 6.5 PRC. It also makes the advantages of the 7mm PRC and 300 PRC negligible, compared to the 7 Rem Mag and 300 Win Mag. If other manufacturers follow suit, this will make things very interesting.
That is very interesting. I read another comment by someone who recently purchased a Remington 700 BDL in 7 REM Mag that had a 1:8” twist. This may be a coming trend.
@@Dennisthemenace40 I really hope it’s a new trend. As long as we get more magazine length and freebore, this breaths life into many proven cartilages. At one time I considered a 300 PRC, until I realized brass and ammo was almost impossible to get. Only being able to reload with Hornady brass was also a negative.
@@falba1492 Agreed. Faster twist rates and more magazine room for the legacy calibers, and especially for the WSM’s, essentially changes the nature of those respected calibers.
@@Dennisthemenace40 I’ve always said if the 270 WSM had come out with a faster twist rate, no one would have ever heard of all these Hornady cartridges.
I would like to see what this 7mm PRC would do with a 197 grain Sierra Match King, or 195 grain Alco bullet. Would be interesting. In a side note, I have NEVER had a problem with the belt on my 7mm Rem Mag in 25 years, and for hand loaders, you can push a 150 grain projectile out of a 7mm Rem Mag at 3300fps with the right bullet, powder, brass combination, and a 26" barrel without signs of over pressure. 3200fps all day. The Real Gunsmith talks about it on his channel. I do it pretty easily with my hand loads in my Weatherby Vanguard s1.
Yup. My 7mm Rem Mag and 150's do great together. 3200 fps is easy, 3300 fps can be done. With excellent accuracy. It's pretty much a flat-line hunting cartridge, no doubt.
28" Lilja 9-twist shooting 180 Moly Berger VLD's @ 3000 fps here for F-class for over 20 years... No problem getting that without bad pressure signs and ~ 10-15 reloads on my Norma brass ( well annealed every other firing.) Just less than 24 minutes @ 1000 Yards.
I just bought a 7 PRC but I didn't have a 7 Rem Mag I had a 280 Rem that has been great but it is having a few problems but it has been my gun for 42 years. I'm very excited about the new 7PRC. I guess for hunting if you really think about it all the cartridges from 270 to 338 get the job done most of the time and it doesn't matter which one they go down with a. good shot and don't if you make a bad shot. So I say "Do what you want". I did!
Larry Willis has a body die for belted cartridges, man I never throw way any brass , fired brass at the range once in Larry die boom it works , full lenght first , if does not chamber , Larry die does the job ,for me belted brass is all good , good for many cartridges
I watched a video by The Real Gunsmith, Randy Selby. My take on his discussion was that Hornady didn't do anything magic with the 7mmPRC because smiths have been using custom reamers to increase freebore in 7mmRemMag for years to seat bullets out longer while still fitting in the magazine. I don't know how much longer the bullet could be seated off the top of my head, but when I had my 7mmRemMag built I did tell my rifle builder that my intent was to use Berger 168 VLD hunting bullets (the 180 wasn't available yet) and I wanted as much case capacity as possible with still fitting the magazine. Whatever he did it worked and worked well. I'm getting over 3000fps with that Berger bullet over 73.0 grains of Retumbo, Fed215M primers out of a 26" Krieger #4 barrel. I did take a Colorado muley at long range with that setup in 2019. When the 180 Berger VLD was made available I tried those but could never get groups to my satisfaction and I think it might be due to the 9 twist barrel. I prefer 8 twist for 180s. Taking everything into account, I love new stuff and have a 7mmPRC already which I'm working up loads now with a Hart barrel. I have one on the way from In-Rut rifles, and all the parts to build two more except 1 stock and 1 barrel. Then I went ahead and ordered a BadRock rifle with the MDT chassis in 7mmPRC as well which will have the Defiance action and a Proof barrel. I agree with WHO_TEE_WHO regarding insignificant adavantages 7mmPRC v 7mmRemMag, and I'll take it further - at MOST hunting shot distances, which I'd argue is most certainly 400 yards and under, any of us can take our favorite rifle out and punch our tag after a successful hunt. And that's from using an ultra cheap Walmart package rifle in a longstanding caliber like a 243 or 308 and cheap factory Rem corelokt or Winchester ammo....to a $6000+ fully custom built hunting rig with a $2000+ optic and handloads with Lapua brass, match primers, and bullets that border $1 each or more
I really wish you had included 7 SAUM in the conversation. I'm contemplating a 7mm build, while I'm considering both of these rounds 7 SAUM is where I'm leaning.
Ron Spomer outdoors on TH-cam just recently had a Texas long range shooter that had won 4 championships in the F1 class. Listen to that and you will really gain some knowledge!
Had a 7mm for 30+ years and loved it. Just gave it to my son and bought a 7PRC in the new Bergara Squared Crest. Love it and have had no trouble finding brass. More and more companies are making it now. Bergara is hard to beat for the price. Mine was around $1,600.00.
I'm seriously considering 7mm PRC for my next rifle, so it gets my vote. I currently shoot a 280 Ackley (1:9 barrel) because I consider it a better design than the 7mm Rem Mag, with nearly identical ballistics.
7mm PRC. I wouldn’t worry about changing if I already has a 7mm Rem Mag. But as a new rifle/new build and reloading, the 7 PRC has the advantage of everything that has been learned over the last 20 years about how cartridge design influences accuracy.
It won't replace the 7 Rem mag because for the tens or hundreds of thousands of people already hunting with a 7rem mag there is no compelling reason to replace it with a 7PRC, which can't kill game any deader. That said if factory ammo is no concern the 7PRC is probably a better choice for a new rifle.
Define long range with the two 7's. I was going to build the 7 PRC, but there was no available brass for reloading. We're killing deer with the 7 mag/ 162 & 180 eldm at 800 to 1100 yds. So I'll stick with the 7 mag until PRC ammo is readily available which is going to be a long time.
ANOTHER GREAT job Guy!! Im 100% with you & your comment & reasoning. I have owned three 7 mags. Always respected never considered it a heavy recoiling caliber its just🎉 like the '06 in that department. I tryed 140's but quickly discovered a good 160 did everything I could ever need or want in this caliber. For me, Im gonna stand. The 7 Rem Mag is my choice. ❤🤟🏽👍🏼🤘🏼♥️
if you fix 7 rem mags only problem and it is the bullet too deep in the case, it beats the 7mm prc everywhere because of the freed case capacity, i have done the modification at gunsmith where they made the free bore area 8mm longer, now i can load 7mm mag in lenghs 11mm further than OG and it makes the bullet seat at the neck level of cartridge or a bit over it, which is the sweet spot.
Beltless magnum for hunting? The 8x68S has been there, done that, for 80+ years. Necked down to 7mm or .30 shows that there is nothing new under the sun except new marketing.. 🙂 Btw: 6.5x68 is also 80 years old. With a 1-8" barrel it is a very good long range round.
Love the comparison! My vote is for the 7PRC. 7 Rem Mag is awesome, but if you're getting a new rifle why not get every bit of performance as possible. Gavin, would love to see more of these comparisons between older and newer cartridges! I think it would be an extremely interesting series. I would suggest however, including the ballistics out to 1000 yards as well as the wind drift for those ballistics tables. Thanks for the great content!
@@John_Redcorn_ Indeed. Remington has 7X57 Core Lokt in stock today, RIGHT NOW, but I won't order/buy it because they want $67 a box for it. I BUY $25 a box goods and hand load the brass.
@@DRHODES1979 I think you would be correct. It's certainly not a bad round. Just probably wouldn't sell my 7X57 to buy one. I just got it and it's a 2013 Shot Show Model 70 FW. Haven't had enough fun with it just yet. They didn't make that many in that caliber. :)
I have a 7RM and I like it. I use it on everything from elk to pronghorn, I also shoot a 175 berger for everything. All that being said the 7PRC could scratch the itch to have a 7mm hunting rifle I could stretch to a mile for target shooting during the off season.
If t was my first venture into a magnum cartridge, I would buy a PRC, versatility is there on it, can also run lighter bullets to reduce recoil if wanted. Ran 160gr and 140gr 7mm for 40 yrs now, 160 does anything needed, 140 is also incredibly capable. For now, I'll stick with my 7-08, I have a 7RM, but, no big interest in using it, don't need to, I have other guns I like better than that one.
Good choice. I like variety. The 7mm-08 is all one needs for deer hunting within the ranges people usually shoot them. It used to be my go-to rifle. I have many rifles and try to rotate them just to justify having them mostly. BTW I just ordered a 7mm PRC not because I needed it, just because I wanted it. Crazy me.
Oh ya. I'm so invested in the 7mm Rem Mag, I'm not switching either. Dies, components, loaded ammo. Two of my own and one more that my son owns. We've been fans of the 7mm Rem Mag for a long time. It's a great cartridge. I am impressed with the 7 PRC, but I've got my 7mm rifles.
I already have 7 rem mag, and i have a Krieger 1:8 barrel and a 700 magnum long action awaiting to be built. Still debating on what to build it in. Was considering the PRC, but brass is very expensive and hard to find where i am. So Im leaning back towards 7rm. I have tons of once fired brass already, brass is readily available, i already have dies. Still up in the air.
Hmm. Know the feeling. Yes, my Bro in law got a Browning A-bolt in 270 WSM (a new short magnum Rage thing years ago) Because it was a left-handed gun and what he could find in his price range. Great looking hunting rifle. I Have found EXACTLY ZERO supply of brass for it and, so far, ONE offering brand of factory ammo. But I have the dies if I ever find anything to reload his brass with or make him some handloads with heavier than 130 grain bullets, which was all offered in the Winchester Deer Season Copper Impact (Only factory offering that I have found without custom order). It stinks how some things get ignored like that. the WSMs were all the rage though, just like the PRCs are now around the time I got into hand loading. Hopefully they will not suffer the same fate, as people will certainly move on to the next "new thing."
If you're that heavy into the 7mm Rem Mag, like I am, it's real tough to make the change. My son has one 7mm Rem Mag that I load for (the Bergara in the video) and I have two. I'm not changing. They've done too well for me over the decades. The 7 PRC is probably a better cartridge, but... I don't need anything more than the 7mm Rem Mag.
Here’s your problem, me! I’ve had several 7 RMs, each one with a story, but the I have now makes the 7PRC irrelevant for me. I now own a Thompson Compass that I bought without the rebate for $275. I bought it because I had a Browning ABL that shot 3/4 MOA but at the time absolutely no aftermarket support. The TC had tons of aftermarket support at the time so I made the switch. The first thing I did was change the trigger spring with a $10 spring off of Ebay. It reads at 3lbs. I then put a enlarged bolt lever on it and because it was threaded it put a Harrells precision tunable brake. The gun shoot 1/2 MOA groups with 175 Nosler ABLRs @ 2830fps all day. In fact it shoots everything at 3/4 MOA or less regularly. I’ve been able to get over 100 fps over previous published data with the introduction of RL-26. I’m afraid to do anything else to it as I have owned few rifles that can’t match this kind of accuracy. Being all set up for the 7RM with more brass than I’ll ever need, I can’t see any reason to even consider the 7PRC. As it was said, maybe if I we’re starting from scratch, maybe, but if that were the case I’d have to consider the 6.8 Westerner very strongly.
Currently have several different rifles in 7mm……7 RM, 7SAUM, (4) 280 AI’s, 280 Rem, 7mm-08, 7x57, and a 7PRC. No matter how you slice it they all are great cartridges and have a spot in the big game woods. With that being said when I’m headed out for my Western Big Game Hunts I’m grabbing my SAUM, 280 AI’s or 7 PRC with a heavy bullet in the 168-180 gr range that can launch at 2900 FPS to 3000 FPS. I can see the 7PRC having an edge over the rest, especially for people that don’t reload and rely on factory ammo. You have to hand it to Hornady when it comes to case design and cartridge development they bring their product to market with all their ducks in a row! I see a long life ahead of the 7 PRC.
Just plan on not eating out too often if you are a working class man and trying to feed a PRC factory ammo. Reloaders have it much easier when making the decision since PRC starts out at $90 and is as much as $130 per 20.
@@johnnybarbar7435 my local Scheels has 7 PRC Hornady 175 gr ELD-X for $54.99 a box, Hornady 6.5 PRC for $46.99 a box. Granted Nosler Factory ammo starts around $90 per box in 6.5 and 300 PRC. I’m sure location dictates pricing. As far as reloaders having it easier, the last 3 years have been an absolute nightmare when it comes to component availability and cost. If I hadn’t been a reloader for the last 30 years I sure wouldn’t start now, as you could buy a lot of factory ammo to feed a rifle for the cost of components to reload.
@@johnnybarbar7435 I just checked. Whenever Midway gets any Outfitter Copper in (only) 160 grain) you can get it for $60 a box. Still too rich for my blood. I can get 6 Filet Mignons cheaper at the butcher. :)
@@craiglovelace1753 I'm still gonna reload if I have to order Cast Lead Bullets from Rim Rock. I can feed my 32 winchester special for $46 for 200 bullets
Time will tell with the new PRC. I would say that if you already have a 7RM, keep it, use it, shoot it, love it. If you're looking for a new toy, give both the RM and the PRC a hard look. Heck give all the 7s a hard look.
7mm is a great bullet from the 7mm-08 on up. I just ordered the 7mm PRC in a light hunting rifle. Just for hunting. I used to like my 7mm-08 for all my deer hunting. But I have a lot of rifles and have been rotating them to justify owning them all. Not sure what the largest 7mm is these days. I had a 7mm STW that I had given my son. Gave me an excuse to get the 7mm PRC.
@@garrytalley8009 Garry, you have a lot of problems in life. Like have too many rifles and having to rotate them to justify owning them. I'll bet a boat load of people would be willing to take a few off your hands. Naturally your son is at the head of that line. I've never had a STW, a friend did and loved it. I think, not sure, that the 7 RUM is the big dog on the 7mm block. I am sure somebody will say it has the wrong twist and is overbored. But like hot rodding, "there's no replacement for displacement". Do we need that much case capacity? Who knows, that is up to the individual shooter. I'd bet your new 7 PRC will get the job done just fine. Oddly I didn't catch the 7mm/284 bug early on. I was, mostly still am, a 30 and 270 shooter. As hard as I tried I just couldn't find a place where a 7 RM could do something my 300 couldn't. Or where a 280 did anything my 270 or 30-06 didn't. In time I slowly realized that the 7mm/284 bullet really is a sweet spot. Today I am shooting the 7's more, but currently am having an affair with a few 25's. Hey, maybe we both have problems. Haha. Enjoy your new 7PRC, hope it's all you dreamed of.
@@jk-kr8jt- I like rifles and the right tool for the job, but honestly the more you get the harder it gets to pick which one you want to shoot. A 7mm certainly has the ability to do anything in North America. I love the 25-06 as well but it is a bit light for some game and I prefer a larger diameter bullet if I am expecting I might have a shot at a monster buck or something bigger. You are right we both have a problem. The main problem is figuring out what is best for our situation. I do reload for most all of my guns and that is a hobby in itself, my only problem is choosing my rifle for deer season. I hope that the Hornady Precision Hunter will shoot well out of the box, so I won't reload for this new rifle. Others have done well with it. I only intend to shoot it very little to get it zeroed and familiar with it and there after just hunt with it.
@@garrytalley8009 the few people that I know that use the 25-06 love it. Guess I fell for the 270 after the 30-06 and 300 Wby. Does that 0.02 difference in bullet diameter between the 270 and 25-06 make a difference? I doubt that it does. A few years ago I fell for a few 25 calibers. The old 257 Wby and the even older 250 Sav. Recently I even added an old 257 Rob to the line up. For some reason the 25's just get the job done. No fanfare or bells and whistles, just game on the ground. I really need to start reloading, sounds like a great hobby. But it important in life to know which guy you are. I know I'm the guy that would go too far into the reloading game. But it would offer a bunch of options for some of the older cartridges. I don't know how you feel, but if cartridge development stopped 50 or 60 years ago, I'd be just fine. But we all like the new stuff.
@@jk-kr8jtThey are a bit different. Bullet diameter is only one aspect. The weight of bullet that they can shoot is another. Each one will have the bullet that is best suited to shoot flat. A 25-06 Remington shines with a 100-grain bullet for flat shooting to 300 yards. a 270 Winchester shines with 130 grain bullets to 300 yards. Both have different weight bullets that shoot well in them. I myself have shot deer with a 25-06 but I can tell you I would prefer a 270 over that just in case I had a shot at a monster buck. But that's me. A person that does great shot placement can get by with less. I have a lot of rifles and like to get a deer with all of them. I am a few rifles behind though because I have purchased a few more than the deer seasons that went by. On reloading, what is too much? I actually load for everything I have pistols and rifles too many to mention. I may not load for a 7mm PRC I just bought for hunting if the Hornady hunting loads shoot well. I hope to just zero with factory ammo and then just hunt with it. But if they don't shoot well, I will be getting dies for that too.
I am 7MMguy, and have a 7WSM a 7Rem Mag and a 7 Dakota. I like the Idea of "non belted Magnums ", but the 7RM does it every time , and I can find factory ammo every where I go , so If I had to choose......the Remington Mag stays!
Im a newbie and shot 15 rounds in the range using 300 win mag and now in a market looking for my 1st riffle! Upon doing some research & watching this vid, im convinced to get 7mm prc! Thank you guys!
Here is my Balanced Response: On one hand I would LOVE to ditch the belt the 7mm RM has and I feel the 7mm PRC is every bit as good as they say. On the other hand, I am going to wait and see if brass manufacturers start producing brass for it. I got online again today and still can't find brass available. I am not interested in buying a gun that I cannot find brass for. Hopefully that will change over the next year.
Word is that brass should start showing around end of summer/early fall. Not unusual for brass on a new cartridge to be basically unavailable for most of the first year. It's all being dedicated to Hornady factory ammunition right now.
Since I have a 7Rem Mag and have taken mule deer, elk, and antelope with it I will probably stay with it. I have no real problem with the recoil as I don't do a lot of bench shooting with it. I just do the annual check at the range to ensure it is still hitting where it is suppose to. The longest shot I have had to take with it was approximately a 250 yard at a antelope and that is about as far as I would feel comfortable taking a shot any way.
I'll stick with the 7mm Remington mag. Tried and true. Already own several. And ammo is plentiful. With many options. Just like I'll stick with the 308 win over the 6.5 Creedmoor. And I'll stick with the 6.5/284 over the 6.5 prc.
Theoretically, the PRC is the obvious choice. They did a great job in development. That said, I’d like to see where the cartridge is in a decade. Lots of good new ideas have come and gone over the years and I want my grandkids to be able to use what I hand down. My primary hunting rifle is a 7 rem mag with a 1:9.5 twist. It’s capable of better than I can reliably achieve. I’m also not a fan of long range hunting and consider 400 yards to be my personal ethical boundary. At that range the differences in drop/drift are closer than I’m capable of discerning.
Agreed. I'm sure a 6.8 Western is a fine round, but .270 has been taking game a long time. And regarding long range hunting. Not me. I can't imagine it would be easy crossing a canyon to gather up a dead elk after walking 600-800 yards up the side of a mountain across a canyon because one thinks that's the same thing as popping a milk jug of colored water at 1,200 yards in Utah so they's can get a decal and a T-shirt. :). With my luck a Grizzly bear or Mountain lion would be on the kill by the time I walked that far...IF I even hit its vitals at that range instead of gut shooting it because it bolted after a cow, right as I pulled the trigger.
Just keep your 7 rem mags. Gavin will be the only person with brass at the rate Hornady works. They don't keep up with the other ten new cartridges they have made recently.
Yes, for the guy that wants to just plug and play, the 7mm PRC is the way to go. If you love to tinker with hand loading, 7mm Rem Mag all the way. I would be curious to see what happens over the next few years with the 7mm PRC. Great to see Guy and Gavin. Always great videos😁👍Kinda surprised that you guy's didn't test the 180 grain ELD Match.
Why would you get a 7mm rem mag for handloading if you don’t have one already? To my understanding, there’s literally nothing it does better than the PRC
Given Hornady's History, they will discontinue another bullet, like Winchester does their Model 70s (They discontinued their best value "Sporter"). Of course, they are not made here anyway.
@@TrolloTV If you're going to Hunt with it, 7mm Rem Mag will be available in almost every hunting outfitter store/ sporting goods store, and Walmart. Same goes for .270 Win, .30-06, 30-30 and .308 Win. (Most popular hunting cartridges in North America..) Good luck finding any 7PRC anywhere except a specialty store in a larger city. Loaded Ammo, Brass, Dies, Data... all will be slow in coming, and in short supply because it's the "new hotness". 7PRC is mostly for PRS and ELR F-Class shooting. Like the .300 Norma, and the .338 Lapua, they were "adapted" for hunting applications after their target prowess became popular., but are unlikely to be too popular dues to their extreme cost, and specialized rifle actions. I took a bronze medal at 800 meters at the First F-class World Championships in 2002 in Ottawa, Canada, with a 28", 9-twist Lilja barreled 7 Rem Mag shooting 180gr Moly Berger VLD's @ 3000fps. . Nothing wrong with buying a 7 mag to reload it for hunting or target. You have so many bullets to choose from for so many kinds of target and hunting applications. For 90% of hunters, this new round is just reinventing the wheel. 7 Weatherby, 7 WSM, 7 Rem Long and Short Ultra mag, The old 7mm Mashburn, 7 x 61mm Sharp & Hart all did the same thing. Don't let Magnumitis cloud your judgement about the viability of "older" cartridges. All animals shot with a 7 Rem Mag today are just as dead as the ones it shot 60 years ago.
This video, as stated, is for those purchasing a new firearm. It is frustrating though, because with a longer, faster twist barrel the 7mm Rem mag can do just as well as the PRC. If you guys want to compare apples to apples, you should have also compared handloads with the same barrel lengths, twist rates, and bullets. Just my opinion. Thanks for the video.
No doubt the new shorter fatter cases with higher BC bullets are proving to be best choice for many reasons. Efficiency, inherently more accurate, less recoil in most cases. I just wish ammunition manufacturers would get moving and offer more choices and more supply.
I’ve never really understood the popularity of the 7 rem mag, looking at several different manufacturers load data, the 300 win mag is actually a descent bit faster with the same weight bullets. According to nosler, the 150s most recommended loads show the 300 is 100 or so faster. The 165/168, the 300 wins by 150-200, in 180, by 200-300. I know the recoil is an issue, but a lot of factory rifles come with brakes. The 7 has better bc, but if the 30 has a 200-300 fps head start…..
It comes down to recoil. I hunted some with a 300 Weatherby Magnum in a German Made Mark V. I shot one moose with it in Newfoundland back in 1972 and never shot the rifle since. The rifle was a good 1 to 2 pounds to light for the recoil. It doesn't matter a wit if you can't shoot accurately enough or develop a flinch or the rifle is so heavy you can't carry it day in and day out for a week or two on most hunts. I have a Sako 75 in 338 Winchester Mag. since 1996 fully loaded with a sling and the scope is about 9 and 1/4 lbs. I can shoot it well better than well, I killed 15 moose in Alaska with it when I lived and worked in that state. Take the publish ballistic data with a grain of salt, it's computer generated and may or may not be for your rifle and where you are and well weather.
When I used to shoot 7mm rem mag the heaviest quality bullet was a 165gr norma boat tail it had a decent BC and really was an excellent hunting cartridge/bullet combination. The other choice was the 30-06 which could shoot upto 220 gr whereas the 7mm with a 180gr bullet was comprised by the bullet taking up powder space. The 7 PRC is the best of all worlds able to shoot heavier bullets, no comprimise on powder capacity with excellent BC bullets its a winner.
I’m newly getting into long range target shooting and I’m a huge fan of the 7PRC. I think the 7 Rem mag is an amazing cartridge though and for the majority of uses it will do great, especially in the realm of hunting. In the end the 7 PRC is about efficiency out past 600 yards. The twist and huge BC bullets it can handle mean you’re squeezing every 0.1% you can out of the 7mm caliber, which in the end is the caliber I like the best. My personal enjoyment comes out of load development and trying to push it as far as I can so my vote goes to the PRC. If it didn’t exist though I’d definitely be shooting the 7 mag.
If I didn't already have a 7 Rem Mag, I might consider a 7 PRC. I would wait to see if the PRC is going to be another fad cartridge that fades quickly. I shoot enough wildcats, and odd balls that adding one more would not be that big of a deal. I have an old 1st gen Ruger 77 long action with tang safety that I had PacNor rebarrel (after truing the action) with a 31" 1-9.5 twist medium Palma super match barrel. I rarely shoot past 300 yards, and will pass on shots that are farther than I am certain of hitting the critter in the vitals. I am a physically disabled veteran and cannot walk (or run) like I used to in the Army. I take a comfy seat (not worried much about rifle weight or length as I am not humping it in the bush) and wait for something to walk into range. I have to keep in mind my physical limitations when I go to retrieve a dead critter. I will not shoot something if I cannot recover it later.
If you have a 7mm Rem Mag and are kitted out for it... keep what you have. If you are kitting out a new rifle it seems to make sense to go 7mm PRC. However... The new Rem Arms Model 700 Rifles that come in 7mm Rem Mag look like they ship with a 1:8 twist barrel... from the factory.
Great information and video. I’ve shot a 7mm mag for year and love it. Time for one of my boys to inherit my 7mm. I’m having a 7 PRC built currently from H & S precision. I like to take shots up to 800 yards and I’m excited to try this round. I’m torn between optics to put on this weapon. I want to keep it as light weight as possible. Any thoughts??
I have a Bergara B14 Carbon, and Im quite happy with it. I don't have any issues with belted cases, having a 338 Win Mag, a 375 H&H, and a 458 Win Mag. I have been shooting a 6.5x55 Swede in a 96 Mauser for 35 years, and have a decided bias against the 6.5 Creedmoor, so I bought a 6.5 PRC. And when this barrel wears out on the Swede, a faster twist barrel will be on it. The natural progression for me from the 6.5 PRC was the 7 MM PRC. So far, loving the 7 MM PRC. I'm getting 1/2" groups at 100 using Vihtavuori N 165 behind 171 grn Barnes HPBTs, and working on tightening that up.
7prc will eventually take over the 7mm game. That being said ammo is so ridiculously hard to get right now that I would still recommend 7 mag to the weekend warrior that just wants to go hunting and doesn’t shoot a whole ton. If you are really into the long range game, especially if you reload, the 7 prc does provide some advantages.
My opinion from a hunter's perspective....the advantage of the 7mm PRC is insignificant at hunting distances. Very large majority of big game taken inside 300 yards - almost all inside 500 yards. The PRC really gets an advantage out past hunting distances. (Also speaking to factory ammo since I am a reloading newby)
I feel the increased weight justifies using 7PRC in contexts where 7RM gets badmouthed/dismissed for its (comparably) low weight/low CD (vs 300WM).
Good perspective who tee who!
@gavintoobe most of my whitetail have been inside 50 yards 😆. I've taken 2 mule deer - both right at 175 yards. To a western hunter may mean more, but even then most people should not be taking shots beyond 500 yards
my thoughts exactly, and also when these fads come out you should wait to see if they last. I know a lot of people regretted buying some new chamberings when the short mags and super short mag craze was in. If your into long range shooting competitions all of these high BC bullets are great, but I'd plan on reloading my own too.
@@WHOTEEWHO 50 yards. That's why I have my 1950 Winchester Model 94 in 32 Win Spl. At my age, I'm too tired to walk 800 yards to pack out an elk or Muley in bear country. :)
My second rifle purchased over 30 yrs ago was a 7mm RemMag. I learned to hand load on that rifle and see no need to upgrade to a 7mmPRC. While the ballistics are impressive, I'm not a long range shooter. Thanks for posting I really enjoy the content. Cheers 🍻
I got my 7mm Rem Mag re-barreled in a 1-8" twist 2 years ago. With hand loads I get 2935 with Berger 184. Glad Hornady took notice and made the 7PRC
I hadn't even checked the Berger data. Quarter Minute Magnums used them some.
That’s incredible velocity from a 184. Did you do anything with 160 grains or lighter?
@@colearmstrong2450 unfortunately I have not. Due to the Primer shortage, I have not taken the liberty of trying different bullets, primers, brass, and powders. I do have everything, besides primers, ready to test. Hornady 162gr, H4831SC, and Nosler Brass. In addition to those, 195 Berger EOL, 160gr CX, and others. Hopefully availability and price becomes favorable again
3519 ft-lbs muzzle energy is pretty stout for a 7mm Rem. Must have a long throat to avoid high pressure.
🤔
You should really do more videos like this. There’s a lot to learn with a series like this cross comparing cartridges.
Go to a real reviewer like Ron spomer he does that exact thing but better than this clown
There are too many of them IMO. Why compare the 7 PRC to the 7 Rem Mag instead of the 7 WSM or 7 SAUM, more in common/ similarity? It's apples and oranges.
I just went over to Ammoseek and looked. The only factory manufacturing 7PRC ammunition is Hornady and the cheapest I could find was $4.25 per round.
7mmRM on Ammoseek from $1.35 per round and everyone loads for it. You can get whatever bullet you want up to 175gn. If you don't reload, this is a no-brainer. Maybe 3-5 years down the road the PRC will be worth a look.
If it's still around, and not only in PRS and F-class matches...
I think ammo cost and availability is a factor in this conversation, especially if you already have a 7 rem mag. A premium and new cartridge with the 7 prc means much more expensive factory ammo, plus the options for rifles are on the higher spectrum as well if you are looking at hunting rifles and not precision options. I think that it is a great new option if someone is looking and has the money to get it, but it's not so much better that a person should feel the need to sell their 7 rem mag for it. Out of the 3 prc cartridges, this 7 would be the one I would pick for sure though.
Not just a factor, THE factor. $1.10 for rem mag vs $1.80 for PRC.
That's not a contest for me
You CAN build a 7RM rifle and reload to be close enough to 7prc for the difference to be negligible. If you have already done this then there isn’t much reason to switch. If you haven’t then the 7prc is superior as it has all the modernization work done already to take advantage of modern projectiles.
I have a long and happy history with the 7mm Rem Mag. But the 7 PRC is awfully good... :)
I agree
Agreed. Same with the 300 WM and 300 PRC.
@yesterday I think the PRC is better for hand-loaders than the RM b/c there is no belt to fuss with. I bought my 280AI for that reason. While I won't sell it, I would get the 7PRC if I was buying a new rifle. All I would need is dies and brass to get started.
Well the rum has 1:9 twist prc has 1:8. So put a faster twist rate on or find some good fast burning powder. Cant go wrong with imr 7828 rl26 couple more than can get you faster speed than the prc. If speed is what you want with heavy bullet do not forget about the 7stw 28 nos and the 7mm tejas !!
If I didnt already have a 7mm rifle and was getting one, the 7mm PRC would be the one I would go with. Unfortunately I am pretty old compared to most, pretty heavily invested in the 7mm RM. Im a hunter not a long range target shooter. I have a custom built Rem 700 bean field rifle from the early 80's thats quite the tack driver that I am very content with and I am very unlikely to take a shot beyond 400 yards on game although I can consistently hit well beyond that. That said, I am sticking with my 7mm RM.
I've had a 7mm Rem Mag for quite a while and it's given me elk, mule deer and pronghorn. And one unfortunate coyote... :) I like it and I'll be keeping it.
I've been hunting with a 7mm Rem Mag since the early 80's and love it. My first was with a Rem 700 which put several deer and elk into the freezer. About 13 yrs ago I sold this to my son and bought a Ruger #1 SS in 7mm Re Mag. I too have a lot invested in the firearms I have and as I'm 70ish I don't see myself purchasing any new hunting rifles. I typically don't take shots much over 300 yds. But I don't mind going out to the range with my son and his boys and shooting the longer ranges, helps to know that if that once in a lifetime should show that I could make the shot. With that said if I were in the market to replace my rifle I would probably be looking at the PRC.
My you are not too old to get another rifle to play with. I myself just ordered one and I am 74 years old. I have a gun safe that's overflowing, and I told myself I didn't need another rifle not too long ago and then here I am having ordered a new 7mm PRC to hunt with. Anyhow enjoy your shooting I do whenever I can.@@oneeyedwillie1
Great review and discussion. I've been hunting with the RM since 1993. I've taken countless animals with this cartridge from as little as 10 yards. The cartridge has been very efficient at taking big game animals for me. That said, if purchasing a new 7mm cartridge today, I'd jump into the PRC. If nothing else, just for the modern updates spoken about. Keep up the great videos. thank you!
You will have shorter barrel life in 7mm and 300 prc if you planning on shooting all lot!
@@franksanchietti7108That is not likely. They are all shooting bullets at pretty much the same velocity. If shot equally there would be little difference. If you want to compare shooting light loads out of one and heavy loads out of the other which is apples to oranges you can convince yourself you are right, but you are not if all things are equal. I can tell you for a fact a belted case will separate causing a case failure sooner in a cartridge with a belt before a case without a belt is no longer reloadable. I own and reload for a lot of these cartridges. If one shoots enough to wear a barrel out, they can well afford a new barrel if they ever get there.
This video is 11 months old. So more 7mm prc should have hit the store shelves. Went down to the local Cabelas. 4 types of 7mm Mag, O offerings of 7mm PRC. Looking to buy and will go with the 7mm Rem Mag.
I've been a 7mmRemMag lover since I got my first one in '64 for my high school graduation present that was collectively given to me by family members. I put in the suggestion into everyone's minds by suggesting that I thought that it would be perfect and most remembered. It was! I still have it 59 years later. It needs rebarreled again for the third time and it now sports a McMillan stock and a Nightforce NXS 5.5X22X50 R1 reticle scope. Between the deer, elk, antelope, wolfs and bear, I lost count at over a hundred animals.
Now, the betrayal. I'm getting old I know because at 77 my body is falling apart however, before it did, I wanted to build one more rifle for myself and when I managed to get the specs that Hornaday sent out to many rifle building companies last year I got a copy and decided that this would be the caliber of my last custom made rifle. It is finally together ready for quarter inch groups at 100!
Hope you enjoy your new rifle!
Enjoy it man. For years and years to come.
Great video! I agree with many in the comments. Starting new, build/buy a 7 PRC. If you have a 7 RM that shoots, keep it!
I like the consistent accuracy of my Browning A-bolt, in 7mm rem mag. Shoot/reload 140 gr and 170 gr in both Sierra boat tail and copper. At 67 years old, I’ll keep shooting the 7mm RM, but I do like what I’m seeing on paper about the 7PRC
Having the 7mag, there's zero % chance I'm going to get into a new round that's going to be harder to find everything for, on top of 2x the price.
You are a smart man. I just ordered a 7mm PRC just because it does have some nice features. I just got a light budget rifle that I do intend to just shoot Hornady Hunting Ammo out of and will only zero it and hunt with it. It won't be used for target shooting. I did have a 7mm Rem Mag but had given it to my son in Arizona. I have a lot of rifles and do reload. If I did have a 7mm Rem Mag I wouldn't have bought this new 7mm PRC for the reasons you listed. But hey I am a gun nut and just want one but will not be shooting it any more than I have to, to familiarize myself with it and zero it to hunt with.
Great point, I've shot the 7Mag for many years now, hard to change
The real motivation for me to go to the modern cartridges with high BC bullets isn’t trajectory, but wind deflection. At long distance, wind drift is the more difficult variable to estimate, potentially leading to misses or poor shot placement on game.
True. It's easy to dial for elevation. Estimating the wind downrange is much more difficult.
I wouldn't shoot at any game animal that far away....as far away as I have heard people say they are shooting them. Shooting steel? Have at it. Whatever rings your bell. Animals? No, unless I Was starving and down to one gun and three rounds.
Gotta go with the 7 Rem Mag. Cheaper brass, easier to find rifles and too similar of a performance to justify the extra cost of the “belt-less PRC.”
Exactly 👍
I already know 7prc and 7 mag are close, give us the recoil comparison and other possible reasons to switch from 7mag.
My vote goes to .280 AI. Great hunting cartridge and mild recoil.
Lots of brass w .280 a i any 06 .270 .280 25-06 if I can make 6.5x06 out of 25x06 i usually use .270 Remington and trim The rifle likes best. 1:8 95-160 grain Iam on my 4 th barrel I’ve shot this rifle for 20 years my 300 wsm is 1:12 185/190 Berger’s one hole no since of change
yes better than both
The 280 AI is indeed a great cartridge!
And the worst barrel life of the bunch by a mile.
I agree with you, I have two 7mm rem mags that I use for competition shooting and another for hunting. If used for competition shooting where a lot of shots are fired in a short period, the magnum rounds tend to overheat a barrel and then they lose accuracy. A good alternative to magnum rounds are Ackley improved, non magnum rounds, where not as much powder is needed. This leads to only a small decrease in velocity, but a cooler barrel and a longer barrel life.
I built a 7prc in October of 22 , got lucky and bought a case of edlx 175, hunted with it all through our roughly 3 month deer season here in Alabama , killed several deer from 50 yards out to 512 yards all where doubled shoulders exits and all dropped right there and a couple made it 20 or 30 yards , shot 3 big hogs (300lb +) both shoulders and exit they dropped instantly ! Mine has 26” barrel no noticeable recoil over any other of my long action rifles! On paper I shot a 3/4 inch 5 shot group at 300’ which was my best with it to date , I let the CDS work on that 500 yard shot , I plan to do a lot more target shooting through the summer and am planning a Elk hunt with it in Colorado this year , I am very happy with it
That's a lot of experience with a new cartridge! Thanks for sharing that. :)
I love how they compare the 7prc to everything in the world except the one that beats it in every category - the 28 Nosler
Not in every way. Availability of ammo, different manufacturers chambering the caliber in their rifles (choices), perhaps accuracy and larger bullets to caliber being stabilized. Faster is not beating anything in all categories, is it? There is no bullet in the market that's beats all others in all categories. Fact!
The 28 Nosler also kicks like a mule.
When I was 18 I bought a 1968 R700 7mag with the original Redfield tv view scope at an estate sale for 100$. I have killed everything with that gun and I will never change a thing about it.
I have both. Love both. 7 prc is indeed inherently accurate. Stupid easy to tune. 7 PRC is the easy button. A customized Rem Mag will hang all day. But for out of the box, factory ammo, 7 7:11 PRC all the way. If you took 100 Rem ( factory) Mags and 100 factory PRC’s….. PRC’s would be more accurate. The bullets to use boys is the Nosler Accubond Long-range in 175 gr. Great bc’s, great expansion. Work great in both Rem Mag and PRC
You sound like a paid influencer!!! I dont agree with your assessment,PERIOD!!!! I think you DONT have the experience OR knowledge to make such a statement!!!! Explain why it is more accurate!!!! IM WAITING!!!!!
@@scottinohio701 well your making me comment on something I’ve said 1 year ago. So let me update you. I actually am bold now on the 175 Eldx’s. I’ve tuned 4 7 prc’s and 3 rem mags for myself and family. That’s the only data I have. I think your right. I don’t have enough data or experience and I’m sure that you could find 100 7 rem mags that would out shoot 100 7 prc’s. My experience is with budget rifes and that probably skews my opinion and experience. I will say that I think the 7 prc is the easy button for long range performance based on factory ammo. My reloads perform neck and neck.
@@bobmcmillen4502 Sounds a lot better!!! Thank you!!!
@@scottinohio701 will also say that Hornady was a little disingenuous about the 7 prc based on the fact that it would appear that the only powder you can get 3000 fps with under normal pressures is RL 26 which suddenly is unattainable. Even they can’t get 3000 fps now.
I've had a Rem. custom shop 7mm STW since 1991. I haven't found anything better for Elk.
7 STW is pretty awesome... No doubt.
Man...Almost everything I have taken from Antelope to Elk has been with my 110 Savage in 7mm Mag..There is no doubt that the PRC is superior at long range and is a great round for the ELDX. I guess my 7mm mag has that old girlfriend factor...I just keep coming back to her..LOL..Great vid guys
7RM because I already have it in a Model 70 sporter that shoots Nosler's into sub moa's and stays dead on every time I check it before season. Numerous long range deer and antelope have seen the ice chest thanks to it. I would not try harvesting game beyond what the 7RM is capable of because there are so many other factors involved when it comes to shooting in the field. 300 yds is a chip shot and 400 to 500 yds, depending on conditions, is plenty long for ethical harvest. All of that is well within a good 7RM's capabilities. For LR or ELR target shooters, there is good reason to consider the PRC especially if you reload since PRC is $4.50 to $7 per round retail while 7RM starts out around $1.40 per round.
Ammo is not as high as you listed. It is more expensive but certainly not anywhere near $4.50 to $7.00 per round. About $50-$55 dollars a box of 20. If one reloads it costs close to the same. I own one and do reload. Nothing wrong with a proven rifle like the 7mm Rem Mag. Not a thing wrong with the new kid on the block either. I like them both.
"Well I had a custom 7 rem mag made"
Well done as always gentlemen. I have to agree with you completely. As a huge proponent of the 7mm Rem. Mag since mid 1980s, I have no need to change. However, if I was just starting out new rifle and all, I would go 7 PRC for sure. It is more versatile. It is everything the 7 Rem. Mag. has always been and more.
I started handloading the 162 ELDX with various powders a few years ago in my 7 Rem. Mag. They all proved extremely accurate. It is more than enough and effective on anything I am hunting inside of 600 yards if I am willing/able to go out that far. I am already having this conversation with my youngest who has not yet needed to purchase his own rifle. The 7 PRC is definitely a serious option to consider. Thanks
Been shooting a .280 Rem with Barnes 140X for 25 plus years, quite a few White tails, several over 500 yds (36+ inches of drop factored in) dead on at 150 yds, never needed a follow up shot, Xs are beautiful performers.
I watched a hunting partner of mine drop a Brooks Range grizzly with one 140 grain Barnes TSX bullet from his 7mm Rem Mag. Impressive!
Since I already own a 7Rem Mag that is capable of sub .50 MOA accuracy, I will happily stick with the 7RM. However if I were starting out today I would definitely go for the PRC. As it is the increased performance of the PRC is not significant enough to warrant my making a change.
Bingo. That way they will keep 7 Rem Mag ammo on the shelves and not just give gun writers more poop to talk about.
I don't see any plausible universe that 7RM disappears from shelves and I would much sooner go look for it than 7PRC. To Hornady's credit, they seem to load even for obscure cartridges at least in small runs. The bigger threat to the disappearance to 7RM is more likely Washington.
@@Accidic You're right about the biggest threat. Too many people have 7 Rem Mags. I could go get 7mmRM TODAY 2 miles away, but I'll bet I can't find 7 WSM or 7 SAUM or 7 PRC on the same shelf...and if I did, I'll bet it won't be less than $40 a box for the latter 3. I do know Midway USA has exactly ZERO of the latter three, and if they did have it, Nosler Trophy Grade 7 mm SAUM would cost you $120 for just 20 rounds. When they DO GET ANY the 7PRC will cost you $60 a box for the cheapest (Copper only) that's not listed "OUT OF STOCK-NO BACKPRDER." (Their precision Hunter and Match, you are out of luck) I CAN get 7mm Rem Mag for $35.50 a box right now. EASY CHOICE for me. Also already have dies since a relative has a Rugger M77 in the caliber.
The 7RM and the 7PRC are identical in performance (except case, one has a belt the other no). Why would you need a heavier than 168-180 Grns bullet fo hunting in 7mm. And lets see if the PRC will take over all other 7mm. Plenty Guns But AMMO? and $$. Ok I'm Old fashion, but do not own a 7MM , and on the market to get one for grandson. Conclusion it will be a 280 AI.And it comes in 1:8 pitch. Didn't see that one comming? 🤣Not Crazzy, put all the specs, loads and data on the table(not as available as the 7RM), but have a pile of 30-06 cases. Pushing a 168 at under 100 fps of a 7RM not bad for almost WHATEVER 👍
Agreed
If you’re buying a new rifle and you are specifically using it for for shooting steel at extreme range, advantage 7prc, If you own a 7mm rem mag for big game hunting and especially if you don’t hand load , spend more money on ammo (more practice) try the 162 eld for long range and your confidence and shooting ability will more than make up for the tiny difference in ballistics.
You missed the point of this article. Both cartridges are good. It depends on what one wants to do with what they have. The 7mm PRC is as good for hunting as target shooting. Either rifle cartridge is capable of the same hunting performance. To suggest banging steel at long ranges is what a PRC is good for is a laugh at best. It is an attempt to make a better all-around 7mm Mag Cartridge and a pretty good one getting rid of the belt and making a wider case that is more forgiving in working a load up and also designing it to shoot larger for caliber bullets if one wants to do that. It is a more versatile cartridge. Only time will tell if it can do as well as the 7mm Rem Mag in the future. Both are great cartridges. I have had both. Pros and cons in both of them. Some of the cons are debatable like all things in bullet cartridges.
The 7mm Rem Mag has been my favorite cartridge for 40 years. I've only shot factory ammo in both of mine, the performance has been awesome. I definitely see the advantage the 7 PRC has with the long heavy for caliber bullets, that's what it was designed for. My only concern is popularity and longevity. Will this new 7 PRC stand the test of time and will the ammo be soooo expensive, like the .300 RUM. I jumped on the.300 RUM when it first came out, now ammo is so expensive that I can't hardly afford to shoot it.
Can't you just reload. A simple reloading set up under 300$ . Primers the hardest to get. If you got some spare time during the week, Do a step of reloading one evening 1 Hr tops. next time another step, and in 2 weeks have 200 rds to shoot. That 300RUM has plenty life in it. You can load to plink and beyond fact. for tyranosaurus. I started with a lee Handloader and a mallet 50 Yrs ago. And you have no idea how many game/targets have I shot with my reloads(38/357-30-30/7-08/30-06/20 GA/12 Ga) . You do not have to be a Rocket Scientist (Shania Twain) to load some very decent/accurate rounds. Simple can be cheap and effective. Give it a shot and keep shooting for ever👍
I’ve been reloading since I was 17 and figured it out for the most part. Now I’ve been through over 10 cartridges and many such as the 6mm and 25 creedmoor before they were a publicly known cartridge. It’s really not a hard thing to do or get into. Sure some things might cost a good bit up front but you’ll get way better ammo as a result.
I think that all the PRCs have been well thought out and will be here in the future. I am sure that the ammo is going to stay expensive because what they sell is supposed to be premium quality. The design of these cartridges for competition shooting and the number of rifles sold should keep it alive. I reload and have done wildcats in the past. I just purchased a 7mm PRC and hope that factory ammo will shoot good enough I won't need t reload. Hopefully I will just need to shoot a few bullets to get familiar with the rifle and zero it and just use it hunting. But if they don't shoot well, I may need to get dies to reload for it. But it isn't my initial intention. This is not going to be a target rifle for me just a hunting rifle with minimal use. I have quite a collection of rifles that can be shot for bench shooting.
Im sticking with the 7MM rem mag. Cause i like it plus im already finacialy invested. 1:8.4 twist
41 years hunting Colorado elk, first 20+ exclusively with a 7mm Rem Mag, 40 years with handloads for whatever I was carrying at the time. The 7mm PRC is, for my purposes, the ultimate 7mm cartridge. I have a Savage 111 that I purchased used with a 7mm Rem Mag barrel that was pitted inside and out. Removed the barrel, Cerakoted the action, waiting for a 7mm PRC barrel.
I am assuming they are relatively equal, given a well built custom rig and competent reloading practices.
Ammo availability will have a lot to do with how long 7prc will be around.
Right now, in my opinion the 7mm Rem is a better option, just based on ammo availability and price. The PRC might take off, time will tell. Most shooters are not going to be able to shoot a tight enough group, from a field position, to see the small difference in drop inside 500 yards. I understand that new cartridges equal new gun sales and that's what keeps companies in business, so more power to them, I just don't feel the need to run out and grab one.
You could be 100 percent right but modern day I think t😢 have bullets to provey idea
I have both in multiple rifles and are equally pleased with the performance of each cartridge. the newness of the PRC wrt ammo, dies has so far been a bit of an issue
The only ones available I think are Hornady and Foster. But they are available.
Let's put it this way:
On a scale of 0 to 10, the 7mm Rem Mag is a 8, and the PRC is a 10. You can't complain about either. The standard has been raised.
For me? If I was building a rifle from scratch, I'd be tempted to run a .280 A.I. with a 1:8 twist. More ammo in the mag, that's the main reason.
Don't complain, folks. It's a good time to be alive in the firearms industry. Rewind a decade. Since that time, what do we have?
6.5 Creedmoor
6.5 PRC
6.5 Wby RPM
6.8 Western
.280 Rem A.I. gaining popularity
7mm PRC
300 PRC
Very low drag bullets, more solid-copper ammo companies coming onboard.
Proliferation of inexpensive sub-MOA rifles. High performance aftermarket triggers for a wide variety of stuff.
Be happy. Be shooting.
And Make America Great Again.
That 280 AI you mentioned is one heck of a cartridge!
@@guyminer2384 It's basically on the heels of the 7mm Rem mag, using less powder, having less recoil, and fitting more rounds in the magazine. With the right twist rate, you can run the really heavy stuff.
You did a good job on this comparison of the 60 year old + 7RM to the new kid on the block. As I own 2 7RM and I am 8 years older than the 7RM I am good to go. However If I were to start new not owning a 7RM the 7PRC would have to be my pick. Your video peaked my interest in building a 7PRC. Good job on your channel.
I have a 7 Rem Mag with a 1:8 twist. It’s a factory rifle. Allows me to load long and heavy bullets. I just don’t see why I would need a 7 PRC. That being said I’ve traded in my 300 WM for a 300 PRC😊
I am rocking a 8.5 twist shooting 195gns over 2900 fps. I’ve gotten up to 2980 with Retumbo but switching to n570, 3000 here I come.
I'll get an 7mm Rem Mag (left-hand bolt), which is more available, and later rebarrel it if I REALLY need distance. Used 7RM in USN and it did fine @ 800+.
7 PRC I'm a 300 Win Mag guy. So I 'm starting new and into distance as well as hunting, would like to see how far I can push the PRC out.
Both have almost identical CC of water capacity few ever mention this. For a guy that Reloads, 26" barrel on 7 Mag, 3030-3050 with 175-180g bullets using R#26 with CCi 250's is the norm in several barrels of mine where groups are .375 and smaller. For a shorter range load, R#22 has a sweet spot in my 700s in 7 Mag at 2850 that simply opens up a single bullet hole. In one 28" 7 Rem mag, the 162-168 9T is 3200 fps shooting very tiny groups. I run Wyatt's mag boxes on my 700s that extends the OAL .125
ergonomics for
The vast majority of hunters will never see any real world need for the use of bullet weights over 168g, but past 1200 yards is where the 175-180g start to shine, and that number may be more like 1600 yards, depending on the game you are hunting.
Again, the 7 PRC and 7 Remington Mag have equal powder capacities, a 7 Mashburn Super or 7 Practical would have been a more sensible choice. The 7 Mashburn is what the 7 Rem Mag should have been in the first place where the 162-168s do 3200 and never full length size with top end being 3350, now you are talking improved performance in Spades!
For guys that do not reload, starting from scratch with neither cartridge on hand, the 7 PRC would be a hands down winner because much of the ammo produced has been dumbed down in the 7 Rem Mag never coming close to it's potential.
I've owned a 7mm Rem Mag and I liked it. Loading my own, and normally staying within 200 yards, call me crazy all you want, but I'll stick with my 270 Winchester. I've never felt like I've needed more than the 270 for whitetail.
For whitetail, you absolutely don't need anything more. The 270 Winchester is a most excellent cartridge capable of far more than some folks believe.
Oh yea I want 1 plus I'm liking that boyds stock
I ended up buying the Bergara Squared Crest in 7PRC. After viewing this video and your video on that Squared Crest in 65 PRC, I was sold. I do not own a 7 mm rifle. So I am one of those guys that will start fresh with the 7PRC. I love your videos. You are non-biased and provide information so everyone can make their own decision and that’s the way all these Videos should be. Thank you.
Browning announced at SHOT Show, they will be increasing the twist rate of several cartridges, and increase the magazine length and freebore. These include the 7 Rem Mag and the 28 Nosler, as well as the 300 Win Mag and 270 Win. They will be treated to an 1:8” twist.
This does not bode well with Hornady’s PRC cartridges.
Right off the bat, that makes the 270 Win better than the 6.5 PRC. It also makes the advantages of the 7mm PRC and 300 PRC negligible, compared to the 7 Rem Mag and 300 Win Mag.
If other manufacturers follow suit, this will make things very interesting.
That is very interesting. I read another comment by someone who recently purchased a Remington 700 BDL in 7 REM Mag that had a 1:8” twist. This may be a coming trend.
@@Dennisthemenace40 I really hope it’s a new trend. As long as we get more magazine length and freebore, this breaths life into many proven cartilages.
At one time I considered a 300 PRC, until I realized brass and ammo was almost impossible to get. Only being able to reload with Hornady brass was also a negative.
@@falba1492
Agreed. Faster twist rates and more magazine room for the legacy calibers, and especially for the WSM’s, essentially changes the nature of those respected calibers.
@@Dennisthemenace40 I’ve always said if the 270 WSM had come out with a faster twist rate, no one would have ever heard of all these Hornady cartridges.
@@falba1492
I believe you’re right. I guess it’s just an idea who’s time has come. Hence the 6.8 Western.
I love the talk of the belted brass, gives some insight of the whole thing
I would like to see what this 7mm PRC would do with a 197 grain Sierra Match King, or 195 grain Alco bullet. Would be interesting. In a side note, I have NEVER had a problem with the belt on my 7mm Rem Mag in 25 years, and for hand loaders, you can push a 150 grain projectile out of a 7mm Rem Mag at 3300fps with the right bullet, powder, brass combination, and a 26" barrel without signs of over pressure. 3200fps all day. The Real Gunsmith talks about it on his channel. I do it pretty easily with my hand loads in my Weatherby Vanguard s1.
Yup. My 7mm Rem Mag and 150's do great together. 3200 fps is easy, 3300 fps can be done. With excellent accuracy. It's pretty much a flat-line hunting cartridge, no doubt.
28" Lilja 9-twist shooting 180 Moly Berger VLD's @ 3000 fps here for F-class for over 20 years... No problem getting that without bad pressure signs and ~ 10-15 reloads on my Norma brass ( well annealed every other firing.) Just less than 24 minutes @ 1000 Yards.
@@scottcrawford3745 - excellent! :) The 7mm has been a great choice for a long time.
I've been shooting a 7mm Rem Mag since 1989, but if I was buying a new 7mm it would be the PRC
I have the ruger American 7mm PRC on order. Hoping it shows up soon
Awesome
I just bought a 7 PRC but I didn't have a 7 Rem Mag I had a 280 Rem that has been great but it is having a few problems but it has been my gun for 42 years. I'm very excited about the new 7PRC. I guess for hunting if you really think about it all the cartridges from 270 to 338 get the job done most of the time and it doesn't matter which one they go down with a. good shot and don't if you make a bad shot. So I say "Do what you want". I did!
Larry Willis has a body die for belted cartridges, man I never throw way any brass , fired brass at the range once in Larry die boom it works , full lenght first , if does not chamber , Larry die does the job ,for me belted brass is all good , good for many cartridges
I watched a video by The Real Gunsmith, Randy Selby. My take on his discussion was that Hornady didn't do anything magic with the 7mmPRC because smiths have been using custom reamers to increase freebore in 7mmRemMag for years to seat bullets out longer while still fitting in the magazine. I don't know how much longer the bullet could be seated off the top of my head, but when I had my 7mmRemMag built I did tell my rifle builder that my intent was to use Berger 168 VLD hunting bullets (the 180 wasn't available yet) and I wanted as much case capacity as possible with still fitting the magazine. Whatever he did it worked and worked well. I'm getting over 3000fps with that Berger bullet over 73.0 grains of Retumbo, Fed215M primers out of a 26" Krieger #4 barrel. I did take a Colorado muley at long range with that setup in 2019.
When the 180 Berger VLD was made available I tried those but could never get groups to my satisfaction and I think it might be due to the 9 twist barrel. I prefer 8 twist for 180s. Taking everything into account, I love new stuff and have a 7mmPRC already which I'm working up loads now with a Hart barrel. I have one on the way from In-Rut rifles, and all the parts to build two more except 1 stock and 1 barrel. Then I went ahead and ordered a BadRock rifle with the MDT chassis in 7mmPRC as well which will have the Defiance action and a Proof barrel.
I agree with WHO_TEE_WHO regarding insignificant adavantages 7mmPRC v 7mmRemMag, and I'll take it further - at MOST hunting shot distances, which I'd argue is most certainly 400 yards and under, any of us can take our favorite rifle out and punch our tag after a successful hunt. And that's from using an ultra cheap Walmart package rifle in a longstanding caliber like a 243 or 308 and cheap factory Rem corelokt or Winchester ammo....to a $6000+ fully custom built hunting rig with a $2000+ optic and handloads with Lapua brass, match primers, and bullets that border $1 each or more
I really wish you had included 7 SAUM in the conversation. I'm contemplating a 7mm build, while I'm considering both of these rounds 7 SAUM is where I'm leaning.
Ron Spomer outdoors on TH-cam just recently had a Texas long range shooter that had won 4 championships in the F1 class. Listen to that and you will really gain some knowledge!
Had a 7mm for 30+ years and loved it. Just gave it to my son and bought a 7PRC in the new Bergara Squared Crest. Love it and have had no trouble finding brass. More and more companies are making it now. Bergara is hard to beat for the price. Mine was around $1,600.00.
I'm seriously considering 7mm PRC for my next rifle, so it gets my vote. I currently shoot a 280 Ackley (1:9 barrel) because I consider it a better design than the 7mm Rem Mag, with nearly identical ballistics.
Gaining a few 100 Fps over your 280AI. 168 grns bullets to small/light for the 280AI.? If a bit underpowered check the 28 Nosler
7mm PRC.
I wouldn’t worry about changing if I already has a 7mm Rem Mag. But as a new rifle/new build and reloading, the 7 PRC has the advantage of everything that has been learned over the last 20 years about how cartridge design influences accuracy.
I’d go with the rem mag because you can get brass.
Except for the 7mm Remmag, how many other 7mm mags are not dying out?
It won't replace the 7 Rem mag because for the tens or hundreds of thousands of people already hunting with a 7rem mag there is no compelling reason to replace it with a 7PRC, which can't kill game any deader. That said if factory ammo is no concern the 7PRC is probably a better choice for a new rifle.
Define long range with the two 7's. I was going to build the 7 PRC, but there was no available brass for reloading. We're killing deer with the 7 mag/ 162 & 180 eldm at 800 to 1100 yds. So I'll stick with the 7 mag until PRC ammo is readily available which is going to be a long time.
I think we're going to see a lot more 7 PRC data in the near future. Look to Hodgdon's 2023 Annual Manual and also their online Reloader Data site.
ANOTHER GREAT job Guy!!
Im 100% with you & your comment & reasoning.
I have owned three 7 mags. Always respected never considered it a heavy recoiling caliber its just🎉 like the '06 in that department.
I tryed 140's but quickly discovered a good 160 did everything I could ever need or want in this caliber.
For me, Im gonna stand. The 7 Rem Mag is my choice. ❤🤟🏽👍🏼🤘🏼♥️
Thanks CW. I'm not planning on selling my 7mm Remington Magnum. It's a fine rifle that has done real well for me.
@@guyminer2384 🙏♥️🙏♥️🇺🇸🤘🏼
if you fix 7 rem mags only problem and it is the bullet too deep in the case, it beats the 7mm prc everywhere because of the freed case capacity, i have done the modification at gunsmith where they made the free bore area 8mm longer, now i can load 7mm mag in lenghs 11mm further than OG and it makes the bullet seat at the neck level of cartridge or a bit over it, which is the sweet spot.
Beltless magnum for hunting? The 8x68S has been there, done that, for 80+ years.
Necked down to 7mm or .30 shows that there is nothing new under the sun except new marketing.. 🙂
Btw: 6.5x68 is also 80 years old. With a 1-8" barrel it is a very good long range round.
Shot my 7prc today 4 in one hole quarter inch ..not much recoil..love it
Love the comparison! My vote is for the 7PRC. 7 Rem Mag is awesome, but if you're getting a new rifle why not get every bit of performance as possible. Gavin, would love to see more of these comparisons between older and newer cartridges! I think it would be an extremely interesting series. I would suggest however, including the ballistics out to 1000 yards as well as the wind drift for those ballistics tables. Thanks for the great content!
IF you dont reload, the 7rm is the no-brainer choice. Prc ammo is insanely expensive and will always be more than the rem mag
@@John_Redcorn_ Indeed. Remington has 7X57 Core Lokt in stock today, RIGHT NOW, but I won't order/buy it because they want $67 a box for it. I BUY $25 a box goods and hand load the brass.
didn't they try that "every bit of performance" thing a while back with a funny looking cartridge called a .223 WSSM?
@@cbsbass4142 We'll have to wait and see, but I'd bet a years salary that the 7 PRC sticks around a lot longer than any WSSM cartridge.
@@DRHODES1979 I think you would be correct. It's certainly not a bad round. Just probably wouldn't sell my 7X57 to buy one. I just got it and it's a 2013 Shot Show Model 70 FW. Haven't had enough fun with it just yet. They didn't make that many in that caliber. :)
I have a 7RM and I like it. I use it on everything from elk to pronghorn, I also shoot a 175 berger for everything. All that being said the 7PRC could scratch the itch to have a 7mm hunting rifle I could stretch to a mile for target shooting during the off season.
If t was my first venture into a magnum cartridge, I would buy a PRC, versatility is there on it, can also run lighter bullets to reduce recoil if wanted. Ran 160gr and 140gr 7mm for 40 yrs now, 160 does anything needed, 140 is also incredibly capable. For now, I'll stick with my 7-08, I have a 7RM, but, no big interest in using it, don't need to, I have other guns I like better than that one.
Good choice. I like variety. The 7mm-08 is all one needs for deer hunting within the ranges people usually shoot them. It used to be my go-to rifle. I have many rifles and try to rotate them just to justify having them mostly. BTW I just ordered a 7mm PRC not because I needed it, just because I wanted it. Crazy me.
This isn't a debate. The 7mm PRC is objectively better. It's just not "spend thousands switching over from my already adequate 7mm Rem Mag" better.
Oh ya. I'm so invested in the 7mm Rem Mag, I'm not switching either. Dies, components, loaded ammo. Two of my own and one more that my son owns. We've been fans of the 7mm Rem Mag for a long time. It's a great cartridge. I am impressed with the 7 PRC, but I've got my 7mm rifles.
I already have 7 rem mag, and i have a Krieger 1:8 barrel and a 700 magnum long action awaiting to be built. Still debating on what to build it in. Was considering the PRC, but brass is very expensive and hard to find where i am. So Im leaning back towards 7rm. I have tons of once fired brass already, brass is readily available, i already have dies. Still up in the air.
Hmm. Know the feeling. Yes, my Bro in law got a Browning A-bolt in 270 WSM (a new short magnum Rage thing years ago) Because it was a left-handed gun and what he could find in his price range. Great looking hunting rifle. I Have found EXACTLY ZERO supply of brass for it and, so far, ONE offering brand of factory ammo. But I have the dies if I ever find anything to reload his brass with or make him some handloads with heavier than 130 grain bullets, which was all offered in the Winchester Deer Season Copper Impact (Only factory offering that I have found without custom order). It stinks how some things get ignored like that. the WSMs were all the rage though, just like the PRCs are now around the time I got into hand loading. Hopefully they will not suffer the same fate, as people will certainly move on to the next "new thing."
If you're that heavy into the 7mm Rem Mag, like I am, it's real tough to make the change. My son has one 7mm Rem Mag that I load for (the Bergara in the video) and I have two. I'm not changing. They've done too well for me over the decades. The 7 PRC is probably a better cartridge, but... I don't need anything more than the 7mm Rem Mag.
I have a 7 rem mag but the 7 PRC is very tempting
I have a 27" heavy palma shilen prefit in the mail for my old savage 110. Will be fun to experiment with the new cartridge. Great vids on your channel
It shoots amazing very low recoil
Here’s your problem, me! I’ve had several 7 RMs, each one with a story, but the I have now makes the 7PRC irrelevant for me. I now own a Thompson Compass that I bought without the rebate for $275. I bought it because I had a Browning ABL that shot 3/4 MOA but at the time absolutely no aftermarket support. The TC had tons of aftermarket support at the time so I made the switch. The first thing I did was change the trigger spring with a $10 spring off of Ebay. It reads at 3lbs. I then put a enlarged bolt lever on it and because it was threaded it put a Harrells precision tunable brake. The gun shoot 1/2 MOA groups with 175 Nosler ABLRs @ 2830fps all day. In fact it shoots everything at 3/4 MOA or less regularly. I’ve been able to get over 100 fps over previous published data with the introduction of RL-26. I’m afraid to do anything else to it as I have owned few rifles that can’t match this kind of accuracy. Being all set up for the 7RM with more brass than I’ll ever need, I can’t see any reason to even consider the 7PRC. As it was said, maybe if I we’re starting from scratch, maybe, but if that were the case I’d have to consider the 6.8 Westerner very strongly.
Currently have several different rifles in 7mm……7 RM, 7SAUM, (4) 280 AI’s, 280 Rem, 7mm-08, 7x57, and a 7PRC. No matter how you slice it they all are great cartridges and have a spot in the big game woods. With that being said when I’m headed out for my Western Big Game Hunts I’m grabbing my SAUM, 280 AI’s or 7 PRC with a heavy bullet in the 168-180 gr range that can launch at 2900 FPS to 3000 FPS. I can see the 7PRC having an edge over the rest, especially for people that don’t reload and rely on factory ammo. You have to hand it to Hornady when it comes to case design and cartridge development they bring their product to market with all their ducks in a row! I see a long life ahead of the 7 PRC.
Just plan on not eating out too often if you are a working class man and trying to feed a PRC factory ammo. Reloaders have it much easier when making the decision since PRC starts out at $90 and is as much as $130 per 20.
@@johnnybarbar7435 my local Scheels has 7 PRC Hornady 175 gr ELD-X for $54.99 a box, Hornady 6.5 PRC for $46.99 a box. Granted Nosler Factory ammo starts around $90 per box in 6.5 and 300 PRC. I’m sure location dictates pricing. As far as reloaders having it easier, the last 3 years have been an absolute nightmare when it comes to component availability and cost. If I hadn’t been a reloader for the last 30 years I sure wouldn’t start now, as you could buy a lot of factory ammo to feed a rifle for the cost of components to reload.
@@craiglovelace1753 I guess it just depends on one's shooting volume when making the reloading decision.
@@johnnybarbar7435 I just checked. Whenever Midway gets any Outfitter Copper in (only) 160 grain) you can get it for $60 a box. Still too rich for my blood. I can get 6 Filet Mignons cheaper at the butcher. :)
@@craiglovelace1753 I'm still gonna reload if I have to order Cast Lead Bullets from Rim Rock. I can feed my 32 winchester special for $46 for 200 bullets
Time will tell with the new PRC. I would say that if you already have a 7RM, keep it, use it, shoot it, love it. If you're looking for a new toy, give both the RM and the PRC a hard look. Heck give all the 7s a hard look.
7mm is a great bullet from the 7mm-08 on up. I just ordered the 7mm PRC in a light hunting rifle. Just for hunting. I used to like my 7mm-08 for all my deer hunting. But I have a lot of rifles and have been rotating them to justify owning them all. Not sure what the largest 7mm is these days. I had a 7mm STW that I had given my son. Gave me an excuse to get the 7mm PRC.
@@garrytalley8009 Garry, you have a lot of problems in life. Like have too many rifles and having to rotate them to justify owning them. I'll bet a boat load of people would be willing to take a few off your hands. Naturally your son is at the head of that line. I've never had a STW, a friend did and loved it. I think, not sure, that the 7 RUM is the big dog on the 7mm block. I am sure somebody will say it has the wrong twist and is overbored. But like hot rodding, "there's no replacement for displacement". Do we need that much case capacity? Who knows, that is up to the individual shooter. I'd bet your new 7 PRC will get the job done just fine. Oddly I didn't catch the 7mm/284 bug early on. I was, mostly still am, a 30 and 270 shooter. As hard as I tried I just couldn't find a place where a 7 RM could do something my 300 couldn't. Or where a 280 did anything my 270 or 30-06 didn't. In time I slowly realized that the 7mm/284 bullet really is a sweet spot. Today I am shooting the 7's more, but currently am having an affair with a few 25's. Hey, maybe we both have problems. Haha. Enjoy your new 7PRC, hope it's all you dreamed of.
@@jk-kr8jt- I like rifles and the right tool for the job, but honestly the more you get the harder it gets to pick which one you want to shoot. A 7mm certainly has the ability to do anything in North America. I love the 25-06 as well but it is a bit light for some game and I prefer a larger diameter bullet if I am expecting I might have a shot at a monster buck or something bigger. You are right we both have a problem. The main problem is figuring out what is best for our situation. I do reload for most all of my guns and that is a hobby in itself, my only problem is choosing my rifle for deer season. I hope that the Hornady Precision Hunter will shoot well out of the box, so I won't reload for this new rifle. Others have done well with it. I only intend to shoot it very little to get it zeroed and familiar with it and there after just hunt with it.
@@garrytalley8009 the few people that I know that use the 25-06 love it. Guess I fell for the 270 after the 30-06 and 300 Wby. Does that 0.02 difference in bullet diameter between the 270 and 25-06 make a difference? I doubt that it does. A few years ago I fell for a few 25 calibers. The old 257 Wby and the even older 250 Sav. Recently I even added an old 257 Rob to the line up. For some reason the 25's just get the job done. No fanfare or bells and whistles, just game on the ground. I really need to start reloading, sounds like a great hobby. But it important in life to know which guy you are. I know I'm the guy that would go too far into the reloading game. But it would offer a bunch of options for some of the older cartridges. I don't know how you feel, but if cartridge development stopped 50 or 60 years ago, I'd be just fine. But we all like the new stuff.
@@jk-kr8jtThey are a bit different. Bullet diameter is only one aspect. The weight of bullet that they can shoot is another. Each one will have the bullet that is best suited to shoot flat. A 25-06 Remington shines with a 100-grain bullet for flat shooting to 300 yards. a 270 Winchester shines with 130 grain bullets to 300 yards. Both have different weight bullets that shoot well in them. I myself have shot deer with a 25-06 but I can tell you I would prefer a 270 over that just in case I had a shot at a monster buck. But that's me. A person that does great shot placement can get by with less. I have a lot of rifles and like to get a deer with all of them. I am a few rifles behind though because I have purchased a few more than the deer seasons that went by. On reloading, what is too much? I actually load for everything I have pistols and rifles too many to mention. I may not load for a 7mm PRC I just bought for hunting if the Hornady hunting loads shoot well. I hope to just zero with factory ammo and then just hunt with it. But if they don't shoot well, I will be getting dies for that too.
Used 7mmag for 30 years awesome cartridge !!
I also have a 28 Nosler why settle for less like 7m PRC if it’s about power and no belt??
Another 28 Nosler owner here that I shoot the 190 hybrid out of at 3145 mv, and it carries some weight out to about 1500 yards.
I am 7MMguy, and have a 7WSM a 7Rem Mag and a 7 Dakota. I like the Idea of "non belted Magnums ", but the 7RM does it every time , and I can find factory ammo every where I go , so If I had to choose......the Remington Mag stays!
My sako s20 in 7mm rem mag is a same hole group rifle. Love it
Imagine finding ammo for either of them
My 7x61 S&H has a 1 in 8 twist especially to handle the heavy bullets. It seems to handle the 140gn at 3200 quite well also.
Now that's a cartridge I haven't heard of in quite a while!
Did you rebarrel a Shultz @Larsen rifle. I have one in 7x61 that my dad bought new over 60yrs ago.
@@billbennett9537 no, it's a custom rifle I built up many years ago. Zastava Mauser action, Douglas 24" barrel, nice walnut stock, Burris 3x9 scope.
@@kenmcvie6350 Always good to hear from another 7x61 aficionado. Sounds like a cool rig you have put together.
@@billbennett9537 yes Bill I don't think there are many of us left!
Im a newbie and shot 15 rounds in the range using 300 win mag and now in a market looking for my 1st riffle! Upon doing some research & watching this vid, im convinced to get 7mm prc! Thank you guys!
If you aren’t hunting big game I’d recommend the 6.5 prc over the 7 prc. That or wait until more 7 prc ammo comes out unless you reload.
Here is my Balanced Response: On one hand I would LOVE to ditch the belt the 7mm RM has and I feel the 7mm PRC is every bit as good as they say. On the other hand, I am going to wait and see if brass manufacturers start producing brass for it. I got online again today and still can't find brass available. I am not interested in buying a gun that I cannot find brass for. Hopefully that will change over the next year.
Word is that brass should start showing around end of summer/early fall. Not unusual for brass on a new cartridge to be basically unavailable for most of the first year. It's all being dedicated to Hornady factory ammunition right now.
Since I have a 7Rem Mag and have taken mule deer, elk, and antelope with it I will probably stay with it. I have no real problem with the recoil as I don't do a lot of bench shooting with it. I just do the annual check at the range to ensure it is still hitting where it is suppose to. The longest shot I have had to take with it was approximately a 250 yard at a antelope and that is about as far as I would feel comfortable taking a shot any way.
I'll stick with the 7mm Remington mag. Tried and true. Already own several. And ammo is plentiful. With many options. Just like I'll stick with the 308 win over the 6.5 Creedmoor. And I'll stick with the 6.5/284 over the 6.5 prc.
Theoretically, the PRC is the obvious choice. They did a great job in development. That said, I’d like to see where the cartridge is in a decade. Lots of good new ideas have come and gone over the years and I want my grandkids to be able to use what I hand down. My primary hunting rifle is a 7 rem mag with a 1:9.5 twist. It’s capable of better than I can reliably achieve. I’m also not a fan of long range hunting and consider 400 yards to be my personal ethical boundary. At that range the differences in drop/drift are closer than I’m capable of discerning.
Agreed. I'm sure a 6.8 Western is a fine round, but .270 has been taking game a long time. And regarding long range hunting. Not me. I can't imagine it would be easy crossing a canyon to gather up a dead elk after walking 600-800 yards up the side of a mountain across a canyon because one thinks that's the same thing as popping a milk jug of colored water at 1,200 yards in Utah so they's can get a decal and a T-shirt. :). With my luck a Grizzly bear or Mountain lion would be on the kill by the time I walked that far...IF I even hit its vitals at that range instead of gut shooting it because it bolted after a cow, right as I pulled the trigger.
It might be on the shelves in a Decade so you can buy some. Start saving money now so you can afford it. :)
Just keep your 7 rem mags. Gavin will be the only person with brass at the rate Hornady works. They don't keep up with the other ten new cartridges they have made recently.
That is true. I bought some 270 Hornady 5 years ago. None on the shelf since then at my store. They did get in some 243, but I already have that.
Yes, for the guy that wants to just plug and play, the 7mm PRC is the way to go. If you love to tinker with hand loading, 7mm Rem Mag all the way. I would be curious to see what happens over the next few years with the 7mm PRC. Great to see Guy and Gavin. Always great videos😁👍Kinda surprised that you guy's didn't test the 180 grain ELD Match.
Thanks! Gavin loaded the 180 grain ELD Match. In his handloads and in Hornady's factory ammo, that 180 is seriously accurate!
Why would you get a 7mm rem mag for handloading if you don’t have one already? To my understanding, there’s literally nothing it does better than the PRC
Given Hornady's History, they will discontinue another bullet, like Winchester does their Model 70s (They discontinued their best value "Sporter"). Of course, they are not made here anyway.
@@TrolloTV If you're going to Hunt with it, 7mm Rem Mag will be available in almost every hunting outfitter store/ sporting goods store, and Walmart.
Same goes for .270 Win, .30-06, 30-30 and .308 Win. (Most popular hunting cartridges in North America..)
Good luck finding any 7PRC anywhere except a specialty store in a larger city. Loaded Ammo, Brass, Dies, Data... all will be slow in coming, and in short supply because it's the "new hotness".
7PRC is mostly for PRS and ELR F-Class shooting. Like the .300 Norma, and the .338 Lapua, they were "adapted" for hunting applications after their target prowess became popular., but are unlikely to be too popular dues to their extreme cost, and specialized rifle actions.
I took a bronze medal at 800 meters at the First F-class World Championships in 2002 in Ottawa, Canada, with a 28", 9-twist Lilja barreled 7 Rem Mag shooting 180gr Moly Berger VLD's @ 3000fps. . Nothing wrong with buying a 7 mag to reload it for hunting or target. You have so many bullets to choose from for so many kinds of target and hunting applications.
For 90% of hunters, this new round is just reinventing the wheel. 7 Weatherby, 7 WSM, 7 Rem Long and Short Ultra mag, The old 7mm Mashburn, 7 x 61mm Sharp & Hart all did the same thing. Don't let Magnumitis cloud your judgement about the viability of "older" cartridges. All animals shot with a 7 Rem Mag today are just as dead as the ones it shot 60 years ago.
This video, as stated, is for those purchasing a new firearm. It is frustrating though, because with a longer, faster twist barrel the 7mm Rem mag can do just as well as the PRC. If you guys want to compare apples to apples, you should have also compared handloads with the same barrel lengths, twist rates, and bullets. Just my opinion.
Thanks for the video.
No doubt the new shorter fatter cases with higher BC bullets are proving to be best choice for many reasons. Efficiency, inherently more accurate, less recoil in most cases. I just wish ammunition manufacturers would get moving and offer more choices and more supply.
The 7 prc recoils more than a 7 rem mag
I’ve never really understood the popularity of the 7 rem mag, looking at several different manufacturers load data, the 300 win mag is actually a descent bit faster with the same weight bullets. According to nosler, the 150s most recommended loads show the 300 is 100 or so faster. The 165/168, the 300 wins by 150-200, in 180, by 200-300. I know the recoil is an issue, but a lot of factory rifles come with brakes. The 7 has better bc, but if the 30 has a 200-300 fps head start…..
It comes down to recoil. I hunted some with a 300 Weatherby Magnum in a German Made Mark V. I shot one moose with it in Newfoundland back in 1972 and never shot the rifle since. The rifle was a good 1 to 2 pounds to light for the recoil. It doesn't matter a wit if you can't shoot accurately enough or develop a flinch or the rifle is so heavy you can't carry it day in and day out for a week or two on most hunts. I have a Sako 75 in 338 Winchester Mag. since 1996 fully loaded with a sling and the scope is about 9 and 1/4 lbs. I can shoot it well better than well, I killed 15 moose in Alaska with it when I lived and worked in that state. Take the publish ballistic data with a grain of salt, it's computer generated and may or may not be for your rifle and where you are and well weather.
When I used to shoot 7mm rem mag the heaviest quality bullet was a 165gr norma boat tail it had a decent BC and really was an excellent hunting cartridge/bullet combination. The other choice was the 30-06 which could shoot upto 220 gr whereas the 7mm with a 180gr bullet was comprised by the bullet taking up powder space. The 7 PRC is the best of all worlds able to shoot heavier bullets, no comprimise on powder capacity with excellent BC bullets its a winner.
I'm glad to see RemArms is chambering the 7 Rem Mag with a 1 in 8 twist now.
Only about 20 years too late
@@Freezer003 Yeah. What kept them? Remington has had this kind of problem for a little while. They could have made it better sooner.
@@Freezer003 Same company that gave the .244 Remington to slow a twist and could not make up their mind what to call the .280 Remington.
I’m newly getting into long range target shooting and I’m a huge fan of the 7PRC. I think the 7 Rem mag is an amazing cartridge though and for the majority of uses it will do great, especially in the realm of hunting. In the end the 7 PRC is about efficiency out past 600 yards. The twist and huge BC bullets it can handle mean you’re squeezing every 0.1% you can out of the 7mm caliber, which in the end is the caliber I like the best. My personal enjoyment comes out of load development and trying to push it as far as I can so my vote goes to the PRC. If it didn’t exist though I’d definitely be shooting the 7 mag.
I have an old 7mm rem mag in the safe, never took it hunting due to the weight and nice stock.
If I didn't already have a 7 Rem Mag, I might consider a 7 PRC. I would wait to see if the PRC is going to be another fad cartridge that fades quickly. I shoot enough wildcats, and odd balls that adding one more would not be that big of a deal. I have an old 1st gen Ruger 77 long action with tang safety that I had PacNor rebarrel (after truing the action) with a 31" 1-9.5 twist medium Palma super match barrel. I rarely shoot past 300 yards, and will pass on shots that are farther than I am certain of hitting the critter in the vitals. I am a physically disabled veteran and cannot walk (or run) like I used to in the Army. I take a comfy seat (not worried much about rifle weight or length as I am not humping it in the bush) and wait for something to walk into range. I have to keep in mind my physical limitations when I go to retrieve a dead critter. I will not shoot something if I cannot recover it later.
If you have a 7mm Rem Mag and are kitted out for it... keep what you have. If you are kitting out a new rifle it seems to make sense to go 7mm PRC. However... The new Rem Arms Model 700 Rifles that come in 7mm Rem Mag look like they ship with a 1:8 twist barrel... from the factory.
Great information and video.
I’ve shot a 7mm mag for year and love it. Time for one of my boys to inherit my 7mm.
I’m having a 7 PRC built currently from H & S precision. I like to take shots up to 800 yards and I’m excited to try this round.
I’m torn between optics to put on this weapon. I want to keep it as light weight as possible. Any thoughts??
Vortex razor lht. Good light through the scope, not too heavy and you can’t beat vortex warranty.
7mm mag,$1000 in my pocket,I’ve got one.
I have a Bergara B14 Carbon, and Im quite happy with it. I don't have any issues with belted cases, having a 338 Win Mag, a 375 H&H, and a 458 Win Mag. I have been shooting a 6.5x55 Swede in a 96 Mauser for 35 years, and have a decided bias against the 6.5 Creedmoor, so I bought a 6.5 PRC. And when this barrel wears out on the Swede, a faster twist barrel will be on it. The natural progression for me from the 6.5 PRC was the 7 MM PRC. So far, loving the 7 MM PRC. I'm getting 1/2" groups at 100 using Vihtavuori N 165 behind 171 grn Barnes HPBTs, and working on tightening that up.
7prc will eventually take over the 7mm game. That being said ammo is so ridiculously hard to get right now that I would still recommend 7 mag to the weekend warrior that just wants to go hunting and doesn’t shoot a whole ton. If you are really into the long range game, especially if you reload, the 7 prc does provide some advantages.