7mm PRC

[LkeAF]

180eldm
ADG brass
68.2 H1000
215M

I'm looking at the same load in mine, but using RCC brass. I have 22" 1:8 barrel and seeing velocities @ 2950. What are you seeing?

 

[deputyrpa]

Kind of off the subject but I am seeing more and more custom rifles (especially Fierce) with 22" barrels on 7mm PRC and 6.5 PRC. Conventional wisdom says these barrels should be a minimum of 24" for the best performance (I've actually seen 6.5 PRC in 26" barrel, though not the norm). Am I missing something here? I figure maybe the custom guys are maybe trying to build shorter barrels to save weight? Just curious. Thanks guys.

Because people are using suppressors more and more, and the 22" barrel with a suppressor is not too long. IIRC, one is probably only losing 30-40 fps over a 24" barrel. Also, you're correct about the weight. Carbon wrapped barrel or not, I wanted to lighten my load. The reasons I bought a Savage Ultralite was because it was under 6 pounds and came left-handed in 7mm PRC. And the price was reasonable for having a Proof Research barrel. Yes, the stock is a bit flimsy up front, but it actually shoots great.

 

[motopilot336]

Built mine for backcountry backpack hunting with 22" barrel to use a suppressor and still be so what compact. If I did it over again I'd probably go 20". My plan now is to get a XLR folding chassis next year. It'll be perfect for my intended use.

 

[Monteria]

Nothing wrong with 18" either... it does seem like an exponential drop in velocity below 20" though.

 

[blvette75]

I would like some information on what power and primers people are using for 7mm PRC are you using mag primers

Well was going to use the federal 215 primers as that is what I have the most of, will-tag in.

 

[deputyrpa]

I'm looking at the same load in mine, but using RCC brass. I have 22" 1:8 barrel and seeing velocities @ 2950. What are you seeing?

Well was going to use the federal 215 primers as that is what I have the most of, will-tag in.

I'm using whatever large rifle magnum primers I could get my hands on, which happened to be Fed 215s. That's all I have in bulk right now.

 

[belldar]

Just starting break in and loading On tikka-proof 22 inch( ADG, CCI250, mag length) Tried h1000 and 180 hybrids and got major pressure (ejector mark and heavier bolt lift) with 67 gr At only 2740. Was hoping to hit 2900 but looking like I may not even hit 2800. Going to possibly try H4831sc or 4350 now but that Will most likely bring my velocity down more. May try that new stable HD from Winchester

 

[Monteria]

Just starting break in and loading On tikka-proof 22 inch( ADG, CCI250, mag length) Tried h1000 and 180 hybrids and got major pressure (ejector mark and heavier bolt lift) with 67 gr At only 2740. Was hoping to hit 2900 but looking like I may not even hit 2800. Going to possibly try H4831sc or 4350 now but that Will most likely bring my velocity down more. May try that new stable HD from Winchester

If you are seeking velocity, don't count out LRT. I'm getting 2737 with 180eldms, from an 18" barrel, 1.5gr below book max, and only 60rds down the tube.

What I'm seeing so far is very skinny nodes though.

I'm going to shoot RL26 and H1000 today, just to see what they produce.

 

[Louisiana Reloader]

Because people are using suppressors more and more, and the 22" barrel with a suppressor is not too long. IIRC, one is probably only losing 30-40 fps over a 24" barrel. Also, you're correct about the weight. Carbon wrapped barrel or not, I wanted to lighten my load. The reasons I bought a Savage Ultralite was because it was under 6 pounds and came left-handed in 7mm PRC. And the price was reasonable for having a Proof Research barrel. Yes, the stock is a bit flimsy up front, but it actually shoots great.

Makes good sense to me and I figured it was related to weight as well. More and more people are using suppressors these days so it makes perfect sense. Thanks

 

[deputyrpa]

If you are seeking velocity, don't count out LRT. I'm getting 2737 with 180eldms, from an 18" barrel, 1.5gr below book max, and only 60rds down the tube.

What I'm seeing so far is very skinny nodes though.

I'm going to shoot RL26 and H1000 today, just to see what they produce.

Yep. I just trued my loads at 391, 500, 630 and 850 yards, and would up with 2900fps. Then I tried the Hornady Precision Hunter factory loads and got the same -. maaaaaybe a bit more. I can't rely on my chrony for even ballpark figures. Time for a new one.

I had two skinny nodes with the Staball HD. I used 0.2gr increments. One at 70.1 to 70.5gr, and the one I'm in the middle of at 70.9 to 71.3gr.

 

[Louisiana Reloader]

Yep. I just trued my loads at 391, 500, 630 and 850 yards, and would up with 2900fps. Then I tried the Hornady Precision Hunter factory loads and got the same -. maaaaaybe a bit more. I can't rely on my chrony for even ballpark figures. Time for a new one.

I agree on the LRT—that's great powder, meters very well, and has a very similar burn rate to RL33. I know we are talking about 7mm PRC and not 28 Nosler; however I couldn't find any RL33 for my 28 Nosler and picked up some LRT. I was very pleased with the results and actually beat RL33 performance with accuracy and low SD's.

 

[deputyrpa]

I agree on the LRT—that's great powder, meters very well, and has a very similar burn rate to RL33. I know we are talking about 7mm PRC and not 28 Nosler; however I couldn't find any RL33 for my 28 Nosler and picked up some LRT. I was very pleased with the results and actually beat RL33 performance with accuracy and low SD's.

I'm using Winchester Staball HD - not Ramshot. I wish I could get RL-26.

 

[Louisiana Reloader]

I'm using Winchester Staball HD - not Ramshot. I wish I could get RL-26.

I hear you on the RL26–it is a great powder just near impossible to find. I have some StaBall HD and it is slower than RL26. However, I got my hands on 8lbs of VV N565 and the burn rate is almost identical to RL26. From what I can tell VV N565 is only very slightly slower than RL26. Again, I know we are talking 7mm PRC; however in my 6.5 PRC I matched the book's (Hornady 11th Reloading Edition manual) performance numbers using VV N565 and RL26 was the highest performing powder in the load category. Also getting low SD's. You might give VV N565 a try if you can find some.

 

[deputyrpa]

I hear you on the RL26–it is a great powder just near impossible to find. I have some StaBall HD and it is slower than RL26. However, I got my hands on 8lbs of VV N565 and the burn rate is almost identical to RL26. From what I can tell VV N565 is only very slightly slower than RL26. Again, I know we are talking 7mm PRC; however in my 6.5 PRC I matched the book's (Hornady 11th Reloading Edition manual) performance numbers using VV N565 and RL26 was the highest performing powder in the load category. Also getting low SD's. You might give VV N565 a try if you can find some.

Thanks for the info. I have a couple pounds of VV N165, but i figure it would not provide the velocities of even RL-25. I think VV N565 can be had now. I'll get a few pounds and try it.