7 mag or is PRC actually better?

[Eastonsgrandpa]

Been hearing a lot of chatter about the new 7mm PRC lately. My trusty rifle is the 7 Rem. Mag.

So is there an advantage to the new PRC over the tried and true?
Would I see a substantial benefit or do I stay with what works?

 

[SuperDUECE22]

stay with what works unless you have plenty of disposable income and like trying new stuff. The used market on the PRC stuff seams strong so you could always recycle it after you've scratched the itch.

 

[TxLite]

I own both. The benefit of the prc is the ability to use heavy bullets from the factory (I built mine custom anyways). A factory twist on a 7 rem mag is usually around 9.5 and can’t stabilize the new heavier bullets people prefer for longer range shooting. It’s still a fantastic cartridge and if you’re planning on staying in the 168gr realm then there isn’t a lot of reason to switch imo. I don’t think you’re missing much unless you just want the new hotness.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

I’m definitely one who loves the new and shiny, but this is one area I’m just not all that tempted unless there is a strong reason for it. I don’t think I’d take a shot over 600 at an animal and even that distance would have to be a completely relaxed and unaware situation. Sounds like I’ll stick with the old girl.

Thanks.

 

[gtriple]

I’m definitely one who loves the new and shiny, but this is one area I’m just not all that tempted unless there is a strong reason for it. I don’t think I’d take a shot over 600 at an animal and even that distance would have to be a completely relaxed and unaware situation. Sounds like I’ll stick with the old girl.

Thanks.

Even under 600, the 7PRC with the heavier bullets will give you less deflection due to wind and drop than the trusty old 7RM, so it just gives you a little extra comfort when taking those shots past 3 or 400.

Necessary to upgrade? No. But objectively better in factory configurations? Yes.

 

[XLR]

Although the cases are very similar, they are both completely different cartridges! 7 Mag was designed to shoot 140-160 grain bullets and thats why all the factory rifles are build with 9 or 10 twist barrels. All of the 7 PRC options are 8 twists and made for 175-190 grain bullets. Its a whole different beast designed around modern bullets. This is the same debate as the 300 WM vs 300 PRC. Both the 7 and 30s are very similar in cartridge design but they throat it out, add in a 1.5 degree lead and give the correct twist for the heavy high BC bullets!

 

[BigNate]

IMHO there just isn't enough advantage at the distance you're talking about to be worth it.
If you want a new toy, why not?

 

[AkMtnRunner]

Although the cases are very similar, they are both completely different calibers!

 

[gtriple]

Lol

 

[XLR]

You got me! Cartridge caliber, tomato tomato you win lol

 

[Thinkingman]

I'd rather reload for the PRC.

 

[TxLite]

I'd rather reload for the PRC.

Brass availability is currently much better for the rem mag. And if you’re headspacing off the shoulder on the rem mag then the belt really isn’t an issue. At least it hasn’t been for me

 

[Kurts86]

It turns out 60 years of cartridge development lends itself to more efficient and inherently more accurate cartridges.

I like my 7mm Rem mag but the 7mm PRC is better across the board except for the current number of rifles and commercially loaded cartridge options available. The belt on the 7mm Rem mag is a vestigial tail and an unnecessary stress riser.

I’m hunting this fall with a 7mm Rem mag but as soon as the barrel is shot out I’ll be rebarreling to 7mm PRC.

 

[bmart2622]

It depends on the comparison you want to make. If you base it off of the way the prc and most 7RMs come in factory of the shelf form, then Id give the nod to the PRC. But if you are doing a build and put a fast twist barrel on the 7RM and build it for heavy for caliber bullets then Id give the edge to the 7RM

 

[XLR]

It depends on the comparison you want to make. If you base it off of the way the prc and most 7RMs come in factory of the shelf form, then Id give the nod to the PRC. But if you are doing a build and put a fast twist barrel on the 7RM and build it for heavy for caliber bullets then Id give the edge to the 7RM

Except for quality brass options. That's the only thing lacking on the 7 Mag for custom builds.

 

[DangerRanger]

You got me! Cartridge caliber, tomato tomato you win lol

One of those corrections that happens constantly online but never in person

 

[bmart2622]

Except for quality brass options. That's the only thing lacking on the 7 Mag for custom builds.

Whats wrong with Peterson, ADG, or Norma brass?

 

[XLR]

One of those corrections that happens constantly online but never in person

I have never really caught myself doing it but im sure I do A LOT! Its like are and our... drives some people nuts and others dont care.

 

[XLR]

Whats wrong with Peterson, ADG, or Norma brass?

I have Norma now and haven't been real impressed with primer pocket longevity. I guess I just didn't realize Peterson or ADG was even making it!

 

[TxLite]

I have Norma now and haven't been real impressed with primer pocket longevity. I guess I just didn't realize Peterson or ADG was even making it!

The ADG has been great in mine. Haven’t tried Peterson