7mm prc bullet selection

[dmm08300]

Looking to choose a bullet for my 7prc, 22" barrel for hunting purposes. ranges anywhere from 50-500yds Considering the followwing options looking to see if anyone has any feedback on these bullets.

160 tmk
wait for new 185tmk?
180 eldm
175 elite hunter
or
180 hybrid

I'm leaning 180 hybrid but wanted to see what kind of feedback and experience everyone has

Thanks!

 

[WeiserBucks]

I've killed a train load of critters with the 180 Hybrid. It's the only 7mm bullet I use anymore.

 

[NWBLKTAIL]

I’m about to do load work up for my FIL 7PRC, I’ve been wondering what to use. There’s a thread where the 180 hybrid gets a lot of mention. “Most killingest 7mm bullet”

Thread 'Most killingest 7mm bullet you’ve used?'

Dec 1, 2024

Been really liking the 7mm lately. Shooting the big bullets fast and they’re pretty tough to beat ballistically.

I’ve killed big game with 195 EOL, 180 Hybrid, 180 VLD-H, 180 ELDM and 169 Hammer Hunter. They all performed as designed or intended.

Curious what others have used with the most success and maybe even just what else is out there that I potentially don’t even know about.

• huntnful
• Replies: 134
• Forum: Long Range Hunting

• 

I was gonna start with

175eldx
175 elite hunter
180hybrid

 

[Dave Thomas]

I use the 175 elite hunter in my 7 saum and it works great. I would not have any issues also using the 180 hybrid. Just have not used them on game.

 

[Don@HSM]

Can't go wrong with any Berger bullet but I lean toward the 175 Elite Hunter. The VLDs and Elite Hunters both shoot fantastic out of my rifle, and I personally prefer the thin J4 hunting jacket over the target jacket.

 

[JustaHaaby]

The first box i bought was 180 ELDM and it shot sub MOA and consistently so I never even tried another box. have only been fortunate enough to shoot a coyote with it and obviously it was more than enough for the job. I didn't draw a spring bear tag so will have to wait until fall for anything larger.

 

[dmm08300]

I've had good success with vld's in the past out of a 240wby mag and 300wby mag, mixed results with the 6.5 135 classic hunter in a 6.5x47. May try both the 175 elite hunter and 180 hybrid. So many choices, only thing lacking is time!

 

[6mm Remington]

160 gr. Accubond would be a great bullet in that cartridge. They typically shoot great and the Accubonds have performed nicely for me on game.

 

[gwalshmt14]

My vote is the 180 hybrid. I’ve only used it on elk and bears so far but it’s been impressive.

 

[Grillnugz]

My 7 prc runs slow compared to other people on the site. I started seeing pressure signs around Hornady book max values in the 180s and slow velocity. A lot of people here getting 3000fps are a few grains over max. Out of a 24” barrel I was only able to achieve 2800-2850 with 180s (Hornady and Berger) and using speedy powder like RL-26 or n570. I switched to 162 eld and got nice consistent groupings around 2950-3000, this is also using RL-26. Using H1000 it’s slightly slower, but really accurate.

The shape of 180-175 and 162 elds is quite different as well. The extra bc a 180 gives doesn’t really matter at realistic hunting distances. That being said, if my barrel was faster I’d probably be shooting the 175-180 eld.

If you want to go copper the Barnes 160 lrx has a nice bc

 

[gwalshmt14]

@Grillnugz Is your 7 prc a tikka? I’m shooting a Bergara and was around 2825 with the 180s until my barrel sped up. I’m now getting 2925 with the 180 hyb using n560 out of a 22 inch barrel, no pressure signs.

 

[dmm08300]

@gwalshmt14 thats good to hear about the 180 hybrid and I also have a 22" barrel that will be suppressed. I have some n560 on hand and was wondering how it would work for the 180s thinking it may do better if i went 175s but it's good to hear it could work with the 180s.

 

[doc holiday13]

175 ELDx currently has my vote. It seems the be the "safest" in terms of reliability. A friend of mine has migrated away from bergers for hunting. He shoots waaay more than anyone I know and kills more than anyone I know, so I'll trust him. I would consider the 180 ELDM but seems there are reports of them not exploding. Hornady doesn't test them for explosion because they specifically call those bullets out for consistency in terms of accuracy and BC.

I haven't used as TMK yet. I'm hoping to get some here in the next week or so

 

[Grillnugz]

@Grillnugz Is your 7 prc a tikka? I’m shooting a Bergara and was around 2825 with the 180s until my barrel sped up. I’m now getting 2925 with the 180 hyb using n560 out of a 22 inch barrel, no pressure signs.

No custom action with an xcaliber barrel. I think it’s just a slow barrel. Velocities were measured with a Garmin chronograph.

 

[30338]

The 180 Scenar is always worth a look too. But I think all of the ones mentioned above would be great as well.

 

[RBHunter]

154 HBC if your twist works

 

[Elk Wallow]

The 165 or 180 Sierra TGK should work quite well. Really good bc. The 145’s should good out of my 6.5 prc.

 

[MuleyFever]

It won't matter. Use the one that shoots best in your rifle

 

[MarkOrtiz]

My 7 prc runs slow compared to other people on the site. I started seeing pressure signs around Hornady book max values in the 180s and slow velocity. A lot of people here getting 3000fps are a few grains over max. Out of a 24” barrel I was only able to achieve 2800-2850 with 180s (Hornady and Berger) and using speedy powder like RL-26 or n570. I switched to 162 eld and got nice consistent groupings around 2950-3000, this is also using RL-26. Using H1000 it’s slightly slower, but really accurate.

The shape of 180-175 and 162 elds is quite different as well. The extra bc a 180 gives doesn’t really matter at realistic hunting distances. That being said, if my barrel was faster I’d probably be shooting the 175-180 eld.

If you want to go copper the Barnes 160 lrx has a nice bc

What’s wrong with just staying at 2800 with good accuracy? That will get close to 1000 yards with a cup and core or match style bullet.

 

[Jordan Smith]

175 ELDx currently has my vote. It seems the be the "safest" in terms of reliability…I would consider the 180 ELDM but seems there are reports of them not exploding.

Interesting. My experience and the many reports I’ve seen suggest the 175 ELD-X is less consistent and reliable terminally than is the 180 ELD-M. It could be that we have different expectations of our bullets, however, as I don’t want my bullets to “explode” or disintegrate, but prefer moderate expansion and deep penetration.