Federal 7PRC Terminal Ascent massive increase in FPS over previous lots

[PedroFuego]

Just bought a recent case of this ammo (175 grain) because previous lots shot so freaking well out of my custom build (Curtis action, X-Caliber CF 22” barrel, Peak 44 stock). Easily sub .5 MOA. Previous boxes shot an average of 2900FPS (Garmin chrono). New box shot an average of 3021!!! Pressure signs abound: sticky bolt lift, extractor imprints on the head case. Still sub .5 MOA, but honestly not sure I want to shoot anything out of the other nine boxes. I don’t have a pretty face, but it’s mine, and I want to keep it as is.

Anybody else pick up a recent lot of Federal Terminal Ascent 7PRC 175 grain and experience something similar?

 

[streamerfish]

Yeah....out of a 22" barrel that seems pretty hot for a factory load or any load really.

Not 100% sure, but I think your just gonna eek out 3K in a loading manual with a handful of powders loaded to the max, with 24" barrels.

If pressure signs were that bad, i would potentially be calling them about it.

 

[Quandary]

I would run a borescope into your barrel to check on whether or not you have a carbon ring building up. 7PRCs are notorious for carbon rings which will give you pressure build ups.

 

[Ryan Avery]

That's pretty common for TAs. They can swing wildly from lot to lot, and they always seem to be on the spicy side.

 

[ReaptheHeat]

I shot the 155 7 Mag TA through a 24 in tikka yesterday. Box velocity is 3000 FPS. Garmin showed a consistent 3150 FPS. No pressure signs but shot 1.5" with 6 rounds.

 

[tak]

Haven't shot the 170 TA's, but my newer lot of Federal 175 ELDx dropped by about 50fps. Still great SD/ES, better than multiple lots of Hornady.

 

[PedroFuego]

All great comments. Thank you. I’ve reached out to Federal, but haven’t heard back, but is only Monday. Will post when I hear back. Thanks again

 

[swavescatter]

This is the primary reason I reload. Either that or buy AT LEAST a case of same lot ammo at a time to reduce having to re-do the DOPE so often.

If I get the barrel too warm my Federal ELD-X 7PRC factory ammo will blow a primer. I like the speed and accuracy though so I just try to avoid having gunfights with deer...

 

[PedroFuego]

I would run a borescope into your barrel to check on whether or not you have a carbon ring building up. 7PRCs are notorious for carbon rings which will give you pressure build ups.

Gosh I hope not. Just crossed the 100 round mark. I know things are supposed to speed up around that milestone but not like that. Might get a borescope anyway just to feed the habit. Thanks for the insight.