Reloading 7PRC

Joined
Sep 13, 2023
Messages
39
I’m working in a new 7PRC and looking to reload. I am breaking the barrel in with Hornady 175 ELDX and have been getting consistent muzzle velocity at 2950 from a CF wrapped 1/8 twist 24” bartlein. Groups have been good at 200 zero considering variance is likely the nut behind the bolt and barrel break in. I am looking on thoughts for my next step in dialing in a load to be used for Elk / Mule deer before I burn custom turrets. This gun build was for western hunting where I hope to build shooting confidence in longer range hunting capability. I reload but consider myself novice- I enjoy the process of tinkering. I have had great results with Barnes in the past and am looking at testing 168 LRX or Ttsx, Hornady CX and or for simplicity reproducing factory ELDX loads. H4831 SC is where I am leaning for powder, fed 215 primer.

Any other thoughts/ recommendations/ experience from other 7PRC reloaders is appreciated.

powder/ preferred bullets for my intended targets ?


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waitforit

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 23, 2019
Messages
183
Following. I've been shooting 180 ELDM out of mine with excellent accuracy but want to try some different bullets. I've been accumulating hornady brass and I'd guess in 6 months from now we will have more components available. I have H4831SC and H1000 on hand for testing. Interested in StaballHD as well.
 
Joined
Sep 11, 2017
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Location
Bozeman, MT
165 Sierra TGKs @3000 are 1800 fps and 1200 energy at 850 yards, according to the calculators. Would like to see real data on that load. Would be light for the 7PRC, but should be effective at what you are trying to accomplish. I hope Sierra makes a 180 soon. With the BC of that bullet, you could load down to 2800-2850fps or so and be lethal way out there without having a hand grenade inside 300.


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LFC911

WKR
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Jul 15, 2020
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573
Location
Lenexa, KS
I have a CA Ridgeline FFT in 7PRC and my gun liked Hornady ELD-M's with 68.2 and 67.4 gr of RL26. I loaded up 20 rounds of 68.2 gr and went to check the long range accuracy, which was great out to 800 yds on ipsc target. It was 93*F in the shade and I was shooting out in the open and my gun got very hot. I started seeing bolt face marks in the brass and the load was shooting 3020 per a lab radar. The 4DOF app was giving me good dope at 2980 fps, so somewhere in that ballpark for speed. It will probably be fine for elk hunting, 1-2 shots at 20-50*F but if i do any more shooting in the heat, i will probably back down to the next node at 67.4 gr of RL26.
 

DiabeticKripple

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 18, 2021
Messages
292
Location
Central Alberta, Canada
Did you take it to pressure or just stop at 2950?

Whats the round count on that barrel?
Oh did i ever take it up haha.

ended up at 67.5gr and no pressure signs, but velocity was over 3100fps and would be over pressure. the groups started to open up after 3025fps at 66.5gr

Round count is close to 150
 
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Updownlr

FNG
Joined
Oct 14, 2023
Messages
15
Is the 7prc worth it over a faster twist 7mag? Reloading velocities seem pretty equal!
 

TxLite

WKR
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Sep 6, 2018
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Texas
Is the 7prc worth it over a faster twist 7mag? Reloading velocities seem pretty equal!
I guess to add to my other statement, keep in mind what your max mag length is. In a Tikka, you’ll be crowding your powder column with the heavier bullets.

My Bergara 7 rem mag is at 3.45” with a 168 vld. My Tikka 7 prc is at 3.34” with a 180 hybrid.
 

waitforit

Lil-Rokslider
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Mar 23, 2019
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183
If you can have a 1:8 twist on your 7 mag there isnt any advantage. Main thing to me was being able to launch 180g plus bullets.
 

Updownlr

FNG
Joined
Oct 14, 2023
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Mag length on my 7mag I just received is 3.394. I currently only reload for my 308. Was just curious if I was missing out on anything going with 7mag over 7prc. Thanks all!
 

philcox

WKR
Joined
Nov 27, 2018
Messages
773
Location
Auburn, CA
Anyone try the 160 CX in the PRC yet?

I am going to try Factory CX, then hand load CX with RL23, 168 LRX with H1000 and H4831SC and see what I get ...

I should have added, if anyone has done load dev with the 160CX or 168LRX and the powders listed, I'd love to hear your results.
 
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DiabeticKripple

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 18, 2021
Messages
292
Location
Central Alberta, Canada
Anyone try the 160 CX in the PRC yet?

I am going to try Factory CX, then hand load CX with RL23, 168 LRX with H1000 and H4831SC and see what I get ...

I should have added, if anyone has done load dev with the 160CX or 168LRX and the powders listed, I'd love to hear your results.
I tried 160gr CX and H4831sc. Didnt work good.

i switched to 168gr LRX and got great groups with H4831scIMG_2076.jpegIMG_2141.jpegIMG_2139.jpegIMG_2140.jpeg
 
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