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7 mm PRC

We recommend xxlreloading.com for the most comprehensive 7 mm PRC load data, covering a wide range of powders and bullet brands or quickload.pro to calculate your individual load:

Caliber Description

Introduced by Hornady in late 2022, the 7mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) quickly sparked interest among long-range shooting enthusiasts and reloaders. The 7mm PRC builds on the success of the PRC family, notably the 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC, and was engineered to deliver optimal aerodynamic performance with modern, high ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets. With its non-belted, magnum-length case and a design that emphasizes accuracy and efficiency, the 7mm PRC addresses the needs that were previously met by both the 7mm Remington Magnum and older, obsolete 7mm belted cartridges. The 7mm PRC’s modern case geometry, featuring a 30-degree shoulder and a 2.280" case length, is optimized for consistent powder burning and temperature stability—a welcome feature for reloaders who demand both accuracy and repeatability.

When it comes to practical applications, the 7mm PRC is tailored for long-range precision shooting and hunting. Its flat trajectory and manageable recoil make it attractive for competitive shooters participating in PRS or NRL events, as well as for dedicated hunters pursuing game at extended ranges. Its efficient chamber design and long neck allow optimal seating of long, heavy-for-caliber bullets while preserving usable case capacity, further enhancing downrange accuracy and reducing wind drift. Reloaders are drawn to the caliber’s versatility; whether it’s ringing steel at 1,000 yards or delivering ethical, one-shot kills on large game, the 7mm PRC’s performance shines. Its predictable pressure curves and minimal velocity spreads lend themselves well to careful handloading, ensuring shooters can dial in the precise performance characteristics they demand.

In terms of target species, the 7mm PRC is an excellent choice for medium to large North American game. Its energy retention and high BC projectiles make it ideally suited for hunting mule deer, pronghorn, and elk, while also providing adequate stopping power for large predators like black bear or even moose, with correct bullet selection and placement. The cartridge comfortably exceeds the energy requirements for ethical harvests at extended distances, a crucial factor for hunters who often face unpredictable engagement ranges in open country. Moreover, its inherent accuracy allows for precision targeting of vital zones, reducing the likelihood of wounding and ensuring quick, humane kills. This combination of flat trajectory and energy retention opens doors to confident shooting across a wide spectrum of hunting scenarios.

As for typical bullet weights and caliber characteristics, the 7mm PRC is optimized for bullets in the 160-180 grain range, accommodating today’s long, sleek, high-BC bullets. Popular projectiles include Berger’s 175-grain Elite Hunter, Hornady’s 180-grain ELD-Match, and various others with G1 BCs often exceeding .650. The cartridge typically delivers muzzle velocities of 2,950-3,000 fps from a 24-26 inch barrel with 175-180 grain bullets, making it competitive with traditional magnums without excessive recoil or barrel wear. The 7mm (.284”) bore itself has long been popular among reloaders for its balance between velocity and sectional density, and the PRC chambering further refines this by offering a standard, modern, and non-belted case design that excels with today’s powders and bullet technology. Its SAAMI-standardized design ensures brass and reloading component availability, and with proper handloading techniques, shooters can extract exceptional precision and consistency for both target and hunting applications.

For ammunition reloaders, the 7mm PRC represents a modern take on a venerable caliber class, combining the best attributes of case design, projectile efficiency, and shooting versatility. As component and factory ammunition options continue to expand, and with custom dies and brass now widely available, the 7mm PRC is set to earn its place among the most respected long-range and hunting cartridges of the 21st century.

Popular Load Recipes

- Hornady 175 gr ELD-X, 65.0 gr H1000, Hornady brass, Federal 215M primer, OAL 3.090"
- Hornady 180 gr ELD-M, 65.2 gr H1000, Hornady brass, Federal 215M primer, OAL 3.090"
- Berger 180 gr Hybrid Target, 63.5 gr H1000, Hornady brass, Federal 215M primer, OAL 3.090"
- Nosler 168 gr AccuBond, 65.0 gr Retumbo, Hornady brass, CCI 250 primer, OAL 3.000"
- Hornady 162 gr ELD-X, 67.2 gr H1000, Hornady brass, Federal 215M primer, OAL 3.080"
- Berger 175 gr Elite Hunter, 64.0 gr Retumbo, Hornady brass, Federal 215M primer, OAL 3.090"
- Sierra 183 gr MatchKing, 63.0 gr H1000, Hornady brass, Federal 215M primer, OAL 3.085"
- Hornady 160 gr SST, 64.8 gr H1000, Hornady brass, Federal 215M primer, OAL 3.070"

Always start 10% below maximum and consult manufacturer’s reloading data.

Cost per Reloaded Round

Assuming the following typical prices in the US as of 2024:

- Factory 7mm PRC ammunition (quality hunting loads): about $60 per box of 20, or $3.00 per round.
- Reloading components for 7mm PRC (average values):
- Brass (Lapua or Hornady): $1.20 per case (can be reused 7x -> $0.17 per loading)
- Primer: $0.10 per primer
- Powder: 70 grains per round, $50 per 1 lb (1 lb = 7000 grains; 7000/70 = 100 rounds per lb, so $0.50 per round)
- Bullet (quality hunting, like Hornady ELD-X): about $0.60 per bullet

Total reloading cost per round:
$0.17 (case) + $0.10 (primer) + $0.50 (powder) + $0.60 (bullet) = $1.37 per round

Money saved per round by reloading:
$3.00 (factory) - $1.37 (reloading) = $1.63 saved per round

So, by reloading, you save about $1.63 per round compared to buying factory 7mm PRC ammunition.

Technical Specifications

Safety Standard / Application

SAAMI / Rifle Caliber

Most Suitable Bullet Weights

104 - 192 Grains

Case Capacity / Average Charge

82 Grains of Water / 64.4 Grains

Average Muzzle Velocity / Energy

2930 fps / 2860 ft-lbf

Case Length / Max. C.O.L

2.28'' / 3.34''

Similar Calibers

.28 Nosler

.280 Ackley Improved

.280 Rem.

.284 Win.

7 mm B.R. Rem.

7 mm Blaser Mag

7 mm Exp. Rem.

7 mm KM Katzmaier

7 mm Mag Fl. H.& H.

7 mm PRC

7 mm Rem. Mag.

7 mm Rem. SA Ultra Mag

7 mm Rem. Ultra Mag

7 mm STW

7 mm WSM

7 mm Weath. Mag.

7 mm-08 Rem.

7 x 33 Sako

7 x 50 R

7 x 57

7 x 57 R

7 x 61 S&H (Super)

7 x 64 Brenneke

7 x 65 R Brenneke

7 x 66 SE v. Hofe

7 x 72 R

7 x 75 R SE v. Hofe

7-.300 Norma Magnum

7.21 Firebird (Lazzeroni)

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