Thoughts on 6mm PRC

[Rickmt]

I would appreciate input on 7mm PRC RIFLE. I am especially interested in hearing from people who actually own and use this caliber. I am considering purchasing a Christensen arms ridgeline . This would be a big brother to the 6.5 PRC that I already own and is one of my most accurate rifles.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

I would appreciate input on 7mm PRC RIFLE. I am especially interested in hearing from people who actually own and use this caliber. I am considering purchasing a Christensen arms ridgeline . This would be a big brother to the 6.5 PRC that I already own and is one of my most accurate rifles.

I own the 7mm PRC in the Bergara Carbon Cure configuration. Took a Pronghorn this past September at 350 yards and it felt like a chip shot.
The 6.5 PRC is close to the 7mm PRC and honestly if you want more of a difference would go with the 300 PRC.

It’s a great caliber though.

HH

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I did a recent elk hunt and used the outfitter's 300 PRC and was amazed by the performance. I have since done a little research, with the thought of buying a 300 PRC. After watching this video from Ultimate Reloader, there is a good argument to be made for the 7mm PRC.

 

[Fatback]

I just had one built on a LH M70 that was a 338 Win Mag in its previous life. Have gotten it dialed in and have shot a couple of deer with it. So far, I am really impressed with accuracy and terminal performance on deer. I am shooting 170 grain Terminal Ascent cartridges.

 

[Rickmt]

I did a recent elk hunt and used the outfitter's 300 PRC and was amazed by the performance. I have since done a little research, with the thought of buying a 300 PRC. After watching this video from Ultimate Reloader, there is a good argument to be made for the 7mm PRC.

Great explanations. Thank you.

 

[Manwe]

I am working on a 6 PRC and have done a couple 25 PRCs and havent had any issues with Berger LRHT bullets spinning fast. 7 twist 25 PRC pushing the 135 at 3250fps = 334,285 rpm. 6 PRC 7.5 twist pushing the 109 LRHT at 3500fps = 336,000 rpm. Its certainly pushing it hard and other variables will come into play when running on the edge like that.

I am curious how a bullet's jacket failure due to excessive rpm varies based on the length of the barrel? Getting a 109 to shoot at 3500fps out of a 26" barrel will obviously take more powder and pressure than the same velocity with the same bullet out of a 30" barrel. RPM of the bullet would be the same leaving the muzzle of both length barrels, but that bullet accelerated to that rpm more quickly in the shorter barrel. I dont think we can safely assume that a particular bullet will always fail at a certain rpm window because there are other variables involved in how quickly it arrives at the max rpm. I think it is safer to assume that the quicker a bullet reaches max rpm, more stress has been imparted onto the jacket and it is thus more likely to fail.

 

[khesser]

7 PRC is great for taking advantage of high BC 7mm bullets. If you’re not gonna shoot long range or use high BC bullets then I’d go with the 7 Rem Mag. That said I have two 7 PRC rifles and took one to Africa this year and used it on game from 70 yards all the way out to 580 yards for a Kudu. Factory ammo options are limited right now and of everything I have tried Federal is really the only 7 PRC ammo worth using unless you want some cheap ammo for plinking then Hornady will suffice. My 7 PRC has a 24” barrel and Hornady ammo was slow (under 2900fps) and just not accurate enough for me. Federal 170gr Terminal Ascent averaged 3000fps and was both consistent and accurate enough to give me confidence for a long shot if needed. As far as the Christensen Arms Ridgeline I’d look at other options. Seen too many reviews of that rifle not delivering on accuracy.

 

[Letzhunt]

I have a Seekins Havok Element in 7mm PRC and it shoots lights out! The Seekins PH2 is maybe a better and cheaper option with a longer barrel. They flat out shoot and Seekins customer service is the best. I had horrible luck with Christensen and Fierce. Had issues with both of those brands. Just do a search on their customer service and accuracy and you will see without regretting it.
Barnes loads a 160 LRX in 7mm PRC that shoot better out of my rifle than I have ever had a factory gun shoot with factory ammo.
1/4" moa when I do my part.
I have brass now so eventually will load for it but obviously no need to right now.
Shot three deer with it this year. Furthest was 315 yards so not super long range but all one shot kills no bullets recovered but the Barnes are well established killers. My advise .... buy a Seekins or have a custom built and go to town. Honestly if I could only have one deer/ elk/plains game rifle it would be a 7mm PRC.
My custom 300 wby just got pissed at me I think. Only thing I'd do different is a 24" or 26" barrel but my Element is a light weight with a 22" and it gets it done.

 

[WI-2021]

I can't comment on the 7 PRC cartridge as I haven't owned or used one. All I can say is that factory ammunition is still very limited if that's a consideration for you.

I can comment on the Christensen Ridgeline, having owned one in 6.5 PRC. Mine was a thoroughly average rifle. It shot sub-moa, but most decent rifles will do that now. The action is just a bit nicer than a standard Remington 700, but not as nice as many of the Remclones out there. The stock is okay, but not that stiff or light. The trigger was nice. My overriding impression of the rifle was that Christensen is focused on providing the most bling at a price point.

The Tikka T3x gives up very little to a Ridgeline at less than half the price. At a somewhat higher price you can build a Remclone, choose all your own components and end up with a much nicer rifle than the Ridgeline. The Seekins rifles look like a good choice as well, but they don't offer lefty versions, so I haven't tried one.