Actual 7mm PRC Velocity Exposed! | Exciting 7mm PRC Velocity Test!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

To learn more about popular hunting calibers like the 7mm PRC, visit: thebiggamehuntingblog.com/ebook

[@johandewet2588]

Thank you for confirming what everybody has been saying and experiencing about using hornady 7mm PRC. The fact is simple. Horady is willfully deceiving their customers and trying to keep people from buying 6.8 Western instead. If they can change the lot number on the sticker... the same sticker that has the velocity printed on it, then they can fire 5 shots per lot through a test barrel, take the average and print that number on the box instead. That will also help shooters to better work out their dope, and Hornady should immediately change their ballistics chart on their website. That's just straight up false advertising and misleading the public. Hornady shouldn't just be ashamed of themselves, but I wish they get sued over this. Utterly disgraceful!!!

[@wcb5890]

They already fire Pressure and Velocity testing. Each and every lot in factory ammo is tested multiple times. What they should do is change their spec completely and add the new spec on the box and not use 2 different loads that equal different results. Different spec is a different product number all together. In general Factory posted velocities are the average specification for that round so lets say 3000fps. In reality there is an allowable variance say +/- 50fps. So an individual lot could test out at 2950fps up to 3050fps on a 10 shot average. Remember those are averages....so you can have rounds higher or lower than the average. So there is normally a second internal specification of a no more than a 40 or 50 fps variance in that average. You can't post lot variations as this would bring more questions than answers. You have to have an advertised velocity not just...hey this lot tests at X velocity today and 200fps tomorrow. The consumer should have an idea on and average.

[@dankcincy]

I don't think the situation could of been explained and demonstrated any better than that. Great job!!!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@denisleblanc4506]

One thing that Hornady failed to mention in their response was that when they did all their testing for an alternate powder they actually knew the velocities were going to be less and failed to tell their customers. How much would it have cost them to add a little piece of paper with all the corrected velocities to every box? They would have appeared better in my estimation had they done it. Granted they would have sold less of their ammo and boosted Federal sales. Now they kind of look like swindlers and will have to reduce the price of their load if they want to sell it.

[@phild9813]

I’m with you. The problem occurs when companies lie to try to protect a reputation, then get caught, which hurts their reputation more. Same thing happened with Browning and the Duratouch stocks, and I’ll certainly never give them the benefit of the doubt again, at best.

[@shanesimpson4124]

100% this is how they dropped the ball and not knowing what lot numbers go together. Cant always get several boxers of the same lot number.

[@johanneskolenbrander8288]

Beside their claim of having been forced to use different powders: in addition there are also too many other variables to explain the differences in speed! As a veteran gunmaker, I can assure you this round is of sound, close to perfect design closely competing in my personal view to the king of all 7mm’s, the 7RSAUM! Beside bore length, type of rifling/twist-rate, the bores ID & condition, wether different ammo with full copper bullets has been shot through it previously and neglected to remove that copper deposit, ambient temperature, ect…, which all can effect velocity & accuracy! Blaming the actual caliber for not performing as advertised, like most mfg’ers on their boxes is just plain silly and not helpful at all! I guess, for those who bought the newer, slower lot in bulk and are old-school meathunters like me, its simply ‘no biggy’, but for those long range shooters, wether of the ‘wannabee’ game sniping or paper-punching crowd out there: you all got the proper info here right now, so you can adjust it accordingly and continue wounding & searching for your game or simply sue Hornady, who acts like its companies logo is: “Our companies profits trump customers loyalties”!

[@Andrew-jm4tp]

Exactly. I can understand propellant shortages, but I can't forgive the deception. I am sure that hunts were ruined by zero shifts.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RMM--uv7uk]

I got the same exact response from Hornady word for word. And they are using a very similar response on their comment section of their YT channel. They need to just change the velocity on the box so shooters are just aware. Then get things back up when they get new powder. Honestly is always the best.

[@ANW-cl7bw]

Great video! Getting 3005 FPS out of my CVA Cascade XT 7 PRC with 24 inch barrell with the Federal Premium ELD-X and 3050 with the Terminal Ascent

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Good stuff! Glad to hear you're seeing similar trends with Federal ammo!

[@TheTroutman85]

I’m getting 2950 on average with the CX ammo.

[@DanielMartinez0394]

Yeap. I have a browning xbolt 24” barrel. I got 2955 avg velocity with the federal premium. I got the average based on 20 shots. More than happy with it. Hornady came in almost 120fps slower and didnt group as good for both their elds.

[@DanielMartinez0394]

@@TheTroutman85how are the groups? I got about the same with the cx but absolutely the worst grouping ammo ive ever shot

[@cabochris100]

Good job! Only, I purchased 200 rounds slow lot ammo. I feel deceived! Hornady should offer to do a buy-back!😮

[@KB-ld6ql]

Good luck there. They're using your money to advertise more bs.

[@AP-qf9ng]

Excellent analysis! I also appreciate Hornaday being honest about having to use a different powder but I would think they would adjust the FPS on the label since they are already printing the lot numbers.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Right on

[@JV-lq3tx]

Currently it's just false advertising.

[@user-TJ365]

Velocities are printed on the stickers before the lot numbers. My guess is they had a bunch of labels already made or they decided it was best to advertise their ideal velocities with the original recipe.

[@phild9813]

They only had to be honest once they got caught. They obviously wanted to try to get away with it. They make good products but they shouldn’t be lying to protect their reputation, this only made it worse.

[@AP-qf9ng]

@user-TJ365 I was wondering if the velocity information was a separate printing from lot numbers. However when looking at several different boxes of Hornaday ammo I have of various caliber they all appear to have the lot number printed at the same time the ballistics data was printed. All using the same font with the exception 22-250 uses smaller lettering than 270 or 300 wm due to a slightly narrower label to fit the smaller boxes.

[@steverutkowski8141]

Three thoughts here. First - Shame on Hornady. Change the box spec. Second - Gotta love the Garmin. I bet Hornady has taken them off their Christmas card list. Third - Go Federal!!!!

[@offroadsoda]

100%. Losing faith in Hornady - which aligns with my struggle to get their bullets to dial in as well as I have been able to with others.

[@phild9813]

Good comment. This behavior is inexcusable. They shouldn’t be selling this ammo if they’re going to lie about velocities on the box.

[@kerryfalls3292]

Hornady knew velocities would change with different powder, every hand loader knows this too, but kept silent about it! We should all buy Our ammunition from other companies which will certainly be reflected in their bottom line!!! It’s a shame people think they can “get away “ with this type of behavior!?!?!

[@JamesClark-lw6sw]

The clieless manbun wearing soy-latte swilling WHINNERS b*tching about 7MM PRC velocites OBVIOUSLY KNOW LITTLE about the history of rifle cartridge production during last 10O years. The fact is- VERY FEW factory loads EVER come within 100 FPS of their claimed velocities in factory rifles. LEARN TO DEAL WITH REALITY, CHILDREN.

[@justsnuggle]

Sorry man for $60 or more a box, they need to take the time to update the data on the box. Not everyone has chronograph

[@jonbaniak9097]

From what I’ve heard, the older Hornady ammo used Alliant Reloader 26, which nobody can get now. Good video!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

I've the same story about powder. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@eaznutts5714]

My 7prc with a 24" barrel was getting 2825fps with Hornady eldx.... Pretty disappointing. Hornady is promising a lot and delivering a little.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

See if you get better results with the Federal ammo...

[@jazon9]

Pathetic. It is like .280/.280 AI

[@beavismagnum]

@@jazon9it essentially is a short mag in a long action, so it will never be a speedster

[@KB-ld6ql]

Hornady has been pulling this for a long time. I was never able to produce ballistics with either my 7mm Rem Model 70 or my 7mm Rem A Bolt that matched the box sticker. My friends included. Not sure what you call this bs legally.

[@Mr.Run-n-Gun]

This is what happens to companies who care more about profits than their customers.

[@countrykang8]

This video helped me understand why I am seeing 2788 fps out of my 22" Bergara with the factory 175 ELDX. It seems like powder unavailability is still adversely impacting the ammo industry. Now, I'm not as mad at Hornady. However, I wish they would update the advertised velocities on the box. It looks like Hornady was originally using Reloder 26 and switched to Ramshot Magnum or StaBall HD.

[@kellym3531]

Shame on Hornady. Change the sticker per lot no. Better yet, keep the velocities closer.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

That would definitely be a better way of doing things for the end user!

[@J_Un1t]

It would be nice if companies did that, but it’s not a hornady specific thing. The entire industry would need to change to lot or powder based velocity reporting and while I think it would be awesome, I also think it has some logistical hurdles we probably aren’t thinking about

[@ValcoBayrunner]

I bought some of that CRAP Hornady ammo for my 300 RUM before covid. It had 75 fps difference between shot strings. I reload, but Nosler Trophy Grade and Federal were way better than Hornady. HSM loads Bergers, but haven't tried it. Barnes usually are hot loads.

[@JimParvin-o9e]

My handloaded ammo for my 7mm Remington magnum is up to the published velocities and an extreme spread of 7 fps for 3 rounds, and is extremely accurate.

[@userJohnSmith]

Love to see what you could do with a cartridges with some of the modern advantages.

[@quarterminutemagnums]

I tell people all the time "the 7mm Rem. Mag. is a better cartridge" but nobody listens !

[@Bunduki]

Really appreciate your thorough testing & methodical " Post Mortem "of the various lots of ammunition, particularly when considering new to "run in " barrel velocities. Well conducted John.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks!

[@jackbolen5001]

What a great in depth video. The time and money to do this had to be massive. Thank you.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@anthonywright7641]

I just bought 4 boxes of Federal ELDX because of this video. Thanks brother. 👍🏽

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

You're welcome!

[@thepracticalrifleman]

Gee, if a guy bought a box of ammo, doped his rifle, then picked up a new box to hunt, it could result in something terrible happening at longer ranges.

[@Gaffneydaniel92]

Good video. There’s a couple guys on here who just hate Hornady and make it their life to find every fault in them. Trying to debunk rhe 7prc. It’s not a cartridge problem, or design flaw…it’s the ammo. Just because lots of ammo aren’t performing as advertised doesn’t make the cartridge a failure.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks. I agree with your assessment of some of the other commenters here. I think this is a temporary issue that Hornady will eventually sort out.

[@bushmastera2]

On 18 Aug, 2024 I shot 34 rounds of 7mm PRC Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X that I purchased the day before at Bass Pro. Using the Garmin Chronograph my average speed was 2810, with a min of 2789 and a max of 2854. Was shooting out of a 2020 Waypoint with a 24 inch barrel. Both boxes had the same lot # of 3241973.

[@Matt-en1kn]

Federal uses reliant powder it will get 3k ditch the hornady garage

[@bobmcmillen4502]

At least Hornady is finally fessing up. I trolled them on a couple video’s and they just completely blamed it on my gun

[@ChiquitaSpeaks]

Oof

[@clcmarc]

Great video. My 6.5 PRC w 143 Hornady ELD-X is hitting box velo and every cartridge I have tried Federal Terminal Ascent in leads all other factory rounds in getting very close to box advertised.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Similar deal with my 6.5 PRC. I think I'm getting 20fps slower than advertised, but still pretty darn close. Hornady is usually pretty good about delivering on promised velocities, which is what makes this episode so strange and frustrating.

[@clcmarc]

@@Thebiggamehuntingblog lots of talk on social media about the less than expected velos but loved your deep dive into possible reasons. One of Hornady’s podcasts discussed how their powder manufacturer can tailor a specific powder to their cartridge and bullet. If they are unable to meet demand with that particular powder perhaps other options have to be explored.

[@jameswilson5562]

I'm getting 2760 out of my 6.5 with Hornady and 28s with norma bondstrike

[@rosshill2565]

​​​@@jameswilson5562how new is your barrel. Now I do not have any left. But 6 months ago my ELDX factory load and my Bondstrike both shot slow with my 20 inch barrel (2775 range) at about 100-120 rounds it jumped to 2854 with ELDX and 2836 with Norma bondstrike. As I stated these velocities are out of 20 inch barrel. Now my reloads (and not over book max charge) give me 2944 with RL 26, 2925 with N565, and 2880 with H1000. All loads shoot very good.

[@wcb5890]

Their answer is complete B.S. Yes, alternate powders can cause changes...and yes, different firearms will shoot at different velocities. However, a correct length barrel consistent with the Saami test barrel should not see a 175fps loss. Even more out of the same firearm it should not vary that much. Kind of funny how another company loading the same projectile gets basically posted velocity (within allowable variances). If Hornaday is a 600lb Gorilla...Federal is a 3million pond Gorilla. There is no comparison. Federal makes more 9mm than Hornady make among all their offerings. Also, most factory ammo companies have primary and secondary (maybe even a 3rd) powder that should meet the same specifications.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Well done. Appreciate the digging, diligence and discovery. I am staying with my 7mm Rem Mags. But if I were starting out fresh I would likely give the 7 PRC serious consideration. Thank you.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

I don't blame you for wanting to stay with the 7mm Rem Mag. I probably wouldn't have made the switch either if I had a 7 Mag I really liked when the 7mm PRC came out.

[@eddielombera5862]

Another reason why I’m glad I switched to hand loading.

[@danialkhazaeli5103]

Also I noticed that they use different type of primer. I have silver color primer in older box and gold color primer in newer box!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

100%. I didn't mention it in this video, but 2 of the Hornady lots had silver primers and the other 2 had gold primers. Not sure what primer those were, but they darn sure were different!

[@randallnix452]

Good video. Honestly hornady should change the specs on the box to the true fps. Anyone shooting long range will reload regardless. Consistency is key to accuracy. I also weigh my bullets because I find different weights with every type I’ve used. And that plays a big part of consistency at long range. Haters gonna hate. Shooters gonna shoot. Thanks for getting the info out.

[@seanwillis1822]

Found you thru the Horizon podcast. Look forward to following you here. I prefer the KZbin format. Listened to episode 312 thru the website blog first.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Welcome aboard! And thanks for the feedback!

[@seanwillis1822]

Surprised when I heard you were in Lufkin. I’m from Huntington so we probably know some of the same people. Small world.

[@pgeduardo]

Hornady needs to step up and issue a recall. They really burned a lot of us loyal customers with this one.

[@g24thinf]

I remember awhile back, people were saying the Hornady dangerous game ammo was slower than listed on the box

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

That wouldn't surprise me. For what it's worth though, I was getting velocities very close to advertised from Hornady Dangerous Game ammo in my 458 Win Mag last time I shot it extensively in 2023.

[@clintboggess6728]

I shoot a 24” barrel on my PRC. I found that everything this guy said I found to be true. I have not shot the newer Hornady Precision because I reload. I had the 50 FPS speed up at roughly 175 rounds through it.

[@donmorgan1751]

I talked to Hornady. No longer can get reloader 26 powder. They know they are short on the fps. Too much work reprinting boxes, flyers.the first rounds were faster more to advertised. But gun makers were short chambering causing primer buldging. When the war efforts are over they will be back to advertised. The phone call was last month. Also they used a 26" barrel. What im getting with my 24 inch ison par with my 165 grain 30-06. Not happy. Bought some federal terminal accent. Havent shot it yet. Great video man, job well done.

[@KB-ld6ql]

It's just a label. Truth hurts.

[@mcsmedcastspecialists1285]

Great video. You remind me of Paul Harrell, very thorough!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

That's high praise, thanks!

[@8MM.PRC.HUNTER]

I first want to say thanks for the effort and expense you gave putting this together. Some have speculated that the powder in question is RL 26 that Hornady originally used for the 7PRC. That is perhaps the hardest powder to find IME. I loaded 100 rds of 7SAUM with 160 gr. Nosler bullets using RL 26 for a friend last year. When I first shot that ammo it was warmer outside and the loads were reaching 3000 fps and were very accurate with a low sd/es. I shot that same ammo from the same gun when it was a bit cooler and it was a full 100 fps slower. Still very accurate with a low sd/es but 100 fps slower. It's normal for loads to shoot slower in cooler weather but this was maybe 30-40 degrees cooler than the first shooting session. I decided it wasn't worth it to use RL 26 and get that big of a temp swing. If I had shot that ammo any where near freezing temps it would have been in the 2800 fps range.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Jeez, that is a big swing indeed! Thanks for the feedback!

[@SeanJonesDPT]

Yep. And this is why most people who shoot long range opt out of reloader 26. It’ll give you great speeds. (Over 3100 from a 7mm RM and 175 elite hunters) easily. But when the temp drops so does your speeds. Also seems to have a higher es when temps drop. H1000 is way more consistent. To me this is a drawback to the PRC as I’ve seen it so far. I want to be able to hit 3k with consistent temp stable powders. Not just the double base fast stuff that don’t work as well across the spectrum.

[@tcw95NZ]

From my experiments hornadys 4DOF calculator is very good at estimating the change in MV at different temperatures, it has lots of different powders loaded but you can also customise it if you have some data

[@beavismagnum]

I’m surprised they haven’t changed any of their marketing or box labels since they’re selling a completely different product now.

[@beavismagnum]

Pretty concerning that they’re intentionally misleading consumers

[@thehardieway]

Well done on your follow up and investigation work. Very thorough. That definitely answered some questions. Nicely done.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your feedback!

[@MrTacklebury]

Not all lots of powder perform the same either. I've been through about 5 pounds of Reloader7 and each lot has varied by 50-150 fps. Always recheck loads when jumping into a new can. Some loaders even re-do their ladder tests and re-check pressures also. I have seen a .270 that blew apart using the same exact load and carefully loaded by a good, experienced loader, but he just ran with his normal load. One way to be safer is to always drop about 100 fps and you can maintain a safe margin and if you don't need every ounce of horsepower, it really isn't missed. ;) This is more significant in high pressure bottle neck cartridges rather than straight walled 45-70 loads in my finding. There are rumors that it's the missing H4831SC that they used originally or something. ;)

[@garytacia7551]

I found I was getting lower speeds with the 6.5PRC 147gr and was getting ejector marks. Pulled the bullet and found 59.5gr of same ball powder you have there. I believe it is Winchester Staball HD which matches max load in Hornady reload manual. I get much better results hand loading with H4931 and N560 powders. I can get higher FPS without pressure signs and with better accuracy. This situation really highlights the advantage of reloading. At least when shooting at extended ranges.

[@shakychef9267]

Back in the 80s, factory ammo in most cartridges, seldom hit advertised velocity. Hence, I started reloading my own at a very young age. I don't reloading ammo anymore, and pretty much am at the mercy of what factory ammo is going to give in velocity. Now, I don't shoot very far when it comes to hunting so they way I figure, whether the ammo in my 7PRC is running 2800fps or 3000fps, doesn't really matter to me or the animal. What matters is I shoot that ammo and verify it's all sighted in before I go hunting. But that's just me.

[@barrygenta9729]

When I bought my 7prc, not much brass was available, so I abought factory load's mainly for the brass and concentrated on accuracy, not speed. Now that I am reloading, I am getting 2906 fps with 180 gr, eld match., out of a 22 inch barrel. Bergara squared crest. Brass is now pretty easy to find.

[@Coachg77]

This was so thorough, really appreciate it. Very very informative. I made the choice of buying a rifle with 7PRC over 300 WIN MAG because of the ballistics. Still happy with my choice.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad to help!

[@AWalk06TJ]

I can confirm similiar results, same rifle but with brake and ~150rnds fired, when i finally got a chrono the eldm’s measured 2910-2930, just two days ago I shot with a Nomad L and measured 2784-2829, eldx measured 2816-2847, and cx measured 2961-3001. The eldm and eldx ive had for about 9 months bought them all at once. Cx purchased 3 days ago. Im gona stock up on the cx’s and test every box.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

How do those CX bullets shoot for you? I had good results on game with them last year and accuracy was good, but not as good as the ELD-X

[@AWalk06TJ]

On completely clean barrel my first group was 1.83moa diagnal spread at100yds, then shots 4-6 where .78moa at 212yds poi=poa, then shot 3 eldx(had 1.82moa shift of poi to 4oclock) and 3eldm(shot way low), came back to cx and shot a .61moa group .1 mil low, and then shot another group first shot went 1moa low left, the next 2 shot .1mil low and .2mil left .16moa apart. I felt like i rushed the trigger on the first shot, so i do believe that was all me.

[@Accuracy1st]

I saw the same in all of my 7PRCs. But my Brux barrel is 25” and I ahot 6 different lot numbers of Hornady ELDX ammo and NONE reached over 2850 fps. I did get up to 2965 with the federal ELDX. My Benchmark barrel is 24” and I got about 20fps slower velocity on avg. my proof barrel was the same My dad said he saw on the news that a major ammo manufacturer has sold to an overseas company. We stopped at a gun store yesterday and they said Federal has sold to a Czech company. I do handload and I’m still working on the 180 Berger VLD and did get over 3000 fps

[@craigparker4108]

Vista Outdoor, parent company of 41 renowned brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products to consumers around the globe, announced a definitive agreement to sell its Sporting Products business to Czechoslovak Group (CSG) on Oct. 1. The value of the all-cash transaction is $1.91 billion and includes ownership transfer of some of the industry’s biggest names in ammunition, including Federal, CCI, Remington Ammo, Speer and Hevi-Shot.

[@tonysambar]

Correcting for barrel length even the slowest load was within 100fps of claimed velocity which is not worth worrying about and pretty typical of any factory ammo.

[@bekkerbosbeer3453]

Thanks Kevin appreciate your efforts for getting to the Truth!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

My pleasure!

[@jackshoffstall7677]

I heard on another channel the original powder was RL26 and they are having a challenge procuring it.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

I've heard similar things...

[@trevorkolmatycki4042]

Up here in Northern Alberta, Alliant Powders have been unavailable for a very long time since well before covid. We have given up on Alliant. Right now in 2024, availability of Hodgdon powders is quite good, Vihtavuori powder availability is recovering, Alliant is still unobtanium.

[@rosshill2565]

​@trevorkolmatycki4042 yeah I have a load for RL 26 in my 6.5 PRC. Problem is I have about 1/4 pound left. I have a H1000 load and it is accurate but 60-70 fps slower. I just recently bought Vihtavuori N565. That powder will get within 20 or so fps of RL 26. Now N565 I have 2 3/4 pounds of it. So I probably will never go back to RL 26. It is almost impossible to get and N565 is very close to it.

[@TomL3grandsons]

I heard the same thing

[@eddicks515]

Hornady should advertise a list of lot numbers that have been mucked with.

[@matthewnewbold1396]

I really enjoyed that video! I am shooting current production 175ELDX through a Bergara Premier MGLITE with a 22” carbon bbl. Average velocity is 2833 and the accuracy is .6-.7 MOA.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad to hear you're also getting excellent accuracy out of the Precision Hunter ammo!

[@mikeegan99]

Great job John. The podcast is great and so are the videos. I encourage you to do more videos, time permitting. Hornady is a great company and has delivered great products to hunters and shooters. I am hopeful they will they rectify this situation when they can.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks, will do!

[@kpat9906]

Good job testing the various ammo. You seem to have taken a lot of variables into account. Keep up the good work.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks!

[@elj4673]

My friend and I had the same problem with Hornady 6.5 PRC precision hunter ammo. Old lot matched up with advertised velocity new lot was over 100 fps slower! The best answer is reload!!!

[@karlhindle5215]

Great video……nice to see a video that’s not one sided

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Tofazfou]

Answering your question at the end. With the factory 180 gr ELDm, i got 2880-2885 FPS consistently for the entire box. With the Factory 175 gr Hunters, i got roughly 2946 FPS. ALL THIS FROM A 26" barrel. Im a reloader but, I just wanted to try the factory stuff. NEVER AGAIN! Too expensive!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Jeez, that's frustrating!

[@heythere6566]

Great information, thank you!!!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulharding1621]

Very interesting, possibly a good reason to hand load, although the powder shortage affects hand loaders also. Reloader powders are no longer available in the UK forcing me to change to another supplier.

[@kbowen2251]

This is a great breakdown of what's going on! Thank you for making the video

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Happy to do it. Glad you enjoyed this video!

[@kbowen2251]

@@Thebiggamehuntingblog would it be worth doing a test to see how accurate box numbers for other cartridges are sometime?

[@edstettin6799]

Very nice video. I enjoyed that. I have seen the same with 65 PRC and 300 PRC. It’s the reason I started to reload myself. Now I’m back at the advertised ofvelocities.

[@RockinRack]

My 300prc was about right I think it was like 2860 from a 26" vs their advertised 2810 from a 24" but I did buy another stack I'll have to recheck velocity and lot numbers

[@annexpaint]

Great reporting, thanks

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Much appreciated!

[@rodneybumgarner5514]

I have 2 boxes of PH 175 and 180 match with 2860 in the 175 and 2800 with the 180. My hand loads are 2930 with a weatherby 307 range xp 22" barrel.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Looks like you're getting pretty good velocities with those hand loads! You running ELD-X bullets with them?

[@toddbowles8201]

Thank you. This was informative

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joejas22]

Sir, I was not a fan of your talk videos. Most of the topics were just boring. Well, this is one of the best and most informative videos I’ve seen. It was entertaining and educational backed with forensics techniques that are undeniable. This video, for me, showcases your knowledge and passion for performance of sporting equipment. I am a big fan and want to say “Thank You” for taking the time and spending the money to be completely thorough. TY!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

I appreciate the feedback. The "talk videos" you refer to are basically just repurposed podcast episodes I previously recorded audio only, then added some photos and charts to. Glad you enjoyed this video! Maybe I'll have to put out some more content along these lines in the future!

[@mikedavis5099]

Really great video and good investigation. Hopefully Hornady is back to using the original powder.

[@masone4589]

This actually helps me out a lot. I’ve been kinda down in the dumps about my rifle and was regretting my 7 PRC decision. Nice to see Federal is achieving the velocities and Hornady might be fixing their problem (hopefully soon)

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

Another commenter mentioned it, but Hornady is kinda handicapped with Hornady brass because it’s consistently not as strong as other brass. Federal brass is pretty good, so that could be one reason why they can hit those velocities.

[@dankcincy]

Absolutely nothing to regret. It really is a great cartridge. In the context of cartridges...you're an early adopter and like with anything else, there are bound to be issues at first. Powder availability will improve and more more manufacturers will start producing ammo.

[@JupitertheGiant-qe7ir]

This is why I handload. 7mm PRC charged with H4831SC is highly accurate and gives decent velocities.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

😎

[@davecollins6113]

One of the primary reasons I reload is very well illustrated in this vid, and all users of any factory ammo need to understand ---it can happen with any mfgr, any cartridge. Had a number of boxes of ammo that would not shoot anywhere near what was advertised.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

100%!

[@TonyMarasco-j6e]

Geezer here. Marketing has always altered reality....no matter what we choose to buy. Hornady has marketeers( they call themselves) Nothing really new out there, except in bullet and propellant development.

[@dankcincy]

You're right, a 30-06 rifle produced in 1910 will shoot just as good, if not better than a 30-06 rifle produced in 2024. And of course everyone knows that the .308 brings nothing to the table that the 30-06 doesn't already do better. That .308 doesn't do anything new, it's just marketing, flash in the pan that will die off soon enough. And don't even get me started on Ackley Improved cartridges. I mean why bother? They don't do anything better than the originals. Just a guy trying to line his pockets. 🤦

[@RookCustoms]

Terminal Accent bullet performance is amazing.... I reload both 155 n 170. There isn't a bullet I would take over it's terminal performance. Hands down beautiful hunting bullet.

[@MrHuntermikey]

Thank you for your testing. Excellent presentation as usual

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tw9676]

I saw the same issues with factory 300PRC from hornady out of my rifles last year in 2023. Slower velocity higher SD's and worse groupings

[@kevincollett1537]

I noticed a huge difference in accuracy with my .308 precision hunter. Really old lots shot really tight groups and new lots shot terrible groups. I suspected they used a different powder due to shortages, and this video pretty much confirms my suspicion. I didn't chrono them, but i think the recepie was different enough and doesn't shoot well out of my gun anymore 😞

[@lukeclement1310]

Why are somebashing Hornady? Ofcourse they are going to market the crap out of a a new round. The 7 prc is leaps and bounds better than the 224 valkery and people act like they were lied to. If you want more performance start reloading and play with different powders otherwise buy a 28 nosler 🤷‍♂️ Great video by the way I could not have explained it better

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hornady is a company some people just love to hate, but I've been very happy with their stuff overall. Every company makes mistakes and runs into difficulties from time to time and hopefully this episode with the 7mm PRC will be just a small bump in the road. I really like the cartridge in general and have a lot of success afield with it.

[@lukeclement1310]

@@Thebiggamehuntingblog what are you thoughts on Hornady 160g CX from a 7prc? I Somtimes like an exit wound when hunting in rough terrain. Have you have any experience with copper vs lead when hunting big game? In terms fast powder vs slower powder I assume Hornady was using something like reloader 26 to get the speed initially. That could have switched to a number of different powers to achieve accuracy but with a slower velocity. 100 fps isn’t that big of deal as long as accuracy is not sacrificed.

[@RFM-CDA]

Thanks for a really well done video. Would be nice if Hornady let customers know, but that hurts sales. Imo American hunters are too concerned with peak velocities. Some of these new cartridges shoot pretty flat to distances most people have no business shooting at game. I grew up with and now hunt with a 30-06 and couldn't be happier with results. Whatever cartridge anyone husts with, happy hunting.

[@bentaylor216]

Excellent analysis.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks!

[@oldmanSturzl]

There is nothing wrong with what Hornady is doing. As directly stated in their response, consistency is paramount to speed as it pertains to accuracy or "precision". If you are buying factory ammo, despite being better than it has ever been, you are choosing the 'one size fits all' and getting exactly that. Custom tailoring incurrs additional cost. As in; testing and publishing velocity for every lot produced will increase the sale price. No precision marksman who reloads would mix lots and expect consistency, on any component. If you take the shortcut, you except the outcome.

[@davidfornkahl8374]

Great video as always! You are one of the great ones.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks!

[@jamiedul2]

I’m bang on with your velocities out of the the last 3 boxes with a 22” tube

[@Arc-nl7vc]

The Federal 175 ELD-X avg. 3020 fps out my 26 inch 7 PRC. It's accurate out to 850 yards so far. I'm going test it at a mile hopefully sometime this month

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Awesome, glad to hear you're getting good results with the federal ammo!

[@rwj6213]

What a great video this was. Thanks for doing the homework for some of us that don't have the equipment that you do 👍

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks! Happy to help!

[@biggs8729]

Haven’t just watch the KZbin videos on bad velocity’s from 7PRC. Had one ourselves, a Seekins havoc with a 22 inch barrel getting about 2820. Good for you that you’re getting advertised velocity, you’re one of only a fewI ’ve heard of so far.

[@richwc1]

I have the same rifle. I handload and have tried several different powders. Just this morning I got 2983 fps with a 175 using n565. So the rifle and cartridge are at least capable of achieving the velocities. I think factory precision hunter was at about 2830 fps

[@invalidusername4732]

I’d imagine Hornady uses a much slower burning powder or they reduce the power for hunting ammo because of the current trend towards lightweight hunting rifles and didn’t want to bruise shoulders.

[@Swampytheroot]

Manufacturers really should update data PER LOT. Rifle or pistol, doesn't matter. Give the actual data that this lot of ammunition produces. Not so critical for 300 yards with most rifles. Absolutely critical for distance work with a rifle and expansion performance with most handgun self defense rounds which have a tighter window between non-expansion and coming apart. Nice presentation

[@nootnuh]

My 7PRC CVA with 24” barrel averaged 2783fps vs 2975fps box velocity with Hornady factory ELD-M ammo. A 192 fps difference is terrible! Hornady needs to print new box labels. They seem to be having some truth challenges.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Jeez that's frustrating!

[@alfredsturdivnat9267]

John, I own both the 7mm prc and the 6.8 western. The 6.8 western is my favorite for the type hunting I do--whitetail deer. I notice on the forums and even on your BGHB, that the 7mm prc is favored over the 6.8 western by the overwhelming majority of hunters. This is usually based on the performance of the 2 cartridges, with the 7mm prc claiming a slight edge in muzzle velocity. Are Browning and Winchester having this same issue with the dearth of high-performing powder? I ask this question because, based on my understanding of the ballistic performance of the 2 cartridges, the 6.8 western's performance should now match that of the 7mm prc. That is, if the 6.8 western ammunition has not changed due to availability issues. Great video as always. The information is presented in clear and concise manner. Thanks

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks for your comment. To answer your question, I've given a slight edge to the 7 PRC over the 6.8 Western due to a couple of factors: slight increase in bore size and bullet weight along with a little bit better external ballistics due to the advantages of the 7mm PRC with muzzle velocity and a higher BC bullet. Slower 7mm PRC ammo does indeed narrow the gap between the two rounds in terms of external ballistics or even flip it in favor of the 6.8 Western (depending on how slow the 7 PRC ammo is). And to your point, the 6.8 Western seems to deliver on advertised velocities with more readily available powders right now and doesn't seem to have the same handicap as the 7mm PRC at this instant. The 6.8 Western also has small but undeniable advantages in recoil and the fact that it's a true short action cartridge. The biggest problem with the 6.8 Western at this instant is ammo availability and variety. Same with rifles. But both seem to be improving.The difference between them was never all that big to begin with and both were always fantastic rounds. Even in light of the problems with the 7mm PRC, I still prefer that round over the 6.8 Western, but I wouldn't blame anyone for choosing the 6.8.

[@geoffholmes7006]

Pretty poor decision making from Hornady management. Be honest with customers and change the velocity printed on the box. Or, pull the Precision Hunter 175gr loading until RL26 is available again and load the 175gr in an alternative ammo line in the interim. They’re doing a Remington here and it’s going to hurt the 7mm PRC…

[@justsnuggle]

Yes shame on Hornady, put a asterisks on the muzzle velocity, right down what the actual test velocity is with that powder and then get the right powder when you can

[@kiltman11]

Yeah I was so disappointed when my 24” proof barrel was only getting about 2870 with the 180 ELDM

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

That a brand new barrel?

[@garrytalley8009]

This is one cartridge it's better to reload for. The powder they used is now available and some other powders can do as well or better than what they are now using. I was hoping their bullets would group well and I would just shoot factory loads for hunting and zeroing only. Now I am playing with it and getting better results than factory loads in my rifle. The factory loads do shoot well enough to hunt with but not quite sub-MOA. When you reload you always want to get it sub-MOA or better to hunt with. I have had 3 bullets touching but after a retest had the groups grew. I do have a load I can hunt with but am still playing with it to try and get that real consistent everyday load. The worst thing about the Hornady factory loads is if you get an old lot or even a new one and they change the powder again they are not going to group the same and you need to re-zero. That ammo costs more than it's worth when your recipe can change on any given day because of availability. I am not sure that Hornady did not change the recipe to save money. Reloader 26 and all the Accurate Powders are now the highest priced powders on the market. They once were more cost effective.

[@gregpace4676]

This is why I roll my own, not to mention the huge cost difference!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

100%! What results have you obtained handloading the 7mm PRC?

[@KliffKester]

should remark boxes to accurate feet per second misleading to say the least if Hornady knows the powder they are using wont get the feet per second they advertise SMH

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

100%!

[@Rushshooting67913]

Rumor is they were using reloader 26. Which if you’re a reloader you know it’s impossible to get. N560-n565 matches it very well

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

How does N560-n565 do in terms of temperature sensitivity?

[@spikestern3237]

Norma MRP powder I get good velocities in my 7mm Rem Mag. They are similar to VV gunpowder. Then Norma 204 but it is a bit faster and reduces velocity in larger Magnum Calibers. I only load with Norma and VV powder as well as Rhino which has a powder that is 3% faster in burn time than Norma MRP. I was lucky to find the Rhino Gunpowder on a very good offer. So I bunkered up a few kilos of that. The VV powder I load with which I got very good precision with copper the bullet Lapua Naturalis it is a little more slow burning than the Norma MRP. Think it's VV 570 or VV560. Long since I loaded with it, loaded 100 hunting shots and they last a long time. I got a little more speed there with it in my 300 Win Mag than with the Norma MRP. I get really good speed and effect on animals in my 7mm strap mag with MRP and Swift Scirocco 2 bullet in 150 grain. It works very well on Deer, Boar and Moose that I have shot with that bullet and caliber. I also have Hornade Interbond 154 Grain to test there. Interbond 165 grain in 308 win is a very good combo gives good effect nice mushrooms when you find the bullet in the animals. My friend uses that bullet in that caliber and he hunts a lot. I advised him to switch to Interbond 165 grain from the Nosler Accubond he was using. He was very happy with the change. I have a few hundred bullets left to handload into my 7mm strap mag with the Swift Scirooco 2 bullet before I change bullets. I get good precision with that bullet also at 100 meters, just under 30 millimeters, it is suitable for hunting. I don't know how available Norma powder is in the US? I recommend their MRP as it is good as well as their 204 powder for slightly smaller magnum calibres.

[@jaymiller393]

Nickle brass is known to get more speed out of same loads… also looks like short cut powder whether H4831sc or IMR-7828ssc… Also load development begins after 200rnds lol

[@garrickr5084]

Very interesting video. Separately, you need a can, my friend. I felt the concussion from your muzzle brake through my phone 😂.

[@Anthanos89]

Why I load.. I know exactly what I'm shooting. Great vid!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks!

[@copgeter007]

Great video!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@randydoan-vx7co]

Great video, im having the same issues with same ammo in 300 prc. Velocity is not even close to whats advertised. I have also emailed them and got pretty much the same b.s answers. Im seeing more and more of these videos now. Something needs to happen about this false advertising, such b.s

[@WayStedYou]

Federal seems to have RL26 whereas hornady doesnt for the factory ammo

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Certainly seems like that....

[@jasonshults368]

Federal and Alliant Powder have both been under the Vista Outdoors umbrella for some years....

[@Longshothawk]

Hornady has a handycap of using hornady brass. That stuff is way to soft. I suspect that fedral using fedral brass is able to get more out of substitute powder and not have the primers fall out when the bolt opens. As to the powder, ammo manufacturers dont use the same powder we buy off the shelf. They have to test each new delivery of powder and adjust the loads all the time. Hornadys explanation seems to use current events to cover for other issues.

[@jazon9]

Why 7mm PRC now have problem with vewlohity but 6.8 Western not?

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

That's an excellent question. Maybe I'll dive into that one in the future...

[@WayStedYou]

because 6.8 isnt loaded by hornady and federal and winchester etc still have a better powder supply vs hornady

[@slick99rooster]

When the 300 PRC came out they were using RL 26. Looking at the faster powder it looks a lot like RL powder. Hornady s data for the 7 PRC shows 66 gr pushing 2950 fps . I found that RL 26 and IMR 7977 burn almost identical.