Testing every 7mm PRC factory load I could find!

Here we test, chronograph and talk about the 6 different 7mm PRC factory loads I could find on store shelves. For reference the shooting was done at an elevation of 6,600 ft and 62*F.
Hornady 180gr Match
Hornady 175gr ELD-X
Federal 170gr Terminal Accent
Federal 175gr ELD-X
Weatherby 175gr Berger Elite hunter
Weatherby 177gr Hammer custom bullet

[@Matt-en1kn]

Finally someone shoots the terminal ascent in 7prc thank u I would like to see some more videos on the ta what I am using in my 7prc

[@3RBallistics]

I’m not going to lie that’s very close to the top of my list. I’ll be testing expansion at 100 - 600 - 1200 yards in the near future. Honestly, I’d never shoot game at 1200 yards but the company made the claim on the box so I feel it should be tested.

[@dungeontales8117]

Think federal is the way to go right now. Hornady ammo has been disappointing for me for the 7prc.

[@Matt-en1kn]

​@dungeontales8117 the hornady ammo was absolute trash in my x bolt the federal terminal ascent is getting 3k in my gun and shooting .75 inch groups also hornady ammo is shooting 100 to 150 fps under claimed velocity

[@Matt-en1kn]

​@@3RBallisticsnice I would love to see that test 😊

[@vincentboileau1991]

Thanks for the test! Keep pumping out 7PRC videos

[@tomforeman4976]

I have built 1 in 7 twist barrel 27 inches long live watching this and will start testing mine in a couple weeks.

[@theriddleballcoach]

I like the two legged ornament on the front of the rifle.

[@tomforeman4976]

Hahaha just noticed cool horns to black tape a foam bag to.

[@steverutkowski8141]

Appreciated!! Did not know about the Weatherby offering.

[@derekmcmurry4263]

Yea it's very recent stuff. Glad I handload though.

[@jmgates09]

Ikr I wanna buy one just for the Hammer loads now

[@leemiller4016]

I’ve had trouble shooting off those portable tables-groups inconsistent with everything. I get a more solid, stable base, my groups improved. Just a passing thought, great video.

[@3RBallistics]

You are 100% correct. This was a short notice idea and I have never set up a good base, or maybe I should just shoot prone. It is on a very short list of things to do.

[@suzgabverdugo933]

Good job sir

[@jace3802]

Thanks for the test, I know it was not cheap!

[@jackbuendgen389]

$200 in just the weatherby ammo

[@acmoya2002]

I’ve had the chance to chronograph factory ammo through 4 rifles in 7prc so far. Here’s what they looked like: Mossberg patriot 24”- Hornady match (2848), precision hunter (2870), outfitter Cx (2897) I also had another batch of Hornady match only get 2810, must have been a different powder? Christensen mpr 26”- Hornady match (2912) Bergara premier 24”- Hornady match (2859) Weatherby 307 22”- federal premium eldx (2938), weatherby custom hammer 177gr (2942) All shots are at ~5000ft elevation, and were 3-5 shot averages. With hand loads the best velocities so far have been from n165 for me, but still have more powders to test. Just got some reloader 26. The two rifles that are mine vary greatly in what they like and which powders produce good numbers. I am a new to reloading so it’s all learning for me. Love the content!

[@3RBallistics]

That’s great information to have, thanks.

[@adamwiech4874]

Try retumbo,,or H 1000,, reloder 26 if you can find it ,,R26 and retumbo I got my best velocities with

[@jasonturpin2456]

Good video

[@matthewhernandez9133]

I would like to see more test with both federal boxes of 7PRC.

[@seetownwv]

I've gotten very good velocities from the Federals. I'm getting 2854 out of an 18 inch barrel

[@woodywoodpecker3643]

Great video. Must have taken some time and $ to do. I have not been able to get my 7prc to group with hornady. Might try the federal or weatherby. I had the most luck with the hornady outfitter 160 gr. Shooting savage 110 lightweight carbon.

[@garrytalley8009]

If you shoot much it would pay to reload for this one. I was hoping not to with some people shooting good factory groups, but now I am reloading for it as well and getting better groups with only a little testing. Not where I want to be yet but better than factory and plenty good enough to hunt with. If you are not going to shoot it much factory is most likely a better way to go if it's only to hunt with.

[@Gaffneydaniel92]

This same exact test but with a more reputable reliable chronograph!

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Very good. Many thanks. Sure appreciate the data. Good round. It isn't it huge step up from the 7mm Rem Mag. The faster twist does give it a leg up to stabilize longer heavier bullets. Thank you again. Subscribed.

[@3RBallistics]

I agree. These new rounds have much more ability than what I can show. I’m not sure they provide much more for hunting but work really well at very long ranges - 1000+ yards

[@ArpexOfficial]

Good thing Seekins makes their 7 rem mag with 1:8 twist rate barrels

[@SpudOutdoors]

Lots of options for 7 mag in fast twist. So nope nothing to offer

[@cdavison9491]

Remington is making them in 1:8 as well.

[@oblivionpro69]

@@SpudOutdoors Your wrong. At the very least you get a more modernized version of the 7mm mag. That means no silly belt, higher pressure rating that in theory should be able to be loaded hotter, more case capacity when you load super heavy bullets because of the neck length/bullet seating position and tighter tolerances in the chambers even in the cheap guns.

[@derekmcmurry4263]

Man what a coincidence on you noticing a scope mount loose. I went shooting today and just checked all 7 rifles. Every single one had the 1/2 bolt loosened up a bit. I've told myself for years, always check your scope screws before and after shooting. Sometimes I forget. Any I pay for it later by having to retry handloads or factory ammo.

[@AussieInCA11]

Mine used to come loose. Re-mounted them with locktite and they've been fine since.

[@derekmcmurry4263]

@@AussieInCA11 I don't want to use lock tite on the 1/2 bolt that locks the ring onto the Pic rail because I switch out the scope rifle to rifle when testing loads. Saves me from buying one scope per rifle. I can only hunt with one rifle and a time but always take 2-3 on hunting trips with each having its own scope. But once I started using pic rails and rings like Nightforce where they use that larger half inch nut it's a breeze to just loosen those and mount on a different rifle right there at the range. Yes you have to bore sight each one but big money savings.

[@garrytalley8009]

I've done worse. Missed a nice deer this year because I put a new scope on and did not have even sighted it in and it was loose. I have so many guns I just picked the wrong one to use this year. I had been upgrading scopes on all of them and this one had not been taken to the range and sighted in. Our range has been down because of tornado damage. It won't happen again. I have chosen my 1mm PRC to hunt with this year and it is zeroed with a new scope. Still tweaking loads even though I have a pretty good one established already. Can't be messing up come deer season.

[@samuelblacksmith2956]

Try and load some Sierra Game king and Sierra TIpped Game King… TGK’s are very accurate in two of my rifles… hope to find load data for 6.5-300 Weatherby

[@Juice13ferrer]

I would like to see the 1000 yrf shots

[@Weatherby406]

I know 2/3 Weatherby rifles that shoot under 1/2 inch with hammers. Mine hates them 2 inch groups at best,. but will shoot eldx under half inch.

[@capt.america6296]

I have seen on the Internet, so take it for what it’s worth, but before you shoot copper bullets, if you have shot lead bullets through it first, many say you’re supposed to really clean your barrel before testing. For whatever reason, copper don’t like lead residue in the barrel.

[@jbb4591]

My 7PRC didnt like almost any of those ammos. It liked the federal eldx loads the best and it was maybe 1 inch groups if i did my part. I started to work up some loads for it and hopefully will have a solid one soon. The first go had me in the average fps of 2940 and almost 3/4 inch groups. got to verify and try to tighten it up if possible, but looks promising at least

[@garrytalley8009]

Sounds like you are doing well. I am still working on my loads and would be more than happy with what you already have. I have not done too much yet but have decent results for the rifle that I have. Enjoy!

[@42N8_1]

I am trying to decide between the Eld x and the Terminal Ascent ammunition.

[@3RBallistics]

I’ll be doing another test between those two projectiles this upcoming week.

[@Rackpack-mb4ml]

Nosler has a 175grb long range accubond available at midway usa

[@3RBallistics]

Yep and at a price slightly higher than the custom Weatherby. Maybe next test I’ll dig deeper and go for the Nosler as well.

[@derekmcmurry4263]

I'm working on a few 7PRCs right now. If you can, see how you do with the 180 Berger VLDs. I also have 175 ELDX on hand and can get several other type bullets. I did see 3 boxes of the Federal Terminal Ascent but they are priced at $65/box. Not happening! I don't care how good the components are. If you take that to the range and get mediocre ES/SDs and so-so accuracy, I don't see the point unless you intend to always use it on game at 200 yards and under (which I certainly prefer) but want to be able to have confidence in my ammo past that if I need to

[@Muschka01]

Bud, in Australia, it is $100 per box. Ridiculous!

[@derekmcmurry4263]

@@Muschka01 AND DEFINITELY NOT WORTH IT. They ain't sellin "magic in a box"

[@johncreech9085]

30/06 Springfield performance right there with 165 gr. hand loads. Having talked some smack I bought the same rifle in a 7 PRC lol. I too was dooped by Hornady. I'm still a 7mm fan boy though.

[@garrytalley8009]

There was no duped. The cartridge performs as advertised. Hornady changed the powder because of supply issues they say reducing velocity and all rifles do not shoot the same. I too like 7mm's I have had rifles from a 7mm-08 to a 7mm STW. I do have an inexpensive 7mm PRC and it has done well for what it is. I have thought about getting a little higher end model, but I am just not sure it is worth it because the one I have is doing pretty good for the range I have to hunt. The only downside my rifle has is a skinny barrel that heats easily, but it's a hunting rifle not a bench rifle.

[@ArpexOfficial]

What rifle is this? I did similar tests with two Seekins PH’s, a Ruger American and a browning xbolt. Only the ruger american liked the weatherby hammers in 177. The others produced 1.5-2.0 moa groups lol. I can email or DM you pictures of my groups and data I got from my labradar if you’d like. I’m having great results with hand loads using CCI 200 primers, N565 powder, ADG brass and Hammer 170 gr HHT bullets.

[@3RBallistics]

This is with the Ruger American.

[@capt.america6296]

What is the fps and the legnth of your barrel. I have heard Hornady had to change from R26 to a ball powder, but never changed the load data on the box and people are getting 200 fps slower than advertised. Looks like you need a 24" barrel or might as well shoot a different cartridge because this one isnt burning all the powder in short barrels.

[@ArpexOfficial]

@@capt.america6296 my Ruger American is a 24 and my Seekins PH2 is a 26. I’m getting 2860 with the match out of the 26 inch barrel wand 2915 with the eldx in factory. Getting 3060 out of my hand loads with Hammer HHT 170 gr with the 26 inch barrel and about 2990 with the 24 inch barrel.

[@DrewEdwardBacklas]

@@capt.america6296 it’s a magnum cartridge. It’s NEVER going to burn all of the powder in a short barrel.

[@SAUM76]

Ammo Getting close to the cost of the rifle. That weatherby ammo is crazy $$$

[@Andrew-jm4tp]

I would like to see what expansion looks like at 600+ yards. 1200 is excessive but I am curious.

[@3RBallistics]

Agreed. I think I’d like to do some kind of comparison at 100 - 600 - 1200. I’d never shot at game that far but these ammo companies sure make some bold claims.

[@Andrew-jm4tp]

Sounds good. I will watch.

[@jamessammann9183]

I had a go wild in 7prc sold it it sucked..got 2 custom 7prc now im.getting 2980 out of 26 inch barell and 6 inch can..

[@oblivionpro69]

You're probably getting fluctuating ammo because of the powder problems they're having and blaming it on the gun.

[@jamessammann9183]

@oblivionpro69 i.have sot 5 guns none got 3000 out of 24 s. But with 26 your right at it but .y groups are under half inch out to a 1000

[@Christopher-dj2xu]

Above 1003 hpa 45/75% 4°C/25°C we increase the weight of the air for the car its aerodynamic support increases for firing the slowed bullet downwards. below 1003 hpa 45/75% 4°C/25°C for the car km/h increase for shooting the ball increases speed and rises

[@retkar1]

That's the heaviest (170) 7mm PRC Terminal Ascent. The lightest is the 155 grain.

[@3RBallistics]

I wish I would have seen that one on the shelves. I’ll keep my eyes out for the 155 gr loading next time I’m out. I’d love to test that one.

[@cjberan]

Thanks for sharing this. 6.8 western is faster with less recoil it seems more then ever thought this prc is good as well

[@3RBallistics]

I think a lot of these new loads end up being personal preference. They all do more than what I’m capable of showing in the end.

[@codyway7424]

Now repeat that test with a decent front and rear rest from a stable bench. Will be very different results accuracy wise.

[@MrGoMario]

Glad to see fewer and fewer people believing Hornady's bluff... 3000 fps average speed, out of a 24 inch barrel with a 175gr bullet... Almost damaged my rifle chassing that 😮

[@jamessammann9183]

Hornday put out a letter the powder they were using to get 3000 fps. They can't get so I'm getting rite at 2980 out of my 26 inch barells...hope this helps

[@bobg3633]

Yes but where was the crono at? How far? Lol

[@dantheman5201]

I saw that Hornady was padding Their numbers because of the 6.8 western. All the crono I've seen on the 7 prc have been less than 3000 fps.

[@jamessammann9183]

Im.getting it out of a 26 inch

[@timlogue9109]

I’m getting 3025 out of a 22”, it’s very achievable.

[@BruceAC]

How many inches barrel please?

[@3RBallistics]

24 inch barrel.

[@jamessammann9183]

Watch your video your all over the place with that magpul.bipod ..not steady ..how much was Weatherby ammo

[@3RBallistics]

It’s a piece of junk off brand not even a Magpul bipod. I used bags on the first test and just rushed the re-testing but agreed that the setup was not steady at all. The Weatherby ammo was $95.99 per box of 20 rounds.

[@jamessammann9183]

@3RBallistics u shot really good with that bipod I been shooting long distance 35 years need a bubble level looks like your canting little good job i.been out to a mile with my 7prs. S. They shoot good...u spent lots of mo ey on.ammo had to find

[@anthonymurphy2540]

We want to see it!!!!What I want to see is a rib rack folded over at 500 yards which is my max shooting target!!! I have a 7 prc with a 20 inch barrel with suppressor!!

[@3RBallistics]

I’ll see if I can add that test in as well.

[@garrytalley8009]

Not exactly long-range gun when you hack off that much barrel. That caliber is even on the minimum of getting efficiency at 24-inch barrel. I can understand a short barrel for a can honestly, but you either have to be great at holdover or very lucky to hit anything out to 500 yards. But have fun with what you have. That is what it is all about anyway. We can all dream. Any magnum benefits from a minimum of a 26-inch or longer barrel. Just a real hard fact. Don't get me wrong but you really need to be pretty darn good to do 300 yards with decent accuracy with your rig. I guess that is the thing these days. I have been shooting for over 50 years and I live in the real world putting all the advantages of a cartridge in the selection of the rifle.

[@anthonymurphy2540]

@@garrytalley8009 there is a video showing 7prc getting vol. with 20 inch barrel.

[@suzgabverdugo933]

I was thinking about a 7mm needsmore 😂 seems like weatherby loads it better the hornady😂

[@3RBallistics]

I still like the Federal offering the best. But again most of these are just personal preference.

[@garrytalley8009]

Good handloading beats them all. It may take a little time but it's fun going through the process. You won't save money, but you learn as you go and will be better for it in the end. Factory ammo might work for you, but how much does one have to test in a rifle to find one that works? At what expense? Of course, if you don't shoot much and have not got the mental capacity it takes to make good ammo your stuck with buying it off the shelf. I started reloading after purchasing 5 boxes of ammo from the same lot for my rifle and got 4-inch groups. What a waste. The only good thing about it I had 100 pieces of brass from the same lot to start reloading my own. I have never loaded anything myself that ever shot half as bad as that ammo. It isn't cheaper to reload after purchasing all it takes to make good ammo. But it is rewarding to make your own and you can have confidence in it as well as put a better bullet in the case than is offered on the shelf. Weatherby is overrated. People need to know the history of Weatherby. Not saying they don't make good things. They are pricey for what you get. OK for anyone that wants them, but it does help if you have an abundance of money and just want bragging rights of having them.

[@PassionforRifles]

Get the FX True Ballistic or Garmin Xero C1, that shoot thru is.....

[@3RBallistics]

Agreed. The Garmin is on the list of next purchase. Thanks

[@PassionforRifles]

@@3RBallistics FX True Ballistic aint bad either

[@3RBallistics]

@@PassionforRifles FX is what I’ve used before and agree it worked well. It’s just hard to beat the size and cost of the Garmin.

[@PassionforRifles]

@@3RBallistics that's true, Garmin size is 👌🏻

[@chrisaguirre7018]

The inconsistency in this shooting setup leads to unreliable information.

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

Yeah, that has nothing to do with velocity. Accuracy testing? Maybe. But you could put that gun in a vise and it’s not going to increase the velocity

[@dvskane1808]

Once you say hope I don’t screw it up, always happens!

[@SpudOutdoors]

75 ft is not what I would call close. It would need to be less than 20 ft and also get a Garmin or labradar. Those chronographs are unreliable on data and usage.

[@3RBallistics]

Agreed, the Garmin is a need soon purchase.

[@tomforeman4976]

So all this lead and no kill ballistics. Some body use some of this lead money for some ribs and a front shoulder and see what the kill power is at a thousand yards. 985 feid dressed elk at 1000 yards would be way more interesting.

[@glockparaastra]

TTSX will perform better from a clean bare metal bore.

[@AlphaWolf015]

Great video, yet another example though of Hornady over estimating the 7mm PRC. Haven’t seen a single person get a 175 gr pill to 3000 FPS. It’s great, modern cartridge. It’s just been over exaggerated by marketing and fan boys.

[@eddielombera5862]

Shooting off a wobbly table and bipod is a no if you want to see true accuracy. Shooting prone on the ground would’ve yielded better controlled results. Plus it’s 2024 bro, get rid of that Caldwell chronograph, they’re not really consistent…

[@3RBallistics]

I 100% agree on both. Honestly, I was not really looking at accuracy when doing the grouping because I was just being lazy. And yes, the Caldwell sucks but that was all I had that day.

[@aaronpudlicki7418]

You sound like a lot of fun to be around

[@eddielombera5862]

@@aaronpudlicki7418 thanks but I’m not interested in men sorry…

[@Lee-jn8zu]

I shoot the eldx out of a mossberg patriot, the thing is a lazerbeam...