EP 127: The 7 PRC

Published on October 26, 2022
Duration: 60:39

This episode of Long Range Pursuit podcast introduces the new 7 PRC cartridge from Hornady, comparing it extensively to established cartridges like the 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm LRM, and 28 Nosler. The discussion highlights the 7 PRC's design goals, including optimal magazine fit, ballistic performance, and recoil management, positioning it as a 'just right' solution for long-range shooting and hunting. The hosts emphasize the importance of cartridge design for practical application, balancing velocity, recoil, and terminal ballistics.

Quick Summary

The 7 PRC cartridge, developed by Hornady, is designed as an optimal 'just right' solution for long-range shooting and hunting. It balances high velocity with manageable recoil, fitting standard 3.34-inch long-action magazines. This design aims to provide superior terminal ballistics and accuracy without the excessive recoil associated with cartridges like the 28 Nosler.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the 7 PRC Cartridge
  2. 00:16Hornady Officially Launches 7 PRC
  3. 00:48History of 7mm Cartridges at Gunwerks
  4. 01:34Background and History of 7mm Cartridges
  5. 03:00Early Wildcat Cartridge Development
  6. 04:08Lessons Learned from Early Builds
  7. 05:107mm Rem Mag vs. 338-378 Weatherby
  8. 06:30The Validity of 7mm as a Long Range King
  9. 07:04Custom Gun Manufacturing and Systems
  10. 08:13Disadvantages of Belted Cartridges
  11. 09:597 LRM Development and Specs
  12. 10:35Custom Dies and Brass Forming
  13. 11:36Early 7 LRM Brass Challenges
  14. 12:20Commercial Viability of 7 LRM
  15. 13:4328 Nosler Enters the Market
  16. 14:29First Elk Hunt with 7mm Rem Mag
  17. 15:54Limitations of 7mm Rem Mag at Extreme Range
  18. 16:07Pushing 180 Grain Bullets Faster
  19. 16:18Experience with the 28 Nosler
  20. 17:02Loading 28 Nosler Down
  21. 17:22Gunwerks Barrel Rifling Profile
  22. 18:227 LRM vs. 7 PRC Connection
  23. 18:31Collaboration with Hornady
  24. 19:16Dave Emery's Role in Cartridge Development
  25. 20:28The 6.5 Creedmoor's Success
  26. 21:25Scheming New Cartridge Ideas
  27. 21:31The 6.5 Short Long Range Magnum Concept
  28. 22:10The Genesis of 6.5 PRC (264 RCM)
  29. 22:45Limits of Proprietary Cartridges
  30. 23:25The 6.5x284 Norma Story
  31. 24:01Why 6.5x284 Wasn't SAAMI Spec
  32. 24:49Throat Variations and Safety Concerns
  33. 25:417 LRM Safety Scenario
  34. 26:26Commercial Viability and Magnum Length
  35. 27:017 LRM Case Dimensions
  36. 27:30Neck Length and Throat Design
  37. 28:157 PRC Standardization and Magazine Fit
  38. 29:17Load Development for 7 PRC
  39. 30:17Testing 195gr ELD-M and 180gr Match Loads
  40. 31:257 PRC vs. 7 LRM Performance Comparison
  41. 32:06Chamber Differences: 7 LRM vs. 7 PRC
  42. 32:42Comparing 7mm Cartridge Velocities
  43. 33:337 PRC vs. 7mm Rem Mag Velocity
  44. 34:13Comparison to 7mm-08 and 280 Ackley
  45. 34:29Limitations of 7mm-08 in Short Actions
  46. 35:39The 'Just Right' Cartridge Philosophy
  47. 35:56Recoil Comparison: 7 PRC vs. 28 Nosler
  48. 37:11Why Move Away from 28 Nosler
  49. 37:31Recoil Dynamics and Accuracy
  50. 38:51Impact of Recoil on Follow-Up Shots
  51. 39:20Recoil Energy Comparison: 6.5 PRC vs. 7mm
  52. 39:46Gaining Velocity for Terminal Performance
  53. 40:30The Importance of Bullet Expansion
  54. 41:39Bullet Design and Impact Velocity
  55. 42:22Required Impact Velocity for Bullet Expansion
  56. 42:42Evaluating Cartridges for Extended Range
  57. 44:06Wind Deflection and Cartridge Value
  58. 44:4518 Years of Gunwerks Experience
  59. 45:30Dynamic Structural Limitations of Bullets
  60. 46:15The BC and Momentum Train
  61. 46:45The Concept of The Sweet Spot
  62. 47:25Fast Twist Rates and Bullet Integrity
  63. 48:45Optimizing Speed, Twist Rate, and Velocity
  64. 49:197 PRC as The Sweet Spot
  65. 49:25Fast Twist Rates and Bullet Manufacturing
  66. 50:15Excitement for the 7 PRC
  67. 50:37Customer Questions and Implementation
  68. 50:51Gunwerks Rifle Offerings in 7 PRC
  69. 51:53Should You Change Your Current 7mm Rifle?
  70. 52:15Paper Differences Between 7mm Cartridges
  71. 53:03300 PRC vs. 300 Win Mag
  72. 53:27Benefit of Changing to 7 PRC
  73. 53:56Gunwerks Rifles: A Deliberate Choice
  74. 54:03Future of 7 LRM Chambering at Gunwerks
  75. 54:27Why 7 PRC Will Replace 7 LRM
  76. 55:17Brass Availability Challenges
  77. 55:45The 7 PRC: A Needed Cartridge
  78. 56:27The Beauty of the PRC Cartridges
  79. 57:13Understanding Bullet Fitment and Speeds
  80. 57:47Necking Down 300 PRC
  81. 58:207 PRC: The Right Solution
  82. 58:33Podcast Wrap-up and Takeaways
  83. 59:20Congratulations to Hornady on 7 PRC Launch
  84. 59:49Visit Gunwerks.com for Rifles
  85. 01:00:04Podcast Feedback and Subscriptions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 7 PRC cartridge and why was it developed?

The 7 PRC is a new cartridge from Hornady designed for optimal long-range shooting and hunting. It aims to provide a balance of velocity, manageable recoil, and efficient magazine fit within standard long-action receivers, addressing limitations found in some existing 7mm cartridges.

How does the 7 PRC compare to the 7mm Remington Magnum?

The 7 PRC generally offers slightly higher velocities than the 7mm Remington Magnum, especially with heavier bullets, while maintaining more manageable recoil. It's designed with modern bullet weights and twist rates in mind, fitting better into standard magazine lengths.

What are the advantages of the 7 PRC over the 28 Nosler?

While the 28 Nosler achieves higher velocities, the 7 PRC offers significantly less recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately and control follow-up shots. The 7 PRC also uses less powder and is considered a more balanced 'just right' solution for many long-range applications.

Will the 7 PRC replace the 7mm LRM?

Experts suggest the 7 PRC is likely to largely replace the 7mm LRM due to its SAAMI standardization, wider commercial availability of ammunition and brass, and optimized design for modern rifles and magazines. Gunwerks plans to phase out LRM chamberings in favor of the PRC.

What is the optimal bullet weight and velocity for the 7 PRC?

The 7 PRC is optimized for modern long-range bullets, typically in the 175-180 grain range. Factory loads aim for velocities around 2950-3000 fps from a 24-inch barrel, providing a good balance for terminal ballistics and manageable recoil.

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