7mm PRC first impressions

[AM_Lillycombe]

Took delivery of my 7mm PRC on Sunday. This is not intended as a willy wave, I’m just very pleased/proud of it and thought others might be interested.
So here she is:

Barrel chambering, fluting, threading, etc and assembly by Patrick Croft Gun Makers (he will also do the bedding on my PSE stock when it arrives).

Moderator is Freyr and Devik 338 3d silence

Action is Borden timberline.

Barrel is a 22inch Bartlien.

Current stock is MDT oryx but PSE incoming.

Scope Swarovski 3.5-28x50 with Talley rings.

Spartan bipod mount.

Finished in dark green cerakote including the moderator and scope rings.

Ammo is currently very mild for a running in period 2600fps. However with 70gr of viht n570 it should push 2900 and be within safe limits if that is even required.

So I went a bit overboard on spec I know! but I’m not a professional stalker it’s a toy and all the research decisions gave me pleasure. I like to hold something I’m proud of in the field.

Firstly I’m not a fan of the stock. Very solid but very heavy. Also looks like I’m going to war…

Next and most importantly the first few shots are touching groups at 100m.

The recoils is VERY mild and incredibly quiet.

My next plan is to shoot groups at 50m increments out to 300m and record my own dope. As I’ve been experiencing discrepancy between BC apps and real life.

 

[jonylandrover]

I'm looking at going 7mm PRC myself, if you wouldn't mid PM me some more details of weights and costs etc if your happy to share that would be excellent! I'm toying with the idea of going custom build or off the shelf.

 

[Rutland lad]

Keep us all updated please.

 

[75]

What bullets are you running please? Very interesting! Like the fact it's a 22" tube too (and not 24" which I always feel a bit cumbersome for stalking)

 

[AM_Lillycombe]

I'm looking at going 7mm PRC myself, if you wouldn't mid PM me some more details of weights and costs etc if your happy to share that would be excellent! I'm toying with the idea of going custom build or off the shelf.

Obviously I’m no expert but I’ve enjoyed learning everything from picking the chambering to choosing a moderator. More than happy to share.
The scope was the most frustrating decision and I'm almost ashamed I went with Swarovski because it’s a bit of a cop out. I just didn’t want to risk a more obscure scope and it end up not working for me.

 

[AM_Lillycombe]

What bullets are you running please? Very interesting! Like the fact it's a 22" tube too (and not 24" which I always feel a bit cumbersome for stalking)

Bullet is a bit controversial 180gr ELD-M.

My 6.5Creedmoor is also 22 and I think it’s a good compromise. Yes I’m given away 100fps vs a 24inch if that matters and there will be a bit of unburnt powder in the mod but that is why you do cleaning.

 

[Shaun Goss]

That’s lovely. Not a fan of the chassis either but in a pse that’s gonna be special. Which model did you choose? Dont think you will regret the Swarovski either.

 

[AM_Lillycombe]

That’s lovely. Not a fan of the chassis either but in a pse that’s gonna be special. Which model did you choose? Dont think you will regret the Swarovski either.

It is the PSE evolution I have coming not the e-tac. I think it’s textured/dappled green over carbon.

I don’t mean that the swaro won’t be good, it’s just that everyone knows they are good. If I’d had more time then I might have tried a March or something.

Wish I’d gone for an independent coffee shop rather than going to Starbucks if you know what I mean.

 

[scotch_egg]

Bullet is a bit controversial 180gr ELD-M.

My 6.5Creedmoor is also 22 and I think it’s a good compromise. Yes I’m given away 100fps vs a 24inch if that matters and there will be a bit of unburnt powder in the mod but that is why you do cleaning.

I love the 180gr ELD in my 7mm SAUM. I’m 26” though and only get 2950fps.


The 162gr ELD at 3000fps recoils far less and performance sub 600m is equal to the 180’s.

 

[AM_Lillycombe]

I love the 180gr ELD in my 7mm SAUM. I’m 26” though and only get 2950fps.


The 162gr ELD at 3000fps recoils far less and performance sub 600m is equal to the 180’s.

7mm SAUM is a cool chambering! I was looking into it prior to this build.

I’ve been having an internal battle about heavier and slower vs lighter and faster.

Currently using 100gr eld-vt in the 6.5creed running at 3200fps. At the weekend I blew the whole sternum off of a roebuck… I’ll be going to the 120+ gr projectiles next I reckon.

I’ll start with the 180gr in the 7prc and go from there.
According to the Hornady load data going lighter for 7prc doesn’t seem to make as much difference as some in other chamberings??? eg: 162gr eld-m max load (71gr of viht n570) is 3050fps and the 180gr eld-m max load (71.2gr of viht n570) is 2950fps).

 

[scotch_egg]

The PRC is certainly the sensible option given the commercial success.

A 100VT 6.5 really wouldn’t be a roe round. Varmint Target=VT we live and learn. At least the animal won’t have suffered.

I was quite surprised at the recoil difference between the 162 and 180.

If you are still shooting the 180 at 2600fps I genuinely encourage you experience what I am on about.


You will need a chronograph to see real world figures. I’ve been shooting Hornady factory ammunition and it’s way off what the box states

 

[AM_Lillycombe]

Took delivery of my 7mm PRC on Sunday. This is not intended as a willy wave, I’m just very pleased/proud of it and thought others might be interested.
So here she is:

Barrel chambering, fluting, threading, etc and assembly by Patrick Croft Gun Makers (he will also do the bedding on my PSE stock when it arrives).

Moderator is Freyr and Devik 338 3d silence

Action is Borden timberline.

Barrel is a 22inch Bartlien.

Current stock is MDT oryx but PSE incoming.

Scope Swarovski 3.5-28x50 with Talley rings.

Spartan bipod mount.

Finished in dark green cerakote including the moderator and scope rings.

Ammo is currently very mild for a running in period 2600fps. However with 70gr of viht n570 it should push 2900 and be within safe limits if that is even required.

So I went a bit overboard on spec I know! but I’m not a professional stalker it’s a toy and all the research decisions gave me pleasure. I like to hold something I’m proud of in the field.

Firstly I’m not a fan of the stock. Very solid but very heavy. Also looks like I’m going to war…

Next and most importantly the first few shots are touching groups at 100m.

The recoils is VERY mild and incredibly quiet.

My next plan is to shoot groups at 50m increments out to 300m and record my own dope. As I’ve been experiencing discrepancy between BC apps and real life.

Forgot:
Bix and Andy trigger
Hawkins bottom metal (for the PSE stock).

 

[AM_Lillycombe]

The PRC is certainly the sensible option given the commercial success.

A 100VT 6.5 really wouldn’t be a roe round. Varmint Target=VT we live and learn. At least the animal won’t have suffered.

I was quite surprised at the recoil difference between the 162 and 180.

If you are still shooting the 180 at 2600fps I genuinely encourage you experience what I am on about.


You will need a chronograph to see real world figures. I’ve been shooting Hornady factory ammunition and it’s way off what the box states

I’m going off the 12th edition reloading data. But yeah I’ve heard the figures are massaged.

Very mixed results with the eld-vt, I won’t be using it again.
Everything from bullet not opening at all to complete devastation. As I understand it, It is basically an ELD-X shell with less lead. The dope is odd I’ve had to record my own drop as the bc app and applied ballistics are quite a bit out (it drops more in life than it should in theory). But it can be made to work on AP by doing a custom drag factor if you enter real world drop in MRAD.

 

[Devon Stalker]

I'm looking at going 7mm PRC myself, if you wouldn't mid PM me some more details of weights and costs etc if your happy to share that would be excellent! I'm toying with the idea of going custom build or off the shelf.

As jonnylandrover said, I’d also be interested in the parts breakdown and cost if you’d be kind enough to share?
Thanks

 

[coldboremiracle]

stunning rifle sir, you will love the 7PRC. I too just finished up my own. Here is a shot of it from last week hunting black bears in Kootenai Forest of Montana:

 

[AM_Lillycombe]

stunning rifle sir, you will love the 7PRC. I too just finished up my own. Here is a shot of it from last week hunting black bears in Kootenai Forest of Montana:

That’s a beauty, congrats… you are also far better at photos than I!

 

[JonR]

Lovely sound moderator. Never seen one of those before.

 

[coldboremiracle]

That’s a beauty, congrats… you are also far better at photos than I!

 

[Yorkie]

The Borden Timberline is a really nice action, i have one on my 25-06. I see your Gunsmith has his name on them, i am guessing he must be highly thought of by Borden.

 

[Ronin]

stunning rifle sir, you will love the 7PRC. I too just finished up my own. Here is a shot of it from last week hunting black bears in Kootenai Forest of Montana:

Manners stock ?


Sweet looking rifle