N165 for 7mm PRC advice needed

Hunter 6.5 · Feb 10, 2026

Just collected my rifle and preparing components for loading 180gr eld-m. This powder is recommended as good performer in 7 PRC but struggling to figure out why. I know VV data is conservative but 54.6gr max charge for 2589fps looks crazy low and pointless. I know how to start and work up but with not a lot of spare time and price for powder,cases, primers etc. decided to check here first if anyone used this powder and what performance is achieved?
Thanks

Eric the Red · Feb 10, 2026

You may find N165 just a touch quick for the heavier bullets in 7PRC - so you won't get the speeds you're hoping for. With a case volume over 80gr (Gunwerks brass), that VV load does look very anaemic. You should be getting to the 2900-3000 with safe pressure.

Hunter 6.5 · Feb 10, 2026

Eric the Red said:
You may find N165 just a touch quick for the heavier bullets in 7PRC - so you won't get the speeds you're hoping for. With a case volume over 80gr (Gunwerks brass), that VV load does look very anaemic. You should be getting to the 2900-3000 with safe pressure.

Thanks for replying Eric, yeah I am hoping for at least 3000fps as it has long 28" barrel. Will be using Peterson brass but hasn't measured the volume yet.

DavyG · Feb 10, 2026

54.6gr sounds a bit “anemic”. I think there are better powder options out there. N565, N568 and N570 will give more realistic velocities for the 180gr bullet with a decent case fill.

Edinburgh Rifles · Feb 10, 2026

Slightly compressed
No issues otherwise

better powders out there

Hunter 6.5 · Feb 10, 2026

Edinburgh Rifles said:
View attachment 460082

Slightly compressed
No issues otherwise

better powders out there
View attachment 460084
View attachment 460085

Thank you Ed, highly appreciated. Unfortunately RS powders never made their way to NI. I didn't measured water capacity,but last night I done a quick check what will be the case fil with N165 and it takes up to 70grains comfortably ,well at 70 may be very lightly compressed obviously I didn't seat the bullet as It was only to check filling ratio and way above the max charge

Rob-E · Feb 13, 2026

Hunter 6.5 said:
Just collected my rifle and preparing components for loading 180gr eld-m. This powder is recommended as good performer in 7 PRC but struggling to figure out why. I know VV data is conservative but 54.6gr max charge for 2589fps looks crazy low and pointless. I know how to start and work up but with not a lot of spare time and price for powder,cases, primers etc. decided to check here first if anyone used this powder and what performance is achieved?
Thanks

Is it?

None of the load data I’ve seen mentioned it.
I’ve not yet tested it but I went with Superformance as I can use it both 7PRC and 243 according to Hornady.

N165 for 7mm PRC advice needed

Hunter 6.5

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Eric the Red

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Hunter 6.5

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DavyG

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Edinburgh Rifles

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Hunter 6.5

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Rob-E

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