In the world of hunting and precision shooting, the arrival of a new caliber is always closely watched. With the launch of the 7mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) by Hornady, a true revolution is on the horizon. Designed to offer significant ballistic performance at long range, this caliber has already been widely adopted by precision shooters and discerning hunters across the Atlantic. What are the specific characteristics of this caliber? Why does it stand out so much? We take you behind the scenes of the creation of the 7mm PRC to understand what makes it an exceptional caliber.
In the world of precision shooting, shooters are constantly searching for ammunition that combines accuracy, low wind drift, and high impact energy. 7mm (or .284 inch) calibers are valued for their versatility: they produce projectiles with incredibly high ballistic coefficients for their weight, allowing for excellent long-range performance without unpleasant recoil. However, while there are many 7mm calibers available, there are relatively few modern magnums. The 7mm WSM and 7mm RSAUM are examples, but these calibers are short-action and small magnums that haven't really gained traction in the market.
The 7mm PRC: The quintessential modern 7mm
The only current magnum in 7mm is the 7mm Remington Magnum, but this caliber is aging, the magnum belt is a real drawback for reloaders, and the projectiles fired are not the heaviest, indeed created in 1962 at the time we did not fire very aerodynamic projectiles… The rifling is therefore too close to the neck and if you decide to shoot heavy you will have to seat your projectile very far in the case and therefore limit its powder capacity.
The same projectile, loaded in several 7mm calibers at their maximum length accepted by the standard, clearly shows the optimization of the volume made on the 7mm PRC to fire this heavy 180 gr projectile!
Note: The 284 Win is very often used with 180gr Berger hybrid projectiles in F-Class competitions... But these rifles have custom chambers allowing the projectile to exit extremely far!
The 7mm PRC is Hornady's answer to the growing demand for a 7mm caliber optimized for long-range shooting. Designed specifically for ballistic performance, it was engineered to power heavy, high-performance projectiles like the 180gr ELD-M or the 175gr ELD-X. This caliber uses the same base diameter as the 7mm Rem Mag, a magnum base, but without a magnum belt. This allows for a larger case body diameter, increasing powder volume and enabling it to fit in the same magazine lengths as the 7mm Rem Mag. The shoulder is lower on the 7mm PRC than on the 7mm Rem Mag.
Performance of the 7mm PRC
Here is an example of a comparison between a 7mm PRC loaded with 180gr ELD-M (Hornady velocity data) compared to a 7mm RM 162 gr ELD-X also offered by Hornady.
In terms of ballistics, the 7mm PRC caliber delivers impressive performance. Thanks to its high muzzle velocity (generally around 900 m/s) and highly aerodynamic projectiles, this caliber minimizes wind drift, a major challenge in long-range shooting. Compared to calibers like the .300 PRC, it produces less recoil, resulting in a better shooting experience with a flatter trajectory and increased accuracy.
The 7mm PRC caliber has been well received by snipers and hunters across the Atlantic, and several gun manufacturers have already begun offering models compatible with this caliber. Reputable brands such as Browning, Ruger, Bergara, and Savage quickly recognized the potential of this caliber and incorporated it into their new gun lines, thus responding to shooters' enthusiasm for this new cartridge.
My opinion on the 7mm PRC
There is no doubt about its future, a caliber that will particularly appeal to long-range shooters who want a magnum but do not appreciate the recoil of large magnums, as well as expert hunters who want to maximize their success at long distances such as in the mountains.