In the world of hunting and precision shooting, the arrival of a new caliber is always closely scrutinized. With the launch of the 7mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) by Hornady, a real revolution is on the horizon. Designed to offer significant ballistic performance in long-range shooting, this caliber is already widely adopted by precision shooters and demanding hunters across the Atlantic. What are the special features 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 looking for ammunition that combines precision, low wind drift, and impact energy. 7mm calibers (or 0.284 inches) are appreciated for their versatility: They contain projectiles with incredibly high ballistic coefficients for their weight, which allows for excellent long-range performance without suffering unpleasant recoil. However, although there are a large number of 7mm calibers, there are relatively few modern magnums. We could mention the 7mm WSM or the 7 RSAUM, however these calibers are short action and are small magnums that have not really taken off on the market.

The 7mm PRC: The modern 7mm par excellence

The only common 7mm magnum is the 7 Remington Magnum, but this caliber is aging, the magnum belt is a real flaw for those who reload, and the projectiles fired are not the heaviest, in fact created in 1962 at the time we did not fire very aerodynamic projectiles... The grooves are therefore too close to the collar and if you decide to shoot heavy you will have to push your projectile a lot into the case and therefore limit its powder capacity.

same projectile and LHT: 7mm RM on the left, 7mm PRC on the right

The 7mm PRC is Hornady's answer to this growing demand for a 7mm caliber optimized for long distance. Designed specifically for ballistic performance, it was designed to propel very heavy and efficient projectiles such as the 180gr ELD-M or the 175 gr ELD-X. Thus this caliber uses the same base diameter as the 7RM, a magnum base, but it does not have a magnum belt, which allows for a larger case body diameter in order to increase the powder volume, in order to pass through the same magazine lengths as a 7RM, the shoulder is lower on the 7mm PRC than on a 7RM.

Performance of 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 displays impressive performances. Thanks to a high initial velocity (generally around 900 m/s) and very aerodynamic projectiles, this caliber helps to limit wind drift, one of the major challenges of long-range shooting. Compared to calibers such as the .300 PRC, it produces less recoil, thus offering a better shooting experience, with a flatter trajectory and increased accuracy.

The 7mm PRC caliber has been well received by precision shooters and hunters across the Atlantic, and several gun manufacturers have already started offering models compatible with this caliber. Well-known brands such as Browning, Ruger, Bergara and Savage have quickly understood the potential of this caliber and have integrated it into their new ranges of weapons, thus responding to the enthusiasm of shooters for this new cartridge.

My opinion on the 7mm PRC

No doubt about its future, a caliber that will particularly please long-distance shooters wanting to have a magnum but not appreciating the recoil of large magnums, as well as expert hunters wanting to maximize their successes at long distance such as in the mountains.