Already thinking about my next build and I cannot decide between a 7 PRC with an 18-in barrel or 7 Backcountry with an 18-in barrel. I want to build a crazy lightweight BackCountry hunting rifle (for Deer, Elk, Moose and Bear) that I can shoot suppressed. Which would you do? And why?
H’mmm
What kind of performance are you looking for?
I believe Jim is getting velocities out of his 16 or 18 in BC which you would typically see out of a 24 inch 7 PRC. There’s another member of this forum who has a short PRC and quoted some good velocities out of it. However, every time I’ve tried plugging that into either Gordon’s or quick load, it tells me an 18 in PRC is going to give me basically 20-22 in 280 Ackley performance. Unless you can get a hold of some reloader 26.
Is that enough performance for your needs?
Do you want to reload or use Factory ammo?
Right now reloading is off the table for the bc. Federal says it’s coming. There are a number of Industry members who have posted online they think that’s BS and it will never happen.
Do you want something that’s more proven, or more on The Cutting Edge??
Thank you. Those are some great questions. I am definitely wanting to reload with it. So it seems it would be “a better” option right now to go with the 7 PRC correct? Or are you saying to go with the 280 AI because reloading supplies are hard to come by for 7 PRC? But 7 PRC is definitely more popular of an action right? I do not see many actions offered in 280 AI? Compared to 7 PRC that is?
1 Like
I only brought the 280AI into the picture as a performance metric.
According to the 2 software programs I have, a short 7PRC loaded to max pressure gives you the same velocities as a 2 in longer 280AI loaded to max pressure. But the 280AI does it with less powder, which leads to better barrel life and less recoil. But the 280AI needs 2 inches more barrel, so if barrel length is the main driver…
Now if RL-26 ever becomes available again, that tilts things in the PRC’s favor(at least compared to the 280)
7BC significantly more velocity than either.
But all of that is just computer simulation. Need to talk to people with real life short 7PRC experiences (and hope they aren’t going massively over pressure, and they are being truthful)
280AI uses the same action as 30-06, 270 Win and many, many more including (at least for now) the 7BC. So getting actions for the 7prc and 7BC is no big deal.
Last time I looked, getting components for reloading 7PRC was easy.
7BC means you will only be able to shoot whatever factory ammo you can find from Federal right now. No other company can make it. We have no idea what reloading will look like with it.
1 Like
Assuming this will be a lifelong hunting rifle, personally, I would go with 7 PRC of the 2 calibers you listed. I am not convinced the 7 Backcountry is here to stay. I have an 18 inch barrel 7 PRC with 8 inch Elite Iron suppressor and reloaded ammo using168 LRx H1000 going 2850 FPS. If you are not going suppressed I would choose 20 inch barrel for another 80-100 FPS. If you are not shooting past 500 yrds this should be adequate for elk with proper bullet and placement. Shopping is part of the fun. Good luck.