We’ve been seeing a lot of questionable performance around the inherent accuracy of the 7 PRC, largely due to recoil and other factors that come with shooting a true “magnum” cartridge. That raises the bigger question: which magnum cartridges are inherently accurate?
Jim recommends owning three rifles—a tack driver, a reliable daily shooter, and a big thumper. So, in that context, what rifles in the “big thumper” category have actually been proven to shoot 1 MOA or better on a consistent basis?
A secondary question: we all know that a high price tag doesn’t automatically equal good performance. So if there IS a king of accurate magnum or big-horsepower cartridges, what hunting platform has the strongest track record for precision? I’m specifying hunting platforms because only a small group of shooters are looking for ELR-style setups, and those shooters are usually going full custom anyway.
I’ve posted this here before, but there’s no magic to building an accurate gun as long as you start with good components. Newer cartridges like the 7 PRC generally have tighter tolerances so will theoretically be better than older designs, but that can be compensated for by having a good gunsmith do a custom chamber. The hard truth is that if you’re building a lightweight magnum you’re going to have to accept less accuracy. There are some marginal gains to be had with recoil mitigation and ensuring a more consistent recoil pattern.
Less accuracy is acceptable. I know a magnum is not going to shoot .5” groups. Just curious if anyone has a proven (magnum) caliber/platform combo that works. There are a lot of 300 WM fans out there, any combos that shoot lights out?
My 7PRC is a 1/2 minute gun. It’s a 10 pound gun, with a Ultradyne break and with and Backstop. The Break mitigates the muzzle rise and recoil, as does the Backstop. It’s also on the UD5 chassis.
Seekins Element 7 PRC shooting Barnes 160 LRX. Shoots ELD-X a little better and ELD-M a little worse. Magnum cartridges are very accurate. Recoil has nothing to do with accuracy. It’s all up to the shooter and if they can handle it.
Bergara Wilderness Sierra - $1000 - The working man’s rifle. Thickish barrel, great stock for the price with adjustable comb.
Tikka Ace Game - $1600 - Phenomenal accuracy for the price. Tikkas do well in 300 win. Heavy platform suitable for a thumper and you could always put it in a lighter chassis for hunting.
Seekins PH3 - $2000ish. Shoots good in 7 PRC. I hate the plastic stock on a premium rifle but those Seekins guns shoot great. They have a fantastic reputation for taking care of the customer.
Sako 90 - $3500 - TheQuest version is ridiculously expensive but phenomenal. I haven’t tried other flavors of the Sako 90 like the Finnlight but I’d expect them to do well.
Thanks, everyone. I’m keeping my options open in case any good deals pop up over the holiday season. The Tikka Ace Game is at the top of my list, though I doubt it will be discounted since it’s so new. The Bergara and Seekins options, however, have definitely caught my interest.
