It seems to be the gospel that Reloder 26 would be the ideal powder for loading 7mm PRC if it were available. I have worked up a good load with H1000 which shoots very small groups but only gets 2830 fps out of a 22" barrel. But in the interest of perfection, I would like faster.
Hypothetically or not hypothetically, which powder would you consider THE optimal substitute for Reloder 26 given the 22" barrel, 175 ELD-x, high quality brass, Remington 9 1/2 magnum primers?
Cheers!
N555 is probably the best alternative. You may lose a little velocity, but it’s a great building block for an accurate load. It’s the most common powder for fclass.
Why 555 vs 560 or 565? Not being argumentative just trying to learn. I appreciate your knowledge
Fine question. I honestly don’t know why not the others. I personally have a stash of Reloder 26 still so I’m spoiled.
I just know N555 is what the fclass folks are using in their 6.5-7PRCW cartridges which is essentially a 7 prc at the velocities they shoot it.
According to GRT N565 is a really close match to RL26 in terms of max velocity for 7PRC but that doesn’t mean its going to work as well in the real world (it should achieve those velocities without pressure issues but whether or not it does so accurately is another matter). N555 does seem to work better for 7PRCW as it has a bit less volume and you start running into case volume issues. Not sure why F-class guys don’t use N560 unless there are some other issues.
H1000 data for a variety of bullets. Note the 20 inch barrel length.
good luck
This was my first attempt on 7PRC. Just started reloading. So here is my dope.
Once fired Hornady 7prc 175gr ELDX brass
175gr Hornady ELDX Bullet.
Winchester WLRM Magnum Large Rifle Primer
65.9gr H1000 powder
I think the accuracy is better than these 2 targets show. I had changed rings on my Burris Veracity and did a rough sight in, The rifle was fairly hot and the mirage off the suppressor was terrible a had difficulty in seeing the crosshairs. Anyway this was my attempt including chrono.
That’s a good looking rifle! My load right now is Gunwerks brass (I think it’s ADG), 175 gr ELD-x, Remington 9.5 magnum large rifle primer, and 67.1 grains of H1000. 2830 is my average velocity.
I love and hate reloading. It’s very satisfying, but seems like I’m always chasing perfection and it just may not exist
I’m having some success with H4831sc behind the 175eld. Just at 1” groups with 63.4 grains . I do load a tad longer than book, but i’m getting average speed of 2843 in my 22” barrel. Thats with hornady brass. I’m still working on ADG brass load. Looks like ADG brass will make little better speeds and s/d. Next will be seat dept tuning to tighten up the groups. BTW hornady factory 175 are running 2873 in this gun for comparison.
What load were you getting tight groups with H1000
My tight groups were with 67.1 gr H1000. Less than a .5" group. 2830 fps out of a 22" barrel
Interesting
That’s exactly the load I settled on for the 168 lrx. And it’s giving me half minute if not better groups for the most part.
