@backfire , Jim is this still your go to for 7 PRC? Any experience with copper bullets in this cartridge?
Personally, my load for the 175 ELD-X in the 7mm PRC will be 64gr of H4831SC, which should yield around 2,925fps. I believe that should be a max load but still safe in my rifle, efficient loading, and impressive speed.
Thanks!
I actually haven’t done any 7 PRC load development in a while. I got a new Bergara MG Lite in 7 PRC last week, though, and it’s only right at 1 MOA with factory so far, so it’s time for me to heat up the reloading room over the next week or so.
I’m going to start with Reloader 26 and Bergers.
Just saw this thread and thought I touch base to see about any updates on load development. I just bought a CVA in 7 PRC today and will need to starting thinking about load development. Wondering about any result you guys have with powders, bullets, and primers.
On ammoseek there are limited options for the primers. All they have is this primer from Remmington. Anyone have experience with this primer? https://texashuntingequipment.com/product/remington-centerfire-primers-9-12-magnum-large-rifle-100box
Based on inputs from others I have focused on Federal match primers, they are starting to be available at Midway, Brownells and other.
You can sign up here for alerts: Primers : Large Rifle : Federa
Thanks, Jack! Just to clarify though, are those regular large rifle primers, or Magnum large rifle. Seems like folks normally recommend the magnum large rifle.
Thanks again for the input!
I am seeing both coming back, I am set on large rifle, not sure I need the magnums. When, if ever, I get my rifle I will expirement.
What bergers are you planning on using. I haven’t started my load developement for my bergara mglite 7prc. Want to use berger but im lost on where to start.
I have the same question. Also, Retumbo, H1000, or something else for powders?
@backfire what grain and type of berger are you planning on using and whats your thinking behind it?
I’m most interested in the 175 Berger EH or the 168 VLD Hunting if I’m on a 20” barrel.
The 180 VLD Hunting is definitely the most popular but I think at most ranges under 600, the increased velocity of the lighter bullets would probably win ballistically but I’d have to run the numbers to be sure.
Jim, I had the same question as jeshoffstall. Just wnodering if you had better luck with the Reloder 26. It is very hard to find and the H4831SC is on the more affordable side. I’d love to go ahead and buy 8lbs, but thought I’d ask you if you saw a difference between that and the H4831SC first.
Also, any thoughts on the possibility of using H4831SC for 6.5 PRC? It would be nice to have a good powder that might be able to be used for both 7 PRC and 6.5 PRC.
I can generally find H4381SC. I have seen where SC is basically the same as H4381? I only have SC. Of course taking all load development precautions is SC indeed the same as regular cut?
Jim, I was getting 1/2” MOA with the Federal ELDX on my crest Carbon. Different gun, I know, but I think the barrel is the same. Did you try that?
Everything I’ve ever read says that you use the exact same load data between 4831 and 4831sc
Just be aware that you won’t get that high of velocity. My first test loads of 7 PRC used 63.5 gr of the 4381SC and my best velocities were 2818 fps.
Erik, can you give us a little more detail? Which primers and bullets were you shooting? What kind of rifle and how many shots have you shot through your barrel? What was the temp like when you shot? Anything else to add that could affect velocity? Thanks!
Fierce Mtn Reaper 20” barrel. Had zero shots by me when I started and now has 55 shots from me. Not sure how many shots from the manufacturer.
Federal No. 215 Large Magnum Rifle Primers
Hornady 175 gr ELD-X
Peterson Brass
Ambient temp was apx 86° when I started and 89° when I finished.
Highest velocities were the last string, which had the largest jump to the lands. The jump to lands seems crazy large to me in this rifle/caliber. My measurement of case to ojive with lands contact on my rifle is 2.8200. Case to ojive measurement of the factory Hornady ELDX Precision Hunter is 2.5940 and the ELD Match is 2.5565. I did 5 different loads with differing seating depths to span the range between the two factory loads.
Let me know if you want any more info.
Test barrels for reloading data are 24", also barrels will often gain speed over the first ~200 or so rounds fired, in some extreme cases up to 200fps.
I have a very similar load worked up except the primers are the Federal 210Ms and my Fierce Mtn Reaper has a 22 inch barrel. I’ll post my results when I shoot them.
I agree with the comment above, I’ll be curious to see the change in velocity after your break-in period as well as the difference in velocity between my 22 inch barrel and your 20 inch.
