Colorado backcountry hunter here that primarily hunts elk. However, I’ll also spend time hunting other big game (pronghorn, moose, African plain animals, ETC).
I’m looking to sell my Christensen Mesa 300 WM (purchased in ignorance years ago lol) and am in search for a light chassis gun. Given I hunt suppressed and have the rifle strapped to a backpack for MANY miles during a hunt, I like the foldable function of a chassis to manage the length.
I really like the new Seekins Element Hunter and the 7 PRC (the 7 BC is also VERY appealing as long as it’s here to stay). However, I’d obviously be an early adopter of the Seekins and know that many rifles struggle to shoot the 7 PRC well. Am I safe to buy this rifle on backorder now or should I wait to see that it’s proven in this cartridge?
I own a number of Seekins including the element, both original as well as the M3, and two of them are in 7PRC.
They are absolutely wonderful guns. Some of my best shooting rifles. They handle 7prc well, but I should note that I use suppressors which helped with the recoil as well as I don’t typically shoot the heaviest loads with 7prc or hot rod lighter loads. I really favor the 160 grain class bullets.
The only thing I can think negative is that with the hunter model you’re getting a chassis. And people are very particular with what chassis they like and which ones they hate. Buying one without having to option to try it out and see if it fits you is a bit of a Gamble.
I have a 7PRC on a chassis (Bergara Crest Carbon on an Ultradyne) and it is super accurate, 3/4 minute. I have shot out to 800 yards consitently accurate. I know its a different gun, but to the 7PRC aspect - I shoot 175 Federals ELDx. I have an Ultradyne break on it.
7prc is definitely a magnum, no two ways around it. But that doesn’t mean you necessarily have to run it to the max. Unless of course that’s what you want to do, get enjoyment from.
My first started its life as a 6 lb gun. When I added a pretty chunky scope and a not particularly lightweight suppressor it’s running somewhere close to 11 lb. I developed a hand load with 168 lrx. I don’t have the numbers in front of me but last time I did the calculations I’m getting roughly 19 ft pounds of recoil energy which is much less than most people quote with a 7prc. And that’s not taking into account the reduction that the suppressor gives me also.
It’s actually fairly easy to shoot. I could shoot it all day if I wanted to and had the time and the money.
And it’s capable out to 600-700 yrds here at sea level.
Now trying a 195 Berger crammed full and compressing Retumbo out of a 7lb total weight rifle; may not be as pleasant.
I like seekins. They make great guns. All else equal I think you’d have a more accurate rifle with a 7 mag or 300 win mag, but we do own a 7 prc seekins and it shoots well. If that’s the rifle you like I bet you’ll like it.
I have a Fierce Mountain Reaper in 7prc. I shot some of my reloads today for the first time. I was shooting at 100 yards. The first 5 shots were a little low, raised 3 click for the 2nd 5 shots. Average was 2751fps.
That’s great performance out of that rifle! You ready to sell it?
I’ve considered Fierce but have heard some horror stories about their QC and customer service (kind of reminds me of…. Christensen ). Many of the shooters forums are not kind to Fierce. Meanwhile, it seems Seekins is known for great QC and CS which is why I’m leaning more towards them.
Ive got a couple of Fierce’s also, and had absolutely no trouble with either of them. But yes, I have read those reports on multiple other forms and even Jim has mentioned trouble with their CS in the past.
Recently have started hearing bad things about Weatherby. Seems to be a pattern for a gun company when they significantly ramp up production.
I like my Seekins a little better, because both of my Fierce are carbon fiber barrels wheras all of my Seekins are metal and I really enjoy shooting the metal barrels better right now, especially in this summer heat
I currently have 2 Fierce and have no problems with either. I had a Carbon Rouge in 7prc, and had no problems with it but elected to move up to the Mountain Reaper.
Hey Jim you notice the Backstop on my Fierce Mountain Reaper?
Watched the Tikka 7prc vid today, disappointing. As you know the Reaper is a light gun, But it handled the 7prc pretty accurately.
). Many of the shooters forums are not kind to Fierce. Meanwhile, it seems Seekins is known for great QC and CS which is why I’m leaning more towards them.