7mm Mag or 300 Win Mag for Hunting

[Saluki2003]

I’m looking at getting a new bolt action and getting into hunting some bigger game like elk. I’ll mostly be hunting in the Western US. I’m debating between 7mm Mag and 300 Win Mag.

Right now I have a Remington 700 SPS Tactical in 308. I upgraded the trigger, stock and threaded the barrel for a muzzle brake.

I don’t mind a little extra weight of a heavier barrel but I’m wondering what my best options are in the $1000 range without glass?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

 

[KYAggie]

I have hunted and shot elk in Idaho with both rounds you are considering. I lived there for 8.5 years. Both worked fine on elk and will continue with the right bullet, a realistic understanding of the bullets actual max range for reliable expansion, proper bullet placement, and a good deal of long range practice. If you can handle the recoil, I suggest the 300 Win mag. I don’t have a muzzle brake on mine and don’t really notice it in the field nor in field shooting positions when practicing, but I sometimes wish I had one when bench testing loads. Mine groups my hand loads with 200 grain Nosler Partitions into 3/4”; there’s not much a 200 grain Partition at a MV of 2972 fps won’t handle. I use 160 Partitions in my 7 mag. I consider my 7 mag max elk range to be 400 yards; my 300 could stretch to 600. I don’t shoot at game at ranges I have not practiced at with my hunting rifle and loads. For what it’s worth, the longest shot I took on an elk was right at 250 yards; that was only once, the others were less than 100 yards. Yes, I’ve seen them further away, but was always able to close the distance to something much more reasonable than what you will see people shooting at them on YouTube.

As far as brands, it’s hard to pass up Tikka in that price range. I don’t have any personal experience with Brownings, but in that price range I would be tempted to look at some of their offerings.

 

[KYAggie]

I don’t mind a little extra weight of a heavier barrel

You will when you start climbing mountains for elk. I would shoot for a gun scope combo around 8.5# and not much over if possible.

 

[Hobo Hilton]

300WM.......
More options

 

[Saluki2003]

I have hunted and shot elk in Idaho with both rounds you are considering. I lived there for 8.5 years. Both worked fine on elk and will continue with the right bullet, a realistic understanding of the bullets actual max range for reliable expansion, proper bullet placement, and a good deal of long range practice. If you can handle the recoil, I suggest the 300 Win mag. I don’t have a muzzle brake on mine and don’t really notice it in the field nor in field shooting positions when practicing, but it I sometimes wish I had one when bench testing loads. Mine groups my hand loads with 200 grain Nosler Partitions into 3/4”; there’s not much a 200 grain Partition at a MV of 2972 fps won’t handle. I use 160 Partitions in my 7 mag. I consider my 7 mag max elk range to be 400 yards; my 300 could stretch to 600. I don’t shoot at game at ranges I have not practiced at with my hunting rifle and loads. For what it’s worth, the longest shot I took on an elk was right at 250 yards; that was only once, the others were less than 100 yards. Yes, I’ve seen them further away, but was always able to close the distance to something much more reasonable than what you will see people shooting at them on YouTube.

As far as brands, it’s hard to pass up Tikka in that price range. I don’t have any personal experience with Brownings, but in that price range I would be tempted to look at some of their offerings.

Thank you. Which model Tikka would you recommend? If I were to bump up the budget what would be your next recommended platform?

 

[wpeach1912]

There’s not a significant difference between them. I like 30 cal for the slightly bigger and heavier bullets, but if you want to lose some recoil, 7 mag works great. Tikkas don’t play nice with long action magnums if you want to handload heavy bullets, but if you stick to 180 class (30cal) bullets or lighter they work fine

 

[fdkay]

7mm Mag.
Everyone knows the 7mm bests the .30 calber.
In all actuality, either one.
The .300 will beat you up more for no gain in terminal effectiveness.
The problem with the Rem Mag and the Win Mag is they were both designed before the advent of heavy for caliber, high bc bullets.
That's where the PRC's shine.
If you are going to be humping a rifle in the mountains, lighter is better, within reason.
The lighter the rifle, the more recoil. The .300 will have significantly more. Can you handle it without developing a flinch?
In all reality, a good .280 AI with Swift Scirroco or Norma Bondstrike is everything you need.

 

[cdq8047]

I agree with fdkay.

If you do a little research and find out what bullets you are going to buy (or what velocities you will get loading if that is your plan), you can plug in some numbers to see how the rounds will behave for longer shots in both calibers. The difference at long distances is likely less than you think, and probably doesn’t matter for nearer shots.

If you run the numbers and feel like the difference is going to be real and worth a bit of added recoil, knock yourself out with the 300. Both are going to be hammers.

 

[KYAggie]

Which model Tikka would you recommend? If I were to bump up the budget what would be your next recommended platform?

Tikka T3X Lite Roughneck

Browning has pretty wide price swing from around $900 to $2000. The X-bolt Speed has a 1 in 8 twist 300 win mag barrel and two different lengths offered. The faster twist suggests they assume you will be using heavier bullets. What I don’t know is if they have the mag length and throat for longer bullets; that you would have to check.

Benelli Lupo is another one to look at if you bump up your price range as is Sako. Don’t rule out Bergara.

If I was looking in the $2000 range I would consider building something on a Origin action.

 

[jcw001]

Benelli LUPO 300 - put an area 419 brake on it. It will stop an elk where it stands.

 

[slm9s]

If you're going to put a brake on it, might as well go 300wm. The recoil level will be tolerable and you'll have a little more range/energy/etc.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I’ve had both in hunting rifles and the 7MM recoils significantly less. That would get my vote for that reason.

I would just use your 308 though if you’re ok carrying the weight of a heavy barrel rifle. 308 will kill an elk just as dead as the other two options.

 

[supercorndogs]

My 280 shooting 160g bullets kicks quite a bit less than my dads 30/06 shooting 180g bullets, and a lot less than my 300wm shooting 210g bullets. The only thing I ever shoot with the 300wm is steal and prairie dogs though. i do mind carrying extra weight.

 

[BurtG]

300 prc

 

[Aftermath]

7mm Mag.
Everyone knows the 7mm bests the .30 calber.
In all actuality, either one.
The .300 will beat you up more for no gain in terminal effectiveness.
The problem with the Rem Mag and the Win Mag is they were both designed before the advent of heavy for caliber, high bc bullets.
That's where the PRC's shine.
If you are going to be humping a rifle in the mountains, lighter is better, within reason.
The lighter the rifle, the more recoil. The .300 will have significantly more. Can you handle it without developing a flinch?
In all reality, a good .280 AI with Swift Scirroco or Norma Bondstrike is everything you need.

+1 for the 280 Ackley Improved.

I have 2 300WINMAG rifles and love them both. Only one has been used to take elk, moose and deer. The other only shoots paper, steel, rocks and varmints. They have identical chambers and I am able to shoot reloads for either through both. 210 Berger VLD's at 2950 fps. Never shot at an elk beyond maybe 400 yards and likely never will.

I have a 7mmRemington Mag in factory Remington 700 CDL configuration. It's a nice hunting rifle, also. 168 gr bullets at 2950 fps very accurate.

My 280AI is a custom and my favorite goto rifle. I use it mainly for deer with 140 gr Berger VLD's leaving the barrel at 3250 fps. 168 gr VLD's leave the barrel at 3000 fps for elk and with less powder than the 7mmRM, no stupid belt to deal with on the case. Don't buy a fucking Kimber Mountain Ascent.

 

[DocRDS]

Tikka or Bergara.

Flip a coin on Caliber.

It's 270 vs 30-06 but with magnums

 

[jh2785]

The new 7mm PRC is the new kid on the block. With the high BC I believe it hangs with the 300 win mag's energy but with less drop, drift, etc. And a tad less recoil.

 

[The D]

Bear down

If you just want to buy a rifle, not do anything to it, & shoot factory ammo; just buy something in 7rm and learn what ammo it likes

If you are going to do any more than this to the rifle, and I almost hate to start this, you might as well build your own. By the time you buy something and replace a couple of things you’re most of the way through the difference of a home-built custom

And if that sounds like the road you want to go down, keep reading this forum and asking questions

 

[fdkay]

I’m looking at getting a new bolt action and getting into hunting some bigger game like elk. I’ll mostly be hunting in the Western US. I’m debating between 7mm Mag and 300 Win Mag.

Right now I have a Remington 700 SPS Tactical in 308. I upgraded the trigger, stock and threaded the barrel for a muzzle brake.

I don’t mind a little extra weight of a heavier barrel but I’m wondering what my best options are in the $1000 range without glass?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

 

[toader]

7Mag and go kill shit!!!

 

[NewsShooter]

Probably not the best video for an example. Shot further than necessary, didn't kill it with one shot. Didn't show where they hit it, probably back too far. All to show off a new caliber. I'd never buy anything from fierce after watching this video.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Probably not the best video for an example. Shot further than necessary, didn't kill it with one shot. Didn't show where they hit it, probably back too far. All to show off a new caliber. I'd never buy anything from fierce after watching this video.

That video isn't the reason I'd never buy anything from Fierce. They're a shit company with shit rifles. Owner is a giant douche too.

 

[diggler1833]

I think that there is an argument for both.

Having been in this position before, I've gone down to the 7mm RM. I've also managed to have two of my buddies follow suit. Why? Because 99% of their hunting doesn't need a 300 magnum.

"A man's got to know his limitations."

I actually finished off load development on my brother's 7mm RM that he pieced together, and he'll be picking it up in April. It has a 1:8.7 Krieger on it. We thought that we'd start with 175gr stuff, but I had great luck with the 139gr Barnes LRX over 72.x (shit, I can't remember) of Magpro. Was at 3,079 FPS with an ES of 26 and SD of 12, and the barrel had ~60 rounds on it. I expect him to be well over 3,100 FPS in another 100 rounds.

He lives in elk country, but admittedly doesn't have the skill, or desire to lug around the extra gear necessary for longer range shots. 300 yards is his self-imposed limitations, and this thing is a laser out to that.

 

[KYAggie]

Probably not the best video for an example. Shot further than necessary, didn't kill it with one shot. Didn't show where they hit it, probably back too far. All to show off a new caliber.

I couldn’t agree more. There were tons of elk running around there and plenty of cover to use to close the distance, but I guess “hunting” was not the purpose of that video. Or maybe he’s not really much of a hunter, he’s just a spot and shoot from there kind of person; not a spot and stalker. I ran the number on Strelok and that bullet at 1023 yards has about 1728 fps and 1161 ft-lbs of energy. In my opinion, that’s not ethically enough and I’m guessing he knew that because he said something about wanting to get a shot less than 800 yards. At 800 yards it would have 1954 fps and 1484 ft-lbs, which is better, but still marginal. Sure he killed it, with two shots, but videos like this make people think if they buy one of these, they can go zero at 100, maybe if they are lucky practice a little off a bench rest at 200, plug numbers into a app and shoot something at 1000. I don’t have much in the way of respect for people like that.

He lives in elk country, but admittedly doesn't have the skill, or desire to lug around the extra gear necessary for longer range shots. 300 yards is his self-imposed limitations, and this thing is a laser out to that.

^^^^^This is a person I respect, one who knows their limits and stays within them. As far as MagPro goes, it does not have that great of temperature stability in cold weather, like elk season often is. I would suggest, providing you can get it, trying R26 or Retumbo, or H1000 in that order as they are more temperature stabile. R26 will likely give you more velocity too. I also agree, if 80% of your hunting is deer sized animals and you only go elk hunting now and then, a 7 mm Mag makes more sense than a 300 win mag. Saluki said he wanted this for elk, that’s why I recommended the 300.

 

[XP1K]

Can't decide between the 7mm or a 300winmag, why not a 7-300winmag ? No, just kidding, don't do that lol. Unless you really just like playing with wildcats and handloading, then knock yourself out. I think this will be my next one after the 300winmag is shot out.

Honestly I think the 7prc was made for people like the OP. If you're not invested in reloading components for either the 7mag or 300 I think that's the route I would go.

 

[diggler1833]

I couldn’t agree more. There were tons of elk running around there and plenty of cover to use to close the distance, but I guess “hunting” was not the purpose of that video. Or maybe he’s not really much of a hunter, he’s just a spot and shoot from there kind of person; not a spot and stalker. I ran the number on Strelok and that bullet at 1023 yards has about 1728 fps and 1161 ft-lbs of energy. In my opinion, that’s not ethically enough and I’m guessing he knew that because he said something about wanting to get a shot less than 800 yards. At 800 yards it would have 1954 fps and 1484 ft-lbs, which is better, but still marginal. Sure he killed it, with two shots, but videos like this make people think if they buy one of these, they can go zero at 100, maybe if they are lucky practice a little off a bench rest at 200, plug numbers into a app and shoot something at 1000. I don’t have much in the way of respect for people like that.


^^^^^This is a person I respect, one who knows their limits and stays within them. As far as MagPro goes, it does not have that great of temperature stability in cold weather, like elk season often is. I would suggest, providing you can get it, trying R26 or Retumbo, or H1000 in that order as they are more temperature stabile. R26 will likely give you more velocity too. I also agree, if 80% of your hunting is deer sized animals and you only go elk hunting now and then, a 7 mm Mag makes more sense than a 300 win mag. Saluki said he wanted this for elk, that’s why I recommended the 300.

The H1000 is for me, just like the Accubond Long Ranges. He gets Magpro because it costs him nothing...just like his free 139gr LRX.

It's what brothers do. Plus I got to play with his new rifle.

$5 says that whether it's a deer or elk, the round will be fired from his back porch. I know two people that are capable of hunting from their living rooms, and he's one of those lucky bastards.

 

[Pharmseller]

Nothing you shoot with either will know the difference between either.

Realistically speaking your .308 is more than adequate. Heck, we hunt elk with 7mm-08s.

If you need more, the 7mm Rem Mag is plenty.

FYI I’m not long-arming the big bitch in the above pic.

Where you shoot them matters more than the cartridge you shoot them with, in my experience.

Four of the five bulls took a single bullet apiece. One took three but was dead after the first, he just didn’t know it.





P

 

[XP1K]

Nothing you shoot with either will know the difference between either.

Realistically speaking your .308 is more than adequate. Heck, we hunt elk with 7mm-08s.

View attachment 8091772

View attachment 8091774

View attachment 8091771

View attachment 8091776

If you need more, the 7mm Rem Mag is plenty.

View attachment 8091775

FYI I’m not long-arming the big bitch in the above pic.

Where you shoot them matters more than the cartridge you shoot them with, in my experience.

Four of the five bulls took a single bullet apiece. One took three but was dead after the first, he just didn’t know it.





P

hard not to like a 7-08, what bullet has given you the best results ?

 

[Pharmseller]

hard not to like a 7-08, what bullet has given you the best results ?

140 Partition has the most kills but I switched to 150 ELDX a few years ago, no complaints. Tough to beat a 150 at 2790 fps at the muzzle.

 

[DangerRanger]

If I could do it again (and I might) I’d go either 6.5prc or 7 mag at the most.

My current elk rifle is a 300prc and I shoot 215s, its very effective but at 9lbs loaded it kinda sucks to shoot and it’s very difficult to spot shots.

As I’ve begun shooting more seriously spotting shots and lots of time down range have become more important to me. Both are pushing me away from pointless recoil.

Sure, I don’t notice recoil either while hunting from a pain standpoint. What I do notice is when I pull the trigger I have to re-find an animal instead of watching it as I hit it.

 

[Saluki2003]

^^^^^This is a person I also agree, if 80% of your hunting is deer sized animals and you only go elk hunting now and then, a 7 mm Mag makes more sense than a 300 win mag. Saluki said he wanted this for elk, that’s why I recommended the 300.

Im starting to lean more towards the 7mm mag…or maybe the 7mm PRC.

Im very knew to shooting at any distance beyond 300yards and feel like the 7mm with a brake will allow for more practice at the range without developing bad habits.

 

[KYAggie]

Im very knew to shooting at any distance beyond 300yards and feel like the 7mm with a brake will allow for more practice at the range without developing bad habits.

Wise thinking. You are absolutely correct.

 

[FuhQ]

I’m looking at getting a new bolt action and getting into hunting some bigger game like elk. I’ll mostly be hunting in the Western US. I’m debating between 7mm Mag and 300 Win Mag.

Right now I have a Remington 700 SPS Tactical in 308. I upgraded the trigger, stock and threaded the barrel for a muzzle brake.

I don’t mind a little extra weight of a heavier barrel but I’m wondering what my best options are in the $1000 range without glass?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

The 7mm RemMag is a phenomenal cartridge when you use modern powders, brass, and bullets. The SAAMI specs and very old, and were made back when all that shit sucked, and pressures were low because powder selection sucked, and higher pressures couldn't safely be achieved with the appropriate powders we have today. If you run a 7mmRM and a .300 WM just as hard as one another, and with similar weight for caliber and BC bullets, they'll be neck-and-neck in performance.

But if you're looking for the new hotness... The new 7mm PRC is basically just a beltless 7mm RemMag with modern SAAMI pressures and performance. I wouldn't hesitate to go that route either. I plan on building one of them soon, to add to my collection.

 

[Ronws]

I have a 7 mm PRC and I like it. The recoil is more than my .308, of course. Recoil similar to a magnum, but still managable. Choose the right recoil pad and maybe a shooter's shield (the thick one for magnums). As for weight, well, any hunting rifle can be lightened where possible. But even if mine is 12 lbs loaded (uses a .300 WM magazine 5 round single stack,) I would rather craft my weight allowance for a shootable rifle than another bag of skittles. In fact, really, my weight should allow for rifle and water. Especially for some hiking.

The performance is outstanding for the distance. And I have seen others get elk with 7 mm RM. I have seen a guy get a moose with a 6.5 CM. Turns out that practicing accuracy, which requires than three shots in October, really helps in making a good shot.

That being said, someone close to me did a find job on an Aoudad Sheep with one shot from his .300 WM at over 200 yards. I see the trophy of that all the time.

 

[verdugo60]

I have a 7 mm PRC and I like it. The recoil is more than my .308, of course. Recoil similar to a magnum, but still managable. Choose the right recoil pad and maybe a shooter's shield (the thick one for magnums). As for weight, well, any hunting rifle can be lightened where possible. But even if mine is 12 lbs loaded (uses a .300 WM magazine 5 round single stack,) I would rather craft my weight allowance for a shootable rifle than another bag of skittles. In fact, really, my weight should allow for rifle and water. Especially for some hiking.

The performance is outstanding for the distance. And I have seen others get elk with 7 mm RM. I have seen a guy get a moose with a 6.5 CM. Turns out that practicing accuracy, which requires than three shots in October, really helps in making a good shot.

That being said, someone close to me did a find job on an Aoudad Sheep with one shot from his .300 WM at over 200 yards. I see the trophy of that all the time.

Will 7 PRC ammo come down once it’s been on shelves a year or two ya think? Not such a big deal for handloaders right now but online looks like it’s $3.50 per round!

 

[verdugo60]

@Saluki2003 , do you reload or no?

If not maybe go 7Rem mag. It’s a great cartridge with ammo everywhere, less recoil. Here’s a link to a Tikka that’s threaded in your price range.

Tikka T3x Lite 7mm Rem Mag, 24.38" Fluted Barrel, Sand Pattern Color, Right Hand, 3Rd, 1 Mag, W/Muzzle Brake

Tikka T3x Lite 7mm Rem Mag, 24.38" Fluted Barrel, Sand Pattern Color, Right Hand, 3Rd, 1 Mag, W/Muzzle Brake. Beretta JRTXRT370. Tikka's T3x Lite combines high performance with lightweight ease. The T3x receiver introduces a widened angular ejection port making it easier to feed one cartridge at ...

www.impactguns.com

If you want to upgrade and increase your budget check out the Seekins Havak, great guns.

Seekins Havak Pro Hunter PH2 Black/Stainless Bolt Action Rifle - 7mm Remington Magnum

Buy Seekins Havak Pro Hunter PH2 Black/Stainless Bolt Action Rifle - 7mm Remington Magnum at Sportsmans Warehouse online and in-store has everything for your outdoor sports adventure needs. Fishing, rods & reels, camping gear, tents and much more.

www.sportsmans.com

 

[Ronws]

Will 7 PRC ammo come down once it’s been on shelves a year or two ya think? Not such a big deal for handloaders right now but online looks like it’s $3.50 per round!

Well, that is the cheapest and I bought 100 rounds a few weeks ago at $4.74/rd.

I am seriously considering handloading and reloading if not for price, which may not be much of a difference, then for availability. Eventually, it will be stocked more and more. Same thing happened with 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC. Even 6.5 CM was hard to get, at first. Still not quite as ubquitous as .308 Win, but in good supply.

 

[verdugo60]

Well, that is the cheapest and I bought 100 rounds a few weeks ago at $4.74/rd.

I am seriously considering handloading and reloading if not for price, which may not be much of a difference, then for availability. Eventually, it will be stocked more and more. Same thing happened with 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC. Even 6.5 CM was hard to get, at first. Still not quite as ubquitous as .308 Win, but in good supply.

Roger that. I reload but like having factory options when my time is worth more than saving a little $. So $4 per round is not worth it for me, I’ll build a 7 PRC in a year or two maybe when it costs $1-$1.50 per

 

[Ronws]

Roger that. I reload but like having factory options when my time is worth more than saving a little $. So $4 per round is not worth it for me, I’ll build a 7 PRC in a year or two maybe when it costs $1-$1.50 per

I thought of the new challenge. "Show me you are wealthy without telling me you are wealthy."

And then I take a selfie with that box of ammo. Kind of like taking a selfie with an 18 ct of eggs (thanks, Joe.)

 

[swampbuck]

What brass are people using for the 7 prc? All the brass options I've looked at have been very expensive. I know a lot of guys don't shoot their hunting guns that much but I do and component cost does add up.

 

[nagantguy]

Good luck on figuring it out - fresh out of the Corps I had all sorts of plans to hunt all North American big game with that “one perfect rifle” . Started with a 7mm rem mag- then added a single shot 7mm mag. Loved both. Then got a “real rifle” 7mm Weatherby. Mag , and then inherited a 1960’s era 300 Weatherby mag. All worked to kill everything shot with them- all exceeded my accuracy abilities at the time . Then added 30-06 308 .300 win mag and others - elk deer and bear pigs and coyotes all died .
My point in this long ramble is pick one and lay in a good selection of ammo and components and spend money on training and range time . You’d be happy with any of the 7’s or 30’s that meet accuracy and energy requirements for the game or trophies you desire .

 

[The D]

What brass are people using for the 7 prc? All the brass options I've looked at have been very expensive. I know a lot of guys don't shoot their hunting guns that much but I do and component cost does add up.

The cost of brass is irrelevant if you buy good shit, don’t shoot nuclear loads all the time, and anneal after every firing.

Just to put some perspective on this. It’s really easy to find people getting at least 10 firings on Lapua, Alpha, and Peterson brass. Even if those cost $5 a piece, that breaks down to 50 cents a shot if you treat it right which might be the same cost as a bullet

 

[swampbuck]

True but Still high for a piece of brass.

 

[amymorgan20]

What brass are people using for the 7 prc? All the brass options I've looked at have been very expensive. I know a lot of guys don't shoot their hunting guns that much but I do and component cost does add up.

The only brass I am going to be using will be once-fired Hornady harvested from factory rounds.

 

[XP1K]

I thought of the new challenge. "Show me you are wealthy without telling me you are wealthy."

And then I take a selfie with that box of ammo. Kind of like taking a selfie with an 18 ct of eggs (thanks, Joe.)

Got eggs?

 

[ubettcha]

I wear electronic ear pro 100% of the time while hunting now for more than 10 years. Get a good brake and a 300 of whatever flavor floats your boat and your good. The energy on target the larger frontal area of the 30 vs the 28 does show up. Jeff Bronzivich(sp) has a 300 win and a 7/300 shooting 180's in a side by side comparison thread on LRH or LRO. After less than a half dozen shots the 7/300 was left in the truck. He typically sees north of 50 elk shot a season an has seen that for alot of years. You can kill an elk with a 243 fairly easy if you wait for the shot. If your dedicating to pursue elk every year use a 30 mag or bigger and put the time in. I'm 5'7 and now 180ish (old n fat) I can spot my hits at 200 and out from my 300's running the big beast 5 port brakes from mbm.
As far as the ear pro. I wish I started using it when I started hunting 45 years ago. With it on I can hear a buck getting out f it's bed or a jay scolding a deer that started moving improving my awareness. That and the benefit of having the same feel as I did at the range and 0 concern about a brake or muzzle blast from a hunting partner is worth it. Not to mention my ears are warm with out losing peripheral vision from a hood or hat
As far as new powders making the 7's better. We are running 7828 with a properly throated chamber and 162 solid base noslers at 3150 from Uncle Carl's rifle which is a 26" 700 from the late 60's My brothers and mine run 162 amax and 168 bergers at 3030ish from 24" tubes neither have a proper throat to seat the bullet out of the powder column to get much more velocity. Retumbo and Rl26 in those rifles. Fix the throats and you should see close to 3100 without excessive pressures. The PRC idk enough about beyond it should be able to run the speed of U Carl's in a sammi chamber with the same barrel length.

 

[NewsShooter]

The cost of brass is irrelevant if you buy good shit, don’t shoot nuclear loads all the time, and anneal after every firing.

Just to put some perspective on this. It’s really easy to find people getting at least 10 firings on Lapua, Alpha, and Peterson brass. Even if those cost $5 a piece, that breaks down to 50 cents a shot if you treat it right which might be the same cost as a bullet

Yep, and people complain about the quality of Hornady brass, yet I have some cases that have 8 firings on them and have only tossed a few cases over the years. Don't even anneal every firing either. Couldn't find brass for my new 6.5 PRC barrel, bought 400 rounds Norma 143 ammo for less than I could buy brass and I get to shoot it before reloading it. I'm sure it will be good for several firings if I don't push it hard.

 

[Holliday]

I shoot a 280 Ackley and love that cartridge. That said, if I were building a new Elk gun today, I would look long and hard at the 7 PRC. What I have seen so far, leads me to believe that is going to be a very popular cartridge here in the West.

In my opinion the best reason for a 300 win mag is hunting in Griz country. However, I personally would find the 7 PRC loaded properly with a 10 mm backup to be more than acceptable.

 

[Holliday]

The cost of brass is irrelevant if you buy good shit, don’t shoot nuclear loads all the time, and anneal after every firing.

Just to put some perspective on this. It’s really easy to find people getting at least 10 firings on Lapua, Alpha, and Peterson brass. Even if those cost $5 a piece, that breaks down to 50 cents a shot if you treat it right which might be the same cost as a bullet

Brass is going to become plentiful with this round. It will take time but I think everyone making brass, will jump in. Assuming, it gets as popular as I predict it will.

I anneal every 3rd firing. I personally feel that is plenty for hunting loads. Keeping your loads at a reasonable pressure and not pushing back the shoulder too far, seem to have the biggest effect on my brass life. I check my shoulder set-back every reload and keep it .001”-.002”.

I got caught flat-footed and ruined some brass by not checking. Somehow it moved to .009 and I had the dreaded pre-separation line. (Kinda like when your wife draws a red line down the middle of the bedroom. You know where things are headed…..) The most likely culprit was not using the right competition shell holder I spec-ed for that load and/or not catching the change in spring-back.

 

[The D]

Brass is going to become plentiful with this round. It will take time but I think everyone making brass, will jump in. Assuming, it gets as popular as I predict it will.

I anneal every 3rd firing. I personally feel that is plenty for hunting loads. Keeping your loads at a reasonable pressure and not pushing back the shoulder too far, seem to have the biggest effect on my brass life. I check my shoulder set-back every reload and keep it .001”-.002”.

I got caught flat-footed and ruined some brass by not checking. Somehow it moved to .009 and I had the dreaded pre-separation line. (Kinda like when your wife draws a red line down the middle of the bedroom. You know where things are headed…..) The most likely culprit was not using the right competition shell holder I spec-ed for that load and/or not catching the change in spring-back.

As long as Hornady doesn’t pull a Remington and completely forget that they dumped a ton of money into developing the round…

But yes, the potential for the 7 PRC is big