Analysis: 7MM PRC - Inside MDT

The secret is out; the 7mm PRC is in the wildt! Now, is it what we thought it was? I don't think so. Most of us in the shooting industry thought the 7mm PRC would be a 6.5 PRC necked up to 7mm. Some people even used that cartridge in F class, calling it a 7mm PRCW. But we were all wrong! The new 7mm PRC is its own case that is smack dab in the middle of the 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC regarding case volume. And unlike the 6.5 PRC, it can't run in that short action. It is isolated to the long action because of the long magnum case with increased case volume.

But like most of Hornady's new cartridges, the 7mm PRC is no slouch. It uses very effective 7mm bullets and a great powder column to push those bullets at moderate pressures at very high speeds. This makes it one of the ultimate 7mm hunting cartridges and also a long-range competitor. A little more recoil than what we PRS shooters would like to use, but I tell you what, if you want to reach out well past a mile, the 7mm PRC might be the ticket!

6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, 300 PRC. Ultimate Reloader did a fantastic analysis of this family of cartridges. (Photo courtesy of Ultimate Reloader)

Hornady has been developing the PRC Family of cartridges for a while now. They started with the 6.5 PRC, then the 300 PRC (the hard-hitting long-range cartridge), and now the 7mm PRC. This case was optimized around shooting long, heavy-for-caliber bullets in a standard long action. It uses today's temperature-stable powders for consistent collision velocities and longer barrel life. And, of course, it will be chambered in many factory rifles, or swap the barrel on your 7mm Remington mag or 300 Win mag to reap the benefits of this great 7mm PRC centerfire cartridge. According to Hornady, the 7 PRC is a 21st-century 7mm magnum. It is a long action, centerfire cartridge designed around long, heavy caliber bullets featuring a super high BC. Hornady currently loads both hunting and match bullets from their all copper CX bullets in 160-grain to their 180-grain LDM match bullets. Also available is their 175-grain LDX Precision Hunter. And like other bullets Hornady has brought to the table, it is fully supported with reloading equipment from brass to dies to bullets.

Lucky for us, the aftermarket really has jumped on the 7 PRC. Some of the factory offerings today are from gun makers like Seekins Precision, Christensen Arms, and Savage. They all build a great variety of rifles, from lightweight hunting rifles to chassis rifles. I think the 7mm PRC is a great choice for today's long-range shooting with factory-loaded ammo and the availability of great long-range bullets from the major bullet manufacturers out there.

Long-action MDT HNT 26 Chassis System would be perfect for a 7MM PRC rifle.

BUILDING A CUSTOM 7MM PRC

I don't know about you, but the 7mm PRC will likely be one of my next builds. I can picture a nice custom action with an MDT HNT 26 Chassis System from MDT. Throw on a Proof Research carbon fiber barrel and an MDT Elite Muzzle brake to help manage recoil, and it would be the ultimate lightweight hunting rifle. Whether hiking in the deep mountains for sheep or looking at a long shot on the antelope or mule deer on the plains, I think the 7mm PRC would be a great cartridge for your next hunt or long-range adventure.

Since we're having fun dreaming about building custom rifles, let's do one more build. How about we do that same custom action but use a 28-inch Bartlein heavy contoured stainless-steel barrel sitting in an MDT ESS Chassis System? The ESS chassis that MDT builds is awesome, and if you put a custom action in that with a long barrel, I think this 7 PRC would be the ultimate long-range sniper system. All built out, you could give those long-range tactical rifles like Accuracy International or Cadex Defence some real competition. If you put your custom rifle together using parts off the shelf and MDT ESS chassis, you would have an amazing tactical rifle- and save some money.

MDT ESS Chassis System would be perfect for a general-purpose long range rifle.

CARTRIDGE ANALYSIS FROM MDT

• Analysis: 6.5x47 and 6x47 Lapua
• Analysis: .277 Sig Fury - Inside MDT
• Is the 308 Winchester Still Relevant?
• Analysis: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Why All The Hate For The 30-06
• Analysis: 6MM BR NORMA
• Capable And Versatile: A Close Look at the 6.5X55 Swedish
• Analysis: .338 Lapua Magnum

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I have 20+ years in the automotive industry- first managing shops in the northwest for over 13 years and now as a factory rep for Hunter Engineering. I love my family, my faith, and my firearms. I've shot competitively in the PRS southwest region for two years. I also compete in long-range AR-15 competitions at least once a month and am an avid reloader. I have written for Ballistic Magazine's 'Ballistic Best' precision rifle edition for two years. My other hobbies include photography, videography, woodworking, and knife-making. You can find me on Instagram @davidinthesun