Long, heavy bullets are what make 7mm PRC ballistics stand out. Most loads we carry use 160 to 180 grain bullets with a high ballistic coefficient, and many list about 3,000 feet per second. The Hornady Precision Hunter 175 grain ELD-X, for example, lists 3,000 fps and 3,497 ft-lbs. That mix of weight, shape and speed is built for long shots on big game.
Here you will find the published muzzle data for our 7mm PRC loads, how to read it, and how to choose a bullet for deer, elk and steel.
What Is 7mm PRC?
PRC stands for Precision Rifle Cartridge. Hornady launched the 7mm PRC in 2022. It fires a .284-inch bullet, the same size as the 7mm Rem Mag, .280 Remington and 7mm-08. The case is a beltless magnum.
Is 7mm PRC long action?
Yes. It needs a long action with a magnum bolt face. Rifles built for it usually have a fast twist barrel, so they can stabilize long, heavy bullets.
7mm PRC vs 7mm Rem Mag
The 7mm Rem Mag uses an older belted case. The PRC drops the belt and was designed around long, high-BC bullets from the start. With light and mid-weight bullets the two run close. The PRC’s edge shows up with very heavy bullets and at long range. See our 7mm Rem Mag ballistic data guide to compare the numbers.
7mm PRC Ballistics Table
Muzzle figures below come from the makers of our 7mm PRC ammo. Some loads do not list data; those show n/a.
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Muzzle velocity (fps) | Muzzle energy (ft-lbs) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiocchi Hyperformance Hunt 7mm PRC 150 Grain Barnes TTSX | Barnes Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX) polymer tip, all-copper | 150 | 3,110 | 3,221 | 20-round box |
| Weatherby 7mm PRC Scirocco 150 Grain Select Plus Bonded Tip | Swift Scirocco II bonded polymer tip | 150 | 3,050 | 3,098 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Outfitter 7mm PRC 160 Grain CX Lead-Free | Hornady CX polymer tip, lead-free | 160 | 3,000 | 3,197 | 20-round box |
| Remington Premier CuT 7mm PRC 160 Grain Copper Tip Lead-Free | Copper alloy polymer tip, lead-free | 160 | 3,000 | 3,197 | 20-round box |
| Barnes 7mm PRC VOR-TX Long Range 160 Grain LRX Lead-Free | Barnes LRX polymer tip, lead-free | 160 | n/a | n/a | 20-round box |
| Norma BondStrike 7mm PRC 165 Grain Bonded Polymer Tip | Norma BondStrike bonded polymer tip | 165 | 3,051 | 3,410 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Precision Hunter 7mm PRC 175 Grain ELD-X | Hornady ELD-X polymer tip | 175 | 3,000 | 3,497 | 20-round box |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 7mm PRC 175 Grain AccuBond Long Range | Nosler AccuBond Long Range bonded polymer tip | 175 | 3,000 | 3,497 | 20-round box |
| Federal Premium 7mm PRC 175 Grain Hornady ELD-X | Hornady ELD-X polymer tip | 175 | 3,000 | 3,497 | 20-round box |
| Federal Fusion Tipped 7mm PRC 175 Grain Bonded Tip | Fusion Tipped bonded polymer tip | 175 | 3,000 | 3,497 | 20-round box |
| Weatherby 7mm PRC Ammo Select Plus 175 Grain Berger Elite Hunter | Berger Elite Hunter hollow point | 175 | 2,925 | 3,324 | 20-round box |
| Weatherby 7mm PRC Hammer 177 Grain Select Plus Lead-Free | Hammer Custom solid copper hollow point, lead-free | 177 | 2,925 | 3,362 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Match 7mm PRC 180 Grain ELD Match | Hornady ELD Match polymer tip | 180 | 2,975 | 3,439 | 20-round box |
| Gunwerks 7mm PRC 180 Grain Berger Hybrid Long Range Hunting | Berger Hybrid Target hollow point | 180 | 2,900 | 3,361 | 20-round box |
| Nosler Match Grade 7mm PRC 185 Grain RDF | Nosler RDF hollow point | 185 | n/a | n/a | 20-round box |
Reading the Data
Velocity is measured in feet per second at the muzzle. Energy is in foot-pounds. Both come from a test barrel, so your rifle may differ.
Here is what to notice. The light copper loads, such as the Fiocchi 150 grain Barnes TTSX at 3,110 fps, start fastest. The 175 grain ELD-X, AccuBond Long Range and Fusion Tipped loads all list 3,000 fps and 3,497 ft-lbs. The heavy match bullet, the Hornady 180 grain ELD Match, lists 2,975 fps and 3,439 ft-lbs.
Muzzle energy only tells part of the story. A high-BC bullet keeps more of that energy far out. That is why heavy 7mm bullets are popular with long-range hunters, even though they leave the barrel a bit slower.
Choosing a Bullet
- Deer: The 7mm PRC works fine on deer, but it is more gun than you need for close shots. Pick a bullet that opens at the speeds you expect. Polymer tips and the 150 grain Scirocco suit this.
- Elk and moose: Bonded or copper bullets hold together on heavy bone. The Norma BondStrike 165 grain lists 3,051 fps and 3,410 ft-lbs. The Weatherby Hammer 177 grain is a copper option.
- Long-range hunting: High-BC hunting bullets such as the ELD-X, AccuBond Long Range and Berger Elite Hunter.
- Steel and paper: Match bullets such as the ELD Match and Nosler RDF. Do not use them on game.
- Lead-free: Barnes TTSX and LRX, Hornady CX, Remington Premier CuT and Weatherby Hammer. Check your state’s rules on bullet type.
Caveats Before You Trust the Box
Barrel length moves a magnum’s speed more than it moves a small case. A 22-inch hunting rifle may run below the box. A 26-inch barrel may run above it. Altitude and temperature also change real 7mm PRC ballistics. Thin, warm air means flatter flight. Run your own chronograph numbers through a ballistic app, then confirm at distance.
Shop 7mm PRC Ammo
Compare match, hunting and lead-free loads in our 7mm PRC ammo section. Buy enough of one lot for zeroing, practice and the hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caliber is 7mm PRC?
The 7mm PRC fires a .284-inch bullet, the same diameter used in the 7mm Rem Mag, .280 Remington and 7mm-08. The rounds are not interchangeable. Fire only ammo that matches the cartridge stamped on your barrel.
Is 7mm PRC long action?
Yes. The 7mm PRC needs a long action with a magnum bolt face. Its smaller brother, the 6.5 PRC, fits a short action. Rifles chambered in 7mm PRC usually have a fast twist rate so they can stabilize long, heavy bullets.
Is 7mm PRC good for deer?
Yes, as long as you pick the right bullet. The round has more power than deer need, so choose a bullet that opens at the speeds you expect. Very tough copper or bonded bullets made for elk may open less on small deer at close range.
Will a 30 cal suppressor work on a 7mm PRC?
In many cases a .30 caliber can rated for magnum rounds will work, since the bore is larger than the 7mm bullet. Always confirm with the suppressor maker that your model is rated for the 7mm PRC. Suppressor laws vary, so check your state and local rules.
