It also depends on the job. For hunting, 3 shot groups are fine. Out to 400 yards, a 1 MOA dispersion is still usable. In my 7 PRC, I am using the PH 175 gr ELD-X. Even if it is slower than stated on the box (others have currently measure MV as low as 2800 fps,) speed is not everything, bullet performance is key. So, I had a 3 shot group that was .64 inches (.61 MOA.) That does not mean it is a .61 MOA rifle, that is just the dispersion I got that day. Applying a little of the Hornady podcast on group sizes, 7 of the 3 shot groups will give a predictability to the gun that will account for the variances you had here. However, I would ask about the weather conditions when you had the .6 inch group. Mine was at an indoor range with no wind, climate controlled, skinny little work bench. So, using the bipod and butt against my shoulder, relatively similar to how I hunt with a tripod. If I could spread out and lock things down, it might be better. I am not going to shoot more than three times at a game animal. In fact, if I have not brought the beast down by the second shot, he is probably not going to stick around for the third shot. As for cleaning, I normally do clean after a range trip. But for hunting season, got my 7 PRC and scope zeroed for 100 yards and then left it dirty for the season. Because by the time I had the zero I wanted, the rifle was dirty. However, I entertain the idea of just cleaning anyway, as a test group, and see if cleaning really effects zero. I am of the opinion that the "cold bore shot" is really more about a cold shooter than a cold barrel.

Maybe after cleaning bore shoot a few rounds to foul it then try some groups again. A lot of rifles like fouled bores for better groups. Also maybe lower your bipod when in prone, seems like you're having to sway your back to get up so high. Just some suggestions.

@mike.hardy37

7 күн бұрын

I just went to the range again yesterday and had some fouling shots after cleaning, I'll probably get around posting the video on Monday, so give it a watch.

Hi my friend you are a pretty good shooter, I noticed that the 3rd shot was always a flyer on both loadings. If you don't mind me giving a few pointers don't clean your barrel so much it can take several shots for your barrel to stabilize after cleanings. I reload and shoot a lot so I clean my rifle maybe every hundred rounds. Congrats on the rifle good choice, 7 prc is optimized for shooters like you!

@mike.hardy37

Ай бұрын

Thanks for the input! I had the mindset that grouping with a clean and cold barrel would be the easiest way to duplicate its condition while hunting.

@ryanglass3570

Ай бұрын

@@mike.hardy37 Cold yes clean not necessarily.

ive seen to many bullet failures to trust the eldx with anything. i'm not passing on a shot because of ammo selection.

yep, clean barrel vs dirty barrel is NOT the problem. Try a few things 1st. 1st, don't clean your barrel before you head out again. 2nd, and maybe most important, try a LOOSE and CONSISTENT hold and shoot your group! Then, use a firm hold while hold consistently firm and shoot your group! You will and should notice a impact location difference between the 2 holds as well as a group size difference. This determines your rifles hold sensitivty and whether or not it is or not! 3rd, check that all your screws are tight and TORQUED to spec! My 7mm prc rattles screws loose often. Well, it used to. Definitely check scope rings and scope base screws. 4th and last for now, check that your barrel is trully free floating and has enough clearance. too close to the foreend and too thin a barrel can cause barrel harmonic issues.

Just to add to what everyone else has said. Don't clean the barrel so much. I use to clean after every range trip but you should really only clean it when the accuracy starts to spread out OR if you decide to shoot copper ammo.

@mike.hardy37

Ай бұрын

Thanks for the input! I had the mindset that grouping with a clean and cold barrel would be the easiest way to duplicate its condition while hunting.

@masondevos799

Ай бұрын

@@mike.hardy37 I always thought the same way. Now i will clean the rifle after hunting season. before hunting i will go out and check zero then shoot 3 or 4 groups. If point of impact doesnt change you're good to go

@mike.hardy37

Ай бұрын

Sounds like I need to do more testing!

I like the test but why not try the Federal 175 Eld-X vs the Hornady Eld-X My 7 PRC shoots both of them sub moa and the 180 Eld-M's are very good shooters also, especially at longer distances I have lots of Hornady brass available for anyone reloading 7 PRC I only shoot factory ammo

@mike.hardy37

21 күн бұрын

I'd like to do that test as well. Just need to buy $$ some more ammo! @derekmcmurry4263 might be interested in your brass but I think he is more interested in the Federal Brass.

Multiple props here. First for continuing to test overall and it isn’t cheap. I would have done a couple to foul after cleaning but you did the same for both. The potential for “Confusion and Hype” on social media is marketing. The results on game for the precision hunter seem suspect but hard to confirm. Terminal assent has a cult like reputation and followers.

@mike.hardy37

Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! I don't do fouling shots with my hunting rifles because I might not be able to do a fouling shot before a hunt.

@steverutkowski8141

Ай бұрын

@@mike.hardy37 - I get it. I simply make sure I do.

I'll take all that Federal brass since you don't reload!

@mike.hardy37

24 күн бұрын

I actually want to get into reloading

@derekmcmurry4263

23 күн бұрын

@@mike.hardy37 It's a really enjoyable hobby. I'm now at 35 years with it. I do advise not to trash any of your brass, ever. Many people will buy once fired brass from you. If you do decide to start handloading, I recommend you use Hornady brass as a last resort. I've use a LOT of brands and have never seen brass go bad as fast as Hornady. Of the common brands such as Winchester, Remington, Federal, Hornady, I've had good luck with all but among those I have the most experience with Winchester, then Federal with the Fed being best. Moving up from there, Norma is excellent and I've had good luck with Nosler too. Then Peterson, ADG, Lapua are my top pics if I want ultimate precision. For hunting applications I have found no difference in these top 3. Anyway, save all of your brass

@mike.hardy37

21 күн бұрын

Thanks for the info!