A Look Back: Roots and Rise
Before comparing them directly, understanding the historical context of both cartridges is key. The .308 Winchester, born from military necessity, has a long and distinguished history. It emerged from the United States military’s desire for a shorter, lighter, and more efficient cartridge than the .30-06 Springfield. The initial military trials resulted in what would eventually become the 7.62x51mm NATO round, which was almost immediately adopted by the military.
The .308 Winchester quickly became a commercial success. Its versatility, relatively moderate recoil, and excellent accuracy contributed to its widespread adoption. Hunters found it perfectly capable of taking down deer, black bear, and other medium-sized game, while target shooters appreciated its inherent accuracy. The .308 quickly established itself as a benchmark, a cartridge that many others would be measured against.
The 7mm PRC, on the other hand, is a product of modern design and the demands of contemporary shooting disciplines. While the .308 Winchester boasts decades of history, the 7mm PRC represents a more recent evolution in cartridge technology. It was developed with long-range precision shooting and big game hunting in mind. The goal was a cartridge that could deliver exceptional ballistic performance, handling heavy-for-caliber bullets with high ballistic coefficients (BCs), and provide impressive downrange energy. While the popularity of the 7mm cartridges have been well established for decades, the recent demand for long range shooting and hunting contributed to the rise in popularity of the 7mm PRC.
Exploring the Specs: Measuring Up
To understand the performance difference between the .308 Winchester and the 7mm PRC, one must first examine their fundamental specifications. Both cartridges are designed to fit within a standard bolt action, which is a staple of the modern hunting rifle. However, the case dimensions and bullet diameters reveal significant differences.
The .308 Winchester utilizes a .308-inch bullet diameter, a standard in the United States. The .308 Winchester case is known for its efficient design, balancing case capacity with powder burn efficiency. The .308 Winchester case is known for its efficiency, which also contributes to its ability to perform well in shorter barrels and semi-automatic rifles. Common bullet weights for the .308 Winchester range from 150 to 180 grains for hunting applications, although bullets can vary based on desired use.
The 7mm PRC, however, employs a 7mm (.284-inch) bullet diameter. This slightly smaller diameter allows for the use of higher ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets, and provides a better ballistic performance than the .308 Winchester. The 7mm PRC case is larger than the .308 Winchester, possessing a higher case capacity. This increase in case capacity allows the cartridge to propel heavier bullets at faster speeds, and is important for long range shooting. The 7mm PRC commonly uses bullets that range from 160 to 195 grains, optimized for long-range performance.
Ballistic Battleground: Performance on Paper and Downrange
The raw specifications, of course, are just the starting point. The real differences between the 7mm PRC vs .308 become apparent when examining their ballistic performance, specifically their trajectory, velocity, energy, and wind drift.
In terms of trajectory, the 7mm PRC demonstrates a clear advantage, particularly at longer distances. Its flatter trajectory is a direct result of the higher muzzle velocity and often, the higher ballistic coefficient bullets it can utilize. This means that the 7mm PRC bullet will drop less over a given distance compared to a .308 Winchester bullet. For instance, a 175-grain .308 Winchester bullet zeroed at 200 yards might drop 10 inches at 400 yards, while a 175-grain 7mm PRC bullet, with its higher muzzle velocity and BC, may drop closer to 8 inches at the same distance. This flatter trajectory translates to a simpler holdover at longer ranges and reduces the need for complex ballistic calculations.
Velocity is another key area where the 7mm PRC shines. The 7mm PRC generally launches bullets at significantly higher muzzle velocities than the .308 Winchester, often by several hundred feet per second. This higher velocity translates to faster flight times and improved downrange performance. This higher speed helps maintain greater downrange energy, making the 7mm PRC a more effective tool for both hunting and target shooting at longer ranges.
Energy is another crucial factor. The 7mm PRC, due to its higher velocity and often heavier bullets, carries significantly more energy at any given range compared to the .308 Winchester. This advantage is particularly noticeable at longer distances, where the 7mm PRC retains more of its original energy. The result is a more decisive and effective impact on target, enhancing the chances of a clean kill for hunters.
Finally, there’s wind drift. Wind drift refers to the degree to which wind pushes a bullet off its intended path. A high ballistic coefficient (BC) is critical in mitigating wind drift. High BC bullets are more aerodynamic, meaning they cut through the air more efficiently. The 7mm PRC’s higher BC bullets, combined with higher velocities, offer an advantage in windy conditions. In a crosswind, a 7mm PRC bullet will be deflected less than a .308 Winchester bullet.
The Real World: Rifles and Ammunition
The availability of rifles and ammunition is a crucial consideration when choosing a cartridge. This is where the .308 Winchester’s long history and widespread popularity give it a distinct advantage.
The .308 Winchester is offered in a vast array of rifle platforms, from bolt-action rifles to semi-automatic and lever-action rifles. This means that the shooter has an incredibly wide range of choices, in terms of action type, rifle price, and rifle style. The sheer volume of rifles chambered in .308 Winchester leads to competitive pricing, which is a bonus for those on a budget.
Ammunition for the .308 Winchester is equally abundant. Most major ammunition manufacturers produce a wide variety of .308 Winchester loads, catering to various applications. The availability of a large selection of bullet weights, styles, and prices provides shooters with many options to tailor their loads to their specific needs. Ammunition prices are generally lower than that of the 7mm PRC.
The 7mm PRC, while growing in popularity, has some limitations in terms of rifle and ammunition availability. Because it is a newer cartridge, it is primarily offered in bolt-action rifles. This might limit the choices available to some shooters.
The availability of 7mm PRC ammunition is growing, with more manufacturers producing factory loads. However, the selection of bullet weights and styles might be smaller than with the .308 Winchester. Ammunition prices for the 7mm PRC are typically higher, which can be a factor for shooters who do a lot of practice or shooting.
From the Field: Hunting Applications
The intended use of a rifle cartridge is often the most critical consideration. Both the 7mm PRC and .308 Winchester are used for hunting. But their different characteristics lend themselves to different types of hunting.
The .308 Winchester is a versatile hunting cartridge, well-suited for medium-sized game, such as deer, antelope, and black bear. It provides a good balance of power, manageable recoil, and accuracy. The .308 Winchester is often used in areas where shots are taken at moderate ranges.
The 7mm PRC shines in hunting situations where longer ranges and larger game are involved. Its flatter trajectory and higher energy make it an excellent choice for hunting elk, moose, and larger bear species. The increased effective range provided by the 7mm PRC allows hunters to take shots at greater distances with confidence.
Steel and Paper: Target Shooting and Long-Range Performance
Both cartridges also see use in target shooting.
The .308 Winchester is a popular choice for target shooting at moderate ranges. Its inherent accuracy and manageable recoil make it a favorite among recreational shooters and competitors. It has proven its worth in various shooting disciplines, including precision rifle matches.
The 7mm PRC, with its excellent ballistics, offers advantages at long ranges. Its flatter trajectory, higher velocity, and superior wind-bucking capabilities translate to increased accuracy at extended distances. It is becoming increasingly popular in precision rifle series (PRS) and other long-range shooting events.
Taking Control: Recoil and Muzzle Blast
Recoil and muzzle blast are significant factors that affect the shooting experience. The .308 Winchester, with its moderate recoil, is generally easier to handle for inexperienced shooters. The .308 Winchester makes a good choice for smaller framed shooters as well.
The 7mm PRC, with its higher velocities and larger case capacity, generates significantly more recoil than the .308 Winchester. This increased recoil can be a concern for some shooters. Careful consideration of recoil management techniques and equipment, like muzzle brakes or heavier rifles, might be necessary.
The Bottom Line: Cost Considerations
The cost of shooting can have a major impact. The price of both rifles and ammunition is critical.
Rifles chambered in .308 Winchester are generally more affordable than rifles chambered in the 7mm PRC. The widespread availability of .308 Winchester rifles helps keep prices down.
Ammunition for the .308 Winchester is also generally more affordable than 7mm PRC ammunition.
Summarizing the Strengths and Weaknesses
In essence, the .308 Winchester and the 7mm PRC are both excellent rifle cartridges, but the 7mm PRC has the edge for specific uses.
The .308 Winchester excels in situations where a versatile and affordable cartridge is needed for general-purpose hunting and target shooting at moderate ranges. Its wide availability and low recoil are major advantages.
The 7mm PRC, however, excels at long-range hunting and target shooting, and when hunting larger game. The 7mm PRC’s ballistics provide advantages when dealing with wind and distance.
Choosing between the 7mm PRC vs .308 should ultimately depend on the shooter’s intended application and shooting style. If you are seeking a cartridge with versatile applications, the .308 is a strong choice. If your goals focus on long-range target shooting and hunting large game at extended distances, the 7mm PRC offers a clear edge. Careful consideration of all of these factors will allow you to pick the best cartridge for your shooting needs.
