Introduction
The crisp air bites at your cheeks. The distant ridge line, bathed in the golden hues of a setting sun, promises a day of challenge and the thrill of pursuit. You’ve spent weeks scouting, honing your skills, and preparing your gear. Now, all that remains is the execution. But before you can even think about squeezing the trigger, a critical decision must be made: choosing the right tool for the job. In the world of long-range hunting and precision shooting, the cartridge is king, and the 7mm family reigns supreme for many. But within this family, two titans clash: the 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) and the formidable 28 Nosler. Deciding which cartridge truly fits *your* needs can be a pivotal step in success, whether it’s putting meat on the table or ringing steel at extreme distances.
This article aims to delve into the nuances of the 7mm PRC and the 28 Nosler, comparing their ballistics, practical applications, and overall performance. We will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each cartridge, providing the knowledge needed to make an informed decision and choose the 7mm magnum that best fits your specific hunting or shooting goals. This is a tale of two powerful cartridges, each eager to claim its place at the top of the long-range game.
Cartridge Characteristics and Ballistic Performances
Let’s start by breaking down the individual attributes that define these powerful 7mm rounds.
The 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC)
Born from a desire for modern, efficient ballistics, the 7mm PRC was meticulously designed by Hornady to excel at long-range performance. It’s a relatively new cartridge, gaining significant traction thanks to its thoughtful design. Designed specifically for long-range shooting, it aims to maximize performance while still fitting into standard long-action rifles. The 7mm PRC boasts a good blend of velocity, energy, and bullet choices.
The case design itself is a crucial aspect of the 7mm PRC. It is optimized for modern, high-BC (ballistic coefficient) bullets, meaning bullets that retain their velocity well over long distances. The case is also designed to allow for the efficient burning of modern, slow-burning propellants, contributing to high muzzle velocities and exceptional performance.
When it comes to practical performance, the 7mm PRC often sees bullet weights ranging from the lighter end of 160 grains to the heavier 180-185 grain bullets. This range is beneficial as it allows you to tailor to your intended target size. The 7mm PRC can send these bullets downrange at impressive speeds. For example, a 175-grain bullet can leave the muzzle at roughly 2950 feet per second. The result is a trajectory that allows for relatively flat shooting, minimizing the need for excessive holdover at extended distances.
When it comes to bullet performance in the air, high Ballistic Coefficient (BC) bullets are the name of the game. The 7mm PRC takes advantage of this, with many good options for high BC bullets on the market, like the Berger and Hornady lines, making for great long-range capabilities and good performance against wind drift.
The 28 Nosler
The 28 Nosler, on the other hand, is a direct descendant of the 26 Nosler. Born from the philosophy of maximizing velocity, it is a magnum cartridge with a performance pedigree designed to offer a higher velocity than the 7mm PRC. It’s a potent round, built for pushing heavy, high-BC bullets to their limits. The case design is similarly geared toward maximizing powder capacity for extra performance.
The 28 Nosler excels in squeezing maximum velocity out of its bullets. It allows for even greater distances and flatter trajectories. The 28 Nosler’s typical bullet weight range often starts a bit higher than the 7mm PRC, often starting around 160 grains and going up to the range of 195 grains. This versatility makes it suitable for a variety of game and target shooting scenarios.
The 28 Nosler frequently achieves muzzle velocities upwards of 3000 feet per second. This increase in speed translates to faster flight times, a flatter trajectory, and increased energy at impact. This is an essential benefit for long range hunters.
A major thing that sets the 28 Nosler apart is its ability to shoot heavy bullets while still retaining high velocities. This makes for great downrange energy and makes the cartridge a popular choice for longer-range applications. The ballistic coefficient plays a significant role in this cartridge’s performance, allowing for the utilization of bullets that fight wind drift at long ranges.
Comparing Trajectories, Energy, and Wind Drift
The key to understanding these cartridges lies in direct comparison. The 28 Nosler will almost always offer a slightly flatter trajectory compared to the 7mm PRC. This is a result of the higher velocity that the 28 Nosler delivers. With a flatter trajectory, you will have less drop at longer ranges. This can be a game changer on longer shots, reducing your need for holdover correction.
Energy on impact also plays a significant role in hunting. The 28 Nosler usually delivers more kinetic energy at every distance compared to the 7mm PRC due to its higher velocity. This, combined with the ability to use higher-BC bullets, allows it to be a great choice for hunters looking for maximum terminal performance.
Wind drift is a critical factor in long-range shooting. While both cartridges are affected by wind, the 28 Nosler’s higher velocity can provide a slight advantage in some scenarios. The faster the bullet moves, the less time it is exposed to the wind, reducing the amount of drift. But this advantage is often dependent on the specific bullet used and the wind conditions.
Rifle and Equipment Considerations
Choosing the right cartridge is only the start. The rifle platform, ammunition, and components will influence the overall experience and outcome.
Rifle Platforms
The 7mm PRC often finds itself in standard long-action rifles. This provides a good balance between cartridge capacity and rifle size. Many manufacturers now offer rifles chambered in 7mm PRC, making it a versatile option.
The 28 Nosler typically requires a magnum-length action. This can slightly increase the rifle’s weight and size. However, due to its increasing popularity, there are many rifles chambered in the 28 Nosler.
Barrel life is a factor that all shooters must consider. Due to the higher pressures involved in the 28 Nosler, the barrels tend to wear out faster than the 7mm PRC. This means shooters will have to replace them more often. The 7mm PRC has a better barrel life due to lower pressures.
The 28 Nosler has a noticeable increase in recoil compared to the 7mm PRC. This makes the 7mm PRC more pleasant to shoot for extended periods, but that is dependent on the shooter’s preference.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
The availability of factory ammunition should be a key consideration. While both cartridges are increasing in popularity, the 7mm PRC is more widely available.
Reloading provides many benefits. For those who reload, the 7mm PRC will generally be more economical to reload due to the availability of components. The 28 Nosler will be on the more expensive side, due to the larger quantities of powder required.
Practical Performance: Hunting and Shooting
Let’s explore how these cartridges perform in the field and on the range.
Hunting
Both the 7mm PRC and 28 Nosler are highly capable hunting cartridges. The 7mm PRC is an excellent choice for hunting medium to large game animals, like deer, elk, and many more.
The 28 Nosler is ideal for taking down larger animals and is great for pursuing game animals like elk, moose, and bears. The high velocity combined with great bullet choices allows for quick and ethical harvests at long distances.
Long-Range Target Shooting
For long-range target shooting, both cartridges offer exceptional accuracy potential. Both have proven records of precision, and each cartridge has its advantages.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of each cartridge:
7mm PRC
Pros:
* Generally offers a great combination of ballistics and efficiency.
* Excellent selection of high-BC bullets.
* Good availability of factory ammunition and reloading components.
* More moderate recoil, making it more pleasant to shoot.
* Longer barrel life than the 28 Nosler.
Cons:
* Can have slightly less velocity than the 28 Nosler.
* Not as widespread as some other popular cartridges.
28 Nosler
Pros:
* High velocity, resulting in a flatter trajectory.
* Significant energy on impact at long ranges.
* Great for hunting large game animals.
Cons:
* Higher recoil.
* Shorter barrel life.
* Potentially higher ammo cost.
Which Cartridge Is Right for You?
The best cartridge ultimately depends on your shooting style, hunting goals, and how you weigh the trade-offs.
If you’re looking for a versatile hunting cartridge with a great balance of performance, recoil, and barrel life, the 7mm PRC is a great choice. It excels at medium to long-range hunting and is easy to load for.
If you’re looking to push the limits of long-range performance and are willing to put up with more recoil and potentially shorter barrel life, the 28 Nosler is a great option. This is also a great option for hunters targeting larger game animals at extreme distances.
Final Thoughts
Both the 7mm PRC and the 28 Nosler are exceptional 7mm magnum cartridges that deliver impressive performance. The 7mm PRC excels at balance and versatility, while the 28 Nosler prioritizes velocity and long-range impact. Consider your specific shooting goals, the type of game you’re pursuing, and your budget. No matter which path you choose, you are sure to have a formidable cartridge at your fingertips that will serve you well.
Final Recommendation:
The 7mm PRC is a great option for most hunters and shooters, offering a great blend of performance and balance. For the shooter looking to wring every bit of performance at extended ranges, the 28 Nosler has a great track record. The key is to weigh all of your factors and find the best cartridge for your specific needs. Then, get out there and enjoy the thrill of long-range shooting!
