The 7mm PRC is a modern magnum rifle cartridge developed by Hornady for shooters who want heavy, aerodynamic 7mm bullets. Its factory ammunition range includes hunting and match options, with different bullet weights and ballistic characteristics.
Hornady offers 175-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter, 180-grain ELD Match and 160-grain CX Outfitter ammunition. This guide compares the published factory specifications and provides official velocity, energy and trajectory charts for the 175-grain and 180-grain loads.
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Hornady 7mm PRC Ballistics Chart
Hornady publishes detailed ballistic figures for its 175-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter ammunition. The following chart uses the manufacturer’s 24-inch test barrel data.
| Range | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Trajectory (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 3,000 | 3,497 | -1.5 |
| 100 Yards | 2,861 | 3,181 | +1.4 |
| 200 Yards | 2,727 | 2,890 | 0 |
| 300 Yards | 2,597 | 2,620 | -6.0 |
| 400 Yards | 2,470 | 2,371 | -17.2 |
| 500 Yards | 2,347 | 2,141 | -34.2 |
Ammunition: Hornady 175-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter
Item number: 80712
Test barrel: 24 inches
Hornady 7mm PRC 180 Grain ELD Match Ballistics Chart
Hornady also offers a 180-grain ELD Match factory load. It is designed for precision shooting and has its own published velocity, energy and trajectory figures.
| Range | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Trajectory (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,975 | 3,439 | -1.5 |
| 100 Yards | 2,855 | 3,168 | +1.4 |
| 200 Yards | 2,739 | 2,915 | 0 |
| 300 Yards | 2,626 | 2,679 | -6.0 |
| 400 Yards | 2,516 | 2,459 | -17.1 |
| 500 Yards | 2,408 | 2,253 | -33.7 |
Ammunition: Hornady 180-grain ELD Match
Item number: 80711
Test barrel: 24 inches
Hornady 7mm PRC Ammunition Comparison
Hornady’s factory ammunition range includes three main options for the 7mm PRC.
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Product Line | Item Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160 gr | CX | Outfitter | 80713 |
| 175 gr | ELD-X | Precision Hunter | 80712 |
| 180 gr | ELD Match | Match | 80711 |
The 160-grain CX is a copper-alloy hunting bullet. The 175-grain ELD-X is a hunting bullet designed for aerodynamic performance and controlled expansion. The 180-grain ELD Match is intended for precision target shooting.
Hornady 7mm PRC Ballistic Coefficients
Ballistic coefficient (BC) describes a bullet’s aerodynamic efficiency. Hornady publishes different BC values for its ELD-X and ELD Match bullets at multiple velocity ranges.
175 Grain ELD-X
| Velocity Reference | G1 BC | G7 BC |
|---|---|---|
| Mach 2.25 | 0.689 | 0.347 |
| Mach 2.0 | 0.683 | 0.343 |
| Mach 1.75 | 0.678 | 0.341 |
180 Grain ELD Match
| Velocity Reference | G1 BC | G7 BC |
|---|---|---|
| Mach 2.25 | 0.777 | 0.391 |
| Mach 2.0 | 0.748 | 0.376 |
| Mach 1.75 | 0.731 | 0.368 |
The 180-grain ELD Match values shown here are for the 1-in-8.75-inch twist reference. Hornady also publishes a separate set of figures for a 1-in-7.5-inch twist. BC values should be compared using the same reference conditions.
Understanding the 7mm PRC Ballistics Chart
Muzzle Velocity
Muzzle velocity measures how fast a bullet travels as it leaves the barrel. Hornady lists 3,000 fps for its 175-grain ELD-X and 2,975 fps for its 180-grain ELD Match.
Retained Velocity
Retained velocity is the speed a bullet maintains as it travels downrange. The 175-grain ELD-X has a published velocity of 2,347 fps at 500 yards, while the 180-grain ELD Match is listed at 2,408 fps.
Bullet Energy
Bullet energy is measured in foot-pounds. It represents the kinetic energy of a moving projectile. Hornady’s 175-grain ELD-X chart lists 3,497 ft-lb at the muzzle and 2,141 ft-lb at 500 yards.
Bullet Trajectory
Trajectory describes the bullet’s position relative to the sighting reference. Both Hornady charts show a 200-yard zero, with the 175-grain ELD-X listed at -34.2 inches and the 180-grain ELD Match at -33.7 inches at 500 yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the muzzle velocity of Hornady 7mm PRC?
It depends on the ammunition. Hornady lists 3,000 fps for the 175-grain ELD-X and 2,975 fps for the 180-grain ELD Match.
What is the 500-yard velocity of the 175-grain ELD-X?
Hornady lists 2,347 fps at 500 yards.
How much energy does the 175-grain ELD-X retain at 500 yards?
The published figure is 2,141 ft-lb.
What is the 500-yard bullet drop of Hornady 7mm PRC?
The published 175-grain ELD-X trajectory figure is -34.2 inches at 500 yards.
What is the ballistic coefficient of the 175-grain ELD-X?
Hornady lists a G1 BC of 0.689 and a G7 BC of 0.347 at Mach 2.25.
What is the ballistic coefficient of the 180-grain ELD Match?
For the 1-in-8.75-inch twist reference, Hornady lists a G1 BC of 0.777 and a G7 BC of 0.391 at Mach 2.25.
Does Hornady offer 160-grain 7mm PRC ammunition?
Yes. Hornady offers a 160-grain CX Outfitter factory load.
What is the difference between 175-grain ELD-X and 180-grain ELD Match?
The ELD-X is designed for hunting, while the ELD Match is designed for precision target shooting. They have different bullet designs and published ballistic characteristics.
What barrel length does Hornady use for its 7mm PRC ballistic data?
The product pages specify a 24-inch test barrel.
Is the Hornady 7mm PRC trajectory the same for every rifle?
No. Actual results can vary with barrel length, ammunition lot, rifle characteristics and atmospheric conditions. Manufacturer figures are reference specifications, not guaranteed results from every rifle.