Hornady 7mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) ammo has been recognized as Best New Ammunition by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) in partnership with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA). Hornady received the award on October 24, 2023, at the Annual Appreciation and Caliber Awards during the NASGW Expo and Annual Meeting.
About the 7mm PRC Cartridge
Hornady states: “The 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge …delivers long, heavy for caliber bullets in a standard long action. Fitting the niche between the 6.5 PRC and the 300 PRC, the 7mm PRC features temperature-stable, magnum speed propellants for consistent velocity and longer barrel life. Factory rifles are available or simply swap the barrel on your 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag and reap the benefits of this long-action, centerfire rifle cartridge.”
Hornady 7mm PRC loaded ammunition is currently available in three load types:
7mm PRC 160 gr CX Outfitter
7mm PRC 180 gr ELD Match
7mm PRC 175 gr ELD-X Precision Hunter
“We are honored to receive the Caliber Award for Best New Ammunition,” stated Seth Swerczek, Hornady Communications Manager. “The 7mm PRC was a passion project for us and the success of this cartridge is truly gratifying,” he added.
Forum member F-Class John is an avid F-Class competitor and expert handloader. This week he won the NRA F-0pen Mid-Range National Championship. John reviews reloading hardware and shooting-related products for his popular F-Class John YouTube Channel, which now boasts 540+ videos. John also does product testing for AccurateShooter.com and his new FClassJohn.com website. On his YouTube channel, John has reviewed many of the latest and greatest reloading tools and accessories. Below are three interesting F-Class John tool and reloading product reviews.
If you like these informative videos, consider joining F-Class John’s Patreon Channel for live video meetings, more in-depth videos, and detailed explanations.
Here are three of John’s most interesting gear review videos for products that can benefit all serious handloaders.
21st Century Hydro Press and Standard Arbor Press
John notes: “You can’t really talk about precision reloading without taking about inline dies and arbor presses. For my money there’s nothing better than the lineup from 21st Century Shooting. They offer the Hydro Seater which is hands-down the best manual seater out there as well as their standard arbor press which is great for taking on the road to push back bullets as needed.”
Henderson and Giraud Power Trimmer Comparison Review
In this video John reviews two high-quality powered case trimmers that help handloaders rapidly process large volumes of brass. He says these are “arguably the two best trimmers on the market” and are “both worth the money if you do a lot of trimmming”. The Giraud Power Trimmer is rugged and popular with high-power shooters. The advanced, red Henderson Precision Gen 3 Trimmer offers some advantages for precision trimming and John likes the Henderson layout and ergonomics.
Concentricity Checking with Accuracy One Gauge
Every serious hand-loader needs a quality concentricity gauge. The Accuracy One Concentricity Gauge boasts a smart design that delivers precise, repeatable results. We like the unit’s easy adjustability and its ability to work in a variety of configurations. The Accuracy One Gauge measures internal and external neck runout of cartridge cases as well as seated bullet runout. It can also measure the runout of the ogive, bearing surface, and boat-tail of individual bullets. And it can even measure your primer pocket runout.
Hornady has announced a selection of NEW PRODUCTS it will release in 2024. These will be showcased at SHOT Show in January, and should reach vendors early in 2024. Here are some of the notable products Hornady will be selling next year. We hope to test the new Hornady V-Match ammunition, which looks promising for PRS shooters. V-Match ammo will initially be offered in 22 ARC, 6mm ARC, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Grendel, and 6.5 Creedmoor. And the new ELD-VT low drag bullets should be popular with varmint hunters. Along with the new bullets and ammo featured below, Hornady will offer a HIT target impact indicator and a variety of Mobilis Modular Safes.
Click each item to open Hornady product feature page with specifications:
Credit ELR Researcher for recommending this Hornady New Product feature.
We congratulate John Masek (F-Open) and Keith Trapp (F-TR), the 2023 NRA F-Class Mid-Range National Champions. The Mid-Range Nationals were held at the Ben Avery Range outside Phoenix, Arizona, and the F-Class Long Range Nationals continue November 2 through November 5, 2023. Keith’s 2023 Mid-Range title was his second big win in a row — Keith won the Long-Range F-TR Championship in 2022.
2023 F-Class Mid-Range National Champions Keith Trapp (L) and John Masek (R).
We were particularly pleased to see our colleague John Masek earn this major victory. John helps AccurateShooter.com with product tests/reviews, and John works on our Deals of the Week features. John also has a popular F-Class John YouTube Channel with videos we frequently feature. And you can see John’s content on his new website FClassJohn.com. CLICK HERE to access John’s videos and product tests.
John Masek Wins His First Nationals
John finished with a very impressive 1774-95X score, followed by Jason Simes (1772-84X) and Norm Harrold (1768-99X). John shot very well in difficult, windy conditions, finishing with not just the highest Grand Aggregate score, but the second highest X-Count (after Norm Harrold). This is a big win for John, his first-ever National title. No one has worked harder to raise his game through advanced reloading processes and lots of practice both with centerfire and rimfire rifles.
Forum member and fellow F-Class competitor David Joe praised John’s performance: “Hey John, great wind calling this week, congratulations! Who needs Long-Range with wind like that. What a close and hard won contest! Great scores today!”
In the F-TR Division, Keith Trapp took top honors with a 1776-87X score, followed by Tracy Hogg (1767-70X), and James Crofts (1762-67X). Keith, a proven F-TR superstar, also won the F-TR 1000-yard Nationals at Ben Avery in 2022.
Here’s an insightful interview with John Masek and fellow F-Open ace and YouTube host Erik Cortina:
And here is a video F-Class John produced at last year’s Long-Range (1000-yard) F-Class Championship. This was also held at the Ben Avery Range in Arizona.
Destiny Fulfilled: Before John left his Oregon home for the 2023 F-Class Nationals, this Editor spoke to John on the telephone. I said “Good luck John, I think you’re due to stand on the podium and hold a trophy.” That prediction proved prophetic. We are glad to see our friend and colleague John Masek now hold the title of NRA F-Class Open Mid-Range National Champion!
Shown above is John’s 7 PRCW F-Open Rifle. This features a Borden BRMXD action, X-Ring stock, and Flavio Fare trigger. On top is the 8-80x56mm March Majesta scope, a very advanced new optic. The rifle is chambered for the 7mm PRCW cartridge. John loads with Lapua brass, Vihtavuori N555 powder, and Berger 180gr Hybrid bullets.
Bullet sorting station — quilted Maple with marble tile inlay, created by JVW2008.
We have a master woodworker in our Shooters’ Forum, Jerry from Colorado (aka JVW2008). In a Shooters’ Forum thread, Jerry showcases multiple examples of his handiwork — various wood projects for the reloading room. Beautifully made, these one-of-a-kind custom cabinets and tool stands deserve to be on display in a museum.
Jerry’s creations exhibit exquisite craftsmanship and some very clever design features. What is your favorite item among the Jerry’s wood wonders shown here? You can reveal your favorites in the comment section below.
Throne for a Sartorius Analytical Balance
Jerry built this “Throne” for his ultra-precise Sartorius Entris force restoration scale, which is linked to a V2 Auto-Trickler. This is a true state-of-the-art powder measuring system on a beautiful base unit.
Cabinet for Balance Beam Scale
Here is an oak balance beam scale cabinet and weighing surface. Note the mulitiple tiers, side wings, and other smart design features.
Custom Arbor Press Base
Below is a handsome, well-designed base for K&M Arbor Press and Wilson dies. Look at the fitted recesses for the hand dies — very nice!
Jumbo Walnut/Maple Loading Block
And here is a beautiful 100-cartridge reloading block, crafted from Walnut over Maple. It’s impressive to see 100 cartridges all lined up like that!
To see more impressive wood projects by our Shooters’ Forum members, visit the Wood Working Ideas Forum Thread. Along with Jerry’s reloading toom wonders, you’ll see cleaning cradles, shooting benches, transport boxes, and much more. Check out this amazing inlaid rifle case crafted by Forum member Nando-AS for his son.
Whidden Gunworks makes great sizing and seating dies. The Whidden full-length sizing die with neck bushing is very popular because it allows you to “tune” the neck tension by using different bushings, with larger or smaller inside diameters. In this video, John Whidden explains how to choose a the right bushing size for use with your neck-sizing and full-length sizing bushing dies.
For most applications, John suggest starting with the caliper-measured outside diameter of a loaded cartridge (with your choice of bullet), and then SUBTRACT about three thousandths. For example, if your loaded round mics at .333, then you would want to start with a 0.330 neck bushing. John notes, however, that you may want to experiment with bushings, going down a thousandth and up a thousandth. With thin In addition, as your brass ages and the necks harden, you may want to change your bushing size.
Quick Tip: Try Flipping Your Bushings
You may also want to experiment with “flipping” your neck bushings to alternate the side that first contacts the neck of the case. (One side of the bushing is usually marked with the size, while the other side is unmarked.) So try “number side up” as well as “number side down”.
Some folks believe that one side of the bushing may allow a smoother entry, and that this can enhance concentricity. Other people think they can get very slightly more or less neck tension depending on how the bushing is oriented. This is a subtle effect, but it costs nothing to experiment.
If one bushing orientation proves better you can mark the “up” side with nail polish so that you can always orient the bushing optimally. NOTE: We have confirmed that some bushings are actually made with a slight taper. In addition, bushings may get distorted slightly when the brand name and size is stamped. Therefore there IS a reason to try both orientations.
Today, October 31st is Halloween (aka “All Hallows Eve”). There will be trick-or-treaters and Costume parties. Why not head to the range and shoot some Halloween-themed targets this October amidst the fall foliage. The folks at the NRA Blog have created a series of “spook-tastic” Halloween targets. Writer Kyle Jillson says, “In addition to stocking up on candy and finding great costumes, we thought you might like to have some fun at the range, so we created these spooky targets for you to use.”
Just click an image to launch its full-size version. You can then download the target and print it out on regular 8.5″x11″ paper. Now you have fun Halloween-themed targets to bring to the range this week.
Today is October 31st, Halloween (originally “All Hallows Eve”). That means it’s pumpkin time. Just how much fun can you have with pumpkins? Watch these two videos and find out. In the first video, the RatedRR team sends a few orange gourds to pumpkin heaven using Det Cord, C4, and binary explosives. The sequence starting at the 2:00 minute mark in the first video is truly amazing. WARNING: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!
Watch Pumpkin Blasting with Explosives
In the next video, a pumpkin carved as a Death Star serves as the target for a .50 caliber rifle (looks like a Barrett M82 .50 BMG). As you may guess, the pumpkin Death Star suffers the same fate as the Hollywood version in Star Wars. NOTE: At the 0:42 mark in the video, a graphic displays “30,000 FPS”. That’s the high-speed camera’s frame-per-second rate, NOT the projectile velocity in feet-per-second.
Watch .50 BMG Rifle vs. Death Star Pumpkin
Warning: These demonstrations were carried out on closed ranges by experienced professionals certified to use explosives. Possession of C4 and Det Cord may be a violation of various Federal, State, and local laws. Detonating cord and C4 are classified as high explosives and are regulated by the BATFE. Don’t even think about trying to repeat these stunts on your own.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Midsouth — Garmin Xero C1 Pro Radar Chronograph, $599.99
⏺ Advanced new compact radar chronograph — testers are impressed
The new Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph has hit the market. Initial reports have been very positive, and the price is attractive — $599.99. The new Xero C1 Pro radar chronograph, measuring just 3.03″x2.38″x1.36″, is compact and easy to transport. Using Doppler radar, the Xero C1 Pro accurately records velocities from 100 FPS to 5000 FPS, so it works with all kinds of projectiles. Setup is simple and intuitive, thanks to the button-operated design. SEE FULL RecoilWeb Review (many photos).
⏺ Amazingly low prices on 16″ barrel AR-15 — good basis for varmint rifle
If you’re in the market for an AR15-platform rifle, here’s a great deal. For just $399.99 you can grab this Radical Firearms SOCOM AR15 5.56 rifle. That’s less than you’d pay for a Glock. This Radical Firearms 16″ barrel AR rifle uses MIL-STD Upper and lower receivers and has a 16″ barrel with flash hider. A full accessory rail extends along the upper receiver and modern RPR free float handguard. The buttstock is adjustable for length.
3. Powder Valley — Factory Second Bullets
⏺ Save 30-50% on major brand bullets
Right now Powder Valley is running a sale on major-brand bullets in a wide range of calibers and styles. With this promo you save save up to 50% on factory second bullets. You can recognize some makers from the bullet styles and tips. With these bullet discounts you can do a lot more rifle and pistol practice. This factory second bullet sale will expire soon so don’t delay.
4. Sportsman’s WH — Leupold Gold Event Sale + Gift Cards
⏺ Major savings plus Sportsman’s Warehouse gift cards
If you’ve been shopping for riflescopes, spotting scopes, rangefinders, and/or binoculars head over to Sportsman’s Warehouse for the Leupold Gold Event. There are major discounts on a wide range of quality optics. Along with the sale price reductions, Sportsman’s Warehouse gives buyers a FREE gift card with many Leupold products. The value of the gift card is based on the purchase price with a max $300 card value. This gift card deal runs through 10/31/2023.
5. Creedmoor Sports — ADG Brass Sale
⏺ ADG brass is high quality and handles strong loads.
Great ammo starts with good brass. American-made ADG Brass is high-quality stuff, used by many top shooters. ADG brass has a reputation for consistency and long life cycle, and it holds up with with strong competition loads. If you haven’t tried ADG brass yet, this Creedmoor Sports sale is a good opportunity. There is a good selection of modern and magnum cartridge types including 6.5 PRC, 7 SAUM, 7 PRC, 28 Nosler, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 WSM, 30 Nosler, 300 PRC, 338 Lapua Mag and many more.
6. Amazon — Lyman Case Trim Xpress, $114.99
⏺ Very good trimmer — quick adjustments; 10 bushings provided
Precision reloading demands consistent brass trim length. However, with many case trimmers it’s a pain to adjust trim length, plus the hand-cranking becomes tiresome. A better, more efficient case trimming solution is offered by the Lyman Trim Xpress. We like this case trimmer for good reason. The smart design allows for fast .001″ trim length adjustments with the click of a dial. The tool ships with 10 bushings that cover the most popular neck sizes on the market.
1911 style single-action pistols have always been popular because they are accurate, and can be easily customized. If you’re looking for a modern 1911 that’s quite affordable, consider the SDS Imports 1911 Devil Ray Carry on sale now at Palmetto State Armory. This 1911 Devil Ray .45 ACP pistol boasts a forged steel frame with Ed brown-style bobtail frame cut. This design makes CCW carry easier.
8. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Brass Tumbler, $47.99
⏺ Sturdy, effective tumbler at a very attractive price
For removing dirt, fouling, and sizing lube, a brass tumbler is a very useful tool for hand-loaders. We like the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Vibratory Case Tumbler (#ad). The Frankford Tumbler’s bowl is designed to increase brass agitation for fast, aggressive cleaning that reduces wear on reloading dies and extends brass life. It has a clear lid for monitoring tumbling action with cord-mount ON/OFF switch for safety and convenience.
9. Amazon — Cleaning Patches and Swab Set, $13.99
⏺ Very complete cleaning set with 600 patches, 400 swabs
Proper gun maintenance requires cleaning bore, chamber, and the little nooks and crannies. Many key cleaning tasks can be done with this Cleaning Package (#ad) with 600 2″ Cleaning Patches and 400 6″-long Gun Cleaning Swab pack. The patches will work with all types of firearms and can be trimmed for smaller diameter barrels. The swabs are great for cleaning inside of actions and mag wells.
As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.
The Biden administration has issued an order halting exports and sales of American-made civilian firearms for 90 days, starting October 27, 2023. The U.S. Department of Commerce has stopped issuing export licenses for most civilian firearms and ammunition (and some optics) for 90 days for all non-governmental users. The Commerce Department cited security issues as grounds its sweeping order: “The review will be conducted with urgency and will enable the Department to more effectively assess and mitigate risk of firearms being diverted to entities or activities that promote regional instability, violate human rights, or fuel criminal activities.”
We can expect this order to reduce sales and revenues of leading American gunmakers including Barrett, Colt, Ruger, SIG Sauer USA, and Smith & Wesson.
Bloomberg reports: “The Commerce Department is halting exports of most US-made firearms for 90 days and reviewing its support of the country’s biggest gun trade show to ensure such backing ‘does not undermine US policy interests’ — steps that could slow two decades of growth of gun sales abroad.
The department late Friday announced the pause in approval of new export licenses for the commercial sale of semiautomatic and non-automatic firearms around the world. The freeze doesn’t apply to Israel, Ukraine and about 40 other countries that are part of an export-control agreement. But it does cover some of the biggest markets for American gunmakers, including Brazil, Thailand, and Guatemala[.]”
However, the ban will NOT apply to some 40 countries, including Israel and Ukraine, that have a separate export agreement for firearms. Reuters states that: “Exporters can continue to submit license requests during the pause, but they will be ‘held without action’ until the pause is lifted.”
What is interesting, and perhaps deliberate, is that the 90-day export ban overlaps with the NSSF SHOT Show. TheTruthaboutGuns.com noted: “The announcement of this 90-day ‘pause’ in export licensing just happens to be perfectly timed to include pulling the Commerce Department’s support for the NSSF’s SHOT Show scheduled for January 23 to 26, 2024.”
One legal expert observed that the export ban will apply to most firearms and ammunition that can be purchased in American gun stores, including shotguns. Johanna Reeves, a lawyer with Reeves & Dola in Washington who specializes in export controls and firearms, stated she had never seen such a broad and sweeping restriction on civilian gun exports before.
Forum member F-Class John is an avid F-Class competitor and expert handloader. This week he won the NRA F-0pen Mid-Range National Championship. John reviews reloading hardware and shooting-related products for his popular 
Quick Tip: Try Flipping Your Bushings
