When it comes to long-range shooting, choosing the right caliber can make all the difference. Two popular calibers for this purpose are the 7mm PRC and the 308 Winchester. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at both calibers and compare them to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Here is the short answer:
The 7mm PRC is a long-range cartridge designed for precision shooting. The 308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge suitable for a wide range of applications but has less power than the 7mm PRC.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and see how they compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 7mm PRC
The 7mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) was introduced by Hornady in 2023. It is a new cartridge designed for long-range shooting and hunting. The cartridge is based on the 300 PRC case but shortened slightly and neck down to accept a .284 caliber bullet.
The 7mm PRC fires a 7mm bullet at high velocities, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting. The cartridge is capable of delivering flat trajectories and high energy on target, making it ideal for hunting larger game such as moose, elk, and bear at longer ranges.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7mm PRC with a 175-grain Hornady ELD-X bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2995 | 3585 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0 | 2925 | 3419 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.4 | 2856 | 3260 |
| 150 | -0.8 | 0.9 | 2788 | 3107 |
| 200 | -2.8 | 1.7 | 2722 | 2961 |
| 250 | -5.9 | 2.8 | 2656 | 2819 |
| 300 | -10.3 | 4 | 2591 | 2683 |
| 350 | -15.9 | 5.5 | 2527 | 2553 |
| 400 | -22.9 | 7.2 | 2464 | 2427 |
| 450 | -31.3 | 9.2 | 2402 | 2306 |
| 500 | -41.2 | 11.5 | 2341 | 2190 |
In-Depth Look at the 308 Winchester
The 308 Winchester, also known as the 7.62x51mm NATO, is one of the most popular cartridges in the world. It was introduced in the 1950s and quickly became a favorite among hunters, military personnel, and target shooters. The common use for the 308 is hunting game such as deer or long range shooting.
The 308 Winchester fires a .30 caliber bullet with bullets that weigh between 130-220 grains, which is why it’s known for its versatility. It is an excellent choice for hunting a wide variety of game, from small varmints to large game animals. It is also commonly used in tactical and law enforcement applications, as well as for target shooting.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 308 Winchester with a 150-grain jacketed soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2820 | 2648 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.3 | 2673 | 2380 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.1 | 2532 | 2134 |
| 150 | -1.2 | 2.4 | 2394 | 1909 |
| 200 | -3.9 | 4.4 | 2261 | 1702 |
| 250 | -8.4 | 7.1 | 2132 | 1514 |
| 300 | -14.7 | 10.4 | 2007 | 1341 |
| 350 | -23.1 | 14.6 | 1886 | 1184 |
| 400 | -34.2 | 19.7 | 1771 | 1044 |
| 450 | -48.1 | 25.9 | 1661 | 919 |
| 500 | -65 | 32.9 | 1557 | 807 |
In-Depth Comparison
The 7mm PRC and 308 Winchester are two very popular cartridges but are for two very different tasks.
In terms of ballistics, the 7mm PRC has a clear advantage over the 308 Winchester. It fires a smaller, more aerodynamic bullet at higher velocities, resulting in flatter trajectories and less wind drift at longer ranges. The 7mm PRC is also capable of delivering more energy on target at longer ranges, making it a better choice for hunting larger game at long distances.
However, the 308 Winchester has several advantages over the 7mm PRC. It is a much more widely available cartridge, with a much larger selection of ammunition and firearms chambered for it. It is also much more affordable to shoot, with lower ammunition and firearm costs.