As price-to-performance ratios go, Mossberg’s Patriot Predator bolt-action rifle is tough to beat. Add in the 7mm PRC chambering and you’ve got a package that delivers precision, performance, and value.
by Brad Fenson
For firearms enthusiasts seeking an accurate, compact, and value-priced hunting rifle, the Mossberg Patriot Predator in 7mm PRC is an impressive contender. Built with the reliability and precision that the Patriot line has become known for, this rifle is a capable choice for hunting big game across North America or for those looking to sharpen their long-range shooting game. The Predator line is engineered to make the user the ultimate predator, although several calibers are offered to also make it the perfect predator hunting rifle. The cartridge being looked at here offers many options, and understanding its development with Hornady makes it natural for the Patriot Predator.
The Precision Rifle Cartridge
Building on the success of the Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) family, Hornady introduced the 7mm PRC in 2023 following the highly regarded 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC. Like its predecessors, the 7mm PRC is engineered for superior accuracy, high ballistic efficiency, and consistent performance, so it is an outstanding choice for long-range shooters and hunters alike.
The PRC lineage began with the 6.5 PRC, unveiled at the 2018 SHOT Show after years of development. Designed by necking down the .300 Ruger Compact Magnum case to 6.5mm, it quickly gained a reputation for delivering exceptional precision with moderate recoil. I knew I had to try it and have put the cartridge through its paces with a Mossberg Patriot Predator. The .300 PRC followed, offering powerful long-range capabilities for those who demanded maximum ballistic performance.
Now, the 7mm PRC joins the family, striking a perfect balance between power, accuracy, and manageable recoil. With a rimless design, a 2.280-inch case length, and an overall length of 3.340 inches, it is optimized to push long, heavy-for-caliber bullets in a standard long-action rifle. Compared to traditional 7mm Remington Magnums, the 7mm PRC delivers less felt recoil, improved accuracy, and excellent performance with high ballistic coefficient projectiles.
The Mossberg Patriot
The Mossberg Patriot rifle was introduced in 2015, and the line has continued to grow in popularity and the models offered. Hunting elk with the original Patriot was a teaser to expand my collection as the line developed. The LR Hunter, Predator, and LR Tactical have all proven to provide good accuracy out of the box and extreme value in a classic bolt-action rifle. The Patriot Predator is versatile, and with the new Precision Rifle Cartridges, they have even more appeal.
A Closer Look
The Mossberg Patriot Predator comes suppressor- and optic-ready. The Patriot chassis is a solid base for accuracy, dependability, and custom-like triggers. The rifle is available in seven calibers, offering versatility for various shooting applications. It features a top-mounted Picatinny rail for easy optics attachment. Every barrel is threaded, making it muzzle brake- or suppressor-ready, and includes an 11-degree match crown for enhanced accuracy. Models with 22-inch or 24-inch barrels also come with fluted designs for weight reduction and improved cooling.
Specific models are enhanced with a Cerakote premium polymer-ceramic coating on the fluted bolt, bolt handle, barrel, and barrel cap. This coating provides superior resistance to abrasion and wear while adding an extra layer of protection against corrosion.
Standard features of the Patriot series include a drop-box magazine, a spiral-fluted bolt, an oversized bolt handle, and the patented LBA user-adjustable trigger, which allows for a customized pull weight between 2 and 7 pounds for a precise and responsive shooting experience.
I set up the 6.5 PRC with a Burris Eliminator 6 to test the long-range capabilities of the Predator and wasn’t disappointed. I set up my new 7mm PRC with a Swarovski Z5(i)+ riflescope, and it didn’t take long to shoot clover leaves at 100 yards. I used the rifle on a Kansas whitetail hunt and loved the capability of covering large tracts of open prairie where deer like to roam. The rifle knocked down its first buck on the trip, and no tracking was required.
The rifle and cartridge were thoroughly researched and ended up meeting expectations. For precision shooters and hunters looking for a flat-shooting, hard-hitting cartridge that maintains outstanding consistency at extended ranges, the 7mm PRC is the next evolution in long-range performance.
Bolt Action
At the heart of the Patriot Predator is its push-feed bolt-action system, featuring dual locking lugs, a plunger-style ejector, and a smooth, spiral-fluted bolt. A factory-installed Picatinny rail makes mounting optics straightforward, ensuring shooters can quickly set up their preferred scope for long-range accuracy.
Custom-Like Trigger
The Lightning Bolt Action (LBA) Trigger System enhances accuracy and performance in centerfire bolt-action rifles while maintaining safety. With just a simple twist of a standard screwdriver, the trigger pull weight can be fine-tuned between 2 and 7 pounds with no need for a gunsmith. The specially designed sear engagement ensures a clean break with no creep while the skeletonized lightning bolt trigger blade prevents accidental firing by blocking the sear and preventing release of the striker unless fully depressed — even at the lightest setting. The trigger assembly is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum and hard-coat anodized to military specifications, making it highly resistant to wear and corrosion over time. The LBA Trigger System delivers a perfect customization, reliability, and safety balance. It gives shooters complete control over their trigger feel without compromising performance.
There are two Predator models, and both have a 24-inch free-floated barrel that is sporter-contoured and fluted for weight reduction while maintaining rigidity. Chambered in 7mm PRC, the barrel’s 1:8 twist rate is optimized for stabilizing the cartridge’s heavy, high-ballistic-coefficient bullets, delivering consistent accuracy at extended distances. The barrel is also threaded 5/8×24, allowing shooters to easily attach muzzle brakes or suppressors, with a thread protector included.
Weighing just 6.5 pounds, the Patriot Predator is light enough for backcountry hunts without compromising a stable shooting platform. The rifle comes in two stock and finish options: a flat dark earth (FDE) polymer stock with blued metalwork for a sleek, understated look or a Strata camo stock with a Patriot Brown Cerakote finish for those who prefer added durability and concealment.
On the range, the 7mm PRC Patriot Predator delivers the precision and consistency expected from the Mossberg Patriot series. Testing with Hornady’s 175-grain ELD-X factory ammunition produced consistent groups of sub-MOA at 100 yards. A superior riflescope is required to see and experience the accuracy of this rifle right out of the box. Despite the cartridge’s magnum-level power, the recoil was manageable — comparable to a 7mm Rem. Mag. or the 7 mm WSM — making it a solid choice for those accustomed to hunting calibers in this range.
Budget-Wise
For hunters and shooters looking for a budget-friendly rifle that doesn’t compromise accuracy, durability, or modern features, the Mossberg Patriot Predator 7mm PRC is a standout option ready for the field straight out of the box.
With an MSRP between $519 and $616, the Mossberg Patriot Predator 7mm PRC is a top contender for hunters and shooters looking for a high-performance bolt-action rifle ready for the field at an affordable price.
The first-world problem of deciding where to use the 6.5 PRC and the 7mm PRC now exists. It is a great problem, but the different bullet options and weights provide a broad spectrum of options. The only question is whether I need the .300 PRC to round out the set.
There are a variety of calibers available in the Patriot Predator line as listed below. The number in brackets indicate how many models the caliber is available in.
Caliber
- 6.5 CREEDMOOR (2)
- .350 LEGEND (1)
- 6.5 PRC (2)
- .22-250 REM (2)
- .243 WIN (2)
- .308 WIN (2)
- .350 LEGEND (1)
- .450 BUSHMASTER (2)
- 7mm PRC (2)
- .400 LEGEND (2)
The Patriot rifle is available in several models, including:
- Patriot (standard)
- Patriot Vortex
- Patriot Carbine
- Patriot LR Hunter
- Patriot Predator
- Patriot Bantam
- Patriot LR Tactical
- Patriot Night Train
7mm PRC 175-gr. ELD-X Precision Hunter
The 7mm PRC 175-gr. ELD-X Precision Hunter is designed to deliver exceptional accuracy and terminal performance, making it an outstanding choice for hunters and precision shooters. It was a natural pairing with the Predator rifle, as the Precision Rifle Cartridge line was engineered by Hornady to maximize the ballistic potential of the ELD-X bullet, ensuring match-grade accuracy and devastating impact on game.
Every round in the Precision Hunter series is loaded with clean-burning propellants that maintain uniform capacity, guaranteeing consistent shot-to-shot results in all conditions. The attention to detail provides superior accuracy, predictable expansion, and deep penetration, making the 7mm PRC 175-gr. ELD-X ideal for hunters facing diverse and challenging environments or wanting maximum knockdown performance.
Swarovski Z5(i)+ Riflescope
For hunters and shooters who demand precision, visibility, and versatility without unnecessary bulk, the Swarovski Z5(i)+ riflescope is an ideal choice. It is designed with a durable 30mm main tube. It delivers high performance in a sleek, ergonomic package — perfect for backcountry adventures, navigating dense woods, and achieving long-range accuracy.
This riflescope is available in two magnification ranges to suit different needs. The 3.5-18×50 model offers an excellent balance of power and field-of-view for mid- to long-range shots while the 5-25×56 version is engineered for extreme long-range precision when every detail matters.
The Z5(i)+ features a newly designed ballistic turret with an expanded adjustment range, allowing 40 MOA per turn, 80 MOA total elevation, and 50 MOA windage adjustment for greater adaptability. Customizable distance rings include four color-coded dot rings, a two-row MOA scale ring, and an optional personalized ring, enabling quick and easy field adjustments. A Zero Stop and lockable turret ensures accuracy and reliability, even in high-pressure situations.
Precision and clarity are further enhanced by the BRS(i) and BRW(i) reticles, which are optimized for the second focal plane with precise MOA adjustments. The riflescope also offers 10 brightness levels to maintain visibility in all lighting conditions. Its HD optics provide exceptional image quality, superior brightness, edge-to-edge sharpness, and enhanced contrast, making it highly effective in low-light environments.
Built for ease of use, the Z5(i)+ features quick, hassle-free adjustments. Its lightweight, durable construction ensures that hunters and shooters can experience top-tier performance without added weight.
