Seekins Havak Element- 7mm PRC

I purchased the Seekins Havak Element in 7mm PRC after an aoudad hunt in West Texas. On that hunt, I used a 6.5 PRC and was reminded just how resilient aoudad can be. Even with good shot placement, they may require more than one shot.

That experience led me to consider a more powerful cartridge. I looked at the .300 PRC, the traditional .300 Winchester Magnum, and the newer 7mm PRC. When my dealer showed me the Seekins Havak Element, its combination of light weight, modern components, and field-ready design made the decision easy.

Model Update

This review covers the earlier-generation Seekins Havak Element that I purchased, not the current Element M3. Seekins has since redesigned the Element and introduced several appealing features. Because the current rifle differs from mine, the specifications and observations below apply specifically to my original Element configuration. I hope to compare the two generations in a future article.

Rifle Configuration

  • Seekins Havak Element long action
  • 7mm PRC chambering
  • 22-inch spiral-fluted barrel
  • Mountain Shadow carbon-composite stock
  • TriggerTech Primary trigger
  • Integrated Picatinny scope rail
  • Leupold Mark 5HD 5–25×56 riflescope
  • Leupold medium-height scope rings
  • Atlas bipod
  • AB Suppressor Raptor 10 with extension

The bare rifle weighs approximately six pounds. The Mark 5HD, bipod, and suppressor naturally increase its field weight, but the rifle remains manageable for the mountainous country where I hunt.

Optic and Bipod

The Leupold Mark 5HD 5–25×56 provides considerably more magnification than is required for most hunting shots, but it is useful for evaluating groups, identifying targets, and shooting at extended distances. Despite its 56mm objective, it is relatively light for a scope in this class.

I mounted it in medium-height Leupold rings. The height works with the rifle and provides a comfortable position behind the scope. The Atlas bipod gives the rifle a stable front support for prone shooting and range testing. It adds weight, but its stability and durability make it worth carrying when the terrain permits its use.

Suppressor Testing

I initially used an AB Suppressor Raptor 8 on the rifle. I have since tested an AB Raptor 10 with the extension.

The Raptor 10 configuration is noticeably quieter. It adds more length than the Raptor 8, but the reduction in sound is significant enough that I prefer it when maximum suppression is more important than keeping the rifle as compact as possible.

The 22-inch barrel and longer suppressor create a fairly long overall package. Nevertheless, the light Havak Element action and stock keep it from feeling like a conventional heavy precision rifle.

Ammunition and Velocity

I am currently shooting Hornady 180-grain ELD Match factory ammunition. From the rifle’s 22-inch barrel, this load produces approximately 2,890 fps at the muzzle.

  • Bullet: Hornady 180-grain ELD Match
  • Muzzle velocity: approximately 2,890 fps
  • Observed accuracy: approximately ½–1 MOA
  • Confirmed range performance: consistent hits to 600 yards

This performance provides a useful baseline for comparing other factory ammunition and future handloads.

Accuracy and Performance at Distance

The accuracy has been exceptional. Depending on the group and shooting conditions, the rifle has generally produced groups ranging from approximately one-half MOA to one MOA.

The results on steel have been equally impressive. Hits at distances out to 600 yards have come with ease when the rifle is supported on the Atlas bipod and the correct ballistic solution is applied. The combination of the Havak action, TriggerTech trigger, Leupold Mark 5HD, and 180-grain ELD Match ammunition makes the rifle exceptionally predictable.

That level of performance is especially impressive from a lightweight hunting rifle carrying field-oriented accessories and a suppressor.

Future Testing

  • Three- and five-shot group sizes
  • Average velocity, extreme spread, and standard deviation
  • Cold-bore point of impact
  • Suppressed versus unsuppressed point-of-impact shift
  • Differences between the Raptor 8 and Raptor 10
  • Results at distances beyond 600 yards
  • Performance with additional factory loads

Initial Impressions

The Seekins Havak Element combines the features I wanted in a modern western hunting rifle: relatively low weight, a capable long-range cartridge, a good trigger, a quality stock, and compatibility with a suppressor.

The Hornady 180-grain ELD Match load has delivered approximately 2,890 fps with accuracy ranging from about ½ to 1 MOA. More importantly, the rifle has made hits at distances out to 600 yards feel remarkably easy.

The AB Raptor 10 with its extension is noticeably quieter than the Raptor 8, although the added suppression comes with additional length.

So far, the rifle offers an excellent balance of portability, precision, and ballistic performance. I will continue updating this article as I collect more chronograph data, test additional ammunition, compare suppressor configurations, and use the rifle in the field.