.300 PRC Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.300 PRC: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Large Rifle Magnum
Used For Long-range Hunting, Precision Shooting
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck
Year Introduced 2018

.300 PRC: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Excellent long-range performance
  • ✔ High ballistic coefficient for better wind resistance
  • ✔ Designed for optimal accuracy in long-action rifles
  • ✔ Standardized by SAAMI for consistent manufacturing
  • ✔ Capable of using heavy, high-BC bullets

Cons

  • ✘ Significant recoil, especially in lighter rifles
  • ✘ Ammunition can be expensive
  • ✘ Limited availability compared to more established calibers
  • ✘ Requires a long-action rifle
  • ✘ Overkill for shorter range hunting scenarios

.300 PRC: Precision Rifle Cartridge

The .300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is a relatively new long-range cartridge designed by Hornady Manufacturing Company. Introduced in 2018, it was created to meet the demands of long-range precision shooters and hunters. The .300 PRC offers exceptional accuracy, consistency, and performance at extended ranges, making it a popular choice for competitive shooting, long-range hunting, and military applications.

Development and Features

The .300 PRC was developed by Hornady as part of their Precision Rifle Cartridge family. It was designed to address the limitations of existing long-range cartridges and to provide a standardized cartridge that could deliver consistent performance across various rifle platforms. The cartridge is based on a beltless case design, which contributes to improved feeding and extraction reliability.

One of the key features of the .300 PRC is its ability to efficiently use long, high-ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets. The cartridge case is designed to accommodate these projectiles while maintaining proper bullet seating depth and powder capacity. This design allows for excellent long-range performance and energy retention.

The .300 PRC utilizes a 30-degree shoulder angle and a non-rebated rim, which contribute to its accuracy potential and ease of manufacture. The cartridge is designed to operate at a maximum average pressure of 65,000 psi, which allows for high velocities while maintaining safe pressure levels in modern rifles.

Timeline of .300 PRC Development and Adoption:

Year Event
2022 Continued growth in popularity among long-range shooters and hunters
2020 Adoption by several rifle manufacturers for production rifles
2019 Increasing use in Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competitions
2018 Official release of the .300 PRC by Hornady
2018 SAAMI standardization of the .300 PRC
2017 Final testing and refinement of the .300 PRC design
2016 Initial development of the .300 PRC by Hornady

.300 PRC Performance Characteristics

Key performance metrics of the .300 PRC cartridge:

Characteristic Performance
Bullet Weight 212-250 grains
Optimal for long-range performance
Muzzle Velocity 2850-3100 fps
Varies based on bullet weight and load
Maximum Pressure 65,000 psi
SAAMI specification
Effective Range 1500+ yards
Depends on load and environmental conditions
Case Capacity 77 grains of water
Allows for efficient powder burn

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .300 PRC loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.300 PRC: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .300 PRC ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Long-Range Target Shooting 0-1500 Excellent ballistics for extreme long-range shooting
Hunting (Large Game) 0-1000 Powerful enough for large game at extended ranges
Military/Law Enforcement Sniper 0-1400 Adopted by some military and law enforcement units for long-range precision
Precision Rifle Series (PRS) 0-1200 Popular in PRS competitions due to its long-range accuracy

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .300 PRC is designed for exceptional long-range performance and maintains energy well at extended distances. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .300 PRC

The .300 PRC's exceptional long-range performance makes it suitable for several specialized applications:

Long-Range Target Shooting
  • Designed for extreme long-range precision shooting
  • Maintains supersonic velocity beyond 1500 yards
  • High ballistic coefficient bullets for minimal wind drift
Hunting
  • Effective for large game hunting at extended ranges
  • Delivers sufficient energy for ethical harvests of large animals
  • Flat trajectory aids in accurate shot placement at varying distances
Military and Law Enforcement
  • Adopted by some specialized sniper units
  • Provides extended range capabilities beyond traditional sniper cartridges
  • Maintains accuracy and energy at extreme distances
Precision Rifle Competitions
  • Popular choice in Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competitions
  • Offers advantages in long-range stages
  • Relatively mild recoil for its power level aids in shooter comfort during extended matches

Caliber Comparisons

To understand the .300 PRC's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.300 PRC vs. .300 Winchester Magnum ▼

.300 PRC vs. .338 Lapua Magnum ▼

.300 PRC vs. 6.5 PRC ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .300 PRC with other popular long-range rifle cartridges. (Based on a 10 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .300 PRC with other popular long-range rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 100-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .300 PRC with other popular long-range rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .300 PRC with other popular long-range rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .300 PRC

The .300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is a long-range cartridge designed for precision shooting. This table compares the sectional density of common .300 PRC loads.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.300 PRC 225 0.338
.300 PRC 212 0.319
.300 PRC 250 0.376
.300 PRC 220 0.331
.300 PRC 230 0.346

Note: The .300 PRC offers high sectional densities, contributing to its excellent long-range performance and energy retention. The cartridge is designed to work with long, high-BC bullets, which is reflected in these high sectional density values.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .300 PRC?

A: The .300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is a magnum rifle cartridge introduced by Hornady in 2018. It's designed for long-range precision shooting and hunting, offering excellent ballistic performance and consistency.

Q: How does .300 PRC compare to other .30 caliber magnum cartridges?

A: The .300 PRC offers superior ballistic performance compared to cartridges like .300 Winchester Magnum and .300 Remington Ultra Magnum. It has a longer case that can accommodate heavier, higher ballistic coefficient bullets, resulting in better long-range accuracy and energy retention.

Q: What is the effective range of the .300 PRC?

A: The .300 PRC is capable of maintaining supersonic velocities beyond 1600 yards with appropriate bullet selection. For hunting purposes, it's effective at ranges up to 1000 yards, depending on the shooter's skill and environmental conditions.

Q: Is the .300 PRC suitable for hunting large game?

A: Yes, the .300 PRC is excellent for hunting large game. It delivers sufficient energy for ethical harvests of animals like elk, moose, and large bears at extended ranges. Its high ballistic coefficient bullets also help maintain energy at longer distances.

Q: What are the recoil characteristics of the .300 PRC?

A: The .300 PRC produces significant recoil, more than a .308 Winchester or .30-06 Springfield, but comparable to or slightly less than a .300 Winchester Magnum. The exact felt recoil will depend on the rifle's weight and configuration, as well as the specific load used.

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