Last updated May 2026 · By Nick Hall, long-range shooter who has tested 300 PRC against .300 Win Mag and 6.5 PRC
Hornady launched 300 PRC in 2018 and it has quickly gained a following with long-range precision shooters. But should you spend your money on it?
Yes, but only if you’re heavily into long range shooting and you’re looking for that last degree of accuracy.
And if you already know you resemble that last remark and you’re just looking for the best ammo deals, try these links:
Manufacturers are Jumping on Board
The US Department of Defense saw enough to approve the 300 Precision Rifle cartridge for sniper rifle use and a raft of manufacturers have jumped on board and adapted their rifles to run it.
Now a range of ammo manufacturers have begun to adapt specialist target shooting and hunting rounds. So you’re not just limited to Hornady anymore.
Federal Premium and Weatherby have produced ammunition
Unlike other new cartridges that came and went without a second glance, 300 PRC looks to have made enough of an impression. So it’s probably here to stay.
Do you need it when there are so many other 30 caliber options to choose from? That’s a more complex and nuanced question.
We already have 300 Winchester Magnum, .300 Weatherby Magnum, .30 Nosler, 300 WSM, .300 Norma Magnum, and the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum cartridges to choose from. They have been around longer, they’re established and seem like safer bets.
The Benefits of 300 PRC Ammo
So why gamble on 300 PRC and its longevity?
Well, there are several reasons, mainly that 300 PRC isn’t going to war with those rounds at all. It’s handing the likes of 338 Lapua Magnum its ass, and that makes us take notice…
It offers a number of advantages over other cartridges in this category, including:
- Increased velocity and energy: The 300 PRC can push heavier bullets at higher velocities than other cartridges, such as the .300 Win Mag and .300 WSM. This results in flatter trajectories and better performance at long ranges.
- Improved accuracy: The 300 PRC is designed to be very accurate, even with long, heavy bullets. This makes it a good choice for hunting large game at long distances.
- Reduced recoil: The 300 PRC has less recoil than some other cartridges in this category, making it easier to shoot for extended periods of time.
The 300 PRC is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of purposes, including hunting, target shooting, and long-range competitions. It is a good choice for shooters who are looking for a cartridge that offers superior performance at long ranges.
Is 300 PRC a Passing Fad?
Some people have argued that the 300 PRC is a passing fad and that it will eventually be replaced by another cartridge. However, there are a number of factors that suggest that the 300 PRC is here to stay.
First, the 300 PRC is a well-designed cartridge that offers real advantages over other cartridges in this category. It is accurate, powerful, and has reduced recoil. These are all qualities that shooters are looking for in a long-range cartridge.
Second, the 300 PRC is already being adopted by a number of major manufacturers. Companies like Ruger, Savage, and Kimber all offer rifles chambered in 300 PRC.
Specialist long range hunters like the Seekins Havak PH2 is now chambered in 300 PRC, too. This suggests that there is a demand for this cartridge and that it is not just a fad.
Finally, the 300 PRC is still relatively new. It has only been on the market for a few years. This means that it has not had time to become obsolete. As long-range shooting continues to grow in popularity, the 300 PRC is likely to remain a popular choice for many years to come.
Is it Worth Investing in 300 PRC?
Whether or not it is worth investing in 300 PRC equipment depends on your individual needs and shooting goals. If you are a serious long-range shooter who is looking for the best possible performance, then the 300 PRC is a good option. However, if you are not planning on shooting at long ranges, then you may not need to invest in this cartridge.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether or not to invest in 300 PRC equipment:
- Your shooting goals: If you are planning on shooting at long ranges, then the 300 PRC is a good option. However, if you are only planning on shooting at short ranges, then you may not need this cartridge.
- Your budget: The 300 PRC is a more expensive cartridge than some other options. If you are on a tight budget, then you may want to consider a different cartridge.
- The availability of rifles and ammunition: The 300 PRC is a relatively new cartridge, so there may not be as many rifles and ammunition options available as there are for other cartridges.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to invest in 300 PRC equipment is up to you. If you are serious about long-range shooting and you are willing to invest in the best possible equipment, then the 300 PRC is a good option. However, if you are not planning on shooting at long ranges or you are on a tight budget, then you may want to consider a different cartridge.
Conclusion
The 300 PRC is a new cartridge that offers a number of advantages over other cartridges in this category. It is accurate, powerful, and has reduced recoil. These are all qualities that shooters are looking for in a long-range cartridge. The 300 PRC is also backed by major manufacturers, which suggests that it is not just a fad.
Whether or not it is worth investing in 300 PRC equipment depends on your individual needs and shooting goals. If you are a serious long-range shooter who is looking for the best possible performance, then the 300 PRC is a good option. However, if you are not planning on shooting at long ranges, then you may not need to invest in this cartridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the magnum-class step up, see our best .300 Win Mag rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Bergara B-14 HMR, Winchester Model 70 Super Grade, Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed, and 5 more.
For premium bolt-action specifics in the .300 Win Mag class, see our best .300 Win Mag bolt action rifles roundup covering the Sako S20 Hunter, Nosler Model 21, Bergara B-14 HMR, and 6 more.
What is 300 PRC?
The 300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is a .30 caliber magnum cartridge designed by Hornady in 2018 specifically for long-range precision shooting. It uses a non-belted case optimized for heavy, high-BC .30 cal bullets.
Is 300 PRC better than .300 Win Mag?
For precision shooting, yes. The PRC case design is more consistent and better optimized for heavy bullets. The .300 Win Mag has more hunting ammunition options and cheaper ammo. PRC is the newer, more precise design.
How far can 300 PRC shoot?
The 300 PRC is effective to 1,500 yards and beyond with proper loads and optics. It stays supersonic past 1,600 yards with 225-grain ELD Match bullets. It is a genuine extreme long-range cartridge.
Is 300 PRC good for hunting?
Excellent for large game at extended range. The 300 PRC handles elk, moose, and African plains game with authority. It has more energy than .300 Win Mag at every distance. Recoil is significant.
What rifles are chambered in 300 PRC?
Christensen Arms, Bergara, Browning, Barrett, and GA Precision offer 300 PRC rifles. The US military adopted the Mk22 ASR with 300 PRC as one of its caliber options. Availability is growing.
How much does 300 PRC ammo cost?
Factory ammunition runs 2.50 to 4.00 per round. Match-grade from Hornady costs about 3.00 per round. Hunting loads are similar. Handloading brings costs down significantly for regular shooters.
Is 300 PRC overkill for deer?
Technically yes, but it works perfectly well on deer. The cartridge was designed for larger targets at longer range. If you already own a 300 PRC, it will take deer cleanly. But a 6.5 CM or .308 is more practical.
What is the recoil of 300 PRC?
Significant. About 30 to 35 foot-pounds of recoil energy in a typical rifle, roughly 50 percent more than .308. A good muzzle brake is essential. The recoil is manageable but not pleasant for extended sessions.
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