Best .300 PRC Ammo
Compare loads for defense, target, competition & more
The .300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) emerged in 2018 as Hornady's purpose-built solution for extreme long-range shooting and hunting. Designed from the ground up rather than adapted from an existing case, the .300 PRC optimizes every dimension for launching heavy, high-BC .30 caliber bullets. The cartridge features a non-belted case based on the .375 Ruger, with a long neck and 30-degree shoulder that promotes consistent powder ignition and excellent accuracy. This clean-sheet approach resulted in a cartridge that outperforms the venerable .300 Winchester Magnum in virtually every metric that matters for precision shooting.
This cartridge has gained rapid acceptance in both military and civilian circles for applications demanding extreme range and terminal authority. The .300 PRC typically launches a 225-grain ELD-X at approximately 2,810 fps, generating over 3,900 ft-lbs of muzzle energy while maintaining supersonic velocities past 1,500 yards. The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) adopted the .300 PRC as their Advanced Sniper Rifle cartridge, validating its performance in the most demanding tactical applications. For hunters, this translates to ethical killing power on elk and moose at distances that would be marginal with lesser cartridges.
Shooters choose the .300 PRC when they need the ultimate in .30 caliber long-range performance without the excessive recoil and short barrel life of larger magnums like the .300 Norma or .338 Lapua. The cartridge delivers approximately 10% more case capacity than the .300 Winchester Magnum while maintaining compatibility with standard long-action rifles. With military adoption driving ammunition development and mainstream rifle manufacturers offering factory options, the .300 PRC has quickly become the benchmark for serious long-range hunters and precision rifle competitors who demand the best available .30 caliber performance.
All .300 PRC Loads
Compare ballistics and prices across 6 products
| PRODUCT ↕ | GRAIN ↕ | VELOCITY ↕ | ENERGY ↕ | BC ↕ | USE CASE ↕ | BEST PRICE ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barnes VOR-TX Long Range .300 PRC 208gr LRX BT Ammo
208gr
• 2860 fps
|
208gr | 2860 | 3780 | .633 | — | $3.75/rd |
|
Berger Elite Hunter .300 PRC 245gr OTM Ammo
245gr
• 2750 fps
|
245gr | 2750 | 4115 | .807 | — | $4.12/rd |
|
Hornady Match .300 PRC 225gr ELD Match Ammo
225gr
• 2810 fps
|
225gr | 2810 | 3945 | .777 | — | $2.45/rd |
|
Hornady Outfitter .300 PRC 190gr CX Ammo
190gr
• 3000 fps
|
190gr | 3000 | 3797 | .575 | — | $2.59/rd |
|
Hornady Precision Hunter .300 PRC 212gr ELD-X Ammo
212gr
• 2860 fps
|
212gr | 2860 | 3850 | .663 | — | $2.42/rd |
|
Weatherby Select Plus .300 PRC 180gr Swift Scirocco Ammo
180gr
• 3025 fps
|
180gr | 3025 | 3658 | .52 | — | $4.14/rd |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Purpose-built for heavy, high-BC .30 caliber bullets (200-230gr)
- Military adoption (USSOCOM) validates real-world performance
- Exceptional accuracy potential from optimized case design
- Supersonic past 1,500 yards with proper bullet selection
- Non-belted case improves feeding and headspacing consistency
- Better barrel life than .300 Norma Magnum (1,500-2,000 rounds)
- Devastating terminal performance on large game at extended range
- SAAMI standardized with growing factory support
Cons
- Significant recoil requires proper technique and rifle fit
- Premium ammunition costs $3.00-5.00+ per round
- Requires magnum-length action, limiting rifle options
- Overkill for most hunting scenarios under 500 yards
- Barrel life shorter than non-magnum cartridges
- Muzzle blast and report require hearing protection
- Not ideal for recoil-sensitive shooters or extended practice sessions