Published: December 2025 | Last updated: April 2026
The 300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) was introduced by Hornady in 2018 and standardized by SAAMI in 2019. Derived from the 375 Ruger case necked to accept .308-inch bullets, it uses a 30-degree shoulder with minimal body taper and no belt – design choices that optimize case head support, feed reliability, and dimensional consistency in precision rifle actions. The 300 PRC was specifically engineered to accommodate the heaviest, highest-BC .30-caliber bullets available – particularly the 200-250 grain class – at velocities that produce meaningful long-range performance.
The 300 PRC‘s defining position in the market: it does what the 300 Winchester Magnum does with 180-190 grain bullets, but with 212-230 grain high-BC bullets that the 300 Win Mag’s standard chamber cannot accommodate at full seating depth. At 1,000 yards the 300 PRC 230-grain Berger Hybrid drifts approximately 60 inches in a 10 MPH crosswind; the 300 Winchester Magnum 190-grain Berger Hybrid drifts approximately 58-62 inches – essentially equal at that distance. The practical difference between these cartridges is most visible at 1,200-1,500+ yards where the 300 PRC’s heavier, higher-BC bullets maintain a meaningful advantage in wind resistance and energy retention.
For reloading data, see the 300 PRC complete guide. For comparisons, see 300 PRC ballistics reference and 300 Winchester Magnum ballistics.
Core Ballistic Parameters
| Load | MV | BC (G7) | Muzzle Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 212 gr Hornady ELD-X | 2,860 FPS | 0.405 | 3,850 ft-lbs |
| 225 gr Hornady ELD-M | 2,810 FPS | 0.434 | 3,948 ft-lbs |
| 215 gr Berger Hybrid Target | 2,850 FPS | 0.438 | 3,880 ft-lbs |
| 230 gr Berger Hybrid Target | 2,800 FPS | 0.468 | 4,007 ft-lbs |
All data below uses a 200-yard zero, 1.5-inch sight height, 59°F, sea level, 26-inch barrel. The 300 PRC is a long-range precision and hunting cartridge. A 200-yard zero is the standard for both ELR competition and extended-range hunting use.
Bullet Drop (200-Yard Zero)
| Range (yards) | 212 gr ELD-X | 225 gr ELD-M | 215 gr Berger | 230 gr Berger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.5 |
| 100 | +1.8 | +1.9 | +1.8 | +1.9 |
| 200 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 300 | -6.8 | -7.0 | -6.9 | -7.2 |
| 400 | -19.5 | -20.2 | -19.8 | -20.8 |
| 500 | -38.5 | -39.8 | -39.0 | -41.0 |
| 600 | -65.0 | -67.2 | -66.0 | -69.5 |
| 700 | -99.5 | -102.8 | -101.0 | -106.5 |
| 800 | -144.0 | -148.5 | -146.0 | -154.0 |
| 900 | -200.0 | -206.0 | -202.5 | -213.5 |
| 1,000 | -268.0 | -276.0 | -271.0 | -286.0 |
Drop in inches. Positive values = above line of sight.
The 300 PRC’s trajectory with a 200-yard zero is flat inside 300 yards – only 6.8-7.2 inches low at 300 yards, inside the vital zone depth of a deer on a broadside shot. At 500 yards all loads are 38.5-41 inches low, requiring dialed turrets for reliable hits.
The 212-grain ELD-X produces the flattest trajectory through 700 yards due to its combination of the highest starting velocity (2,860 FPS) and competitive BC (G7: 0.405). Past 700 yards the Berger 230-grain’s superior BC (G7: 0.468) begins to assert itself, saving approximately 18 inches of drop at 1,000 yards compared to the ELD-X. The 300 PRC is a cartridge where load selection matters more at 1,000+ yards than at hunting distances – inside 600 yards all four loads perform nearly identically in practical terms.
Wind Drift – 10 MPH Full-Value Crosswind
| Range (yards) | 212 gr ELD-X | 225 gr ELD-M | 215 gr Berger | 230 gr Berger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| 200 | 2.5 | 2.4 | 2.3 | 2.2 |
| 300 | 5.8 | 5.5 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| 400 | 10.5 | 9.9 | 9.5 | 9.0 |
| 500 | 16.5 | 15.5 | 14.9 | 14.0 |
| 600 | 24.0 | 22.5 | 21.5 | 20.2 |
| 700 | 33.0 | 30.8 | 29.5 | 27.8 |
| 800 | 44.0 | 41.0 | 39.2 | 36.8 |
| 900 | 57.5 | 53.2 | 50.8 | 47.5 |
| 1,000 | 73.5 | 67.8 | 64.5 | 60.2 |
Drift in inches. Half-value crosswind = divide by 2.
The 230-grain Berger Hybrid drifts 13.3 fewer inches than the 212-grain ELD-X at 1,000 yards in a 10 MPH crosswind. At 600 yards the gap is 3.8 inches – meaningful for a precision competitor but within a deer’s vital zone for both loads. The wind performance advantage of the heaviest bullets grows significantly past 1,000 yards as the BC difference compounds, which is where ELR competition distinguishes the 300 PRC from cartridges with lower BC ceilings.
Compared to the 300 Winchester Magnum with a 190-grain Berger Hybrid (G7 BC approximately 0.381), the 300 PRC 230-grain Hybrid drifts approximately 8-10 inches less at 1,000 yards. At 800 yards the difference is 5-6 inches. For hunting, this distinction matters when judging a shot in gusty mountain conditions where wind estimation error has direct consequences.
Velocity Retention
| Range (yards) | 212 gr ELD-X | 225 gr ELD-M | 215 gr Berger | 230 gr Berger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,860 | 2,810 | 2,850 | 2,800 |
| 100 | 2,712 | 2,674 | 2,714 | 2,671 |
| 200 | 2,568 | 2,541 | 2,581 | 2,545 |
| 300 | 2,428 | 2,412 | 2,451 | 2,423 |
| 400 | 2,292 | 2,286 | 2,325 | 2,304 |
| 500 | 2,160 | 2,163 | 2,202 | 2,188 |
| 600 | 2,032 | 2,044 | 2,082 | 2,075 |
| 700 | 1,908 | 1,928 | 1,966 | 1,965 |
| 800 | 1,789 | 1,815 | 1,853 | 1,858 |
| 900 | 1,675 | 1,706 | 1,744 | 1,754 |
| 1,000 | 1,565 | 1,601 | 1,638 | 1,653 |
| 1,100 | 1,460 | 1,499 | 1,536 | 1,556 |
| 1,200 | 1,360 | 1,402 | 1,438 | 1,462 |
| 1,300 | 1,266 | 1,309 | 1,345 | 1,371 |
Velocity in FPS. Supersonic threshold approximately 1,340 FPS at sea level.
All four loads maintain comfortable supersonic margins past 1,200 yards. The 230-grain Berger at 1,462 FPS at 1,200 yards has the most supersonic margin at that distance; the 212-grain ELD-X at 1,360 FPS is closest to transonic. At 1,300 yards the ELD-X approaches the transonic zone; the Berger 230-grain still has 31 FPS of margin.
The velocity crossover between the lighter and heavier loads occurs at approximately 450-500 yards, where the heavier bullets’ superior BCs overcome their starting velocity deficit. By 1,000 yards the 230-grain Berger at 1,653 FPS is 88 FPS faster than the 212-grain ELD-X at 1,565 FPS despite starting 60 FPS slower.
For hunting: all four loads stay above 1,800 FPS (reliable expansion threshold for most hunting bullets) past 800 yards. The ELD-X crosses below 1,800 FPS around 820-840 yards; the 230-grain Berger holds above 1,800 FPS past 875-900 yards.
Energy Retention
| Range (yards) | 212 gr ELD-X | 225 gr ELD-M | 215 gr Berger | 230 gr Berger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 3,850 | 3,948 | 3,880 | 4,007 |
| 200 | 3,102 | 3,225 | 3,186 | 3,308 |
| 400 | 2,472 | 2,612 | 2,582 | 2,718 |
| 500 | 2,196 | 2,337 | 2,316 | 2,449 |
| 600 | 1,944 | 2,087 | 2,072 | 2,201 |
| 800 | 1,511 | 1,647 | 1,643 | 1,766 |
| 1,000 | 1,156 | 1,282 | 1,286 | 1,399 |
Energy in ft-lbs.
The energy picture is the 300 PRC’s most compelling feature for large-game hunting. For elk (1,500 ft-lbs threshold), the 212-grain ELD-X holds above that mark to approximately 785-800 yards; the 230-grain Berger holds above 1,500 ft-lbs past 875-900 yards. These are genuinely elite figures – the 300 PRC with 230-grain bullets delivers elk-adequate energy nearly 200 yards farther than most standard magnums.
For moose (a conservative 2,000 ft-lbs threshold for a responsible standard on very large animals), the 230-grain Berger holds above that mark to approximately 625-630 yards. This makes the 300 PRC a legitimate 600-yard moose cartridge with the right load – one of a small number of production cartridges that can make that claim.
Terminal Performance Profiles
Hornady ELD-X 212 gr
Construction: Polymer tip with Heat Shield, bonded core. The heaviest production hunting bullet in a standard bonded design for the .30-caliber bore, designed for Hornady’s Precision Hunter factory load.
Terminal behavior: Expands to 0.55-0.65 inches with 90-95% weight retention. At 2,860 FPS close-range impact, the bonded construction prevents premature core-jacket separation. Penetration in elk-sized tissue: 24-30 inches. The ELD-X expands reliably down to approximately 1,600 FPS – past 1,000 yards in this cartridge. An exit wound is routine on elk from broadside shots.
Hunting application: The factory all-range 300 PRC hunting standard for deer through elk. Energy above 1,500 ft-lbs to approximately 790 yards for elk; above 1,000 ft-lbs past 1,100 yards for deer. For hunters who want to buy factory Precision Hunter ammunition and shoot it directly, the 212-grain ELD-X is the reference. Practical elk hunting range: 750-775 yards with skill and confirmed distance.
More details: Hornady ELD-X bullet profile
Hornady ELD-M 225 gr
Construction: Match bullet with Heat Shield tip. Not designed for controlled hunting expansion – designed for maximum accuracy and BC. The 300 PRC’s primary ELR competition reference load.
Terminal behavior: At 300 PRC velocities the ELD-M expands inconsistently – impressive at close range where impact velocity is above 2,500 FPS and jacket failure is dramatic, variable at extended range. Like all match bullets, terminal performance is not its design priority.
Competition application: The primary 300 PRC ELR competition load. G7 BC of 0.434 produces approximately 67.8 inches of drift at 1,000 yards – competitive with the best 6.5mm precision loads when the 300 PRC’s higher retained energy is also considered. The ELD-M stays supersonic past 1,250 yards, making it viable for the longest competition stages. In quality 300 PRC barrels, sub-0.25 MOA groups are achievable.
More details: Hornady ELD-M bullet profile
Berger Hybrid Target 215 gr
Construction: Hybrid ogive target bullet combining secant and tangent sections. Designed for competition accuracy, not specifically for controlled terminal expansion.
Terminal behavior: The Berger Hybrid penetrates 2-3 inches before jacket failure and rapid fragmentation create a large temporary wound cavity. At 300 PRC velocities inside 800 yards where impact velocity exceeds 1,853 FPS, this mechanism is effective on elk and deer. Past 800-850 yards where velocity has dropped further, fragmentation becomes less reliable but the heavy bullet still penetrates deeply.
Application: Competition and extended-range hunting where maximum BC is prioritized. G7 BC of 0.438 provides approximately 64.5 inches of drift at 1,000 yards – better than the ELD-X but slightly less than the 230-grain Berger. For PRS and ELR competitions inside 1,200 yards, the 215-grain Berger provides an excellent combination of BC and manageable recoil compared to the 230-grain.
More details: Berger Hybrid Target bullet profile
Berger Hybrid Target 230 gr
Construction: The heaviest standard 300 PRC competition bullet. Highest G7 BC of the four loads (0.468), designed for maximum long-range performance.
Terminal behavior: At 300 PRC velocities, the 230-grain Berger Hybrid produces extensive fragmentation at close to medium range. At extended range where velocity has dropped below 2,000 FPS, the heavy bullet continues forward with significant momentum – penetration in elk-sized tissue: 20-28 inches depending on distance and fragmentation extent. The 230-grain’s highest sectional density of the group (SD 0.346) ensures deep penetration even when fragmentation is incomplete.
Application: Maximum-BC 300 PRC competition and extreme-range hunting. At 1,000 yards the 230-grain drifts 60.2 inches versus 73.5 for the 212-grain ELD-X – 13.3 fewer inches that matters in competition scoring. For ELR hunters who engage elk past 900 yards, the 230-grain’s energy advantage (1,399 ft-lbs at 1,000 yards versus 1,156 ft-lbs for the ELD-X) provides the margin to maintain ethical elk-killing performance at distances where the lighter bullets fall below threshold.
More details: Berger Hybrid Target bullet profile
Nosler AccuBond Long Range 210 gr
Construction: Bonded polymer-tipped bullet with AccuBond’s core-jacket bond and the Long Range version’s thinner jacket for reliable expansion at extended-range reduced velocities. The hunting-specific alternative to the ELD-X with proven bonded construction.
Terminal behavior: Expands to 0.54-0.62 inches with 75-85% weight retention. The bonded construction handles 300 PRC’s extreme impact velocities at close range and provides reliable expansion at reduced velocities past 800 yards. Penetration in elk-sized tissue: 22-28 inches.
Hunting application: Elk, moose, and bear at extended range for hunters who want bonded construction with the highest expansion reliability across a wide velocity range. The ABLR’s thin jacket ensures reliable expansion down to approximately 1,400 FPS – past 1,100 yards in the 300 PRC. Energy at 800 yards (approximately 1,550-1,600 ft-lbs with the 210-grain) is above the elk threshold, making it a legitimate 800-yard elk load with the right conditions.
More details: Nosler AccuBond bullet profile
Practical Range Recommendations
Deer – any load inside 1,000+ yards. Energy above 1,000 ft-lbs past 1,100 yards with the heaviest loads. The 300 PRC is dramatically overpowered for deer at most hunting distances – the energy (3,850+ ft-lbs at the muzzle) produces devastating tissue disruption at close range that damages edible meat. For deer-only hunting, a 6.5 Creedmoor or 308 Winchester is a more appropriate tool.
Elk – 212-grain ELD-X inside 750 yards; 215-grain Berger Hybrid inside 800 yards; 230-grain Berger inside 875-900 yards with energy above 1,500 ft-lbs. Use bonded or controlled-expansion bullets (ELD-X, ABLR) for quartering shots through heavy bone and muscle.
Moose – 212-grain ELD-X or Nosler ABLR inside 600 yards; 230-grain Berger inside 625-630 yards. The 300 PRC is one of the most capable production moose cartridges available, delivering 2,000+ ft-lbs to approximately 625 yards with the heaviest loads. Shot placement is still essential – broadside or quartering-away to the lung field.
ELR competition – 230-grain Berger Hybrid for maximum BC past 1,000 yards. The 225-grain ELD-M for stages inside 1,200 yards where slightly higher starting velocity provides a practical advantage.
Bonded bullet requirement at close range: At 300 PRC’s 2,800-2,860 FPS, cup-and-core bullets (standard Core-Lokt, Power-Point) can fail through premature core-jacket separation at close-range high-velocity impacts. Use only bonded, partitioned, or match bullets for hunting at all ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 300 PRC compare to the 300 Winchester Magnum? The 300 Winchester Magnum produces slightly higher velocity with 180-190 grain bullets than the 300 PRC with equivalent weights, but the 300 PRC’s chamber geometry accommodates 212-230 grain high-BC bullets more efficiently. At 1,000 yards the 300 PRC 230-grain Berger delivers approximately 1,399 ft-lbs versus the 300 Win Mag 190-grain Berger at approximately 1,200-1,300 ft-lbs. The 300 PRC’s advantage is specifically in heavy-bullet long-range performance; at 300-400 yards with 180-grain bullets both cartridges are essentially identical. The 300 Winchester Magnum has an overwhelming factory ammunition selection advantage. See 300 Winchester Magnum ballistics for comparison.
Is the 300 PRC appropriate for all North American big game? Yes – it exceeds the energy requirements for all North American big game at practical hunting distances with appropriate bullets. The primary concern is overkill on smaller deer at close range where the high energy produces excessive meat damage. For large dangerous game (brown bear, grizzly bear), the 300 PRC with 212-230 grain bonded or partitioned bullets provides adequate penetration.
What barrel length is optimal for the 300 PRC? 26 inches provides the velocity figures in this article. A 24-inch barrel loses approximately 40-70 FPS; a 28-inch barrel gains approximately 30-50 FPS. The 300 PRC’s large case capacity (approximately 90-95 grains of water capacity) is optimized for 26-inch barrels. Precision rifle competition builds typically use 26 or 28 inches; hunting rifles 24-26 inches.
How does the 300 PRC compare to the 338 Lapua Magnum for ELR shooting? The 338 Lapua Magnum with 300-grain Berger Hybrid (G7 BC approximately 0.415) produces substantially more muzzle energy (approximately 4,800-5,100 ft-lbs vs 3,850-4,007 ft-lbs) and more wind-resistant projectiles at 1,500+ yards. The 338 Lapua maintains supersonic flight past 1,500 yards with heavy bullets while producing notably more recoil (approximately 40-45 ft-lbs vs 28-32 ft-lbs for the 300 PRC). For competition stages past 1,500 yards the 338 Lapua is superior. For 1,000-1,200 yard competition and hunting, the 300 PRC’s lower recoil enables faster follow-up shots and more comfortable practice.
What is the barrel life of the 300 PRC? Approximately 1,500-2,000 rounds before meaningful accuracy loss. The 300 PRC’s large powder charge (approximately 85-90 grains) at high velocity produces rapid throat erosion. This is shorter barrel life than the 300 Winchester Magnum (approximately 2,000-2,500 rounds) and substantially shorter than standard hunting cartridges. For a competition shooter who fires 600-800 rounds per season, a barrel lasts 2-3 seasons. Quality stainless steel barrels from Proof Research, Krieger, or Bartlein provide modestly better erosion resistance.
Can I use the 300 PRC for prairie dog or varmint shooting? Technically yes, but it is grossly overpowered and damages barrels rapidly through high-volume shooting. The 300 PRC is designed for infrequent precision shots at extreme range – not volume varmint shooting where 50-200 rounds per session is common. Use a 223 Remington or 22-250 Remington for varmints and save the 300 PRC barrel life for meaningful long-range work.
Editorial note: This article was originally published in December 2025 and revised in April 2026. The revision added velocity retention table extended to 1,300 yards with transonic ceiling analysis for all four loads, added expansion velocity threshold analysis showing where each load drops below 1,800 FPS, added Nosler AccuBond Long Range 210 gr as a practical fifth bullet profile for hunting applications replacing the generic Berger 230 gr Hybrid restatement, added moose as a specific hunting application with the 600-yard capability statement, added the bonded bullet close-range requirement note, added deer overkill caveat in practical recommendations, and added FAQ section.
