Sourcing accurate 300 PRC load data is essential for unlocking the extreme long-range accuracy and modern magnum performance of Hornady’s heavy-hitting .30-caliber cartridge.
This comprehensive guide compiles verified 300 PRC reloading data to help you safely develop the perfect round for precision target shooting or extended-range big game hunting.
Whether you are loading 190-grain monolithic expanding projectiles or massive 225-grain match bullets, always cross-reference these published figures before charging your cases.
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300 PRC Load Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Hornady CX | 190 gr | H1000 | 73.0 gr | 78.5 gr | 2,800 – 3,000 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hornady |
| Hornady ELD-X | 212 gr | Retumbo | 74.0 gr | 79.0 gr (65,000 PSI) | 2,750 – 2,900 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Barnes LRX | 208 gr | Ramshot Magnum | 73.0 gr | 78.5 gr | 2,700 – 2,920 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Western Powders |
| Nosler AccuBond LR | 210 gr | IMR 8133 | 75.0 gr | 79.5C gr | 2,750 – 2,880 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Hornady ELD Match | 225 gr | Vihtavuori N565 | 71.0 gr | 76.5 gr | 2,650 – 2,850 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Vihtavuori |
300 PRC Reloading Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Hornady ELD-X | 212 gr | H1000 | 71.5 gr | 76.8 gr | 2,700 – 2,860 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hornady |
| Berger Hybrid Target | 215 gr | Reloder 26 | 72.0 gr | 77.0 gr | 2,750 – 2,950 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Alliant Powder |
| Hornady A-Tip Match | 230 gr | Retumbo | 70.0 gr | 75.5 gr | 2,600 – 2,800 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hornady |
| Sierra MatchKing | 220 gr | US869 | 82.0 gr | 88.0 gr | 2,650 – 2,850 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Sierra Bullets |
| Barnes TTSX | 180 gr | Winchester STAball HD | 76.0 gr | 81.5 gr | 2,900 – 3,100 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
Understanding the 300 PRC Reloading Data
Reading 300 PRC reloading data requires an understanding of modern cartridge architecture. Introduced by Hornady in 2018, the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge was purpose-built to outperform legacy magnums like the .300 Winchester Magnum. Designed around the .375 Ruger parent case, it features a beltless, non-tapered body with a 30-degree shoulder and a highly standardized, long-throated chamber. This specific design allows reloaders to seat exceptionally long, high-ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets completely outside of the powder column without exceeding the SAAMI 3.700-inch overall length maximum for standard magnum long actions.
300 PRC Bullet Weight Reloading Data
The 300 PRC was engineered from the ground up to dominate with heavy-for-caliber .308-inch projectiles. While you can physically load lightweight 150-grain or 180-grain bullets, doing so wastes the cartridge’s true potential. The cartridge is universally optimized for bullet weights ranging from 190 grains up to a massive 250 grains. The 212-grain Hornady ELD-X and the 225-grain ELD Match are considered the absolute factory standards. To properly stabilize these long, aerodynamic bullets, the 300 PRC mandates a fast 1:8.5 or 1:8 barrel twist rate.
300 PRC Powder Reloading Data
Powder selection for the 300 PRC relies entirely on slow-burning magnum rifle propellants to maximize the efficiency of its case geometry. Temperature-stable extruded powders like Hodgdon H1000 and Retumbo are the undisputed gold standards, consistently delivering tight velocity spreads critical for extreme long-range (ELR) shooting. Other highly exceptional propellants include Vihtavuori N565, N570, Reloder 26, Ramshot Magnum, US869, and Winchester STAball HD, all of which provide excellent load density and smooth, sustained pressure curves.
300 PRC Bullet and Powder Combinations
Pairing the right bullet with the appropriate powder is critical for achieving the extreme consistency demanded by precision shooters. A 212-grain ELD-X or 215-grain Berger Hybrid seated over a charge of H1000 or Retumbo is highly favored for extreme-range hunting, offering a superb balance of velocity and temperature insensitivity. When pushing massive 225-grain to 230-grain match bullets, ultra-slow powders like US869 or Vihtavuori N565 allow reloaders to safely maximize their powder charge without aggressively crushing the powder column.
300 PRC Velocity From Published Data
Published velocity figures for the 300 PRC prove its capability as a highly efficient, top-tier magnum. With the standard 212-grain heavy hunting bullet, reloaders can comfortably achieve velocities nearing 2,900 fps out of a standard test barrel. Massive 225-grain match bullets easily hold 2,800 to 2,850 fps. These extreme velocities, combined with the incredibly high ballistic coefficients of heavy .30-caliber bullets, ensure the projectile remains comfortably supersonic at distances well beyond a mile.
300 PRC Reloading Data by Barrel Length
Most published load data for the 300 PRC utilizes a 24-inch or 26-inch laboratory test barrel to simulate the heavy-profile barrels used by precision shooters. While the cartridge is highly efficient, utilizing slow-burning magnum powders means that shortening the barrel will noticeably affect performance. If you choose to run a 22-inch barrel for a suppressed mountain hunting rifle, you can expect a modest velocity loss of approximately 30 to 50 fps per inch of reduced barrel length, alongside a significant increase in muzzle blast.
300 PRC Energy and Ballistics
The 300 PRC generates devastating kinetic energy, frequently producing over 4,000 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. Because it fires heavy, highly aerodynamic projectiles, it retains its kinetic energy downrange vastly better than traditional magnums that utilize lighter 180-grain bullets. The trajectory is laser-flat, and the extreme wind-deflection resistance makes it a highly forgiving cartridge for cross-canyon hunting shots where wind estimation is difficult.
300 PRC Hunting Applications
The 300 PRC is rapidly becoming the ultimate cartridge for Western big game hunters pursuing elk, moose, large bears, and African plains game. Loaded with premium 200-grain to 212-grain bonded or monolithic expanding bullets, it provides the deep penetration and massive hydrostatic shock necessary to cleanly and ethically harvest the largest animals at extended ranges. Its recoil is substantial, so many hunters utilize heavy-profile rifles equipped with modern muzzle brakes or suppressors to manage the magnum kick.
Manufacturer Data vs. Independent Testing
Because the 300 PRC is a high-performance modern cartridge, relying exclusively on official manufacturer data is absolutely paramount. Independent forum data may feature shooters experimenting with bullet seating depths that forcefully jam the projectile into the lands of the rifling. Doing this can cause instantaneous, catastrophic pressure spikes that exceed the structural limits of the action. Always prioritize verified load data published by Hornady or Hodgdon, and use a bullet comparator to safely set your seating depth off the lands.
300 PRC Pressure and Safety
The SAAMI Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) for the 300 PRC is set at a robust 65,000 PSI. Because the cartridge does not utilize a belt, it headspaces precisely on its 30-degree shoulder, offering excellent case life and inherent accuracy. However, reloaders must meticulously set up their full-length sizing dies to bump the shoulder back only .001 to .002 inches. Excessive shoulder bumping will cause dangerous headspace issues, stretched brass, and premature case head separation.
Best Sources for 300 PRC Reloading Data
The most reliable sources for load data are the digital databases and printed manuals provided by the companies that pioneered the cartridge. Hornady provides meticulously tested, platform-safe load data in their official reloading app and published manuals. Additionally, the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center and Western Powders’ data hubs frequently update their free digital tables with pressure-tested recipes specifically tailored to the newest slow-burning magnum propellants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find 300 PRC reloading data?
You can find accurate, pressure-tested 300 PRC reloading data directly through the Hornady Reloading App, their published manuals, and digitally on the official Hodgdon Reloading Data Center.
What powders are listed in published 300 PRC data?
Commonly listed slow-burning magnum rifle powders include Hodgdon H1000, Retumbo, US869, Vihtavuori N565, Reloder 26, Ramshot Magnum, and Winchester STAball HD.
What bullet weights are covered in these tables?
These tables strictly cover heavy-for-caliber, high-BC .308-inch projectiles, specifically focusing on the optimal 190-grain to 230-grain bullet weight class.
Does barrel length affect 300 PRC velocity?
Yes, shooting from a 22-inch suppressed hunting barrel rather than the standard 24-inch or 26-inch test barrel will typically result in a velocity loss of approximately 30 to 50 feet per second per inch.
Can I use standard rifle primers for 300 PRC?
No, you must strictly use Large Rifle Magnum primers to ensure the reliable and consistent ignition of the massive charges of slow-burning magnum powder.
What is the difference between 300 PRC load data and reloading data?
There is no practical difference; both terms refer to the exact recipes of powder charges, bullet weights, and primers required to safely assemble the cartridge.
Why do published velocity figures differ between sources?
Velocity figures differ because testing facilities utilize different test barrels, distinct environmental conditions, variations in brass case volumes, and different primer types during their distinct testing protocols.
Should I use the maximum published load?
You should never start at the maximum published load; always begin at the recommended starting charge and carefully work up while monitoring your fired brass for pressure signs like flattened primers or a sticky bolt lift.
Can I use data from one bullet manufacturer for another bullet?
You should only use data specifically designed for the exact bullet you are loading, as variations in bullet length, profile, and bearing surface dramatically alter internal case capacity and chamber pressures.
Where should I verify 300 PRC load data before reloading?
You should strictly verify all load data against an official, recently published manufacturer manual or a powder company’s official online database before assembling any ammunition.