300 PRC update

[MOUNTIC]

New to this game. What, if any, mods need to be done to a Rem 700 LA Mag to use 300WM CIP mags and bottom metal? Any one care to provide a link for suitable bottom metal and mags? As I said, I'm new to this and confused as h3ll.

If you have a factory rem 700... The easiest thing I can think of is buying a KRG Bravo stock that fits the 3.850 CIP mags. Cheap, easy, and an upgrade over the factory rem 700 stuff.

 

[2Barrels]

Thanks for the insight . I have a McMillan A5 that I had planned to put to use with the 300PRC that is in the works. It doesn't have a M5 inlet so that would need to be addressed if I used something like the Hawkins M5 CIP bottom metal. Hadn't really thought to look at the Bravo, but it is an alternative.

 

[Rocketmandb]

Brass update:

I just got 20 RWS 8x68S cases. Everything looks like this brass will work well. I was able to trim, neck it down easily enough (got neck thickness of .0145 - .0155), and test extraction from my action. It works fine. Next weekend I'll be fire forming 10-20 rounds using some extra 200 ELDs I've got laying around - I'm pretty sure I can get those to jam for forming.

I've never seen RWS before - the brass is very well done and consistent.

I'm confident enough from what I've seen (and read earlier on this thread) that I ordered a custom hydro-forming die (3-4 months out).

P.S. Speaking of brass (cleaning, it more appropriately), I just started using the Bore Tech case cleaner in my ultrasonic. Hands down the best I've ever bought or been able to concoct myself.

 

[gnochi]

Brass update:

I just got 20 RWS 8x68S cases. Everything looks like this brass will work well. I was able to trim, neck it down easily enough (got neck thickness of .0145 - .0155), and test extraction from my action. It works fine. Next weekend I'll be fire forming 10-20 rounds using some extra 200 ELDs I've got laying around - I'm pretty sure I can get those to jam for forming.

I've never seen RWS before - the brass is very well done and consistent.

I'm confident enough from what I've seen (and read earlier on this thread) that I ordered a custom hydro-forming die (3-4 months out).

P.S. Speaking of brass (cleaning, it more appropriately), I just started using the Bore Tech case cleaner in my ultrasonic. Hands down the best I've ever bought or been able to concoct myself.

What action do you have / what extraction style?

 

[Rocketmandb]

What action do you have / what extraction style?

This is a heavily modded Savage 110 converted from a 300 WM. It has a single pin and sliding blade.

 

[Ledzep]

Got mine on paper tonight at 100 yards. I tried 77.0, 77.5, and 78.0gr of H1000 behind some 208 ELD's. 1 of the 3 groups (5 rounds each) had 2 holes, the others all piled into 1 hole; 0.25-0.5" groups judging from the scope, I didn't go down and recover them. About 25fps ES and upper single digit SD's with 77.0 and 77.5, and a little worse with 78.0. I have 25 rounds through the barrel at this point so I imagine it will pick up a little speed as things progress, but the 78.0gr load gave an avg. of 2981fps in my 31" barrel. Cases/primers look fine, super easy extraction, and I think there's still room to boost it up if I wanted to.

Up next I'm going to try RL26 and 225's I think. At this point I'm just trying to get 50 fire-formed cases first before I start any serious load development. So far things are looking very promising, though.

 

[MOUNTIC]

Got mine on paper tonight at 100 yards. I tried 77.0, 77.5, and 78.0gr of H1000 behind some 208 ELD's. 1 of the 3 groups (5 rounds each) had 2 holes, the others all piled into 1 hole; 0.25-0.5" groups judging from the scope, I didn't go down and recover them. About 25fps ES and upper single digit SD's with 77.0 and 77.5, and a little worse with 78.0. I have 25 rounds through the barrel at this point so I imagine it will pick up a little speed as things progress, but the 78.0gr load gave an avg. of 2981fps in my 31" barrel. Cases/primers look fine, super easy extraction, and I think there's still room to boost it up if I wanted to.

Up next I'm going to try RL26 and 225's I think. At this point I'm just trying to get 50 fire-formed cases first before I start any serious load development. So far things are looking very promising, though.

I think you have a lot of room with H1k. Few guys I know run 80+gr of H1k with 215 Berger's over 3k in 26 and 28 inch tubes with no pressure. I have settled in right around 79.0 range. Still playing a little in there. 26 inch tube with 215s at 2950 now the barrel sped up a little. Hit first pressure in one of my guns at 81gr H1k with the 215s. 3050 fps.
I would think with a 31 inch tube and 208s you should be in the 3100 range. I would keep going til you found pressure and back down.

 

[Ledzep]

No doubt. I haven't really pushed the limits with anything yet. The first 10 rounds were 178's over 78gr of H1000. Shot 5, cleaned, shot 5 cleaned, then tested for accuracy today, just kind of playing around with odds and ends. Going to get serious about it in the coming week or two and see what it does with 225's. From published 24" data I'm consistently floating 100-125fps faster, and I suspect as the barrel breaks in that will increase a little.

Running the numbers on JBM it's kind of a wash between the 230 and 250 Atips. Wind is practically identical to beyond 2000yd, elevation is flatter with the 230's, supersonic range is very similar. I think I'm going to develop with and shoot the 225's for now and transfer over to 230's when I can get some.

 

[Ledzep]

RL26 with 225 ELD-M @ 2.680" COAL
31" Bartlein 5r, 1:9.5-1:9 gain twist
Virgin Hornady brass, CCI 250

Rounds 26-50 on a new barrel:

-74.0gr SD 12 ~0.6" 4 shot group (fouler omitted for SD and group)
2860 <---fouler
2884
2881
2900
2910

-74.2gr SD 13 ~0.7" group
2866
2882
2894
2901
2898

-74.4gr SD 8 ~0.4" group
2905
2902
2888
2910
2893

-74.6gr SD 4 one big knot, 0.25"
2910
2914
2919
2913
2921

-74.8gr SD 6 ~0.35" group
2922
2935
2923
2924
2918

Got all of my cases fired, so I'll resize them, bump the shoulder as little as I can manage and test again around 74.4-74.8, then take it out to stretch its legs. Might be a week or three before I get around to it all.

 

[Rocketmandb]

-74.8gr SD 6 ~0.35" group
2922
2935
2923
2924
2918

Got all of my cases fired, so I'll resize them, bump the shoulder as little as I can manage and test again around 74.4-74.8, then take it out to stretch its legs. Might be a week or three before I get around to it all.

I'm curious as to why you stopped at 74.8 - though that 74.6 group is sweet...

 

[Ledzep]

I had 25 cases left and did 5 rounds each every .2 grains. For whatever reason I also had it in my mind that I was pushing the upper end of published #'s there, but see now that I had some more room to play with. If I had to guess, there's another node somewhere in the mid-upper 75gr range. I'll probably explore that in the future, also. Still just kinda playing around and letting the barrel settle in and getting a feel for things. Now that my cases are all fire formed I'm going to do just a little more testing to verify, then take it live at longer range.

Even at 2915fps Avg, though, if it continues to group and ES/SD stays in that ballpark, I will probably run it. Solidly supersonic to almost 2000yd with 225's, would be over 2000yd with the 230 A-tip. I can leave well enough alone. Another 85fps at the muzzle doesn't add up to much way out there. That being said, I think the barrel will speed up a little over the next 100 rounds, too.

The first 5 rounds nearly copper plated the bore. After cleaning, the next 5 also heavily coppered, though not as bad. The following 15 were better, and these last 25 barely left anything. So things are starting to smooth out a little. I'll see if I can borrow a bore-scope next week and check the throat out.

 

[Rocketmandb]

I had 25 cases left and did 5 rounds each every .2 grains. For whatever reason I also had it in my mind that I was pushing the upper end of published #'s there, but see now that I had some more room to play with. If I had to guess, there's another node somewhere in the mid-upper 75gr range. I'll probably explore that in the future, also. Still just kinda playing around and letting the barrel settle in and getting a feel for things. Now that my cases are all fire formed I'm going to do just a little more testing to verify, then take it live at longer range.

Even at 2915fps Avg, though, if it continues to group and ES/SD stays in that ballpark, I will probably run it. Solidly supersonic to almost 2000yd with 225's, would be over 2000yd with the 230 A-tip. I can leave well enough alone. Another 85fps at the muzzle doesn't add up to much way out there. That being said, I think the barrel will speed up a little over the next 100 rounds, too.

The first 5 rounds nearly copper plated the bore. After cleaning, the next 5 also heavily coppered, though not as bad. The following 15 were better, and these last 25 barely left anything. So things are starting to smooth out a little. I'll see if I can borrow a bore-scope next week and check the throat out.

Brass is always the issue - and faster isn't always better. If you can get a repeat performance out of that 74.6 load, then that's a winner.

 

[Scrav223]

Anyone have loads with Berger 210VLDs and some H-1000?

 

[high right]

Not exactly, I'm running the 215 hybrids with 79 grains H-1000, CCI mag primers @2975. ES of 7. Virgin brass.
Very accurate out to 1350. That's as far as I've taken it. I'll have to figure a load for the fired brass after I get it all fired once. It will be different.

 

[MOUNTIC]

Not exactly, I'm running the 215 hybrids with 79 grains H-1000, CCI mag primers @2975. ES of 7. Virgin brass.
Very accurate out to 1350. That's as far as I've taken it. I'll have to figure a load for the fired brass after I get it all fired once. It will be different.

What barrel length? I'm the same as you with bullets and primers and assuming Hornady brass. I have a 26 inch tube and TB ultra 7 can on there and need 80.0gr of H1k on once and twice fired brass to get 2980 fps. 79gr for me produces 2940s-2950.

 

[high right]

28" Brux 9 twist, 338 TBAC can, yeah Hornady brass. I don't have time to fire 300 pieces and get a load.
Wyo. ELR match in a few weeks. Just got this load worked up for Virgin brass. Callin it good for now.

 

[Bwells]

If you guys keep it up I'll be forced into another gun build.

 

[6point5CM]

I thought I would see some faster numbers. I have a 28" Proof carbon blank I was going to replace my 28" Broughton 300 WM with, but I already get 3025-3040 fps with 79.5-79.9 grains of H1000 and Fed 215M primers (Norma brass) with Berger 215's and 212 ELD-X's. Is there any benefit to spinning up a PRC or keeping the same reamer print and running another WM? I would almost have to go to a 300 PRC SI to see some real jump I think. Regardless, tagging in for research and some more once fired handload data.

 

[thesheepdog]

Other than milling off the little tab on the rear of the magwell, what else does one need to convert a 700 to CIP length mags for the 300 PRC?

 

[Scrav223]

I have a Savage 110 (originally 300wm) that I rebarreled to 300prc. I had CDi bottom metal installed and don't have CIP length mags. 225ELDM Hornady bullets don't fit without seating them 30Thou deeper. I measured my 210 bergers which I have 400 bullets and I can load into the lands and they will feed from my mags. I'll be trying some loads with H1K tomorrow.

 

[Rocketmandb]

A friend of mine is a dealer and I asked him to check his distributors (those that carry powder) to see if any had any Reloder 26. None did - then. He asked them to call when some arrived. I just got a call from him and one distributor had 35 lbs. By the time he called back, it was down to 14. He has them all held for me - they will drop ship. So with the 8lb I found and the scattered 1lbs I've been able to pick up, I'm set for a while with RL 26 - and now I won't feel bad loading up a bunch for this weekend.

Also, my Manners stock for my new BRA build is finally coming in today, and it's the last part I'm waiting for, so I'm happy...

 

[TnDoc]

I just got my new 300 PRC ... been waiting for 5 months for it! it's built on an MPA ESR chassis with a Defiance action, a Hart 1/9 29 .75 inch barrel, a Yankee Hill suppressor, and a triggertech diamond trigger. It has been a tack driver, just got i zeroed and hit two small bull's-eyes at 500 yards. I intend for this gun to go out to over 2000 yards, and with the Valdada Recon G2 scope I have 35 mils of elevation!

Went yesterday...hit 1850 x2 in a row with 18.7 mils, using Hornady 225 eld-m...barely missed at 2257 with last 7 rounds!

 

[TnDoc]

I'm wanting to load 230 Berger hybrids...got a bunch of H1000....any guidance on good powder charge? I know to start slightly lower to be safe...

 

[gnochi]

I'm wanting to load 230 Berger hybrids...got a bunch of H1000....any guidance on good powder charge? I know to start slightly lower to be safe...

Per Hornady’s reloading guidelines for 300PRC, the max load for a 225-230gr with H1000 is around 77.5gr.

 

[Kiba]

What's the consensus on barrel length?

I'm going to be doing a 300PRC barrel for my AXMC, so not really concerned about weight. Can't have suppressors here in CA, so I was going to go long. I have a 28" gain twist blank on order with Bartlein... think I should stick with 28" or go 29" or 30"?

Also, if anyone could provide the H2O capacity of their fired cases in grains, I'd appreciate it... I want to run some Quickload numbers.

 

[Ledzep]

I'd say with a 26" barrel you can probably achieve 2900-2950fps out of a 225-230gr bullet without running especially hot loads. Figure 20-25fps per inch from there. At 30", 3000fps is very likely attainable. Barrels do have some variance from one to the next, but most of the time are within about 30-50fps of each other with the same chamber, same load, and same length.

I'd say 26-28" is probably pretty useful. I went with 31" for the hilarity more than anything. Stupid thing is chin-high on me with the suppresor-- though I am just a little guy.

 

[TnDoc]

Per Hornady’s reloading guidelines for 300PRC, the max load for a 225-230gr with H1000 is around 77.5gr.

Thanks!

 

[186thFCo]

What's the consensus on barrel length?

I'm going to be doing a 300PRC barrel for my AXMC, so not really concerned about weight. Can't have suppressors here in CA, so I was going to go long. I have a 28" gain twist blank on order with Bartlein... think I should stick with 28" or go 29" or 30"?

Also, if anyone could provide the H2O capacity of their fired cases in grains, I'd appreciate it... I want to run some Quickload numbers.

I also have a gain twist barrel that I’m waiting on from Bartlein, starting at 1:9.5 and ending at 1:8.5 twist. I’m going to finish mine at 28”. I’m hoping to get around 3000fps with 230gr’s.

 

[Kiba]

I also have a gain twist barrel that I’m waiting on from Bartlein, starting at 1:9.5 and ending at 1:8.5 twist. I’m going to finish mine at 28”. I’m hoping to get around 3000fps with 230gr’s.

Funny, they recommended a 9 to 8.5 twist for my barrel.

 

[TnDoc]

I would think the 250s may be best suited for the Norma. But will be cool to see what guys with longer barrels can sling em at with the 300 PRC.

I have a 300prc with a 29" barrel....it's 1/9 twist. Think it'd stabilize a 250 ok?

 

[MOUNTIC]

I have a 300prc with a 29" barrel....it's 1/9 twist. Think it'd stabilize a 250 ok?

Plug it into the Berger calculator with your specs and you can find out what does and does not work for your needs. 9 should be good unless your in extremes.

 

[Painless300]

Guys would like some feedback from you. I am planning another long range lightweight elk rifle and the 300PRC has peaked my interest. I reload for 4 different calibers now so adding one more would be no problem. Would run Berger 210 Hunting VLDs, Accubonds or something close.
Parts I’ve decided on are:
McMillan Gamewarden Carbon
Fusion TI action
Hawkins BTM
Jewel or something close
TBAC Ultra 7
Proof Barrel

My question to you is:
What would the shortest length barrel given I’ll be running it suppressed?
Would the PRC be a good choice? Or just stay with the 300 win mag?

 

[jd5521]

Guys would like some feedback from you. I am planning another long range lightweight elk rifle and the 300PRC has peaked my interest. I reload for 4 different calibers now so adding one more would be no problem. Would run Berger 210 Hunting VLDs, Accubonds or something close.
Parts I’ve decided on are:
McMillan Gamewarden Carbon
Fusion TI action
Hawkins BTM
Jewel or something close
TBAC Ultra 7
Proof Barrel

My question to you is:
What would the shortest length barrel given I’ll be running it suppressed?
Would the PRC be a good choice? Or just stay with the 300 win mag?

With the posted velocities by Hornady and their test barrel of 24 inches I wouldn’t go shorter than that.

 

[maksim]

Wowser, just read the 24 pages over the previous few days. =P

So I have a Ruger Precision Rifle in 300 PRC, same one I shot at a Ruger media event out at FTW Ranch a month or so ago. Blown away by the round and its performance. 1,000 yards felt like child's play and 1800 to 2,000 was quite doable. A bit hectic beyond 2k as it went back subsonic.

Questions, have a few boxes of factory stuff that will be getting shot soon and will be ready to reload.

I see that we have H1000 data and will work with that but anyone have any luck yet with 8133?
Picked up a lb because could not find RL26. Would be great to have same powder for both 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC and will test out the 6.5 in the next few days.

But yes, any testing on 8133 or will I be that guy? =) 225 ELD-m.

 

[MOUNTIC]

Wowser, just read the 24 pages over the previous few days. =P

So I have a Ruger Precision Rifle in 300 PRC, same one I shot at a Ruger media event out at FTW Ranch a month or so ago. Blown away by the round and its performance. 1,000 yards felt like child's play and 1800 to 2,000 was quite doable. A bit hectic beyond 2k as it went back subsonic.

Questions, have a few boxes of factory stuff that will be getting shot soon and will be ready to reload.

I see that we have H1000 data and will work with that but anyone have any luck yet with 8133?
Picked up a lb because could not find RL26. Would be great to have same powder for both 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC and will test out the 6.5 in the next few days.

But yes, any testing on 8133 or will I be that guy? =) 225 ELD-m.

You may be quiet happy with the 225 eldm Hornady stuff. 5 round group from yesterday attached.

I was talking to a few guys yesterday who were shooting reloder 25 with about the same results as 26. Might give that a go. My local Cabela's had 25 on the shelf.

 

[maksim]

You may be quiet happy with the 225 eldm Hornady stuff. 5 round group from yesterday attached.

I was talking to a few guys yesterday who were shooting reloder 25 with about the same results as 26. Might give that a go. My local Cabela's had 25 on the shelf.

No doubt. The ammo was consistently sub MOA when we shot it at the media event and gave me my first ever hits at 1,800, 2,000 and 2,300 yards. =)

The tinkerer just really wants to see how much more if any we can push it.

Thanks to the folks here and Hornady.... regular gun guys can go to a store, buy factory ammo, stick it in a factory gun, with a mid priced optic and go shoot a mile. Talk about breaking down the barriers to long range shooting.

Prior to 300 PRC I was so hopped up on the idea of building or buying a 338 LM but seeing how 300 PRC let me connect at over a mile with factory ammo without having to reload at around $2 a round... winning.

Was blown away by seeing 338 LM ammo at $100 a box at Cabelas. I knew it was that expensive of course, but seeing it in person on the shelf was a whole other animal.

So will be exploring the 300 PRC world and looking forward to testing other 300 PRC rifles (in the media, I cover the gun industry for financial media and recently launched YouTube channel as expansion of the regional forum I own.).

Got to get me some 250 A Tips now. =)

 

[maksim]

You may be quiet happy with the 225 eldm Hornady stuff. 5 round group from yesterday attached.

I was talking to a few guys yesterday who were shooting reloder 25 with about the same results as 26. Might give that a go. My local Cabela's had 25 on the shelf.

Btw, my understanding was RL 25 was not as temperature consistent as 26...

Really love the idea of 26 just can't find any... 8133 is avail at least.

One of the challenges talking to the local reloading suppliers is that in their minds, there is so much powder out there now... they don't know what all to carry. You have folks who want the latest, and tons of other old timers who still go for the tried and true.

 

[MOUNTIC]

Btw, my understanding was RL 25 was not as temperature consistent as 26...

Really love the idea of 26 just can't find any... 8133 is avail at least.

One of the challenges talking to the local reloading suppliers is that in their minds, there is so much powder out there now... they don't know what all to carry. You have folks who want the latest, and tons of other old timers who still go for the tried and true.

I have been searching for RL26 for a long while. I called powder valley and they got me on the backorder list for 24lbs of it. We'll see when that comes available. They said they have no ETAs from manufacturers and no timeline. At the mercy of the supplier.

Some places have it as low as $160 for 8lbs and as high as $205. For now I'm using H1k and bought enough to get me through at least this barrel.

 

[Ledzep]

I have a 300prc with a 29" barrel....it's 1/9 twist. Think it'd stabilize a 250 ok?

Kinda depends on temp/elevation but in most cases I would say you have a good chance of it stabilizing.

 

[gnochi]

I have been searching for RL26 for a long while. I called powder valley and they got me on the backorder list for 24lbs of it. We'll see when that comes available. They said they have no ETAs from manufacturers and no timeline. At the mercy of the supplier.

Some places have it as low as $160 for 8lbs and as high as $205. For now I'm using H1k and bought enough to get me through at least this barrel.

Another one that might be worth keeping an eye out for is VV N565. It’s allegedly reasonably temperature stable while giving similar muzzle velocities to RL26 and low SDs. Allegedly.

 

[Scrav223]

Savage 110-Bartlien 26" 1-8.5
Hornady neck bushing .333 Range results with H1K and 225ELDM and 210VLD's:

Target 1: 225ELDM 77.2gr. H1K
T.L. 3.680
Ave. Velocity 2890
S.D. 7fps
Target 2: 210VLD 76.7gr H1K
No velocities taken
Target 3: 210VLD 78.2
Ave velocity 2945
S.D. 6.7

Looking promising

 

[maksim]

Another one that might be worth keeping an eye out for is VV N565. It’s allegedly reasonably temperature stable while giving similar muzzle velocities to RL26 and low SDs. Allegedly.

Oh YES! Looked for both 565 and 570. I think a place around here had 560. IIRC I saw somewhere that 565 looked exactly the same as Reloader 26... or was it 560?

 

[gnochi]

Oh YES! Looked for both 565 and 570. I think a place around here had 560. IIRC I saw somewhere that 565 looked exactly the same as Reloader 26... or was it 560?

Looking at the 198 Flatline / 300 PRC chart, 560 and RL26 are very similar. 570 runs out of fill before it runs out of pressure, so if 565 is a decent mix of 560/570 properties it should be fantastic.

On a related note, is there a way to reliably mix multiple powders without it blowing up in your face?

 

[maksim]

Looking at the 198 Flatline / 300 PRC chart, 560 and RL26 are very similar. 570 runs out of fill before it runs out of pressure, so if 565 is a decent mix of 560/570 properties it should be fantastic.

On a related note, is there a way to reliably mix multiple powders without it blowing up in your face?

As far as I know... no? Although will have to ask my chemist wife. lol.

 

[Ledzep]

Ammunition manufacturers mix powders fairly frequently to get pressure and velocity where they want it. The bulk powders aren't as consistent lot to lot so it's often necessary.

It requires a bit of knowledge of the makeup of the powders. Many are chemically the same with inhibitors added to slow burn rate. Knowledge beyond that I don't have.

 

[scottchevelle]

19.5 weeks for the build but I have my rifle. Received ammunition and 150 brass I ordered about 2 weeks ago. Can't wait to shoot it but could be a few weeks since work is really hectic.

 

[LakuNoc]

Guys need help with Stock for my 300 PRC. Want stock to be somewhat light something like McMillan Adjustable Game Scout does anyone have one of these? But I would like stock or chassis to take longer magazine 3.850. Was looking at Whiskey-3 chassis because it will take 3.850 mags length but its over 4lbs. Any suggestions will be appreciated thank you.

 

[b2lee]

Guys need help with Stock for my 300 PRC. Want stock to be somewhat light something like McMillan Adjustable Game Scout does anyone have one of these? But I would like stock or chassis to take longer magazine 3.850. Was looking at Whiskey-3 chassis because it will take 3.850 mags length but its over 4lbs. Any suggestions will be appreciated thank you.

Have you looked at say a Foundation Stock? They are right around 4lbs for the long action version...just under for short action. I'm going to put my 300PRC into a JAE stock....but that's 5.76lbs as currently configured...and I'm going to add an ARCA rail and bag rider...so much heavier.

 

[jd5521]

Guys need help with Stock for my 300 PRC. Want stock to be somewhat light something like McMillan Adjustable Game Scout does anyone have one of these? But I would like stock or chassis to take longer magazine 3.850. Was looking at Whiskey-3 chassis because it will take 3.850 mags length but its over 4lbs. Any suggestions will be appreciated thank you.

What’s the purpose of the rifle? Target or hunting?

 

[LakuNoc]

What’s the purpose of the rifle? Target or hunting?

Hunting but also target here and there. i would like to keep it around 12-13 LBS