The 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) is designed to fire heavy-for-caliber bullets at long range, which means it is a shoulder thumper. However, compared to many other magnum rifle cartridges, the 300 PRC’s recoil is middle of the road. Let’s see just how much recoil the 300 PRC generates.
How Much Recoil Does 300 PRC Have?
The 300 PRC has 36 ft-lbs of recoil energy on average. This figure varies depending on several factors discussed in the next section.
The average shooter typically finds anything over 15 ft-lbs challenging to manage. Most magnum rifle cartridges have 25 ft-lbs of free recoil energy or more (up to 83 ft-lbs for the 50 BMG). A few generate considerably less recoil energy, such as the 240 Weatherby Magnum, which kicks with 12 ft-lbs of force.
Factors That Influence Recoil for 300 PRC
Felt recoil is subjective. It varies from shooter to shooter, making it an unreliable measurement of how much recoil a cartridge generates.
In contrast, free recoil energy is measured empirically, being solely determined by projectile weight, propellant weight, muzzle velocity, and rifle weight. For example, when a 300 PRC cartridge with a charge weight of 75 grains fires a 212 grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2,860 fps out of an 8 pound rifle, the free recoil energy it produces is about 36 ft-lbs.
How 300 PRC Recoil Compares to Other Calibers
I previously mentioned that the 300 PRC’s recoil is considered mild or middle-of-the-road relative to other magnum cartridges. Check out the chart below to see how it compares to other magnum cartridges.
| Cartridge | Free Recoil Energy |
|---|---|
| .257 Weatherby Magnum | 19 ft-lbs |
| .270 Weatherby Magnum | 23 ft-lbs |
| 6.5-300 Weatherby-Magnum | 25 ft-lbs |
| 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) | 25 ft-lbs |
| 7mm Weatherby Magnum | 26 ft-lbs |
| .338 Winchester Magnum | 30 ft-lbs |
| .300 Winchester Magnum | 30 ft-lbs |
| .300 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) | 36 ft-lbs |
| .300 Weatherby Magnum | 37 ft-lbs |
| .338 Lapua Magnum | 41 ft-lbs |
| .458 Winchester Magnum | 56 ft-lbs |
| .378 Weatherby Magnum | 61 ft-lbs |
| .50 Browning Machine Gun | 83 ft-lbs |
How to Reduce 300 PRC Recoil
If you wish to reduce 300 PRC recoil, then you can use a heavier rifle, make your existing rifle heavier, or choose ammo that has a lighter bullet and/or lower muzzle velocity. A muzzle brake will significantly reduce a cartridge’s recoil, making it more manageable and forgiving during a long day of shooting. Replacing the butt pad on the stock with a more forgiving one can also help your shoulder feel less wear at the range.
Try combining all the abovementioned methods to experience the maximum possible recoil reduction. If you still feel that recoil is too much to manage, it’s likely time to find a more recoil-friendly cartridge.
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