The 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge and 300 Winchester Magnum are solid options for long-distance hunting and target shooting.
But which is the better choice?
In this 7mm PRC vs. 300 Win Mag comparison, we’ll decide which is the better long-distance cartridge based on the facts of real-world performance.
Differences Between 7mm PRC and 300 Win Mag
While these cartridges were designed for the same purpose, they do approach it differently. We’ll begin by comparing the technical specifications for each cartridge, and then move on to how those differences affect performance in ordinary situations.
Cartridge Specs
| Specification | 7mm PRC | 300 Win Mag |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Case | .375 Ruger | .375 H&H Magnum |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.284" | 0.308" |
| Neck Diameter | 0.2846" | 0.339" |
| Base Diameter | 0.532" | 0.532" |
| Case Length | 2.28" | 2.62" |
| Overall Length | 3.34" | 3.34" |
| Case Capacity | 73 grains H2O | 93.8 grains H2O |
| Max Pressure (SAAMI) | 65,000 psi | 64,000 psi |
These long-distance cartridges are extremely similar in size, so much so that only a barrel change is required to switch between them using the same rifle. This is because their base diameters (0.532") and overall lengths (3.340") are the same, and their maximum pressures are similar (65,000 psi for 7mm PRC; 64,000 psi for 300 Win Mag).
The greatest dissimilarity between these two rounds is their projectiles, which have different diameters.
Let’s see how these rounds’ differences affect their performance, starting with the amount of recoil each one produces.
Recoil: 7mm PRC vs. 300 Win Mag
A cartridge’s recoil is important because it plays a vital role not just in the shooter’s comfort, but in their accuracy as well. A heavy-recoil round is more likely to make the shooter flinch, reducing their accuracy.
Many things affect felt recoil, including a muzzle brake, and the effects vary from shooter to shooter, making it unreliable on which to base a solid conclusion.
However, free recoil energy is quantifiable because it is determined by rifle weight, bullet weight, weight of the propellant charge, and muzzle velocity—all measurable variables, not dependent on what the shooter feels.
The 7mm PRC typically has 28.5 ft-lbs of recoil energy when fired from an 8.5 lb rifle. For a complete breakdown of 7mm PRC recoil characteristics and reduction methods, our detailed guide covers everything you need to know.
The 300 Win Mag typically has 37.2 ft-lbs of free recoil energy when fired from an 8.5 lb rifle.
The 7mm PRC has about 16% less recoil energy than the 300 Win Mag, making it the winner of this section.
Trajectory
Trajectory quantifies a projectile’s flight path to its target, measured in inches of drop. Due to gravity, it is always an arch. The flatter the arch, the better for the shooter because they may make fewer adjustments to remain accurate as the distance increases to the target. Bullet design and velocity determine trajectory.
When zeroed in at 200 yards, a Hornady Outfitter 160 grain CX 7mm PRC bullet will only drop -35.6" at 500 yards; -247.5" at 1,000 yards.
When zeroed in at 200 yards, the Hornady Superformance 165 grain CX 300 Win Mag bullet will only drop -32.87" at 500 yards; -256.9" at 1,000 yards.
For close range (within 500 yards), the 300 Win Mag has a flatter trajectory, but the 7mm PRC has a flatter trajectory at longer distances.
Since we’re comparing these cartridges on long-range capabilities, the 7mm PRC narrowly wins this section.
Continue reading 7mm PRC vs. 300 Win Mag: Which Dominates the Distances? on Ammo.com
https://ammo.com/comparison/7mm-prc-vs-300-win-mag#7mm-prc-vs-300-win-mag-accuracy