20” 300 PRC

SubMOAinthesheets

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Jan 9, 2020
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4
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Oklahoma
Long time lurker of LRH and just joined. Looking for some opinions on a short barreled 300 PRC I want to build.

I'm wanting to build a 20-22" 300 PRC for my go to "western" hunting rig. I have a 6.5 CM with a 22" proof research barrel on a trued R700, laid in a manners EH6-A stock that I use for mule deer and below. This 300PRC would be built off a Big Horn action and am looking at another proof barrel. I plan on this being my mule deer and above gun.

My question is, besides lower velocities, what are the biggest downfalls to a shorter barrel in a big round like the 300 PRC. How much would that shorter barrel effect accuracy out to 700-800 yards? Also, twist rates suggested? One caveat, I plan on running a can on this rifle.

Realistically I want this rifle to be light and compact/packable in the back country and be able to take an elk size animal at 700 yards. What are your thoughts or experience.
 
I'm building a lightweight right now in the Sherman improved. No downfall at all except FPS. May even have better accuracy with less whip. I'm using a pierce ti action and bolt with proof barrel.
 
Just sent my action out for this exactly.

Biggest negative(velocity aside) is muzzle blast IMO and like you mine will be run with a can. I can't wait, I say go for it.
 
Long time lurker of LRH and just joined. Looking for some opinions on a short barreled 300 PRC I want to build.

I'm wanting to build a 20-22" 300 PRC for my go to "western" hunting rig. I have a 6.5 CM with a 22" proof research barrel on a trued R700, laid in a manners EH6-A stock that I use for mule deer and below. This 300PRC would be built off a Big Horn action and am looking at another proof barrel. I plan on this being my mule deer and above gun.

My question is, besides lower velocities, what are the biggest downfalls to a shorter barrel in a big round like the 300 PRC. How much would that shorter barrel effect accuracy out to 700-800 yards? Also, twist rates suggested? One caveat, I plan on running a can on this rifle.

Realistically I want this rifle to be light and compact/packable in the back country and be able to take an elk size animal at 700 yards. What are your thoughts or experience.

Welcome to LRH and enjoy! BHA actions are awesome, I have the older SR2 LA.

As you and others have noted, a shorter barrel is a decrease in velocity. Changes in velocity also affect energy at the point of impact and trajectory but if you propel the right bullet designed for your intended purpose at the minimum bullet to effectively expand at 700 yards, you should be OK. "My" unwritten rule is 1500 FT-LBS of energy and >1600 FPS (depending on the bullet design minimum expansion) at the point of impact. As far as twist goes, 1:10" is fine but "my" personal preference would be 1:9" or faster for the heavies.

Don't want to assume anything but make sure wherever west hunting you are going that a suppressor is legal for hunting.

GO FOR IT! Keep us posted on your build. Good luck and happy safe shooting/hunting.

Ed
 
I'm going to follow this. I have a 6.5 SAUM ultralight rifle, most everything is CF. It's on a bighorn origin action. Looking to buy a long action Origin next and do 300 PRC. After going with 26" proof sendero light CF on my 6.5 saum, I'm wishing I had went much shorter.
 
You have to ask yourself, 'How am I going to make this shot at 700 yards?'

Will you be prone?

Standing on your hind legs?

Using a bipod?

Using a tripod with saddle clamp?

In essence you need to think about balance and making a killing shot at 700 yards.

If you shoot the 215 Berger you should have 1,800 ft/lbs of energy at 700 yds. and 1,900+ fps at that same yardage. The 230 grain Berger doesn't help any better.
 
Welcome to LRH and enjoy! BHA actions are awesome, I have the older SR2 LA.

As you and others have noted, a shorter barrel is a decrease in velocity. Changes in velocity also affect energy at the point of impact and trajectory but if you propel the right bullet designed for your intended purpose at the minimum bullet to effectively expand at 700 yards, you should be OK. "My" unwritten rule is 1500 FT-LBS of energy and >1600 FPS (depending on the bullet design minimum expansion) at the point of impact. As far as twist goes, 1:10" is fine but "my" personal preference would be 1:9" or faster for the heavies.

Don't want to assume anything but make sure wherever west hunting you are going that a suppressor is legal for hunting.

GO FOR IT! Keep us posted on your build. Good luck and happy safe shooting/hunting.

Ed
Thanks for the warm welcome and helpful info. I'll make sure to check regs before hunting In a different state. I believe 28 of 50 states now allow suppressors. I could be off on that but I always check other states regs before I go hunt.

I'll keep everyone updated on my future build. I hope to have it done before fall 2020. I'm leading towards a 22" proof cf sendero in 1-8 or tightest twist they offer.
 
Talk to your Smith about the twist. That might be a little fast for such a short barrel if you're shooting the heavies. There's a reason the 1-8 twist was tested with a 24 inch barrel. Might be the shortest recommended...
 
I don't think it would be something I would do, but I'm sure it will shoot lol. The slower powders used for the heavier bullets really need more tube for a complete burn. I would expect you can get the same performance out of a more efficient short mag. So then I'd ask myself do I want the performance and the round doesn't really matter or do I just want a 300 PRC because that's what I want. Either answer is fine because you are paying for it. :)
 
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