When it comes to precision long-range shooting, few cartridges have captured the spotlight quite like the 7mm PRC and 300 PRC. Developed by Hornady, a leader in modern ammunition innovation, both cartridges were purpose-built to stretch the effective range of today's precision rifles. Designed to take full advantage of modern optics, high ballistic coefficient projectiles, and long-action platforms, these rounds represent the cutting edge of distance shooting.
But while they share a similar pedigree and purpose, the 7mm PRC and 300 PRC are far from identical. Each offers its own strengths, trade-offs, and ideal use cases, making the decision between them more nuanced than it might first appear. Whether you're a competitive marksman, a long range hunter, or simply a ballistics enthusiast, choosing the right cartridge can have a huge impact on your performance at extended distances.
In this breakdown, we’ll explore the origins, top factory loads, ballistic performance, and real-world pros and cons of each round to determine which one truly dominates when the targets are far and the margins for error are slim..
The Powerhouse: 300 PRC
The 300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) was released in 2018 and was quickly adopted by competitive shooters, military snipers, and extreme-range hunters. Based on a modified .375 Ruger case, this magnum-class cartridge is designed to launch heavy 212 to 225 grain bullets with maximum retained energy at long distances.
Its strength lies in pairing high-BC bullets with a cartridge case designed for optimal chamber alignment, consistent seating depth, and performance at extended ranges. With a twist rate typically around 1:9” or faster, the 300 PRC can stabilize long projectiles for excellent downrange performance.
Hornady Precision Hunter 300 PRC 212gr Eld-x 20/200
Best All Around 300 PRC Ammo
- Hornady Precision Hunter 212gr ELD-X A powerhouse hunting round with excellent long-range retention. Ballistic Coefficient (G1): 0.673
The Rise of the 7mm PRC
The 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) is one of Hornady’s newest introductions, officially launched in 2022. It was built to fill the gap between the 6.5 PRC and the heavy hitting 300 PRC. Using a standard long action, the 7mm PRC offers a flat trajectory, manageable recoil, and high ballistic coefficients (BCs).
Hornady optimized the 7mm PRC for modern long-range shooting, taking advantage of fast twist barrels (typically 1:8”) to stabilize long, sleek 180 grain bullets like the ELD-Match and ELD-X. This round was made to perform at extreme distances without the punishing recoil of larger magnum rounds.
Hornady Precision Hunter 7mm PRC 175gr Eld-X
Pros
- Higher velocity and flatter trajectory
- Higher BC bullets in the 7mm class
- Less recoil than 300 PRC
- Ideal for precision long-range target shooting
Cons
- Limited factory ammo selection compared to 300 PRC
- Newer round, fewer custom rifles or off-the-shelf models
Best All Around 7mm PRC Ammo
- Hornady Precision Hunter 175gr ELD-X - Excellent for hunting and extended-range accuracy. Ballistic Coefficient (G1): 0.689
Which Cartridge Wins for Distance Shooting?
While both rounds are incredibly capable, the 7mm PRC shines in ballistic efficiency, thanks to its flatter trajectory, better ballistic coefficient, and reduced recoil.
The 300 PRC, while more powerful, suffers slightly from increased recoil and trajectory drop. That said, if energy on target or extreme range stopping power is the goal, like in big game hunting or ELR competition, the 300 PRC delivers.
For pure distance shooting and ballistic performance, the 7mm PRC edges out as the more ballistically superior round due to its higher velocity and exceptional BC options in the 180gr range.
Final Verdict
If you want flatter trajectories, higher BCs, and a balance of performance and shootability, the 7mm PRC is the better distance round. If you need raw power and maximum energy downrange, however, the 300 PRC still reigns supreme.
Check out our full selection of both calibers on ProArmory.com and gear up for your next long-range adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most medium to large game, the 7mm PRC offers plenty of stopping power with less recoil. However, for the largest game at extreme range, the 300 PRC has the energy edge.
The 300 PRC has significantly more felt recoil than the 7mm PRC due to heavier bullets and more powder capacity.
Both can be highly accurate, but the 7mm PRC generally has a flatter trajectory and slightly less wind drift due to better BCs.
As a newer caliber, 7mm PRC rifles are still growing in availability but are now offered by major manufacturers like Christensen Arms, Savage, and Bergara.
While both are used, the 300 PRC remains popular for ELR due to its higher retained energy. The 7mm PRC is better suited for PRS-style long-range formats.
300 PRC has more factory ammo options and wider distribution, but 7mm PRC is quickly catching up with high-performance options from Hornady and others.
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