The 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 65,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 24.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 8.50 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge with the 300 Winchester Magnum on the same basis.
300 PRC ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 200 gr | 2,810 fps | 3,506 ft-lb |
| 225 gr | 2,800 fps | 3,916 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists two reference bullet weights for the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge, 200 and 225 grains. The lighter, 200 grains, is listed at 2,810 fps, which computes to 3,506 ft-lb. The heavier, 225 grains, is listed at 2,800 fps, which computes to 3,916 ft-lb.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 300 PRC ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 8.50 in, with a .308 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your rifle: a shorter production barrel will usually give lower velocity, and a twist slower than a bullet needs will not stabilise it. The maximum average pressure is 65,000 psi. Fire 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
300 PRC vs 300 Win Mag: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge | 300 Winchester Magnum |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 65,000 psi | 64,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 24.000 in | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 8.50 in | 1 turn in 10.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .308 in | .308 in |
| Lightest reference load | 200 gr — 2,810 fps / 3,506 ft-lb | 150 gr — 2,635–3,390 fps / 2,312–3,827 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 200 gr — 2,810 fps / 3,506 ft-lb | 200 gr — 2,700–2,930 fps / 3,237–3,812 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 225 gr — 2,800 fps / 3,916 ft-lb | 220 gr — 2,665 fps / 3,469 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge at 65,000 psi and the 300 Winchester Magnum at 64,000 psi, so the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge runs 1,000 psi higher. At 200 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge reference velocity is 2,810 fps (3,506 ft-lb computed), against up to 2,930 fps (3,812 ft-lb) for the 300 Winchester Magnum. On that row the 300 Winchester Magnum carries the more energy. Their standard test barrels differ (24.000 in, 1 turn in 8.50 in for the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge; 24.000 in, 1 turn in 10.00 in for the 300 Winchester Magnum), so compare the reference rows with that in mind.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 300 Win Mag ammo.
300 PRC ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge at 65,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 8.50 in. Your own rifle may differ.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge?
SAAMI lists 2 reference weights, from 200 to 225 grains: 200 and 225.
Is the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge more powerful than the 300 Winchester Magnum?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 200 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge reference velocity is 2,810 fps (3,506 ft-lb computed), against up to 2,930 fps (3,812 ft-lb) for the 300 Winchester Magnum.
What is the effective range of the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 300 PRC ammunition from Hornady and Federal. Browse the full 300 PRC ammo range.
