Browning X-Bolt Now in .300 PRC
Based on an article originally written for and posted by www.browning.com. Paraphrased and reposted with permission.
BROWNING ADDS .300 PRC TO THE X-BOLT PRODUCT LINE
The 2020 Shot Show had a number of exciting reveals, not the least of which was Browning’s announcement that the coveted X-Bolt Rifle product line will now also be chambered in the new .300 PRC. From Browning:
“Eleven X-Bolt models, running the gamut from hunting to long-range models, are scheduled to be chambered in this exciting new cartridge. The X-Bolt is already widely regarded as an excellent shooter right from the box, and the addition of this flat-shooting new caliber gives big-game hunters and long-range shooters a new opportunity to maximize downrange accuracy.”
“The .300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) makes long range, mid-range!”
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE .300 PRC?
Browning reports, “At the request of the US Military, specifically the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the ammunition industry was asked to develop a cartridge that would give snipers a 50% hit probability at 2,000 yards. The .300 PRC was developed by Hornady as the solution to meet this stringent requirement.” While there are many capable long-range .30-caliber rounds out there, none of them hold up to this level of accuracy like the .300 PRC.
“A true heavy hitter”
ACHIEVING OPTIMAL AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE
Hornady developed the round using their signature ELD (Extremely Low Drag) technology to create a round that “takes advantage of long, heavy caliber bullets that are capable of delivering the highest levels of accuracy and aerodynamic performance.” According to Browning, “Hornady has 225 gr. Match and 212 gr. Precision Hunter loads available, both using proven ELD technology. Common magnum speed rifle powders are used and result in extremely consistent velocities and increased barrel life compared to most currently available magnum cartridges.”
WHAT’S THE SECRET BEHIND THE HEAD-STAMP?
Browning reports:
“The 300 PRC is based on the non-belted 375 Ruger cartridge case and headspaces off of the 30 degree shoulder, resulting in better chamber alignment than standard belted magnum cartridges and allows for improved stacking and feeding from fixed magazines. The rifles are of the standard X-Bolt long-action configuration, with a case head size of .532" and use a magazine that is slightly modified to account for the longer overall length of the cartridge.”
“Hornady developed the 300 PRC cartridge and chamber specification congruently to optimize alignment and tuned performance.”
Courtesy of Hornady | 2020
SPECIFICATIONS (PROVIDED BY HORNADY)
"Maximum cartridge overall length is 3.70" to utilize today's long, high BC bullets.
8.5" twist rate to stabilize modern long, heavy bullets.*
2800 fps from 24" test barrel with 225 gr. ELD Match® load.
Non-belted, shoulder head-spacing cartridge results in optimal chamber alignment.
Cartridge and chamber designed concurrently. Same design methodology as 6.5 Creedmoor results in excellent and dependable accuracy performance.
Cartridge case designed to efficiently use common, temperature stable, magnum speed rifle powders yielding extremely consistent velocity and increased barrel life compared to currently available magnum cartridges."
*According to Browning, “At the time of introduction, Browning X-Bolt barrels will feature a 1 in 8" twist. Check the twist rate inscription on every rifle you purchase to confirm it has the rate best for what you intend to shoot.”
WHICH BROWNING X-BOLT RIFLES WILL BE CHAMBERED IN .300 PRC?
The following models will be chambered in Hornady’s new round (courtesy of Browning.com):
