300 PRC with Mono Copper?

[skyfire]

While the sales pitch for the 300 PRC points to taking advantage of long, heavy-for-caliber bullets, I’m more interested in what this cartridge would be like with light-for-caliber copper bullets. Having emailed Hornady, Nosler, and Barnes about factory ammunition offerings it doesn’t look like anyone is planning anything beyond Hornady’s current ELD-X and ELD Match; nothing factory in copper. At least for the near future reloading is the only option.

What are your thoughts on the 300 PRC loaded up with 150-175 gr solid coppers? Any significant pros/cons to consider here in making a cartridge selection?

 

[belshawelk]

Why light bullets? I shoot 200gr Barns LRX out of my Nosler .30. In all my years I haven’t seen something put an absolute smack on an elk. But it’s too much for deer in my opinion. I just think lighter bullets are better served in a smaller cartridge.

 

[skyfire]

You may be right about lighter bullets in smaller cartridges. I see 150 and 180 gr offerings in 300 WM and 300 WSM and so I think to myself ... hmmm, I wonder what this can do.

• I think a 140-175 gr bullet is really all that's needed for the ranges I plan to hunt; plus I'm looking for one cartridge for deer and elk
• Lighter weight bullets recoil less, allowing for better shooting discipline and staying on target after the shot
• Lighter bullets go with increased velocity; flatter trajectories, less wind drift, ...

Those are some of the reason's being tossed around in my head, but I'm very much on the learning curve here.

 

[Deleted member 20812]

What are your thoughts on the 300 PRC loaded up with 150-175 gr solid coppers? Any significant pros/cons to consider here in making a cartridge selection?

They'll work just fine. Remember, monos are longer than a similar weight cup and core bullet, plus you want the velocity for reliable expansion. I think something in the 165-180 grain range is really good place to start. Match the bullet to the twist rate.

 

[Taxed in Maine]

My experience with Barnes bullets is similar. Lighter bullets going faster works best.
With the velocity of the PRC, I would start with the 175LRX. That would still get a MV over 3000fps.

 

[1_pointer]

If you don't or don't plan to use turrets for elevation I'd opt for the 150gr or lighter and run them as fast as they'd shoot accurately. A 150gr mono bullet at 3300fps wouldn't bounce off anything and would be plenty flat shooting for a very good MPBR.

Using turrets and stretching it's legs, I'd look for more BC to deal with the wind.

 

[Bigjav]

Barnes has the 175LRX, 190LRX, 200LRX and I think they just came out with a 212LRX but it probably needs a faster twist than standard 30’s