300 PRC

[PapaPaint]

I have a new rifle chambered in 300 PRC on the way soon for my first Africa hunt.
Plan to shoot the 190gr. CX bullet from Hornady.
After research and some inputs from experienced hunters, I “upgraded” from my planned 7mm PRC to 300 PRC.

My question….
Although I will not be hunting any DG on my first hunt, COULD the 300 PRC be used on buffalo?

I’ve seen many articles with opinions about .375 H&H being the minimum for buffalo, but I also can’t find anything specific to 300 PRC and saw one PH on a video say .300WM would work on buffalo with a well-placed shot.

Finally, I’ve seen references to what can “legally” be used on DG. Is that literally legally or is it a requirement by outfitter?

Thanks!

 

[Fatback]

I don’t think that you’d get much support for shooting a buff with a 300 PRC. I am sure a very well placed shot with a well constructed bullet would eventually kill a buffalo from a 30 caliber rifle. Everything about the shot and situation would need to be ideal, which rarely happens in a real hunting situation, especially for buffalo. However, there are lots of things that could happen between the intial shot and eventual death of the buffalo and not many of them would be good, most of them could be bad, real bad.

I am by no means an expert on each countries laws but as I understand it most countries have a .375 minimum requirement for DG hunting, with some counties making an exception for .366 diameter projectiles. I’m sure folks with more knowledge on the subject will also offer more informed comments than mine.

Congrats on booking your first safari, I’m sure you will have a wonderful hunt.

 

[Berettaco]

Congrats on your upcoming hunt. As mentioned above - most places will not allow you to hunt buff with a .30 cal. I’m sure it could do the job but not an ideal caliber.
I don’t have a 300 PRC but I was under the impression that the main reason the PRC was built was to shoot heavier bullets than the 300 win. Have you looked at something in the 220 gr range?

 

[PapaPaint]

I don’t think that you’d get much support for shooting a buff with a 300 PRC. I am sure a very well placed shot with a well constructed bullet would eventually kill a buffalo from a 30 caliber rifle. Everything about the shot and situation would need to be ideal, which rarely happens in a real hunting situation, especially for buffalo. However, there are lots of things that could happen between the intial shot and eventual death of the buffalo and not many of them would be good, most of them could be bad, real bad.

I am by no means an expert on each countries laws but as I understand it most countries have a .375 minimum requirement for DG hunting, with some counties making an exception for .366 diameter projectiles. I’m sure folks with more knowledge on the subject will also offer more informed comments than mine.

Congrats on booking your first safari, I’m sure you will have a wonderful hunt.

Thank you, “Fatback”!
Oh darn!….I have to buy another gun?!
I only wish I’d have gotten this bug earlier in life. Hope to get a few Africa hunts in before I depart this fine earth.

 

[BeeMaa]

Most countries will have a minimum energy or caliber requirement, neither of which the 300PRC will meet.

9.3x62 or .375 caliber will be the minimum in most countries. You should contact your PH about the specific requirements for the area you are hunting. You can possibly rent a camp rifle in the event a good buffalo presents itself.

 

[PapaPaint]

Congrats on your upcoming hunt. As mentioned above - most places will not allow you to hunt buff with a .30 cal. I’m sure it could do the job but not an ideal caliber.
I don’t have a 300 PRC but I was under the impression that the main reason the PRC was built was to shoot heavier bullets than the 300 win. Have you looked at something in the

Congrats on your upcoming hunt. As mentioned above - most places will not allow you to hunt buff with a .30 cal. I’m sure it could do the job but not an ideal caliber.
I don’t have a 300 PRC but I was under the impression that the main reason the PRC was built was to shoot heavier bullets than the 300 win. Have you looked at something in the 220 gr range?

Thank you, “Berettaco”.
I’m a “newb”, but….
As I understand it, correct…for “heavy for caliber bullets”.
I don’t reload, so am limited. 212gr. ELD-X is a good option. 225gr. match is an option, but I see strong opinions on not shooting a match bullet for hunting.
Going from memory, the CX is intended to shoot flatter and not fragment, so better penetration.

 

[PapaPaint]

Most countries will have a minimum energy or caliber requirement, neither of which the 300PRC will meet.

9.3x62 or .375 caliber will be the minimum in most countries. You should contact your PH about the specific requirements for the area you are hunting. You can possibly rent a camp rifle in the event a good buffalo presents itself.

Thanks! Good reminder. Every one of them has a 375 H&H (or equivalent), so really no need to buy a new rifle that I wouldn’t likely use on any non-Africa animal.

 

[Tra3]

I’m sure a .300PRC will be great for PG. I may be wrong, but I think @Philip Glass (or his hunting mates) has some experience with that caliber.

I wouldn’t hunt a buffalo with one. I’m sure it would work, but that would require many things to be ideal. Usually when hunting, you don’t have all the ideal things line up.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I have a new rifle chambered in 300 PRC on the way soon for my first Africa hunt.
Plan to shoot the 190gr. CX bullet from Hornady.
After research and some inputs from experienced hunters, I “upgraded” from my planned 7mm PRC to 300 PRC.

My question….
Although I will not be hunting any DG on my first hunt, COULD the 300 PRC be used on buffalo?

I’ve seen many articles with opinions about .375 H&H being the minimum for buffalo, but I also can’t find anything specific to 300 PRC and saw one PH on a video say .300WM would work on buffalo with a well-placed shot.

Finally, I’ve seen references to what can “legally” be used on DG. Is that literally legally or is it a requirement by outfitter?

Thanks!

As mentioned above .375 is a legal requirement in many african countries for buffalo. Some countries like Zim will allow lesser for Leopard and Lion though.

300 PRC is a great round. I think you made a wise choice in stepping up from the 7PRC to the 300PRC. I've got a 7PRC and find myself preferring the .280AI over it. If I need something extra or for a little longer range I have a 300WM and a 300PRC.
If you're just hunting PG the 300PRC is going to hammer them. Ammo is the one reason some people have been slow to jump on the PRC Train. For bullet selection, I'd personally, I'd be looking at the 210gr Terminal Ascent from Federal once it starts shipping. I've had amazing results from both the .308 Win and .300 Win Mag loadings. Both have shot amazing in every gun I've tried them in. The 7PRC shoots well, but I haven't had a chance to test it on an animal yet.

 

[PapaPaint]

I’m sure a .300PRC will be great for PG. I may be wrong, but I think @Philip Glass (or his hunting mates) has some experience with that caliber.

I wouldn’t hunt a buffalo with one. I’m sure it would work, but that would require many things to be ideal. Usually when hunting, you don’t have all the ideal things line up.

Thanks, “Tra3”.
Yes….I’ve watched many videos of buffalo hunts with almost all requiring 2nd or 3rd (or 4th) follow-up shots. In many, it’s a very quick shot on a buffalo that often pops up (or toward). RARELY ideal circumstances and…I’m assuming…why I’m seeing open sights and red dots?

 

[PapaPaint]

As mentioned above .375 is a legal requirement in many african countries for buffalo. Some countries like Zim will allow lesser for Leopard and Lion though.

300 PRC is a great round. I think you made a wise choice in stepping up from the 7PRC to the 300PRC. I've got a 7PRC and find myself preferring the .280AI over it. If I need something extra or for a little longer range I have a 300WM and a 300PRC.
If you're just hunting PG the 300PRC is going to hammer them. Ammo is the one reason some people have been slow to jump on the PRC Train. For bullet selection, I'd personally, I'd be looking at the 210gr Terminal Ascent from Federal once it starts shipping. I've had amazing results from both the .308 Win and .300 Win Mag loadings. Both have shot amazing in every gun I've tried them in. The 7PRC shoots well, but I haven't had a chance to test it on an animal yet.

Thanks, “Mtn_Infantry”! I will definitely check out the Terminal Ascent ammo when it’s available. I have a nephew who shoots that in his .300WM and the groupings are amazing.

 

[meigsbucks]

Congratulations on your first safari and welcome to AH. I really can’t add to anything that’s already been said. The .375 is considered minimum on DG for a reason. The .300PRC should do a great job on PG. I think you were wise to step up from the 7mm.

 

[PapaPaint]

Thank you, “meigsbucks”! I appreciate the response. I’m very much looking forward to shooting and dialing in the .300 PRC. I will shoot it suppressed, so recoil will be tamed significantly. 2027 won’t get here soon enough!

 

[Puddle]

My brother is afflicted with Elk Madness and regularly hunts the western US for record book trophies, however that is measured. He hunts with a suppressed .300 PRC. I forget the name of the outfit that loads his 212 grain ELD-X ammo so that the MV aligns with the doodads on the glass he uses.

If your rig is anything like his, then I'd want to arrange a hunt where you can set up on some kopje and with powerful glass spot some special trophy's way out there and let that rig do its thing.

'course the loose nut behind the trigger has to be up to that challenge, but 2027 offers you plenty of practice time.

 

[AES]

I have hunted Africa extensively with the 300 PRC. It is an absolutely decimating round. Keep in mind, it makes nearly 4,000 ft-lb at the muzzle. Congrats on the new rifle - the caliber has everything going for it. Fwiw, I like the 220g ELD-X And a supressor.

 

[PapaPaint]

I have hunted Africa extensively with the 300 PRC. It is an absolutely decimating round. Keep in mind, it makes nearly 4,000 ft-lb at the muzzle. Congrats on the new rifle - the caliber has everything going for it. Fwiw, I like the 220g ELD-X And a supressor.

Thanks, “AES”. I was leaning Hornady 190gr. CX, but I see that Choice Ammunition (where I’ve gotten some of my “good stuff” before) loads 220gr. ELD-X. I’ll do some digging into ballistics and make a decision. Thanks!

 

[PapaPaint]

My brother is afflicted with Elk Madness and regularly hunts the western US for record book trophies, however that is measured. He hunts with a suppressed .300 PRC. I forget the name of the outfit that loads his 212 grain ELD-X ammo so that the MV aligns with the doodads on the glass he uses.

If your rig is anything like his, then I'd want to arrange a hunt where you can set up on some kopje and with powerful glass spot some special trophy's way out there and let that rig do its thing.

'course the loose nut behind the trigger has to be up to that challenge, but 2027 offers you plenty of practice time.

Thanks, “Puddle”. I like the way you think! . At this point, planning on a NightForce NX8 2.5-20 to give me options. I know this “loose nut” is good to 300yds., but my club has a range out to 500 meters. Like you say…plenty of time to practice (sticks AND bipod). Thanks again!

 

[Philip Glass]

I’m sure a .300PRC will be great for PG. I may be wrong, but I think @Philip Glass (or his hunting mates) has some experience with that caliber.

I wouldn’t hunt a buffalo with one. I’m sure it would work, but that would require many things to be ideal. Usually when hunting, you don’t have all the ideal things line up.

It is a beast of a caliber. I have had many hunters using it on safari with good results. We just need more and better bullet availability.

 

[Hogpatrol]

It is a beast of a caliber. I have had many hunters using it on safari with good results. We just need more and better bullet availability.

Do you mean factory loaded ammo? For the reloader, there's a lot of heavy for caliber bullets being made by different manufacturers.

 

[lawrence_court]

I've found lots of factory ammo: vor-tx, bergers, eldx, eldm, cx in various weights.

I don't reload, so my routine with a new rifle is just to buy a few boxes and find what the rifle likes. Can always find something that shoots sub MOA. I find that accuracy is more important than being wedded to a specific bullet design given how good most hunting bullets are thesedays.