The 300 PRC and the 300 WSM are two long range 30 caliber cartridges that are popular for hunting big game and long range shooting. Because of the similarities between these cartridges, it would only make sense to compare them to see which is better and why.
The 300 PRC has more energy than the 300 WSM and it has better ballistics. If you want more energy for big game hunting, go with the 300 PRC. If you are hunting deer or elk at medium to long range, go with the 300 WSM.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth.
In-depth look at the 300 PRC
The 300 PRC was introduced by Hornady in 2018. It is a long-range cartridge designed for precision shooting and hunting. The 300 PRC uses heavy bullets, typically weighing between 200 and 230 grains, which provide the high muzzle energy required for long-range shooting.
The 300 PRC is best used for hunting game such as elk, moose, bison, or grizzly bear. While the 300 PRC can be used for long range shooting, it is not the most ideal as it is a higher recoiling cartridge.
There is a downside to the 300 PRC which is that it is a less established cartridge and is therefore harder to find in stores and will cost more per round.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 300 PRC with a 212-grain ELD-X bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2860 | 3850 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2790 | 3663 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 2720 | 3483 |
| 150 | -1 | 1.1 | 2652 | 3310 |
| 200 | -3.2 | 2 | 2585 | 3145 |
| 250 | -6.7 | 3.1 | 2518 | 2986 |
| 300 | -11.6 | 4.4 | 2453 | 2833 |
| 350 | -17.9 | 6.1 | 2389 | 2686 |
| 400 | -25.7 | 8 | 2325 | 2545 |
| 450 | -35.2 | 10.4 | 2263 | 2411 |
| 500 | -46.4 | 13 | 2202 | 2282 |
In-depth Look at the 300 WSM
The 300 WSM is a popular cartridge that was introduced by Winchester in 2001. This round is based off the 300 Winchester magnum case but shorted to fit in a short action rifle instead of a magnum length rifle. The 300 WSM is capable of launching heavy bullets at high velocities, making it an excellent choice for hunting big game at long ranges.
This round is best used for hunting big game as it has a lot of energy at close range but does lose most of its energy beyond 500 yards. Because the 300 WSM loses its energy faster than most cartridges it is not as good for long range shooting. Additionally, the recoil of the 300 WSM is significant enough to deter most smaller frame shooters.
Here is a ballistics chart of a 300 WSM with a 180-grain soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2950 | 3478 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2852 | 3250 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.6 | 2756 | 3035 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.5 | 2662 | 2832 |
| 200 | -3.1 | 2.6 | 2570 | 2639 |
| 250 | -6.6 | 4.1 | 2480 | 2457 |
| 300 | -11.4 | 5.9 | 2391 | 2285 |
| 350 | -17.8 | 8.2 | 2304 | 2122 |
| 400 | -25.9 | 11 | 2220 | 1969 |
| 450 | -35.8 | 14.2 | 2137 | 1825 |
| 500 | -47.4 | 17.9 | 2055 | 1688 |
In-depth Comparison
The 300 PRC and the 300 WSM are excellent cartridges designed for long-range hunting and shooting. While they have some similarities, they also have some notable differences that set them apart.
One of the most significant differences between these cartridges is their energy retention at long range. The 300 PRC has a lot better long range energy retention due to its higher BC bullets. The 300 PRC also has a larger case and holds about 10 more grains of powder than the 300 WSM which will give it the advantage in terms of ballistics.
Another difference between the two cartridges is their recoil. The 300 PRC produces more recoil than the 300 WSM, which can make it more challenging to shoot accurately. However, neither one of these cartridges is a slouch when it comes to recoil and it will take practice to master shooting either one of these rounds accurately.
The 300 PRC also tends to be a more expensive cartridge than the 300 WSM. This is due in part to the fact that it is a newer cartridge and there are fewer rifles chambered for it. Many shooters will prefer the 300 WSM, a more established cartridge that tends to be more affordable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 300 PRC and 300 WSM are both excellent cartridges that offer great performance for long-range shooting and hunting. The 300 PRC is a newer cartridge that offers higher velocity, longer effective range, and more bullet options, while the 300 WSM is a shorter cartridge that is more compact and has a larger following.