Which big 30 to build???

[bobinpa]

I've been following the 300 Norma Imp threads and I've been thinking about a 300 PRC lately. I would like to build a "big" 30 and I am looking for opinions... Maybe even a 30 Nosler. I even thought about a 300 RUM, but barrel life seems to be bad. I know I'm not going to get 308 barrel life out of any of these, but I don't want something known to give bad barrel life.
Based on experience what is the good and bad of each or even something not mentioned that maybe I overlooked.
Thanks in advance.
Bob

 

[Ledd Slinger]

300 Norma Mag Improved is the fastest and the most compact as far as length goes, but it requires a Lapua size action. Use Lapua brass if you want to push speeds. Hornady and Norma brass will fail long before max performance of the case can be achieved.

300 Ultra is outdated. Way too long of a case for not much gain.

300 PRC is a good choice and will give better barrel life than the others but of course at the cost of lesser velocities. It will run about the same in performance to the 30 Nosler but use less powder because the design is more efficient. The PRC case is fairly compact, not as short as the Norma Mag, but shorter than a 300 Win Mag and way shorter than the ultra mag. Another plus is that ADG makes brass for the 300 PRC.

30 Nosler is good but “30-28” Nosler is a bit better for speed. ADG makes brass for it as well and performance is a little better than the 300 PRC and 30 Nosler.


I personally have a 300 NMI and love it. Will push 220gr bullets up over 3200 fps in a 26” barrel.

I also have a 338-375 Ruger which is essentially a 338 PRC. Easily pushes 250gr 33 cal bullets up above 3000 fps in a 26” barrel. Haven’t played with a 300 PRC yet but I know it will push 215gr up to 3100 fps

 

[MTlager]

I set up a 300 prc last fall for the upcoming hunting season and it has performed better than I expected . 3 groove 10 twist no 4 Lilja 26” with 210 nosler lrab and RL 26 was 3134 fps last week with 125 rounds down the barrel. Not close to pressure, but shoots very good there, so haven’t pushed it any more. Light weight hunting rifle , 9.4 with scope. 4 trips in a row to range made first round hits at 1200 yards and held center line ever time . With 3 port slab brake very pleasant to shoot vs my last 300 win. Excellent performance on elk. Plenty of gun for long range hunting and shooting !!

 

[std7mag]

Depends....
Short action- 7.82 Patriot
Long action- 7.82 Warbird

You said big 30. May as well go fast too.

 

[284winner]

I've been following the 300 Norma Imp threads and I've been thinking about a 300 PRC lately. I would like to build a "big" 30 and I am looking for opinions... Maybe even a 30 Nosler. I even thought about a 300 RUM, but barrel life seems to be bad. I know I'm not going to get 308 barrel life out of any of these, but I don't want something known to give bad barrel life.
Based on experience what is the good and bad of each or even something not mentioned that maybe I overlooked.
Thanks in advance.
Bob

I was where you are and about pulled the trigger on a 300NM. Decided on the 300PRC. Standard mag boltface. Lots of factory ammo if I wanted to use it and better barrel life. Having a 338 LM improved, didn't want to shop for another lapua action. Few guys I know own the PRC and love it so I didn't give it much more thought. If I wanted a little faster 30 and one to shoot the 240-250s, I'd have went with the 300NM. My plan is to shoot the 215-230s. The PRC is the perfect cartridge for that weight range IMO. Lapua is now making brass for it as well. Good luck.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

What bullet weight do you want to shoot? 230s and up go with the nmi. You can run the 210-215s in them, but you dont need that case for that. The PRC, 30 nosler, and 30-28 nosler are all good choices for that weight class. The PRC will get lapua brass so that may sway you a little. But ADG is excellent. I have had all of the above. My current one is the NMI, love the brass and performance with 230s and up. But I will likely do another PRC to burn up some 210s. I only build the NMIs on Bat HR actions, nice thing about those is they were designed from day one to handle the increased loads, so they are not "lapua only" actions. You can get a 308, magnum, and a lapua bolt for the same action and your not stuck with one.

 

[OmegaRed]

sub

 

[Jason Boersma]

What are your plans for the rifle, intended use?

 

[effendude]

I've hunted with most of the 30's over the years. They all work within their limits. They all are going to get shorter barrel life than a 308 or 30-06. Accept it and enjoy the added performance. I went through several 300 RUM barrels and enjoyed the performance. I sold my last one to a friend who loves it also.

I let Ryan Pierce talk me into a 300 Norma Mag Improved, bought 200 pieces of brass and then actually had him put my build on hold as the last barrel on my RUM was shooting so well. Now I've had the NMI for a year and several friends do too. Brass life is far better than the RUM, performance with heavy bullets is great. Only negative is the added cost of the Lapua size action. Don't overlook the 30-28 Nosler, it gives great performance too but is long like a RUM.

Have Ryan or Alex put the rifle together and you'll have no regrets!

Scott

 

[FNSafari]

308 Norma Magnum. Fits in a standard 30-06 length action. Make sure you use a reamer with freebore built into it. Great chambering.

 

[Ranger007]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread. I am pondering as well and narrowed it down to 300 PRC and 300 Norma. My intended use is LR tactical rig/engagements 1000-1500’ish yards.

Is there a big difference between 300 Norma and 300 Norma Imp? Is sizing 300 Norma Imp using Lapua 300 Norma brass just as simple as running it through a 300 Norma Imp sizing die?

 

[Alex Wheeler]

The Norma imp is quite a big difference. A much better case design over the standard case. You just shoot them once then use the right dies as you normally would. No brass prep needed.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread. I am pondering as well and narrowed it down to 300 PRC and 300 Norma. My intended use is LR tactical rig/engagements 1000-1500’ish yards.

Is there a big difference between 300 Norma and 300 Norma Imp? Is sizing 300 Norma Imp using Lapua 300 Norma brass just as simple as running it through a 300 Norma Imp sizing die?

Well there’s a big difference between the the PRC and NMI. Not only in speeds, but also in cost. Improving the Norma Mag adds about 7-10gr of capacity to the standard Norma Mag depending on which design you use.

The 300 NMI requires a more expensive Lapua size action and custom dies. As far as sizing a case, it’s no different than anything else. You load the cases in their standard 300 Norma Mag form and shoot them. Then they come out Fireformed as 300 NMI and you set your sizing die to the shoulder. Adjust sizing die again after second firing because shoulder will usually move a little further forward and settle out.

So is the more expensive action and custom dies for the NMI worth an extra 150-200 fps over the PRC? Well that’s up to you. I have custom dies made for all of my custom rifles anyhow because they no doubt make more consistent ammo

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Well, it "may" more cost. The dies I supply with rifles run $220 for the set. And I would use a Bat HR no matter what I was building if it was up to me. So it may be more expensive but it may not be. If Bat comes out with a long action version of the ignitor in lapua boltface it really wouldnt cost any more than any other budget action.

 

[Ranger007]

Well there’s a big difference between the the PRC and NMI. Not only in speeds, but also in cost. Improving the Norma Mag adds about 7-10gr of capacity to the standard Norma Mag depending on which design you use.

The 300 NMI requires a more expensive Lapua size action and custom dies. As far as sizing a case, it’s no different than anything else. You load the cases in their standard 300 Norma Mag form and shoot them. Then they come out Fireformed as 300 NMI and you set your sizing die to the shoulder. Adjust sizing die again after second firing because shoulder will usually move a little further forward and settle out.

So is the more expensive action and custom dies for the NMI worth an extra 150-200 fps over the PRC? Well that’s up to you. I have custom dies made for all of my custom rifles anyhow because they no doubt make more consistent ammo

Thank you. I am going to read up allot more on 300 Norma Imp vs straight 300 Norma.

So Imp must be fireformed?

 

[moondog]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread. I am pondering as well and narrowed it down to 300 PRC and 300 Norma. My intended use is LR tactical rig/engagements 1000-1500’ish yards.

Is there a big difference between 300 Norma and 300 Norma Imp? Is sizing 300 Norma Imp using Lapua 300 Norma brass just as simple as running it through a 300 Norma Imp sizing die?

If long range tactical out to 1500 yards is your goal, 300 PRC, 300NM, or the improved may be more than you need. A 7mm would serve the purpose.

 

[Ranger007]

If long range tactical out to 1500 yards is your goal, 300 PRC, 300NM, or the improved may be more than you need. A 7mm would serve the purpose.

While I agree with you. It will be a tad further than 1500 and I do not want to be limited when I stretch it out. I also like having Laupa brass. For me its a factor.

I am also researching 7 SAUM and Wheeler Accuracy. lol

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Well, it "may" more cost. The dies I supply with rifles run $220 for the set. And I would use a Bat HR no matter what I was building if it was up to me. So it may be more expensive but it may not be. If Bat comes out with a long action version of the ignitor in lapua boltface it really wouldnt cost any more than any other budget action.

Well get on the horn with BAT and tell ‘em we want the long action Lapua Igniter!!! Lol

With their interchangeable bolt body system on the igniter, not only would it be more affordable, but a person could run a PRC or a Norma on the same action. Also wish they’d do nitriding on it instead of hot blueing.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

LOL, you think they care what I say. I think its coming though.

 

[284winner]

Thank you. I am going to read up allot more on 300 Norma Imp vs straight 300 Norma.

So Imp must be fireformed?

The 300NM improved must be formed. It's not sold in an improved case. Going to the improved version of the 300NM is a must IMO. Same with the 338LM.