Military buys Barrett MRAD?

[Slater]

I'm starting to lose track of all the different precision rifles in DoD. And now a new cartridge?

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/02/07/dod-buying-300-prc-barrett-mrad/

[Bullz]

I hope the 300 PRC takes off. I really like the combination of features that cartridge brings to the table.

[call_me_ski]

Word on the street is the MRAD is getting the nod for the ASR program as well. Not sure we’re these rifles in 300PRC fit in. They are claiming they outperformed 300Norma but I am having trouble seeing how that happened given the larger case of the Norma.

[Bullz]

I don't think it out performs 300 norma mag on straight ballistics but perhaps it does when considering the whole package, e.g. lighter gun, lighter ammunition, easier logistics, barrel swap on 300 win mag rifles, etc. From what I understand it's ballistically right on the heels of the 300 Norma mag but in a standard magnum action. Ryan Cleckner did a write up on it. Here's the link:

https://gununiversity.com/300-prc-ballistics-and-comparisons/

[call_me_ski]

Yet none of the advantages of working in a normal long action without a magnum bolt face matter when you buy a system that can shoot 338lapua like an MRAD.

[RetroRevolver77]

I hope the 300 PRC takes off. I really like the combination of features that cartridge brings to the table.

What does .300PRC bring to the table that .300RUM didn't already bring? Serious question.

[caporider]

What does .300PRC bring to the table that .300RUM didn't already bring? Serious question.

Lots of comparisons between 300PRC and other cartridges: https://www.recoilweb.com/built-to-win-hornadys-new-300prc-sets-a-new-standard-146564.html

[RetroRevolver77]

Lots of comparisons between 300PRC and other cartridges: https://www.recoilweb.com/built-to-win-hornadys-new-300prc-sets-a-new-standard-146564.html

That's a great article to compare what's available between the long range .30's.

[MountainRaven]

Yet none of the advantages of working in a normal long action without a magnum bolt face matter when you buy a system that can shoot 338lapua like an MRAD.

https://i1.wp.com/gununiversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/300-PRC-vs-300-Norma-vs-338-Lapua.png

I wouldn't be so sure. Moreover, the MRAD might have been chosen because, if issues arise with the 300 PRC, they can always convert them to something else.

[non-hallal]

Lots of comparisons between 300PRC and other cartridges: https://www.recoilweb.com/built-to-win-hornadys-new-300prc-sets-a-new-standard-146564.html

Article says is has great barrel life compared to RUM and Norma Mag but really doesn't give an estimate. I wonder how long the barrel has?

[soulezoo]

Frank Green from Bartlein barrels has stated 1000 rounds. Of course, YMMV.

[mgrs]

I'm starting to lose track of all the different precision rifles in DoD. And now a new cartridge?

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/02/07/dod-buying-300-prc-barrett-mrad/

The MRAD pictured there is a variant I have not seen yet on the commercial market. Looks like MLOK at least at the 3,6, and 9 o clock on the handguard, as well as a redesigned buttstock.

MRAD is a nice platform, and is easy to shoot well. The polymer receiver inserts really remove the need for lube of any kind beyond the trigger parts and maybe the locking lugs. The main thing I do not like about mine is that the barrel sleeve crossbolts require 140 ft/lbs, which makes it easy to damage the torx bolts, and the buttstock on older generations is designed specifically to accomodate a picatinny bipod so does not ride a rear bag as well.

[Pappabear]

I read that article and one would think if you have a 300WM you must be shooting slow 3 MOA cartridges. We push 225 grain ELD X's at 2883 fps. And shooting half inch groups. If I get a larger cartridge it will be 338LM, I guess in old school and fight such nominal performance increases. And I confess Im invested deeply in 300WM so it makes it harder for me to bite on the new PRC.

I would take one of those bad ass MRADS, I have lusted over those for years.

PB