Lately I have been on a quest to put all three of the PRC cartridges to the test from the bench and in the field. In doing so I have had the pleasure of testing not only the cartridges, but some quality rifles.
My most recent endeavor includes the Bergara Wilderness Sierra in 300 PRC. The Sierra is brand new to the Bergara lineup as of 2024. This rifle falls under Bergara’s Wilderness Series, built for tough hunting conditions. Any hunter who values versatility in the field and wants a customizable rifle will appreciate the Wilderness Sierra.
Bergara Wilderness Sierra in 300 PRC
The Sierra weighs in at approximately 7 pounds and features a sporter style stock with SoftTouch finish and adjustable cheek riser that allows for custom adjustment and a proper cheek weld. Also standard are length of pull spacers and sling swivels.
Being a Remington 700 action design with a hinged floorplate, the bottom metal can easily be replaced making it possible to run detachable AICS magazines. Capacity is two to four rounds depending on caliber.
All Wilderness Series rifles are equipped with Bergara’s B-14 action. The action is a two-lug system with a sliding plate extractor, coned bolt nose and breech to assist in both smooth feeding and extraction of the cartridge.
The barrel is deep fluted with a #5 taper in Sniper Grey Cerakote, threaded at 5/8-24″ with an Omni Muzzle Brake. The barrel is 22 inches in length making the rifle somewhat compact. The Bergara Wilderness Sierra comes with a sub-MOA guarantee. There are numerous caliber choices available in both right and left-handed configurations.
On the Bench with Bergara’s Wilderness Sierra in 300 PRC
Features of the Wilderness Seirra:
- Barrel: 4140 CrMo Steel Fluted No. 5 Taper with an Omni Muzzle Brake
- Finish: Sniper Grey Cerakote
- Stock: Bergara Sporter with Adjustable Comb
- Calibers: .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .22-250 Remington, 6 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, .300 Win Mag, 300 PRC (tested)
- Six left hand caliber options available: 308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .22-250 Remington, 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, .300 Win Mag
- Weight: Starting at 7.2 lbs.
- MSRP: Starting at $1099
The Scope
Along with the new Bergara I was fortunate to try out a new Riton 5 Primal 2-12×44 scope. This optic looks to be perfect for any application including low light conditions and is ideal for hunting, the environment it was truly designed for. I used Leupold M4 rings to attach the scope to a 20 MOA picatinny tactical base atop the Bergara.
Having used other Riton optics in the form of their 5 Primal 10x 42 binoculars, and the Riton 15-45×60 spotting scope, I was eager to finally try out one of the company’s hunting scopes.
5 PRIMAL 2-12×44 features and specifications:
- Capped, zero resettable turrets
- 30mm tube
- Second Focal Plane
- Magnification: 2-12
- Length: 12.8 inches
- Weight: 1.64 lbs.
- Three available height levers (14mm, 11mm, 8mm) plus a flush mount
- 1/4 MOA Windage and Elevation Adjustment
- Fast-Focus Eyepiece
- 100% Waterproof, Fog proof and Shockproof (tested up to 1200 Gs)
- Aircraft grade aluminum with rugged design for the toughest environments
- Included Accessories: Flip Up Lens Covers, Lens Cloth, Allen Wrench
- MSRP $779.99
Ammo
As everyone knows by now, the 300 PRC was developed by Hornady Manufacturing and hit the markets in 2018. Today there is close to two dozen gun manufactures now offering this caliber. Additionally, aside from Hornady there are at least seven other companies offering 300 PRC ammo under their respective brands.
My testing from the bench involved the following:
- Hornady Precision Hunter, 212gr ELD-X
- Hornady Outfitter, 190gr CX
- Hornady Match, 220gr ELD Match
- Norma 180gr, Bond Strike
Both the Hornady Precision Hunter and the Hornady Outfitter performed reasonably well. Both variations grouped in the 1.5 MOA range at 100 yards. However, the Hornady 220gr, ELD Match, and the Norma 180gr, Bond Strike were the most consistently accurate loads in the Sierra rifle. Both produced 3/4 MOA or better results with the Hornady Match just edging out the Norma.
A sub 1 MOA group with Norma 180gr, BondStrike
A Sub 1/2 MOA group with Hornady 225 Grain ELD Match
Felt recoil experienced with the 300 PRC cartridge in the Bergara Wilderness Sierra is very manageable. This is no doubt due in part to the Omni muzzle brake. I can report the felt recoil is in the same class as say the .30-06 Springfield.
The Bergara Sierra Wilderness so far has performed impressively and I appreciate its streamlined hunting style design. Likewise, the Riton 5 Primal 2-12×44 scope appears to meet all my expectations based on my previous favorable experience with Riton optics.
Soon I will be in the hunting field with the Bergara rifle, Riton scope, and Hornady or Norma 300 PRC ammo. Stay tuned for the follow up…in a from the field review.
About the Author:
TERRY NELSON – is a 30-year veteran of law enforcement with police and sheriff agencies, including SWAT and sniper roles, and has served as a state game warden. Nelson also served seven years with New Mexico State Guard. A lifelong hunter, guide, tracker and firearms enthusiast, Terry is sought for training in multiple disciplines by both civilian and police-serving agencies and companies. Nelson also holds a Basic Tac Med instructor certification from Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.