Yes, it is true, we blew up our 300 PRC TC Encore barrel.

As a follow up to our recent video where we describe the problems we found when using the 300 PRC in the Thompson Center rifles, we wanted to share why we will NOT be offering the chambering. In our testing brass life was found to be unacceptable, growing with each firing and even causing permanent damage to the frame we used for testing. Stretching barrels to frame gap out of spec. Our trip to the desert resulted in two barrel’s lives coming to an end…

• As a send off we used some explosive targets to launch a 55 gal drum well into the air before crashing back down.
• Afterward we loaded a cartridge with a fatal dose of pistol powder into our prototye 300 PRC barrel.
• The cartridge was loaded with 80 grains of HS-6 pistol powder and topped with a 220 grain projectile, and as the sugar on top, a bore lined with 22LR live ammunition.

Ultimate destruction was our goal and we feel we successfully met that goal. The barrel was mounted in a vise and remotely triggered as we sat behind a mountain of safety far far away. We left a steel scope* base, one piece scope mount and scope attached to the barrel to further emphasize the power and destruction. (*we’ve got a request into Vortex to verify their lifetime warranty applied, we’ll let you know how they respond ????)

In the video we go over some tips so that a detonation like this does not happen, as it would surely be lethal if held by someone when the barrel comes apart. We cover some reloading information and safe practices for field use. We hope you enjoy the footage and pictures of this destruction which we hope serves as a reminder to just how powerful firearms are.