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Norma Ammo
Norma Ammunition 20174602 Dedicated Precision Golden Target Match 300NormaMag 230gr Hollow Point Boat Tail
$85.75 - $1,948.80
.300 Norma Magnum Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.300 Norma Magnum: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle Magnum |
| Used For | Long-range shooting, Military sniping, Hunting large game |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 2012 |
.300 Norma Magnum: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Exceptional long-range performance
- ✔ High ballistic coefficient for better wind resistance
- ✔ Superior energy retention at extended distances
- ✔ Designed for accuracy in extreme long-range shooting
- ✔ Adopted by military for precision sniper applications
Cons
- ✘ Significant recoil, especially in lighter rifles
- ✘ Ammunition can be expensive and less readily available
- ✘ Requires a long action rifle
- ✘ Overkill for most hunting situations
- ✘ Barrel life may be shorter due to high pressures and velocities
.300 Norma Magnum Ammo: In Depth
The .300 Norma Magnum is a powerful, long-range rifle cartridge designed for precision shooting and long-range hunting. Developed to outperform the .338 Lapua Magnum, this cartridge offers exceptional ballistic performance, maintaining supersonic velocities at extreme distances. Its design allows for high ballistic coefficients and sectional densities, making it a favorite among long-range shooters and military snipers.
History and Development
The .300 Norma Magnum was introduced in 2012 by Norma Precision AB, a Swedish ammunition manufacturer. It was designed to provide superior long-range performance in a .30 caliber package, filling a niche between the .308 Winchester and larger magnum cartridges like the .338 Lapua Magnum.
The cartridge was developed using a modified .338 Norma Magnum case, necked down to accept .30 caliber bullets. This design allows for high powder capacity and the use of long, aerodynamic bullets, contributing to its exceptional long-range capabilities.
In 2016, the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) selected the .300 Norma Magnum as the cartridge for its Advanced Sniper Rifle program, further solidifying its position as a premier long-range cartridge.
The .300 Norma Magnum has gained popularity in long-range shooting competitions and extreme long-range hunting. Its ability to maintain energy and accuracy at extended distances has made it a preferred choice for shooters looking to engage targets beyond 1,500 yards.
Performance Characteristics
The .300 Norma Magnum is known for its exceptional ballistic performance. It typically fires bullets weighing between 190 and 230 grains at velocities ranging from 2,900 to 3,100 feet per second. This combination of heavy bullets and high velocities results in impressive downrange energy retention and wind resistance.
The cartridge's design allows for the use of very high ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets, which contribute to its flat trajectory and minimal wind drift at long ranges. Some loads can maintain supersonic velocities beyond 1,600 yards, making it an excellent choice for extreme long-range shooting.
While the .300 Norma Magnum offers superior long-range performance, it does come with significant recoil. This recoil is manageable in properly designed rifles but may be challenging for less experienced shooters or in lighter weight firearms.
Timeline of .300 Norma Magnum Development:
.300 Norma Magnum Performance
The .300 Norma Magnum offers exceptional long-range performance characteristics. Here's a breakdown of its key performance attributes:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 2,900-3,100 fps (190-230 grain bullets) Varies based on barrel length and load type |
| Effective Range | 1,500+ yards Maintains supersonic velocity beyond 1,600 yards with some loads |
| Energy | 4,000-4,500 ft-lbs at the muzzle Provides excellent long-range energy retention |
| Recoil | Significant, but manageable in properly designed rifles May be challenging for inexperienced shooters |
| Accuracy | Sub-MOA accuracy potential at extreme ranges Excellent for precision long-range shooting |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .300 Norma Magnum loads.
.300 Norma Magnum: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .300 Norma Magnum ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Military/Long-Range Sniping | 0-1500 | Exceptional long-range performance, adopted by US SOCOM |
| Extreme Long-Range Shooting | 0-2000+ | Capable of engaging targets beyond 2000 yards with proper setup |
| Hunting (Large Game) | 0-800 | Excellent for large game at extended ranges, high energy retention |
| Precision Rifle Competition | 0-1500 | Popular in ELR competitions, maintains supersonic flight at extreme distances |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .300 Norma Magnum is known for its exceptional long-range performance and energy retention. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .300 Norma Magnum
The .300 Norma Magnum's exceptional long-range performance makes it suitable for specialized applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .300 Norma Magnum's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .300 Norma Magnum with other popular long-range cartridges. (Based on a 12 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .300 Norma Magnum with other popular long-range cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .300 Norma Magnum with other popular long-range cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .300 Norma Magnum with other popular long-range cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .300 Norma Magnum
The .300 Norma Magnum is a powerful long-range cartridge known for its high sectional density, which contributes to excellent penetration and energy retention at extended distances.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .300 Norma Magnum | 230 | 0.349 |
| .300 Norma Magnum | 215 | 0.326 |
| .300 Norma Magnum | 200 | 0.303 |
| .300 Norma Magnum | 190 | 0.288 |
| .300 Norma Magnum | 180 | 0.273 |
Note: The .300 Norma Magnum typically uses bullets with diameters of .308 inches. Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². The high sectional densities of .300 Norma Magnum bullets contribute to their excellent long-range performance and penetration capabilities.