.300 Win. Mag. loads
- Thread starter sakodude
- Start date
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The most efficient, (mv, down range mv, traj), bullet weight is 180 gr. The most efficient powder is imr 4350. I've been reloading my 1968 model 700 bdl (this one came with a ss bbl back then) since new. Back then the manuals all maxed at 72 - 72.5 gr. For 3080 fps. Groups typically 1/2"@100, the bbl is free floated, and the trigger @1.5lbs. (But understand that these target grade triggers no longer exist on factory rifles). Rem factory 180's will group 1" all day The current manuals don't come close to 72.5, so use the manyal you have, start no more than 5% under max, work up .5 or less. Learn how to 4/5 neck size in a FL DIE for that 1 chamber, and recognize pressure signs in the brass, the bolt loft, the recoil, and report. Learn how to seat the bullet .01 off the lands, than vary this after you find the highest powder charge that will give you the groups you're looking for. Not everyone wants/ needs 1/2".
loadedround
Member
Sakodude: It is very obvious to me that you need to purchase one, preferably two reloading manuals and read what these two manuals recommend as far as suggested loads. The manual people spend great amounts of time and expense to bring you this information. Continue to ask your question and get 20 different opinions on this site.
REL1203
Member
I agree with LoadedRound, i can already tell you need more reading experience.... Good luck
Sakodude,
The right powder for accuracy in three different rifles will be like three brothers picking who they want at the dance -- different.
That said, for 150/165gr Speer GrandSlams coming out of a 26" barrel at (~3,375-3,425fps)/(3,225-3,300fps), best powders--in order--will group around RL25, N560, RamshotBigboy, IMR7828, RL22, and Win WXR.
The right powder for accuracy in three different rifles will be like three brothers picking who they want at the dance -- different.
That said, for 150/165gr Speer GrandSlams coming out of a 26" barrel at (~3,375-3,425fps)/(3,225-3,300fps), best powders--in order--will group around RL25, N560, RamshotBigboy, IMR7828, RL22, and Win WXR.
Huckelberry75
Member
It depends upon what your application is. Do you just "HAVE" to have an uber magnum to feel better about yourself. (not saying that you do, some guys just have to a Magnum). Or do you need the long range capability or the extra horsepower for large game (elk, moose, bears)?
For whitetail and Mule deer the 150 or 165gn bullets will be flat shooting screamers. If you are going for large game at reasonable ranges, look at 180gn bullets such as a Sierra GK or Nosler Accubond/Partition. if you are punching paper and want to go loooong, look at the the 190,210 or 220 gn SMK's.
Once you decide on what you are going to do with the gun and decide upon what weight class of bullet you willprobably need, then you start looking for the powder that will suit you best. Although slipknot didn't directly answer your questions, he did give out sound advice.
I shoot a 300WM and use either the Sierra 180gn Gameking or Nos 180 Accubonds for elk. Max charges of IMR4350 work well in my gun, but that is my gun and not yours. R-17 burns nearly identical to IMR 4350 and is not nearly as temp sensitive.
Hope this helped.
Kind of long winded, but there is no MAGIC RECIPE that is perfect for every gun in every application. If you let us know what you are looking to do with this rifle, we can start narrowing down your options and get you headed in the right direction.
For whitetail and Mule deer the 150 or 165gn bullets will be flat shooting screamers. If you are going for large game at reasonable ranges, look at 180gn bullets such as a Sierra GK or Nosler Accubond/Partition. if you are punching paper and want to go loooong, look at the the 190,210 or 220 gn SMK's.
Once you decide on what you are going to do with the gun and decide upon what weight class of bullet you willprobably need, then you start looking for the powder that will suit you best. Although slipknot didn't directly answer your questions, he did give out sound advice.
I shoot a 300WM and use either the Sierra 180gn Gameking or Nos 180 Accubonds for elk. Max charges of IMR4350 work well in my gun, but that is my gun and not yours. R-17 burns nearly identical to IMR 4350 and is not nearly as temp sensitive.
Hope this helped.
Kind of long winded, but there is no MAGIC RECIPE that is perfect for every gun in every application. If you let us know what you are looking to do with this rifle, we can start narrowing down your options and get you headed in the right direction.
MtnCreek
Member
What's that about? I've never liked the word 'uber'.
99% of my .300wm loading is heavy, match bullet with really slow powder. I have loaded 165 gr bullets with 4831sc and it was a very accurate load, but I couldn't get it to shoot clean. If clean burning is important to you, 4831 may be one to stay away from.
Just for fun, you may want to try loading some 125 gr nosler BT's over a stout charge of Varget. My load is screaming at >3500 fps and is capably of decapitating med sized critters.
NM Mountainman
Member
165 gr. bonded premium bullet at 3050 fps.
My foremost recommendation is to use premium bonded strongly constructed bullets designed for controlled expansion for max or near max hunting loads.
Even with good quality jacketed soft points (not flat points) from Speer, Hornady, Sierra, etc, standard jacketed .30 cal soft points are designed to expand and penetrate well in the velocity range produced by .308 Win & .30-06 at ranges from 25yd. to 300 yd. A near max .300 Win load will exceed the ideal recommended velocity range of these bullets by 300 fps or so. You are likely (especially at ranges less than 150 yd) to experience excess expansion, poor penetration, excessive meat damage, or bullet break up (possibly jacket & core separation) if you load these standard bullets at velocities which are greater than the max velocities listed for the .30-06 for that bullet weight.
A good plan is to find a premium and a standard bullet of the same weight, bullet style, and ball. coeff. from the same manufacturer. (I use Hornady SST, 165 or 180 gr for my standard practice bullet, and Hornady 165 gr or 180 gr. Interbond as my Premium hunting bullet.)
These two bullets have identical shapes, ball. coeff., boat tails, and plastic tips. The SST has a cannelure and Interlock construction for standard velocity cartridges. The Interbond is bonded, with a thick tapered, inner grooved jacket; it is designed to penetrate and expand well at velocities that are 300 fps greater than the recommended velocity envelope of the SST. Both bullets are designed for accurate long range shooting, good retained velocity, and controlled expansion. Both shoot under 1" average 5 shot groups at the same point of impact in my rifle. Once they are loaded into the case, it difficult to tell them apart. I add an additional mark near the bullet tip to ID the Interbonds.
Work up your load with the SST bullet and sight in. Use loads with the SST bullets for practice, predator shooting, antelope, etc. When elk and mule deer season arrives, double check your zero with the Interbonds. For my rifle, the zero is always exactly the same or within .5".
When you think you have a perfect zero with the Interbonds, let your barrel cool. Fire a 5 shot group allowing several minutes cooling time after each shot. While firing this group, hold the fore end of the stock in your hand in the same way you would in a field position with the hand supported by the sand bags. The butt of the stock should be unsupported except by your shoulder. This will give you a good idea of where your first shot from a cold barrel will go. Do NOT clean or oil the bore after firing this last 5 shot group.
The Hornady Interbond is one of the least expensive high quality premium bonded bullets available. By using SST's for practice and initial sighting and Interbonds for hunting, you will typically use fewer than 20 Interbonds (or other premium bullets) per season. This is a fairly economical and very practical plan.
Do not use standard JSP boat tails at or near max velocities in your .300 Win unless they are bonded or have some special construction features to lock the core into the jacket. It is very common for standard boat tail JSP to separate core from jacket when impacting game at muzzle velocities greater than 3000 fps.
The 165 gr Interbond should give great performance on elk and mule deer at any range out to 400 yd. I no longer use 150 gr because the 165 gr shoots just as flat or flatter and retains velocity better. You can move up to 180 gr for elk if you want, but with premium bonded bullets, you will get good penetration and expansion with 165 gr.
I have also used the Speer Grand Slam at maximum veocity. It penetrates and expands well, but doesn't have as high of a ball. coeff. as the Hornady Interbond. The newer "Deep Curl" from Speer is a bonded bullet designed for good expansion and penetration from standard velocity cartridges. I have no experience with it, but according to Speer, it's performance at magnum velocities should be between that of their standard "Hot Core" bullets and their "Grand Slam" premium bullets.
Best kept secret for loading the .300 Win: you seldom need (or will get any real benefit from) the maximum attainable velocity with any weight bullet. As long as you use high quality premium bonded controlled expansion bullets, you will not need to use a hunting bullet heavier than 180 gr. in the lower 48. (Although a 200 gr. bullet might be useful for moose or bear at ranges less than 200 yd.)
The most efficient powders (not necessarily highest velocities) for good accuracy and near max velocity: IMR 4350 and IMR 4831
Best all around hunting load: Use the START load ( or 1 grain more) with IMR 4350 from the current Speer manual. The start load from the Speer manual chronographed at 3050 fps from my 24" barrel. And, as a special bonus, I could load 100 cartridges with 1 lb. of powder. It's possible to get another 150 fps or so by going all the way to max. But why? This load will probably give you good accuracy, good economy, a flat trajectory, a tad less recoil, and a little longer barrel life.
This load will equal the velocity you will get from some factory loaded 165 gr. JSP. If you start feeling you need the maximum velocity attainable, buy a box or two of Hornady Super Performance ammo with Interbond bullets. After fine tuning your zero, one box of 20 will last you two or three seasons.
My foremost recommendation is to use premium bonded strongly constructed bullets designed for controlled expansion for max or near max hunting loads.
Even with good quality jacketed soft points (not flat points) from Speer, Hornady, Sierra, etc, standard jacketed .30 cal soft points are designed to expand and penetrate well in the velocity range produced by .308 Win & .30-06 at ranges from 25yd. to 300 yd. A near max .300 Win load will exceed the ideal recommended velocity range of these bullets by 300 fps or so. You are likely (especially at ranges less than 150 yd) to experience excess expansion, poor penetration, excessive meat damage, or bullet break up (possibly jacket & core separation) if you load these standard bullets at velocities which are greater than the max velocities listed for the .30-06 for that bullet weight.
A good plan is to find a premium and a standard bullet of the same weight, bullet style, and ball. coeff. from the same manufacturer. (I use Hornady SST, 165 or 180 gr for my standard practice bullet, and Hornady 165 gr or 180 gr. Interbond as my Premium hunting bullet.)
These two bullets have identical shapes, ball. coeff., boat tails, and plastic tips. The SST has a cannelure and Interlock construction for standard velocity cartridges. The Interbond is bonded, with a thick tapered, inner grooved jacket; it is designed to penetrate and expand well at velocities that are 300 fps greater than the recommended velocity envelope of the SST. Both bullets are designed for accurate long range shooting, good retained velocity, and controlled expansion. Both shoot under 1" average 5 shot groups at the same point of impact in my rifle. Once they are loaded into the case, it difficult to tell them apart. I add an additional mark near the bullet tip to ID the Interbonds.
Work up your load with the SST bullet and sight in. Use loads with the SST bullets for practice, predator shooting, antelope, etc. When elk and mule deer season arrives, double check your zero with the Interbonds. For my rifle, the zero is always exactly the same or within .5".
When you think you have a perfect zero with the Interbonds, let your barrel cool. Fire a 5 shot group allowing several minutes cooling time after each shot. While firing this group, hold the fore end of the stock in your hand in the same way you would in a field position with the hand supported by the sand bags. The butt of the stock should be unsupported except by your shoulder. This will give you a good idea of where your first shot from a cold barrel will go. Do NOT clean or oil the bore after firing this last 5 shot group.
The Hornady Interbond is one of the least expensive high quality premium bonded bullets available. By using SST's for practice and initial sighting and Interbonds for hunting, you will typically use fewer than 20 Interbonds (or other premium bullets) per season. This is a fairly economical and very practical plan.
Do not use standard JSP boat tails at or near max velocities in your .300 Win unless they are bonded or have some special construction features to lock the core into the jacket. It is very common for standard boat tail JSP to separate core from jacket when impacting game at muzzle velocities greater than 3000 fps.
The 165 gr Interbond should give great performance on elk and mule deer at any range out to 400 yd. I no longer use 150 gr because the 165 gr shoots just as flat or flatter and retains velocity better. You can move up to 180 gr for elk if you want, but with premium bonded bullets, you will get good penetration and expansion with 165 gr.
I have also used the Speer Grand Slam at maximum veocity. It penetrates and expands well, but doesn't have as high of a ball. coeff. as the Hornady Interbond. The newer "Deep Curl" from Speer is a bonded bullet designed for good expansion and penetration from standard velocity cartridges. I have no experience with it, but according to Speer, it's performance at magnum velocities should be between that of their standard "Hot Core" bullets and their "Grand Slam" premium bullets.
Best kept secret for loading the .300 Win: you seldom need (or will get any real benefit from) the maximum attainable velocity with any weight bullet. As long as you use high quality premium bonded controlled expansion bullets, you will not need to use a hunting bullet heavier than 180 gr. in the lower 48. (Although a 200 gr. bullet might be useful for moose or bear at ranges less than 200 yd.)
The most efficient powders (not necessarily highest velocities) for good accuracy and near max velocity: IMR 4350 and IMR 4831
Best all around hunting load: Use the START load ( or 1 grain more) with IMR 4350 from the current Speer manual. The start load from the Speer manual chronographed at 3050 fps from my 24" barrel. And, as a special bonus, I could load 100 cartridges with 1 lb. of powder. It's possible to get another 150 fps or so by going all the way to max. But why? This load will probably give you good accuracy, good economy, a flat trajectory, a tad less recoil, and a little longer barrel life.
This load will equal the velocity you will get from some factory loaded 165 gr. JSP. If you start feeling you need the maximum velocity attainable, buy a box or two of Hornady Super Performance ammo with Interbond bullets. After fine tuning your zero, one box of 20 will last you two or three seasons.
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i have alot of manuals. just looking to get some additional info. good info so far from some of u guys.u need to share info and see where it goes. this am 76 of IMR4350 was doing good w/ 150 tips. do any of u have any experience w/ RL17 in the .300 WM?,,,thanks
Huckelberry75
Member
do any of u have any experience w/ RL17 in the .300 WM
Some of the guys I hunt with have used it with identical loads for recipes that used to use IMR 4350, and had excellent results.
Some of the guys I hunt with have used it with identical loads for recipes that used to use IMR 4350, and had excellent results.
GooseGestapo
Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2003
- Messages
- 6,154
Another tack you can take is what I'm doing with my .300mag (not a WinMag but a RemUltMag)
I bought a quantity of Mil-spec powder from "pulled-down" .50BMG. Mine specifically is WC-860. Currently other similar powders are available from Wideners and GIBrass.com
I'm running most any soft-point bullet, but have found that the Remington CorLokts are better than most of even the so-called premium bullets for jacket and weight retention.
I'm characteristically loading "down" to .300winmag levels, but the .300winmag can use these powders to develope full power loads with 180gr and heavier bullets. Velocities will be down a little from full power factory loads with 150 and 165gr bullets, but probably not enough to notice except with a chronograph.
Benifit is that I can load my .300RUM for less than I can load a .30/30. And with lower pressure loads the expensive brass lasts much longer......
I bought my powder for $5/lb back in '05. Nowdays, it's running ~ $10/lb. Better than ~ $25-30/lb when you're using 70gr+ per load (less than 100rd/lb.).
I bought a quantity of Mil-spec powder from "pulled-down" .50BMG. Mine specifically is WC-860. Currently other similar powders are available from Wideners and GIBrass.com
I'm running most any soft-point bullet, but have found that the Remington CorLokts are better than most of even the so-called premium bullets for jacket and weight retention.
I'm characteristically loading "down" to .300winmag levels, but the .300winmag can use these powders to develope full power loads with 180gr and heavier bullets. Velocities will be down a little from full power factory loads with 150 and 165gr bullets, but probably not enough to notice except with a chronograph.
Benifit is that I can load my .300RUM for less than I can load a .30/30. And with lower pressure loads the expensive brass lasts much longer......
I bought my powder for $5/lb back in '05. Nowdays, it's running ~ $10/lb. Better than ~ $25-30/lb when you're using 70gr+ per load (less than 100rd/lb.).
Clark
Member
CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.
Some of my notes from 12-2008:
B) 300WM VZ24 24" Parker Hale barrel, stock sent to me, Vari II 3x9x50, Limbsaver large pad unground 10.0 pounds as tested.
168 gr BTHP Honady 168 gr moly 77 gr H4350, 3.34"
3197 fps
3212
3228
1.1" 3 shot at 50y
C) 300WM BAR 24" Type I made in 1969 in Belgium 2x7 Burris FF, sling, Limbsaver large pad unground 10.0 pounds as tested
168 gr BTHP Honady 168 gr moly 77 gr H4350, 3.34"
3167 fps [fouling shot with moly paste in bore]
3220
3228
3174
0.7" 3 shot group at 50y
Some of my notes from 12-2008:
B) 300WM VZ24 24" Parker Hale barrel, stock sent to me, Vari II 3x9x50, Limbsaver large pad unground 10.0 pounds as tested.
168 gr BTHP Honady 168 gr moly 77 gr H4350, 3.34"
3197 fps
3212
3228
1.1" 3 shot at 50y
C) 300WM BAR 24" Type I made in 1969 in Belgium 2x7 Burris FF, sling, Limbsaver large pad unground 10.0 pounds as tested
168 gr BTHP Honady 168 gr moly 77 gr H4350, 3.34"
3167 fps [fouling shot with moly paste in bore]
3220
3228
3174
0.7" 3 shot group at 50y
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