300 WSM and RL17 experience?

[TurboFC3S]

I just finished prepping about 500 pieces of 300 WSM brass, tomorrow I'll start loading it up. The first 50 will use the rest of my 4350 and the Tubbs Final Finish lapping bullets, but after that I'm going to try and work up some loads with Reloader 17 and 168gr Match Kings. Gun is a FN PBR XP with a 24" barrel, plan is to start around 66gr and work up to 69gr max, COL of 2.85".

My problem is I'm having a real hard time finding any data for Match Kings and RL17 in 300 WSM. Best I've found is some threads on 24hourcampfire with other 168gr bullets, and I'm guessing to expect around 3150fps at 68gr. Alliant listed 3217fps with 68gr and a 165gr Speer, which might be a bit optimistic.

I'm just looking for a bit of real world feedback on RL17 in a 300WSM so I can make the best out of my trip to the 600 yard range. Data using the Match Kings would be great, but any input would help. Next up will be 175gr and 200gr Match Kings after I get the 168gr load worked out.

And, I will post data here after I get back on Tuesday.

 

[loadedround]

Turbo:
Because RL17 is so new having just been released in Spring 2008 most manuals will not have it listed. If you go to Alliant's website at www.alliantpowder.com you find three recommended loads for the 150, 165, and 180 gr bullets using RL17. Hope this little bit of information is helpful to you.

 

[USSR]

Next up will be 175gr and 200gr Match Kings after I get the 168gr load worked out.

When you get to the 200SMK's, use RL22.

Don

 

[TurboFC3S]

Wowza! Went to the range yesterday ... 69gr of RL17 under a 168gr Match King gave me an average of 3244fps. 66gr gave 3009fps, 67gr and 68gr fell exactly inbetween at around 3090fps and 3170fps.

Impressive numbers ...

 

[dullh]

I have loaded my .300WSM with RL15 because that's what I have (with 165gr Sierra GameKings). Would RL17 be a better choice than RL15 I'm using now?

 

[MCMXI]

I was all set to use IMR 4895 with 150gr Hornady SSTs but just picked up 5lb of Reloder 19. I'm going to save the 4895 for the 7mm-08. I use Reloder 22 for 168gr and heavier SMKs with very good results.