300WSM question...

[smitty03]

If I were to load this below recommended minimums, do you think it would be possible to find an accurate load? What I want is to be able to go a little less powerfull and maybe mimic something to that of a .308, or '06... But then still have the ability to use standard loads for elk. Am I asking for too much here?

Or how about a 270WSM? I would still think it's a bit much for deer... I don't really worry about the 270WSM being too little for elk around here as most shots happen withing 250yds. (of course shot placement being the key...)

 

[MM]

My best groups for the 300 WSM Savage Model 12 are achieved using AA 2700--59.5 grains pushing a 180gr spitzer boattail Sierra. <1MOA @ 100 yards. I guess that produces recoil a bit stouter than my 308, but substantially less than the recoil felt in the 300WSM using 64-65 grains of the 2700.
SatCong

 

[smitty03]

SatKong...

What would you guess the velocity/energy is? Or have you crono'd it?

 

[Berek]

If I were to load this below recommended minimums, do you think it would be possible to find an accurate load? What I want is to be able to go a little less powerfull and maybe mimic something to that of a .308, or '06... But then still have the ability to use standard loads for elk. Am I asking for too much here?

What bullet weight are you using? I wouldn't recommend going below minimum loads. If you want to work another load for deer, get your .308s in 150 grains or less. If it's more of a recoil issue, try weighting your rifle.

I have a Savage 11FXP3 with a synthetic stock. The recoil was horrendous. I opened it up, put lead shot in the "pockets" in the fore stock and put it back together. After that, the recoil was reduced and my shots were tighter. Added weight=>2 lbs.

Berek

 

[smitty03]

It's not a recoil issue. I would like to have a good elk rifle that I can "load down" in order to take deer sized game w/o too much oomph... In a perfect world, I would have both a dedicated deer rifle, as well as an elk rifle; but budget doesn't permit that.

 

[MM]

I can't seem to put my hands on my chrono notes, but as I recall it was 2300 fps and change, the spread was maybe +/- 30-40 fps.
I'm still looking and if I find them I'll update you.
SatCong

 

[USSR]

I agree with Berek, I wouldn't go below the minimum loads listed, especially with slow powders. I would go with the .30-06. I handload a 190gr Sierra MatchKing at 2900fps, so a 180gr game bullet at that velocity is clearly possible. If you don't reload, I believe Hornady offers their Light Magnum in .30-06 at that same velocity.

Don

 

[hoghunting]

I bought a Tikka T3 in 300 WSM with the intention of having a hot load and a reduced load for more fun. After my hot load - 165 gr. Hornady Interbond @ 3125 fps - will group 3/8 inches @ 100 yards, I knew a reduced load would probably not shoot any better. My group size decreased as velocity increased. So I scratched a reduced load, but will live with a load that will group about 1" at 200 yards.