Another 300 WSM thread

[TheHardWay]

Ok, I have read extensively through the old threads regarding the 300WSM while looking for bullet/powder ideas, but I still have some questions.

First off, I am looking for one load that will be suitable for antelope, deer, and elk. I was originally thinking of going with a 180gr class bullet due to elk factor. Thinking Berger or Barnes. Now I am thinking I may want to go a little lighter, and go with a 168 gr class bullet for a little flatter trajectory. Do you think that that light of a bullet would be an inferior choice for elk? Killing an elk is not my limiting factor as I already have some heavier caliber loads worked for elk sized game and bigger.

From what I have read it seems like RL17, H4350, and N550 are the popular choice for this caliber. RL 19 seemed to be a choice before the introduction of the 17. I don't happen to have any of these 3 powers, as my luck would have it. Are they all pretty comparable or is there one I should concentrate on?

The rifle is a off-the-shelf Remington 700 XCR (24" barrel, 1-10" twist). I know every gun has its own likes and dislikes as far as bullet and powder combos, but does anyone have this particular rifle with a load that gives them great results? I would like to be good out to at least 6-700 yards. I know its hard to get .5 MOA groups out of an off the shelf gun, but I would like to get as close as possible. I am a stickler to get the bullet holes to touch, and I know it is possible as I have done this with my 375HH, and 338-378 that I purchased over the counter.
Thanks for any help and insight you can offer

 

[FROGO207]

I am using H4350 with a 180 grain CT Ballistic silver tip and have had good results with this choice in my Savage 110 with accutrigger. I do not own the rifle you are using however and results may be different with yours.

 

[steve4102]

Nosler Partition either 165gr or 180gr, nuff said.
Powder Ramshot Hunter was designed for the WSM and works like a charm.

 

[FROGO207]

I have some hunter and will have to try it now!! I really learn some on this forum on occasion.

 

[TheHardWay]

so a 168 gr bullet would still be sufficient for elk?

 

[NCsmitty]

so a 168 gr bullet would still be sufficient for elk?

Most 30 cal 165gr are game bullets designed to expand on the animal.

Barnes and Berger do have 168gr expanding game bullets as does Hornady and Nosler in their lead free, but most 30 cal 168gr are match target style bullets, and hunting ethics dictate that they should not be used on game. Most match bullets will not expand properly and often pass through allowing the animal to run off and die, without being harvested .

So, yes the 165-168gr game bullets are more than adequate for taking elk. Load up some with proper starting loads using powders that have been recommended and see how they group.
I suggest trying one of the 4350 group of powders. Use the correct data for each type as they are not identical for burn rate.



NCsmitty

 

[RDA 226sig]

I have had good success with 180 grain Nosler BT and Accubond bullets and IMR4831. Fired from a Remington 700 LSS with a 22" bbl.

 

[Ironsight]

Bullet jump

Using Reloader22 powder how far off the lands should the Barnes 180g TSX bullet be set?

 

[dakotasin]

i used to be a huge fan of rl-19 w/ 180 grain bullets. over time i settled on hornady 165's for all of my 30 cals, and so this year i finally re-worked my 300 wsm load w/ 165's. i tested probably half dozen powders and rl-17 was the way to go here.

as far as bullet jump... you have to test this yourself. first make sure your cartridges will feed thru the mag. once that is tested, then just start by kissing the lands and work the bullet deeper in .005 increments if you want to be really ocd about it.

or, what i do, seat as long as i can and still get reliable feeding and extraction (no bullet pull) without having the lands mark the bullet. probably usually equates to a .005 - .010 jump.

 

[NCsmitty]

Using Reloader22 powder how far off the lands should the Barnes 180g TSX bullet be set?

This is from the Barnes FAQ page.

Do I seat TSX bullets .030 inch to .070 inch from the lands, starting at .050 inch off the lands, as recommended with other X-style bullets?
Yes. All-copper TSX Bullets typically give better accuracy when seated off the lands and grooves (the rifling in the barrel).

I don't use Barnes bullets, but I have heard that .050" off the lands, is the nominal dimension used when reloading the Barnes lead free bullets.


NCsmitty

 

[TheHardWay]

I read this on another forum as well. Barnes bullets deliver better accuracy when seated further from the lands than most bullets.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know why this is?

 

[NCsmitty]

Out of curiosity, does anyone know why this is?

I believe it's more of an issue with pressure spikes, rather than accuracy.
I've heard that the solid copper bullet needs the jump to the lands because it's harder, and the initial engraving of the lands can create higher pressures compared to a lead/copper bullet.
A short tapered leade can also help to keep pressures down.



NCsmitty

 

[TheHardWay]

That makes sense

 

[FredHunter]

I just made some loads the other night for my 300 wsm. Remington 700 CDL SF. I used H4350 in 61g, 62g, 63g, 64g, and 65g. I made 3 bullets each. I have attached a picture of the target. I did give it 5-10 minutes between each shot to let the barrel cool. I used 165g Hornady SST Bullets for each load. I didn't even shoot the 65g loads because the groups got worse and worse. I am thinking of making some loads of 59g, 59.5g, 60g, and 60.5 and see what it likes the best.

Question why is it that the heavier the bullet the lower the load in the reload charts?

Prior to today I have used R17 with Hornady 155g A-max bullets and it was awesome. Good groups and very little kick compared to store ammo (Winchester 150g Ballistic Silver Tips).

Fred

 

[RDA 226sig]

Fredhunter: Question why is it that the heavier the bullet the lower the load in the reload charts?

Force=Mass X Acceleration, it requires more force to move a larger bullet and as a result the chamber pressure builds faster for the heavier bullet with the same powder charge.

 

[Kernel]

^^^

Also, heavier bullets are physically larger. When a cartridge is held to a fixed COAL, they take up more space in the case, reducing powder capacity, which results in smaller loads.