Handloads for 300wsm BAR

[Poper]

I am new to the forum but would appreciate assistance with an issue.

I recently read an article that warned against the use of "slow" burning powders in semi-autos (I.E. 4350). The author says the peak pressure is further down the barrel and can cause damage to the gas operating mechanism, using the M1 and M1A as examples and referenced the Remington 7400 and BAR, too. He indicated powders in the Reloder 12/4064 burning range range would produce peak pressures earlier in the bullet travel and would avoid the problem with "slow" powders.

My BAR is chambered in 300WSM and use of the "faster" powders would seem to defeat the purpose of the high velocity/magnum power cartridge.

As I intend to practice frequently with this rifle and am handloading for it, is the above really an issue? Should I practice with reduced/faster powder loads and hunt with full power/slow powder loads?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

BP

 

[Ol` Joe]

I`m sure the WSMs are loaded from the factory with slow powders. I would not worry too much about it with this rifle (BAR) as Browning has likely taken steps to up grade the gas system if needed. I have a B-I-L that has a BAR in 338 Win Mag and I know he has used H4831 and R22 in his without any problems.
If you have any nagging doubt I`d give Browning a call or drop them a e-mail. They are the ones that know the most about their product.

 

[steve4102]

Sorry, but , calling Browning will get you nowhere. Once you start talking handloads with them they are less then helpful.

I have a 300WSM Bar also and I have asked this question on several forums. What it boils down to is, "load em up and shoot em". The BAR is not the same as the military style M1 or M1A, it will shoot the slower powders just fine. I have worked up several loads with R22 and Ramshot Hunter. Hunter is my powder of choice in my 300WSM. Top velocities and excellent accuracy. If you can find it give Hunter a try.

 

[Poper]

Ramshot

Steve,
I am in a Phoenix,Az suburb. Most products are readilly available. I have seen it in a couple of different shops and will give it a try. Thanks for the heads up.
I have a CZ 527 in triple 2, also, which seems to have a love affair with AA2230 pushing Hornaday 60 gr. SP. Do you have any idea how their X-Terminator compares? I am always looking for improvement.
Thanks again.
BP

 

[steve4102]

As I do not have a .222 I cannot comment on how well XT will work for you. XT is an extremely fine ball powder that was was designed for the .223. It will not bridge when loaded into the small necks of the .222, it is finer then AA2230. I use both AA2230 and XT in my 7.62x39. The XT is very accurate and pushes the heavier bullets with quite a bit more velocity then the AA2230. I like it a lot. Give XT a try you might be very happy with the results. Although I do not see any Ramshot data for the 60 grainers.


If you decide to give Hunter a try in your 300WSM be careful about load data. It is all over the place. Ramshot's load guide had Hunter at 70.5gr for the 180gr bullet. Then that was dropped down to 68.5gr. Now their new and improved data has 65.5gr as max for the 180's. I found 65.5gr to be below max for me and 68.5gr to hot. I am somewhere in between. As always start low and work up, but, you already knew that.

 

[robctwo]

I started loading the 300WSM BAR last fall. I loaded a bunch with Varget and H414. steve4102 was very helpful getting me started. You might also go to http://www.shortmags.org/shortmags/snitzforum/default.asp for a group devoted to the short mag.

I've loaded a range of bullets with the 150 gr Hornady SST being the most accurate.

 

[Poper]

Thanks for all the info.

All you folks have been most helpful. It is much appreciated.

Joe: Tried the Browning phone call. Mention handloads and they "prefer factory ammunition be used in their firearms." Product liability lawyers and such, I suppose. Wouldn't know if I hadn't tried.

Steve: Tried a couple of low end loads today with X-Terminator and 52 gr. Hornaday match HPBT in the CZ .222. Best group was 1-3/4"+. Doesn't mean much except it's a start and there are lots more combinations to play with yet.

robctwo: I, too, have a stock of the Hornaday 150 SST. One of the loads most favored by my Rem 788 carbine in .308 Win. is IMR4064, Rem 9-1/2, Horn 150 SST in Military LC79 Match brass. It'll print 3/4" at 100 meters if I do my part.
I'll give the 150 SST a try in the Browning. Thanks for the tip.

Great forum, Guys! Thanks again!