ILikeLead
Member
Yesterday I decided to reload subsonic loads for 300blk to shoot in my Remington 700 AAC-SD.
Using 220 grain round nose soft point bullets I referenced the chart on the lee reloading die insert. I had used imr4198 in the past but the loads were too fast for subsonic (sonic crack). I decided to try H lil gun and see if they were sub-sonic. On the lee chart there is no range. It lists only one load for sub-sonic. For lil gun that load is 9.0 grains for the 220gn jacketed bullet.
I loaded 5 and shot them upwards into the trunk of an oak tree in the backyard about 50 yards off. No sonic crack, good to go.
I reloaded 20 more to shoot at 100 yards and test accuracy. The first 4 were loaded into the magazine with the muzzle down. Then I placed the gun on bags for shooting. The first round was noticeably louder and the bolt was stuck closed. After unloading the remaining live rounds I used a mallet to open the bolt and found the case severely expanded into the head of the bolt. No case head separation. No split neck. Just brass molded into the bolt face area. The bolt was cracked on the front rim. I machined out the brass but will have to have the gun repaired if it is at all possible.
here's the question. Was it detonation? I don't know. Suppose I did double charge the case with 19 grains of lil gun. THe 44 magnum shooting 220 grain bullet calls for 20.1 to 24.9 grains of lil gun in my Sierra manual.
Granted the lee chart lists lil gun for the 300blk and 135 grain bullet as 18 grains maximum.
(Case volume for .44 magnum is 35-40% more than 300 blk)
I just don't know. Luckily no human damage. Only damage is to gun.
Any helpful words of wisdom? I'll look for a more bulky powder next time for this purpose!
Also, Anybody know where I can get a replacement bolt? I've already emailed Remington and awaiting response.
Using 220 grain round nose soft point bullets I referenced the chart on the lee reloading die insert. I had used imr4198 in the past but the loads were too fast for subsonic (sonic crack). I decided to try H lil gun and see if they were sub-sonic. On the lee chart there is no range. It lists only one load for sub-sonic. For lil gun that load is 9.0 grains for the 220gn jacketed bullet.
I loaded 5 and shot them upwards into the trunk of an oak tree in the backyard about 50 yards off. No sonic crack, good to go.
I reloaded 20 more to shoot at 100 yards and test accuracy. The first 4 were loaded into the magazine with the muzzle down. Then I placed the gun on bags for shooting. The first round was noticeably louder and the bolt was stuck closed. After unloading the remaining live rounds I used a mallet to open the bolt and found the case severely expanded into the head of the bolt. No case head separation. No split neck. Just brass molded into the bolt face area. The bolt was cracked on the front rim. I machined out the brass but will have to have the gun repaired if it is at all possible.
here's the question. Was it detonation? I don't know. Suppose I did double charge the case with 19 grains of lil gun. THe 44 magnum shooting 220 grain bullet calls for 20.1 to 24.9 grains of lil gun in my Sierra manual.
Granted the lee chart lists lil gun for the 300blk and 135 grain bullet as 18 grains maximum.
(Case volume for .44 magnum is 35-40% more than 300 blk)
I just don't know. Luckily no human damage. Only damage is to gun.
Any helpful words of wisdom? I'll look for a more bulky powder next time for this purpose!
Also, Anybody know where I can get a replacement bolt? I've already emailed Remington and awaiting response.