Real Velocities of 300 WSM and 325 WSM

[Huntin'Gun]

So I've been thinking of getting a lightweight rifle for elk hunting. Where I hunt elk the terrain is steep and difficult. Shots could be quite long, but I don't think I'd pull the trigger past 350 yards or so.
I've been researching both the 300 wsm and the 325 wsm, but I don't believe the velocities that the manufacturers are advertising. They say a 200 gr Accubond goes 2950 fps out of the 325, but my impression is that over a chrony it would only measure about 2800 fps.
They say the 300 wsm can put out a 180 gr bullet at well over 3000 fps, but my dad is currently working up loads for his 300 wsm in an A-Bolt, and is only at 2850 fps with 180 gr bullets, even though the manuals say his loads should be doing over 2950 fps.
Do any of you guys have either of these cartridges and put them over a Chrony? Have you figured out what the real world velocities are, and not just go by the advertiser's hype and spin?

 

[bpl]

How long is the barrel on the A-bolt in 300WSM?

 

[rundm]

if you chrony factory loads then they will most likely be alot closer to the claimed velocity that is advertised. the factories use alot of non canister powder to get their claimed velocity. you might also check the length of the barrel your dad is using compared to what is on the charts. also, figure in the fact that many barrels shoot the same loads faster and slower then other barrels. both of those rounds were manufactured to equal the bigger rounds with a short action.

 

[Huntin'Gun]

bpl: The A-bolt has a 23" bbl. As far as I know the velocities claimed [about 3000 fps or more with 180 gr bullet] are using a 24" bbl. That means the A-bolt should be able to do at least between 2950 to 2975 fps with 180 grain. But so far it isn't.
rundm: You've kind of touched my point. Winchester CLAIMS that those rounds will equal the bigger rounds, but I can't find any definative proof. Only things like: "on the box of ammo it says such-and-such". But nobody is coming out and saying: " I've put mine over a chrony and it shoots fastest at X, slowest at Y, with an average of Z."
Are the velocities that people THINK they're shooting equal to what they are ACTUALLY shooting. Only independant chrony measurements from shooters like you and me can come up with the ACTUAL answer. The stuff Winchester CLAIMS must be taken with a big grain of salt. That's just marketing hype.
That's why I'm asking if any one has put theirs over a chrony.

 

[Uncle Mike]

Also keep in mind that the lab coat testing done by the manufacturers is done under fixed and controlled conditions, humidity, temperature, barometric pressure and so on.

Your results will vary depending...

The published numbers are 'close' to what you can expect, albeit somewhat inflated at times.

I like the .325 if I was after Elk, I have always been a fan of the 8mm bore, slightly heavier bullets and excellent downrange ballistics...comparatively speaking.

 

[hoghunting]

I have only loaded 165gr Interbonds in my 300WSM, but my chrony says my load averages 3154 fps.

 

[dakotasin]

i would have to dig out my notes to get specific, but i have run 180's in my 300 wsm at over 3000 f/s using rl-19 and 180 sierra gamekings.

 

[Amax]

I have a 300 wsm in the coyote, and the factory loads I chronyed several years ago in the 180 fail safes averaged 3040 fps. I am shooting Sierra 180 gr reloads to a velocity of 2940.
John M

 

[Runningman]

In my 24" Tikka I'm getting 3027 FPS with Reloader 17 using a 180 grain Nosler Partition. This has been the best powder I have found so far in the 300 WSM. I have actually had it going 3053 FPS but backed off for better accuracy. My rifle really likes the 168 Grain Barnes TSX & TTSX bullet so I'm going to try that bullet with this new powder soon.

By comparison notes from years ago. Show my 24" Remington 700 in 300 Win mag was doing 2931 FPS with Remington 180 factory loads. Some FL 180 Hornadys in the 300 Win were slightly below 2860 FPS.