What's my next move?

[nvshooter]

I loaded up ten each rounds for my 300WSM, starting with 60 grains of Hodgdon H4831SC, progessing to 65 grains. I used the Sierra MatchKing 190gr HPBT bullet and CCI #250 Large Rifle Magnum primer in all loads. I have 60 rounds, total.

I have shot my rifle in the past with fair to middlin' results with 64gr H4831SC, but have never really done a test with increasing powder charges. I am thinking about five rounds at 100 yards and the other five at 200 yards, to be shot on the same target. The near test will be at the top and the far test at the bottom of the target sheet. Considering I have essentially no margin for screwed-up shots, my question is: How do I conduct a meaningful test without chasing the crosshair from load to load?

 

[dakotasin]

relax... the drop on the 300 wsm is negligible at 200 yards.

next time, use a ladder method to develop your load - it will go faster, you'll use 2/3 less components.

for what you already have... just back off to 200 yards (further is better), and just shoot for groups. no need to shoot at 100 unless you just want to prove that .5" at 100 does not = 1.0" at 200...

(btw, i found wsm happiness w/ rl-19... something to try if your results here don't satisfy you).

 

[hoghunting]

I agree with dakota and shoot from 200. If your scope is not sighted in for your loads, you might have to shoot at 100 to stay on paper. With the 300wsm, take your time shooting and keep from over heating the barrel. Also, the wsm sure do foul quite a bit. I run a brush and patches through the barrel after each group. This not only cleans, but cools the barrel.

I have also found Reloder 19 as the best powder for the 300wsm. I use WLRM primers.

 

[Grumulkin]

Actually, I would do my initial testing at 100 yards. Two hundred yards is further to walk to change targets, etc. You can get just about as good information with 100 yard groups and are more likely to at least be on paper if a load ends up being wildly inaccurate. Once you have a load that is a winner, it's time to shoot at a 200 or more yard range.

 

[USSR]

nvshooter,

If you dial in additional elevation of 1.5-1.75 MOA at 100 yards, you will be putting them in the black at 200 yards. Any idea what velocity you're running at? Reason I ask is, I could never get good velocity out of H4831SC. Have found Reloader 22 to be the nutz with the 190SMK.

Don

 

[nvshooter]

Thanks for all the replies. I've been away-- at work. I use the H4831SC because my gunsmith told me to. He's a world-class shot, too. I have no idea what muzzle velocity I am getting. I suspect somewhere near 2700.