My first go around with a short mag. Stupid question but is this cartridge going to like speed for accuracy? My 308 being a 30 cal doesn't need excessive speed for accuracy while my 7 mag gets more accurate the faster I can move it. I'm planning on starting with IMR 4350 and 180 Nosler ballistic tips. I did get 50 reloads with the trade on this but am considering pulling them. 168 Grain Noslers loaded at 68.2 grains of IMR 4350 and 150 Sierra Game Kings loaded with 52 grains of imr 8208. A powder I can't find much about but both are loaded within about .2 grain of max from what I've seen. All loaded in Lapua and Norma brass.
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Need advice on Reloading 300 WSM
- Thread starter Wendyj
- Start date
I've used both H4350 and RL-17 in 300 WSM with both Hornady and Nosler bullets, all with Federal Brass.
A max charge of 64 gr H4350 gave me exactly the book speed of 2950 fps with very good accuracy. Hodgdon shows IMR4350 about 40 fps faster, but I've never tried it.
RL17 shows a fair amount more speed, almost 3100 fps, with a max load. I started getting pressure signs and getting speeds close to 3100 fps well below the listed book max. Accuracy was poor until I backed off on the charge weight until I was shooting around 2950 fps.
A lot of 300 WSM shooters claim RL-17 is THE powder to use and claim about 100 fps more speed than any other powder with good accuracy. Apparently with SOME rifles it works great, but not so well in mine. Based on reading others post about their preferred load H4350 seems to give the best accuracy even if it is a little slower.
A max charge of 64 gr H4350 gave me exactly the book speed of 2950 fps with very good accuracy. Hodgdon shows IMR4350 about 40 fps faster, but I've never tried it.
RL17 shows a fair amount more speed, almost 3100 fps, with a max load. I started getting pressure signs and getting speeds close to 3100 fps well below the listed book max. Accuracy was poor until I backed off on the charge weight until I was shooting around 2950 fps.
A lot of 300 WSM shooters claim RL-17 is THE powder to use and claim about 100 fps more speed than any other powder with good accuracy. Apparently with SOME rifles it works great, but not so well in mine. Based on reading others post about their preferred load H4350 seems to give the best accuracy even if it is a little slower.
oldmanFCSA
New member
I tried multiple different powders with WIN760 giving me the best results while using Nosler 180 grain Ballistic Tips. 3100+ with an Extreme Spread of 3 fps within 10 shots.
I was loading for a friend and his Tikka rifle. With my reloads he has taken a caribou in Quebec, a Red Stag in New Zealand, and a 6X6 elk in Colorado.
Now his 4 other hunting buddies, who all shoot 300WSM's, want me to load for them also. Already did for one shooter and he also took an elk in Colorado on same hunt.
I've tried to load Nosler 180 grain Partitions for this group, but they are "stuck" on my loadings using Ballistic Tips.
I was loading for a friend and his Tikka rifle. With my reloads he has taken a caribou in Quebec, a Red Stag in New Zealand, and a 6X6 elk in Colorado.
Now his 4 other hunting buddies, who all shoot 300WSM's, want me to load for them also. Already did for one shooter and he also took an elk in Colorado on same hunt.
I've tried to load Nosler 180 grain Partitions for this group, but they are "stuck" on my loadings using Ballistic Tips.
You're wise to look to 180s in this cartridge. Have a buddy that uses one with 180 Partitions with one shot flop effect. Golf ball sized exit wounds without messing the meat. Has the same ballistics as the 300WM, so 150s would be very explosive at impact velocities > 3000fps.
Stupid question but is this cartridge going to like speed for accuracy?
It is about as good as the older 300 Win Mag, which is to say very good.
Keep the bullet weight to the upper end, 180 to 210 grain, and keep the powder charge dense, IMR4350 is listed as a compressed load for 190, 200, and 208gr bullets from Hodgdon, so it is a great choice.
Look for a velocity between 2,700 and 2,850 with a 26" barrel. Back off the velocity for shorter barrels of course.
If you are hunting 180gr bullets are great. If you are shooting paper, start off with the Nosler CC 190gr HPBT.
Jimro
Jmro where are you finding Reloader 17. I'
I haven't bought any in a while. I have a couple of cans bought before things got crazy. I don't load for or shoot my 300 WSM all that much. I really like the round and it would be my top pick for anyone wanting one of the 300 magnums. But my 308 does all I need for now.
schmellba99
New member
I'm pushing a 180 grain Accubond out of mine with 62.5 grains of H414. Not sure on the velocity, but based on what I just looked up it's in the 2800-2950 range. I don't get too concerned with velocity, especially when rounds are hitting where I want them to repeatedly.
Unfortunately haven't taken any game with it yet though.
Unfortunately haven't taken any game with it yet though.