What .300WM load for shorter range whitetail?

T

TacticalReload

New member
I realize that a .300 Win Mag might a bit too much for PA Whitetail since the deer are usually smaller and the ranges are shorter. So what load would you folks use?

If I was going with a factory load, what weight/type of bullet should I go with?

Also, I will be reloading but I'm not positive that I'll have time to work up a proper load by the time the season is on us since I will just be starting out with this particular caliber/rifle (Remington 700LSS). However, assuming that I do... what bullet/powder combo would you suggest as a good starting point?

Thanks in advance for you help!
 
Handloading, I'd just go by the book's starting load with a 150-grain bullet. That would probably give you a .30-'06 performance.

Commercial, I'd venture the 180-grain bullets are less likely to blow up at close range, and so won't ruin as much meat if you make a bad shot.

If you shoot 'em in the white spot, it won't matter.

:), Art
 
For Eastern Deer, I would hand load down to .30/30 performance............... NOT. I would just use a Marlin 336 in the first place. :)
 
Handload a 165 grain bullet to 2500 Fps and you will do fine.

Also will shoot flat enough for 300 yards too.
 
i think i'd look for the heaviest bullet that my rifle shot accurately. this will bring velocity down some, and hopefully prevent fragmentation.
 
Timing is everything. I was just reading an article in Shooting Times Magazine on terminal performance of hunting bullets (October 2002 issue). The test used a .300 Winchester Magnum using low and high velocity impact into animal glue expansion medium AT 30 FEET. Bullets were all 180 grain. I think this will answer a few questions. Here's some of the results:

High Velocity Impact

Swift A-Frame
impact velocity = 3048 fps
Retained weight = 163 (91%)
Penetration = 12"

Winchester Fail Safe
I V = 3143 fps
Retained weight = 144 (80%)
Penetration = 19"

Barnes X
I V = 3031 fps
Retained Weight = 134 (74%)
Penetration = 18

Nosler Partition
I V = 2923 fps
Retained weight = 123 (68%)
Penetration = 15"

Hornady SP Interlock
I V = 3055 fps
Retained Weight = 104 (58%)
Penetration = 10"

Speer Grand Slam
I V = 3107 fps
Retained Weight = 104 (58%)
Penetration = 10

Sierra Spitzer BT
I V = 3081 fps
Retained Weight = 78 (43%)
Penetration = 9
--------------------------------------------------------
Low Velocity Impact

Swift A-Frame
impact velocity = 1995 fps
Retained weight = 179 (99%)
Penetration = 14"

Winchester Fail Safe
I V = 1997 fps
Retained weight = 180 (100%)
Penetration = 18"

Barnes X
I V = 1930 fps
Retained Weight = 180 (100%)
Penetration = 10

Nosler Partition
I V = 2021 fps
Retained weight = 171 (95%)
Penetration = 14"

Hornady SP Interlock
I V = 1991 fps
Retained Weight = 174 (97%)
Penetration = 12"

Speer Grand Slam
I V = 2010 fps
Retained Weight = 173 (96%)
Penetration = 13

Sierra Spitzer BT
I V = 2017 fps
Retained Weight = 175 (97%)
Penetration = 11
 
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