Need Advice on Factory .300 Norma Mag Ammo

[18Bravo.com]

I am just getting into long range shooting. I don't reload. I am looking for advice on factory .300 Norma Mag ammo. I am using a Barrett MRAD with a 26" 1:8 twist barreI. I am just getting setup to hit the range and I have acquired some Berger 230gr (SKU 62010), Norma 230gr (SKU 20174602), Hornady 225gr ELR (SKU82176), and most recently Federal 215gr (SKU GM300NMBH1). Does anyone have any experience/advice regarding the Federal 215gr? It is marketed as both "Hybrid Target" and "Hybrid Hunter" with the same SKU. It is also about $2 per round cheaper than the other rounds I mentioned above - this makes me very curious about the ammo and why it would be so much cheaper.

 

[vh20]

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I just ordered a 300NM barrel for my AXMC. Will probably be a few months, but I would like to get some factory ammo stocked up to try out. I'm curious about the Berger 215 vs 230 OTMs, and the Hornady 225 ELD, all in factory loadings, and the results people have had with them.

 

[CrabsandFootball]

The 215 is a monster. It performs much better than the 230's hence why everyone uses it, including hunters and SOCOM.

Now if you really want to see what that round can do, load some warner flatline 198's (assuming you have a 9 twist barrel) and enjoy owning everything inside 2000M.

The 215 is what you want, until we get some more stable/cheaper projos in 30cal.

 

[vh20]

The 215 is a monster. It performs much better than the 230's hence why everyone uses it, including hunters and SOCOM.

Now if you really want to see what that round can do, load some warner flatline 198's (assuming you have a 9 twist barrel) and enjoy owning everything inside 2000M.

The 215 is what you want, until we get some more stable/cheaper projos in 30cal.

I shoot the 338 Norma extensively. Ive mostly shot 300 SMKs but am about to experiment with the Berger 300 OTMs. I decided to give the 300 a try since it only involves a quick barrel swap.
So, you're saying that the general experience with the round is that the Berger is a better choice than the 230? That's good to know. Would you mind explaining the differences in performance (i.e. "how" it performs better)? Thanks!

 

[CrabsandFootball]

In the 300NM as well as the 300WM. I know alot of hunters using that projectile and the factory Berger Ammo in 215's.

The 215 basically is more stable at distance. The 230's have been reported doing some unpredictable weird shit at longer ranges.

I'm sure someone with more expereince can chime in exactly what is happening. SOCOM chose the 215 after testing every .30 cal projo and found it to be the best combination and velocity, range, energy, wind resistance and effect on target.

 

[vh20]

I think the AI barrels are 1:10?