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Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

Tactical30

Tactical30

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
May 5, 2009
1,098
3
46
Eastern Ohio
#1
I am currently having a .300WM being built by Warner Tool and was wondering what bullets shoot well with the .300WM (178gr, 208gr. A-MAX, 190gr. SMK?) for target shooting and what powders work well.
The barrel im having installed is a Bartlien #7 MTU Contour, 26" Length and 1-10 Twist.

I have some R-P (new) Brass and Federal Match Large Magnum primers so far to get started. I know its going to be months before my build is done but im trying to get a head start.

Also I have just got into reloading about 7 months ago but have only reloaded for (semi's) my AR's (.223, 6.5 Grendel). I was wondering what changes in the reloading process when reloading for a bolt gun rather than a semi-auto.

Good set of Dies to get?

I know im going to get alot of answers like "Read your loading manuals!" but im wondering if you guys could give me any tips or hints to this.

(Im only going to be Target shooting with this gun. Long and Short range (No Hunting).)

Thanks.
 
#2
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

1- pick a bullet you want to shoot. The 208 A-max and 210 Berger VLD are king. But the 190 SMK will always shoot well. Seat the bullet out long close the the lands, and you'll be GTG. Get the powder best for the bullet used. Retumbo, H1000, or R22 for the heavies (in that order) and R22 for the 190 SMK.

2- any set of dies will do fine. I prefer the Redding comp dies. A good type S FL (or neck) bushing die will work. Second option is a Hornady FL set. You'll need around a .334" bushing, depending on the thickness of the Rem brass.

3- load up test rounds and test them at 300 yards.
 
#4
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

definetly use redding comp dies, make sure you set them up right so you bump the shoulder. All the bullets that were mentioned are great, I shoot the 200smk myself, IMR 4350. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 2850fps, at 80deg. Enjoy it, they rock, Ive taken mine out to 1800yrds.

mike
 
#5
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

don't forget the Larry Willis collet die to resize the base of case after several reloads. I run my 208 AMAX on RL22 (71.6 grains)
 
#7
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

I have a custom built 300 Win Mag and it likes 71.0 gr of IMR 4831 with the 190gr SMK in WW brass and CCI mag primers.
MV averages 3031fps, average of 10 shots.
 
#8
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">don't forget the Larry Willis collet die to resize the base of case after several reloads. I run my 208 AMAX on RL22 (71.6 grains) </div></div>

I think that Collet Die is a MUST Have
 
#9
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

Picked up a Hornady OAL gauge for $5 at my gun shop. It was brand new in the box. I dont why he was selling for $5 bucks but I didnt ask, I think it was mis-priced (as they do alot). I need to get the Hornady Comparator set for my cailpers also.

<span style="font-weight: bold">How far should I seat off the lands?? </span>

I figured I needed one of these with a bolt gun and never really felt the need to use one with an AR-platform seeing you have to load to mag-length anyhow (unless single shooting).


I think my best bet for dies are going to be the Redding Comp dies.

Keep the replys comin!
 
#10
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

CHAD, Am I reading your post correct in that you are suggesting to try 210 VLD's with RE-22 first? I am also currently developing a load for my HS HTR in 300 Win Mag. Thx
 
#11
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

I have shot smk 210's and 220's with h1000 and rl-22 in my 5r with good results just got 210 vld hunting. waiting for my scope to get back from leupold to give them a try
 
#15
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

What kind of groups are you guys getting with those 210 VLDs at short (say 100y), and velocity spreads and Standard deviations? I am used to loading for the 308 win and my velocity spreads on the 300 Win are much higher than they really every were on the 308win. tried different powders, primers, bullets still seem to be around 40fps-50fps ES and 13-15 SD. Is that so terrible for a 300 win?
 
#16
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

Looking at the A) .308, B) .30-'06, and C) .300WM for LR target shooting, I consider the energy level available from each cartridge to be A) marginal, B) adequate and, C) over the top.

For hunting purposes, I'd not be commenting. But for slaying the wily paper target, I'm doing a little bit of extra-think.

Folks have been crafting .300WM-equivalent loads for the .30-'06 using 190's and RL-22 for quite some time now. I am prompted to wonder whether the opposite could be accomplished, and whether there could be some value to the practice.

I mean, the paper doesn't seem to care. The .30-'06 users seem to like their results. Maybe the .300WM's throat and bore might be appreciative of the gentler treatment, too. There should be a corresponding diminution in recoil, and that's got to be a plus, too.

Besides, if more is really necessary, the option is still there too.

Might be worth a thought or two.

Greg
 
#17
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

Greg,

We worked up a fairly light load for my buddies 300wm to fireform virgin WW brass. I can contact him to see how many grains of RL22 it was if you'd like, but velocity was in the 2700'ish area (from a Sedero profile/length barrel). 200g smk's jammed in the lands.

These were shooting a ragged hole at 100 yds. He fired 20 rounds into just over .5". Shot under 1/2 moa at 1100 yds for 3 shots (I know...
crazy.gif
) I was shooting out past 1000 yds that day so we figured we try his rounds just for kicks, and were really surpised how well they grouped.

John
 
#18
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mschloss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I love my 208g Amax's with H1000. Also loading with Redding dies. </div></div>

Mschloss, Im about to start loading with 208's and H1000. This my first time reloading and also using Redding Comp dies. What size bushings are you using or recommend? Im loading for an AI AWM.

Cheers.
 
#19
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bsp212</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm getting outstanding results with the 208 Amax and H1000. I would have to go back and look at COAL, but I know it fits in an AI mag. </div></div>

Hi Bsp212, Have the same question as above for ya. Im also about to load 208's and H1000. This is my first time reloading and am wondering what your seating depths and bushings size etc are? Im also loading for an AI AWM. Any advice or recomendations would be great.

Cheers
 
#20
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

Well, Greg broke it down with some sage advice. The 300 Win has enough capability that you don't have to drive it that hard to achieve most performance needs.

RL-22 will tend to perform most consistently with full capacity loads, so for for loads off max I would consider using stick powders like H-1000, IMR 7828 or H-4831.

You might also consider adding a muzzle break to your build to make it more comfortable to shoot.

TC
 
#22
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

Cheers for the info Bsp. Im using Norma bass, would that make much difference? I can find on how to figure out what size to use. Have tried the search function, but keep getting a thousand different results.
 
#23
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

I see a bunch of replies but not alot of data I have a rem sendero and spent a bunch of time finding the right powder/load combination. 75.5grs of rl22 with a 180gr swift scirocco, cci mag primer, rem brass, 10th off the lands shoots just a one hole group at 100. I full length resize, uniform the primer pockets, ream the flash holes, length trim, neck turn and carefully brush up the inside of the neck with a little piece of red scotchbrite. I tried imr4831 h1000 and a whole host of others and as soon I tried RL22 it tightened right up. ive tried loads in it in + gr incr till the bolt got tight and it still was inside .5 all that said pick up a Nosler
reloading manual and look what it says. I learned the long way.
pay close attention to your necks it seems to matter on the 300wm. good luck. oh 3080fps crono
 
#24
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

Berger 185 Match Long range bullets with 73.1gr of re22 .010 off lands, cci mag primer, Average velocity 3001 groups under .3 moa consistently out of my HS Precision HTR. I am however having difficulty with RE 22 doing anything else with any other charges and with a few different bullets. I'm reluctant to try different powders. Norma brass by the way
 
#25
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

Sounds like H-1000 and RL-22 are the better powders to use.

I have a brick of Federal Large Magum Match primers to use, is there any difference if I used the regular Large rifle primers instead of the Magnum?
 
#26
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KiwiShtr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cheers for the info Bsp. Im using Norma bass, would that make much difference? I can find on how to figure out what size to use. Have tried the search function, but keep getting a thousand different results.</div></div>

Just checked and my COAL is 3.510. I don't have any experience with the Norma brass, so I have no idea what the dimensional differences will be. I do know that the Norma brass is good stuff, so I would just work on finding a load that works well with it in your rifle. I started out with 74gr of H1000 and ran a ladder in 0.5gr intervals up to the 79gr load I'm using. I didn't notice much difference in accuracy in any of the loads I tried so I kept going until I got the velocity I wanted.
 
#27
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: longrange30</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sounds like H-1000 and RL-22 are the better powders to use.

I have a brick of Federal Large Magum Match primers to use, <span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">is there any difference if I used the regular Large rifle primers instead of the Magnum?</span></span> </div></div>

I have successfully used Winchester large rifle primers in my 300 WM in the past. However, ever since I switched to Fed 215M, I have not gone back.
 
#28
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

I have no personal experience with Large Rifle primers in 300wm. I use nothing but magnum primers.

I did read somewhere that they may cause hangfires in cold weather. I don't know this for a fact, consider it internet lore. But know that there *may* be an issue.

John
 
#29
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

very interesting thread. I too am starting to reload for my 300 WM. I pam planning to plan to shoot 190 VLD hunting out of it. I am planning to start with 74 g of H 4831.

Anyone with retumbo data or other load data for 190 VLD
 
#30
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

I has used Large rifle primers while loading for my 300WM. What I do it develop loads with Mag primers and chrono them etc. If you're not happy with the velocity spread and SD you can try Large rifle. I personally have had success with RE22 and Large rifle primers from 50degress in the morning to over 80 degrees. The large rifle primers can limit the powders you use. If you're thinking of running the slower powders for heavier bullets chances are you'll get hang fires and huge velocity spreads. I did experience hang fires when using lower charges (say 68gr of re22)
 
#31
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

I hate load development. Total waste of my time. I picked up some 208 A-Max, Re 22 (73.0 g) and loaded to 3.600 overall. I don't know where the lands are, don't care. I don't have pressure signs and the rifle will shoot one hole at 200 yards.
 
#32
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

Can someone tell me what the min and max charges are for RE 22 and h1000 are for A max 208gr bullets? I don't seem to have that data in my manuals and can't find it on their website. Thx
 
#33
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hate load development. Total waste of my time. I picked up some 208 A-Max, Re 22 (73.0 g) and loaded to 3.600 overall. I don't know where the lands are, don't care. I don't have pressure signs and the rifle will shoot one hole at 200 yards. </div></div>

Barrel?
Twist rate?
 
#34
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

My best formula for .300WM in a Sendero profile 26" barrel is:


73.0gr of RL22
Federal Match Large Rifle primers (NOT magnum)
SMK 190s
Seat right off the lands

Yes the RL22 is more temperature sensitive than H1000 but this is very close to the specs of the A191 we use here at work and gives you about 2950 fps.
 
#35
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

I am shooting a Rem 700 sendero factory barreled action in an AICS 1.5. Twist is 10".

Someone on the hide ran a quickload for me. I think 73.0 is near max load but couldn't guarantee it.
 
#36
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

My current load for my 300WM is
Winchester brass
Winchester LR primer
77.2 Grs. of H1000
220 Sierra MK
3.500 OAL
average MV is 2860

loads are being shot from a bartlein 1/11 tube finished at 26" including a badger FTE brake.

also +1 on the larry willis die, that die is a must, if i didnt have it i would be scrapping brass after two or three firings.
 
#37
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

Kiwi,

AIAWSM 300WM.
208 Amax (.633 BC per Bryan Litz - Applied Ballistics)
79.5 H1000
Full Length (Redding) Winchester Brass
CCI Mag
Length to Ogive 2.855 (essentially, a hair off max mag length)

My chono tells me 2990, but I don't trust it, nor rely on it beyond ballpark.

My dope matching, using FFS & Litz's BC tells me 3080 fps.

This is my high-end, accuracy load- most testing done at 50*-60*

Test for yourself, start low, work up.... the reloading section has a great method under "Handloading for LR - Powdering it"... I used this method to find my load - all testing at 600yds.... saved me a bunch of rounds down range, verses previous methods I've used.
 
#38
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DR800</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My best formula for .300WM in a Sendero profile 26" barrel is:


73.0gr of RL22
Federal Match Large Rifle primers (NOT magnum)
SMK 190s
Seat right off the lands

</div></div>

I am running this same load with a 190 Hunting VLD out of a Kimber Advanced tactical. works pretty well
 
#39
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tribe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kiwi,

AIAWSM 300WM.
208 Amax (.633 BC per Bryan Litz - Applied Ballistics)
79.5 H1000
Full Length (Redding) Winchester Brass
CCI Mag
Length to Ogive 2.855 (essentially, a hair off max mag length)

My chono tells me 2990, but I don't trust it, nor rely on it beyond ballpark.

My dope matching, using FFS & Litz's BC tells me 3080 fps.

This is my high-end, accuracy load- most testing done at 50*-60*

Test for yourself, start low, work up.... the reloading section has a great method under "Handloading for LR - Powdering it"... I used this method to find my load - all testing at 600yds.... saved me a bunch of rounds down range, verses previous methods I've used.
</div></div>

*****CAUTION********Please Be Advised********
This load proved to be a hammer, and I had very mild, if any signs of pressure, HOWEVER, that was under ideal conditions.... I learned today, how close to the edge it was.... steady rain, everything wet, inevitably, moisture in the chamber. The wetter it got, the worse the pressure got, until I was consistantly blowing primers, and had to call it a day....

Back to the drawing board, for a more <span style="text-decoration: underline">fool</span>-proof solution....
eek.gif
 
#42
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WayneHS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of groups are you guys getting with those 210 VLDs at short (say 100y), and velocity spreads and Standard deviations? I am used to loading for the 308 win and my velocity spreads on the 300 Win are much higher than they really every were on the 308win. tried different powders, primers, bullets still seem to be around 40fps-50fps ES and 13-15 SD. Is that so terrible for a 300 win? </div></div>


Your ES seems a little strange, maybe that could be cured with seating depth. Everyone always mentions VLDs dont shoot unless they are seated into the lands, this is not always the case. There does seem do be a magic # for bullet jump with the VLDs, every rifle is a little different.

Here is a 4 shot group @ 360 yds, 300WM, 210 VLDs, RE22 73.5 gr, Lapua brass (.336 bushing), OAL = 3.405

8f13895d.jpg
 
#43
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captain Kirk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WayneHS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of groups are you guys getting with those 210 VLDs at short (say 100y), and velocity spreads and Standard deviations? I am used to loading for the 308 win and my velocity spreads on the 300 Win are much higher than they really every were on the 308win. tried different powders, primers, bullets still seem to be around 40fps-50fps ES and 13-15 SD. Is that so terrible for a 300 win? </div></div>


Your ES seems a little strange, maybe that could be cured with seating depth. </div></div>

That *does* seem like a lot of ES, I usually get in the 10-20 fps range.

There's an article on Berger's website about finding the sweet (COAL) spot for secant ogive bullets. Haven't tried it myself, as .010 of lands seems to be working quite well.

There may be other factors also. How many firings on your brass? Is your seating effort consistent? Perhaps time for annealing or new brass. How confident are you in your powder drop consistency? Is your brass prepped the same? What kind of primers are you using? How have they been stored? The list goes on... There's a LOT of different factors in tight ES.

John
 
#44
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jerseymike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My current load for my 300WM is
Winchester brass
Winchester LR primer
77.2 Grs. of H1000
220 Sierra MK
3.500 OAL
average MV is 2860

loads are being shot from a bartlein 1/11 tube finished at 26" including a badger FTE brake.

also +1 on the larry willis die, that die is a must, if i didnt have it i would be scrapping brass after two or three firings. </div></div>


im going to have to tune this load down a bit, I shot over the chrono today and had pressure signs on my brass. I previously stated that I was averaging 2860 FPS but today I was averaging 2950 and it was shooting (or perhaps I was) like complete shit. So I plan on tuning it down a bit to average out 2800 FPS
 
#45
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

good info guys. im awaiting my 300wm build which should be done in about 2 months. i just ordered some 208 amaxs and some win brass last week. i think i will go ahead and order the redding comp dies due to the good reviews. keep up the good info. thanks
 
#46
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

Couple of interesting data points...


Finally got around to loading some of my new Winchester brass. Been loading Federal and Nosler to date.

My best 208 Amax load in the Nosler/Federal brass is 76.2g H1000 in front of CCI 250 primers loaded .010 off the lands (about 3.600 COAL). Gives me 2870'ish out of my 22" tube.

To get the same velocity (and corresponding accuracy) took 77.2gr H1000 in the Winchester brass. I had weighed and checked water volume before I loaded, so I knew the case capacity of the Win. brass was greater (Nosler and Federal are virtually identical). But I wasn't expecting a 1gr difference in powder.

The other interesting thing was that my shooting partner, who had a barrel (from the same mfg. as mine) put on his rifle at the same time I did and chambered with the same reamer, is getting the same velocity I am from RL22 loads and he has a 25" barrel.

It will be interesting to see what happens when he loads H1000, whether that extra 3" will help then.

John
 
#47
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

Great information guys. I went to the range today and was able to get my ES down to 14 and my SD to 6. Thanks for all the help although I still don't know what the problem was exactly. Messed with the die. I'm using Norma Brass and all cases are DAMN near the same in every aspect. I suspect dies....Thanks again
 
#50
Re: Loading for .300WM - Ideas?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: longrange30</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am currently having a .300WM being built by Warner Tool and was wondering what bullets shoot well with the .300WM (178gr, 208gr. A-MAX, 190gr. SMK?) for target shooting and what powders work well.
The barrel im having installed is a Bartlien #7 MTU Contour, 26" Length and 1-10 Twist.

I have some R-P (new) Brass and Federal Match Large Magnum primers so far to get started. I know its going to be months before my build is done but im trying to get a head start.

Also I have just got into reloading about 7 months ago but have only reloaded for (semi's) my AR's (.223, 6.5 Grendel). I was wondering what changes in the reloading process when reloading for a bolt gun rather than a semi-auto.

Good set of Dies to get?

I know im going to get alot of answers like "Read your loading manuals!" but im wondering if you guys could give me any tips or hints to this.

(Im only going to be Target shooting with this gun. Long and Short range (No Hunting).)

Thanks. </div></div>

where at in PA?
 
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