New 300 WSM load

[brentc]

I figure some of you guys could find this load information useful. I was trying the new 168 gr E tip in the 300 WSM. I was drawn to this bullet due to the good B.C. of .503 and the velocity I could theoretically reach with RL-17. I have loaded the 180's with good results, but I wanted a flatter shooting load that would carry downrange energy comparable to the 180.

Here is my load info, use at your own risk.

Browning A Bolt 300 WSM
168 gr Nosler E-tip
COL 2.84
67.5 gr RL17
Norma case
CCI 250
3200 fps
best group .35 @ 100 yards
ES for 6 shots: 7 fps

 

[fireroad]

Thanks for the info. I am considering this bullet if the 180 gr Accubonds don't fit the bill in my rifle. Did you consider the 180 gr e-tip or were you going for speed? What's been your experience with the Norma brass? I can never seem to find it in stock so I went with Winchester.

 

[brentc]

I've used the 180 E tip with RL-17, but I struggled to find a load as consistent as I wanted with RL17. There were times I got a glimmer of hope, but after several range sessions I wasn't able to nail down a combination that worked consistently in my gun.

I've got a great load at about 2980 fps with the 180 E tip and H4350, but I felt I could get a little better performance out of the gun by trying a little different combo. With the high B.C. of the 168 and pushing it faster I can equal the downrange energy of the 180 with a flatter trajectory.

 

[mtelkhntr78]

Brent, Thanks for posting your results! I have had similar results with 67.5grs or RL-17 over 168 grain Barnes.
Please keep us posted on what you find with 180 gr research. I am going to start working a load for RL-17 behind some Bergers.

 

[brentc]

Brent, Thanks for posting your results! I have had similar results with 67.5grs or RL-17 over 168 grain Barnes.
Please keep us posted on what you find with 180 gr research. I am going to start working a load for RL-17 behind some Bergers.

I've been working to find a load with 180 Etips between the 66 and 66.5 grains of RL17 and haven't been able to nail a load down, but the velocities are outstanding. I'm thinking I will find a good load somewhere between 65.5 and 66 for every 180 I shoot. I did however, find the seating depth my rifle likes with the E tips. 180's and 168's both work well at a 2.84 COAL.

Without going to the heavies, I've darn near convinced myself that the 168 with RL17 is a better option than the 180. It offers everything I want for hunting, good B.C., great velocity, and plenty of energy.

 

[fireroad]

I did however, find the seating depth my rifle likes with the E tips. 180's and 168's both work well at a 2.84 COAL.

How far off the lands is that?

What's been your impression of the Norma 300WSM brass?

 

[brentc]

How far off the lands is that?

What's been your impression of the Norma 300WSM brass?

The Norma brass has been great so far. Time will tell how long they last before loose primer pockets or other special treatment. I bought 100 cases last year.

About the lands distance. I've never noted the distance to the lands. I measured it once, but it was past what i can fit into my magazine. So I've never given it much thought. I'm limited to around 2.864 on mag length. I just find the most accurate COAL that will function well in my mag and I've had great results with quite a few different bullets.

 

[mtelkhntr78]

Thanks for the update! I need to try and bring my seating depth out a bit more on mine. I think I can get some even better results having them be a little longer. Thats when I plan on incorporating the Bergers.
I am with you on 168 vs 180. 168 gr bullet packs plenty of whallop and that what I have killed the majority of elk with.