This is my first post on this forum but I have been reading things posted from time to time. I just purchased a Tikka T3 300 wsm and have been looking at different factory loads and different hand loads people have put together for the 300wsm. I will be using the rifle for elk, mule deer and antelope hunting here in NM. I don't have reloading equipment but I have a buddy who does. Should I experiment with some factory loads to see what my rifle likes and then after I get some brass move to hand loads?
300 wsm (first post)
- Thread starter vthokee
- Start date
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Yes, that sounds like a great idea. As others on here will tell you, if you really want to shoot long range, reloading is the only way to go.
But, don't but too much factory ammo for the brass. Problem with that is you can end up with a lot of brass of different brands and once you start reloading, you will find that you prefer one brand over another and never use some of the factory loaded brass that you spent some bucks on. Also, you will find when you reload that is not good to mix brass.
For factory loads, I would suggest Federal. The brass is pretty good. Winchester brass seems to have fallen off in quality the last few years. Especially the stuff they load factory ammo with.
Rick Richard
Well-Known Member
Make sure you clean the barrel very well before shooting. There may be a coating which is red in color down in the grooves that will affect performance; accuracy and cleaning.
According to Beretta USA Customer Service, this can be removed using any good solvent such as Sweets.
I would also recommend shooting high end or custom factory loads. I had the best results with Winchester.
Good luck.
According to Beretta USA Customer Service, this can be removed using any good solvent such as Sweets.
I would also recommend shooting high end or custom factory loads. I had the best results with Winchester.
Good luck.
I was going to give it a real good cleaning and then try and break the barrel in a 1 shot clean a few times then do a 3 shot clean a few times and then a 5 shot group. I will have a Burris Fullfield ii 3x9x40 scope on it for now. I'm going to try it out and see how I like it. If it don't perform like I want out to 400yds then I will switch it up and stick it on my muzzleloader.
There are many thoughts on barrel break-in. Some say it does nothing. My view is, that ya only get the chance to break in the barrel once, so why not. It also gives you time to get to know the rifle. I suggest doing sight-in, etc while you are doing the break-in shots. The shoot one clean strategy you have is a good one.
Also, if you have a chronograph, use it during the break-in shots. It will give you a chance to see how the rifle reacts speed wise after a few firings.
Also, if you have a chronograph, use it during the break-in shots. It will give you a chance to see how the rifle reacts speed wise after a few firings.
WildRose
Well-Known Member
Welcome VT. I grew up about 10 miles from you. The 300wsm is a fine caliber for what you have in mind and all the Tikka guys I know are pretty happy with their rifles so you're off to a good start.
I've had very good luck with the Winchester factory ammo as well so that's a good way to go. Winchester brass is typically very good for reloading as well, particularly the nickel plated Winchester Premium ammo brass.
As for breaking it in, you only get the chance to do it right once as others have said so it's well worth doing.
Every shot for the first ten. Every third shot for the next twenty to forty and you should be off and running.
I've had very good luck with the Winchester factory ammo as well so that's a good way to go. Winchester brass is typically very good for reloading as well, particularly the nickel plated Winchester Premium ammo brass.
As for breaking it in, you only get the chance to do it right once as others have said so it's well worth doing.
Every shot for the first ten. Every third shot for the next twenty to forty and you should be off and running.
etisll40
Well-Known Member
If you are acquiring brass while breaking it in, try the Norma based ammunition, that's the best brass along with Lapua, but I don't think Lapua makes any for WSM yet. Norma has several loading, not atypical accuracy loads but the brass will get fireformed and you will be breaking the barrel. Then you have the best brass available.
Good Luck
Good Luck
