300 WSM and 208 gr A-max

[ShooterMedic]

Well I was finally able to get out and shoot my 300 WSM. I have been playing with the 208 gr Hornady Match BTHP and they shot well. But I was wanting to try the A-max, they have the better BC and my tikka T3 lite really likes the 178 Gr A-Max.

So I loaded them behind 64 gr of RL 17. With a COAL of 2.85 (The max length that the magazine will accept.)

At 100 yds I could cover three shots with a quarter. Average speed of the three shots was 2986 fps. ES 28 fps.

At 300 yds I had a 2.5 inch group

The only down side to thses is the recoil. I have been awaiting three months for my gunsmith to put on my muscle break. After some 15 shots I was getting alittle recoil shy.

For those of you wondering about the temp sensitivity of RL 17. When we started shooting the temp was 43 degrees at 0700 according to my kestral. I left the rounds in the car to make sure they would be around air temp. Upon arrival to the range I placed the rounds in the shade. Then placed 5 rounds in my pockey on the inside of my coat.

First five cold rounds shot an average speed of 2972 fps
The last five shots of the day were the rounds in my pocket. there speed 2984 average.

I would like to de more research with this. I will let you know if my findings.

 

[federicogorio]

Ciao Shootermedic,
I also have a Sako 300 wsm, which has the same barrel as yours.
I found the best load to be with amax 178, pushing them around 2965 f/s, in your post did you mean that you reached 2972 f/s with 178 or 208 amax?

 

[ShooterMedic]

No 2972 is with the 208 gr Amax. I know that sounds crazy but that is what it shoots with RL 17

 

[Rugerdiggs]

ShooterMedic

what kind of groups was you getting out of the 208 BTHP, and have u had a chance to take the Amax's any further, i am hoping to have all of my components to my rifle in place in a week or two and am thinking of using the A max as well because of the high BC and the low cost just to punch paper.

 

[federicogorio]

Unbelievable, congrats! Unfortunately here in Italy I cannot find Alliant Reloader powders, so I recently bought 1/2 Kilo of Norma MRP. It is much slower burning than RL17 though... lets see

Have nice shooting man!

 

[ShooterMedic]

I will try to get some pics loaded but I is shooting 1/2 moa at 100 and 200 yards.

we tried the same load in my friends rem 700, with no luck they were to long to chamber.

 

[Bird Dog]

First let me say it is great to be a new member!

Today was the first chance I had to go out to the range and try my new Savage Model 16, 300 WSM. I had went through Speedy Gonzales recommendations for barrel break in and had reloaded some 208 Amax with Hodgen H4350, wasn't too impressed with the results.
Below are some of the results.

57.5 Grs.FPS 2573
59.5grs. 2646
58.5grs. 2587
60grs. 2626
60.5grs. 2646
61grs. 2661
61.5grs. 2702
62grs. 2706
62.5grs. 2720
63.5grs. 2765
64.5grs 2772

Any recommendations of recipes would be appreciated.
At 64.5grs. the bolt was showing signs of getting a little heavy.
Also, looks like I will be getting some RL-17.

 

[BountyHunter]

Unbelievable, congrats! Unfortunately here in Italy I cannot find Alliant Reloader powders, so I recently bought 1/2 Kilo of Norma MRP. It is much slower burning than RL17 though... lets see

Have nice shooting man!

You will love MRP with the WSM!!

it has been one of the great powders with the 208-210 weight bullets for years.

About 4-5 of us bought 400 lbs 7-8 years ago. I still have 17-18 lbs left.

Stay with non magnum primers also.

BH

 

[logan1080]

Non magnum primers in a magnum?

 

[Rugerdiggs]

Non magnum primers in a magnum?

was wondering the same thing, also wanted to ask if anyone has tried the RL22 powder in the 300wsm as well?

 

[Bird Dog]

I received my order of RL-17 and had the chance to load 20 rounds last night.
So this morning went to the range about 11:45AM.
Outside temp. 89 degs. F., barometric press. 30.03, and Sunny.
Thanks to all for your help!