300 WSM Berger 200.20x vs 205 elite hunter

[Bfish22]

So I'm deciding on hunting bullet for my new 300 wsm build. Build is on a Tikka action so I can load them long, 1-10 twist bartlein 3b. Game will be mostly whitetail/mule deer let's say 600 yards and in. Maybe an elk hunt or two someday. Choosing between Berger 200.20x and 205 gr elite hunter. Looks like the 200.20x is a shortened version of the 215 hybrid which I've read so much about for its effectiveness on elk one shot kills. Which makes me think the 200.20x would have similar results on whitetail/mule deer. I'm leaning towards that bullet over the 205 elite hunter. Anyone with a strong recommendation either way?

 

[Rick Richard]

I went down the same path, but could not get them to work for me. I ended up going with the 180 elite hunters. Shoots one hole group at 100 yards. Every gun is different so give your ideas a try before moving on. Good luck.

 

[FEENIX]

Every gun is different so give your ideas a try before moving on.

^^^This!^^^

 

[Bucklowery]

So I'm deciding on hunting bullet for my new 300 wsm build. Build is on a Tikka action so I can load them long, 1-10 twist bartlein 3b. Game will be mostly whitetail/mule deer let's say 600 yards and in. Maybe an elk hunt or two someday. Choosing between Berger 200.20x and 205 gr elite hunter. Looks like the 200.20x is a shortened version of the 215 hybrid which I've read so much about for its effectiveness on elk one shot kills. Which makes me think the 200.20x would have similar results on whitetail/mule deer. I'm leaning towards that bullet over the 205 elite hunter. Anyone with a strong recommendation either way?

What is the specs on the build?

Thanks

Buck

 

[Rhovee]

I played with the 200.20x in my wsm for a bit. Pretty finicky bullets. 205 EH we're more accurate out of the gate. But the 210 vld were most accurate and consistent. Shoots very small for my light weight wsm. With a 26" barrel and RL23, they are going 2870. Es of 10.

 

[Bfish22]

I guess I wasn't trying to ask which would be more accurate. Am wondering what the difference in terminal performance between the two bullets if any would be. I will definitely try out multiple bullets to find good accuracy, just trying to decide which one I will start with first.

The gunsmith said their 300 wsm reamer has some freebore for longer bullets but I either didn't ask or don't remember if he told me exactly how much freebore. 24" barrel, 1-10" twist, threaded for muzzlebrakez Not sure what other specs you are looking for buck?

 

[Bfish22]

I played with the 200.20x in my wsm for a bit. Pretty finicky bullets. 205 EH we're more accurate out of the gate. But the 210 vld were most accurate and consistent. Shoots very small for my light weight wsm. With a 26" barrel and RL23, they are going 2870. Es of 10.

Thanks rhovee, 210 vld was next on my list...

 

[nksmfamjp]

I wouldn't go much heavier than 205gr. I run the 212 ELDX. Accuracy is good, but slow....2850 fps, I think.

 

[Plinker147]

I think you will find the EH are hard to beat for a hunting bullet. I have experience with the 180 EH out of multiple 30 cal and they are excellent for accuracy and terminal performance. I believe the 205 EH would be just as good.

 

[FEENIX]

I wouldn't go much heavier than 205gr. I run the 212 ELDX. Accuracy is good, but slow....2850 fps, I think.

I am propelling the 215 out of my 24" .300 WSM at 2800 FPS, I assure it is no slouch up to 1K yards.

 

[skipglo]

So I'm deciding on hunting bullet for my new 300 wsm build. Build is on a Tikka action so I can load them long, 1-10 twist bartlein 3b. Game will be mostly whitetail/mule deer let's say 600 yards and in. Maybe an elk hunt or two someday. Choosing between Berger 200.20x and 205 gr elite hunter. Looks like the 200.20x is a shortened version of the 215 hybrid which I've read so much about for its effectiveness on elk one shot kills. Which makes me think the 200.20x would have similar results on whitetail/mule deer. I'm leaning towards that bullet over the 205 elite hunter. Anyone with a strong recommendation either way?

I'm with Rick Richard on this one. But would like to embellish on his statement a little. I have 49 years of Deer hunting experience and add Elk, Moose and Bears into that as well...was also a licensed guide and outfitter for 10 years. Since you said Deer are your primary goal I think you are looking at WAY too much bullet and not just that your Gun may or may not like your choice! The animals might not either...the last 10 years it has become excruciatingly noticeable to me...that many of these Heavies... actually just about all are too much for Deer. They don't even know they are dead for 40-140 yards. In bush country especially....not a good thing. Dropping back down to the 180s but even more so 150-165 gr. and the animals went back to DRT...just my 2¢ worth...but 2 ¢ on hundreds of witnessed kills

 

[SammySTW]

I went down the same path, but could not get them to work for me. I ended up going with the 180 elite hunters. Shoots one hole group at 100 yards. Every gun is different so give your ideas a try before moving on. Good luck.

Rick, what has been your experience with the 180 EH in the wsm? I'm leaning towards trying the same combo this season. What powders worked? And are you still happy with them?

 

[Rick Richard]

Rick, what has been your experience with the 180 EH in the wsm? I'm leaning towards trying the same combo this season. What powders worked? And are you still happy with them?

My favorite load in the WSM
180 EH
.030 OTL
63.5 H4350

 

[cohunt]

I am propelling the 215 out of my 24" .300 WSM at 2800 FPS, I assure it is no slouch up to 1K yards.

2820 for me--- if you can find the 215s --- if you are just starting out its probably better to choose a more available bullet though-- probably why op is asking.

I think they have a 208 that is similar to the 215 also iirc