.300 WSM load data and MV

[ArkansasDave11]

Sorry for posting something that is probably redundant but the search function is being a nightmare and not helping very much.

I have just started reloading and currently working up a load. My next test will be 3 shots groups with charges between 66.0gr and 67.2 gr of RL22 behind a 190 gr SMK, all inside winchester brass and winchester mag LRP primer.

The problem I will be having is I don't have a chrono, the money to spend on one, or a buddy with one. What kind of velocities can I expect out of my Savage model 12 with a 26" barrel?

Any advice on loads would also be appreciated. For reference I am currently just getting my skills up to being very accurate to 1000 yds before I start trying to take game at any sort of distance. Any hunting in the near future would be 300yds and in because I know I can hit a soda can at that distance.

Thanks for reading and your input.

 

[Shortmagman]

I have loaded for two different 300WSM Winchester Model 70's with 24 inch barrel's. I have not shot the 190 SMK, but I have loaded Berger 190 VLD and 185 Bergers in both guns. Here is some of the result.

185 Bergers Norma case, WLRM, N165 Powder 69.0 grains Av Velocity 2904 Ft/sec.

190 Berger VLD, Norma, WLRM, N165 Powder 69.0 grains, Av. Velocity 2897 ft/sec.

185 Bergers , Norma, WLRM IMR-7828 68.1. grains, Av. Velocity 2987

So what velocity can you get with a 190 SMK in your Savage with a 26 inch barrel using RL-22?

When I checked the Alliant web site and they show 2958 Ft/sec with a 180 grains bullet out of a 24 inch barrel using 68.5 grains of RL-22.


With the proper load you can get 2900+ out of your gun.

 

[ArkansasDave11]

Thanks that should give me a decent starting point for the ballistic calculator.

Is there any way to compare the drop of a factory load with a "known muzzle velocity" to guess the velocity of my hand loads?

 

[Shortmagman]

You can shoot your loads at various distances and measure the drop out to say 300-400 yards and from this and using the ballistic coefficient of the bullet and with a ballistic program you can estimate the velocity of your round.

Example: Using the Sierra Bullet Infinity Program I came up with this. By the way this program includes the ballistic coefficient of each bullet.

190 SMK with a 100 yard Zero

2700 ft/sec velocity drops 14 inches at 300 yards, and 31 inches at 400 yards

2800 ft/sec down 12.8 at 300 and down 28 inches at 400

2900 ft/sec down 11.7 at 300 and down 26 inches at 400


This will become more accurate at longer distances so if you can shoot out to 600 yards or more it would be good.

 

[ArkansasDave11]

So shoot the same load at the varying distances and using the ballistic coefficient I can guesstimate(or swag, scientific wild *** guess) the velocity that matches the drop at all the ranges?

 

[Shortmagman]

After zeroing at 100 yards shoot the load at 300 and 400 yards and compare your drop with the number I posted. For example if your load drops more than
14 inches at 300 yards and 31 inches or more at 400 yards your load is below 2700 ft/sec..If it drops about 12 or less at 300 and around 26 inches at 400 your are close to 2900 ft/sec.