300NM vs Improved 215 or 230?

[Rhovee]

I have an upcoming build and can't decide to go with 300 Norma Mag or improve it. My goal was to run the 215 bergers at 3100 with H1000 out of a 26" barrel. I tried looking up some info, but seems most people choose the 230 hybrid @2950-2980. Curious what others have experienced.

 

[IdahoCTD]

215's usually shoot about 100fps faster than 230's. With a 30" barrel my 300 Norma Imp shoots 230's at 3040fps. It shoots that speed in the .1's and .2's. It will shoot them 3100+ but the accuracy goes to the .5's. I've shot 215's around 3200 but my rifle likes 230 better. The standard 300 Norma should get 3100 with 215's but the improved would for sure. I have a 27" barreled 30-8mm mag that shoots 210's 3100fps and its about 3grs less capacity then a standard 300 Norma. A 30-28 Nosler and a 300 Norma are almost identical capacities, around 103grs of water.

 

[Rhovee]

I measured my 30/28 Nosler brass last night and it was 99.7 grains. I have some Lapua 300 NM brass but need to weigh it. QL has the 300 NM at 104. Improved versions seem to be in the 110 grains.

 

[IdahoCTD]

I just measured a fired 30 Nosler and it was 99.6. A 30-28 is about 3 grains more ( I couldn't find my case I used to measure before or I would of done it now and I'm headed out elk hunting or I would neck another up and measure it). A virgin 300 Norma (Norma brand) is 103 and my improved in Norma brass is 110.3.

 

[Rhovee]

That's interesting. Are you going to top
Of neck and zeroing scale with primer in it already? Nosler lists the 30 with 93 grains.

 

[IdahoCTD]

They list 93 to the base of the neck. I measured to the top of the neck with the empty case zeroed on my scale.

 

[Rhovee]

I'm thinking improved now. That's a 2.4 grain difference for me when I weighted Lapua 300nm brass.

 

[elkaholic]

I'm thinking improved now. That's a 2.4 grain difference for me when I weighted Lapua 300nm brass.

For what it's worth, I would go improved. It'ore than a capacity boost.

 

[SealT5]

Have you located a reamer? I'm building one also. Haven't ordered one yet

 

[Aoudad shooter1975]

I have a reamer...probably will not build another--if interested ..my Norma pushes 225s an honest 3005 fps..plenty for me out of a 24.5 in barrel

 

[canderson]

In my standard Norma accuracy is 2950 ish with a 215 23" barrel. N570 got me real close to 3100. If you want to use H1000 and reach those speeds, I would go improved.

 

[FURMAN]

The 30 Nosler case capacity is 99 grains H20. The 28 is 101 so the 30-28 has to be larger. Correct me if I am wrong but you have or had a 30-28. The Norma is not going to do anything a 30-28 won't do so I would go improved or stay with the 30/30-28 Nosler and avoid the Lapua bolt face. I am seeing a lot of people replicating 30 Nosler velocities with the Norma. I am not impressed. I will stick with my 30 Noslers(getting ready to do load development with the 3rd).

 

[Rhovee]

I'm on the same page as you. The standard 300NM is very close to 30/28 Nosler. And I have had two of them. 3 grains more capacity won't be much. I'll most likely run improved. Biggest deal is Lapua brass. I'm thinking standard NM would run 3100 with H1000 like my 30/28 did, just tougher brass that will last longer.

 

[FURMAN]

I'm on the same page as you. The standard 300NM is very close to 30/28 Nosler. And I have had two of them. 3 grains more capacity won't be much. I'll most likely run improved. Biggest deal is Lapua brass. I'm thinking standard NM would run 3100 with H1000 like my 30/28 did, just tougher brass that will last longer.

The brass is tempting but I have had great luck with the Nosler brass for the Nosler cartridges. I think the 30 Nosler is as overbore as I want to get. If I were going Lapua bolt face I would do 300 NM improved. I am not seeing anything from the plain Norma my Nosler won't do. I do not like the idea of fire forming a cartridge with barrel life under 1000 rounds.