300RUM First Load Test Results...

[Full Curl]

Ran 15 rounds through a new barrel to break it in last week and results from my first load testing this week. Took at least 4 rounds for the barrel to settle in "F" holes (thinking I had it too clean). Anyway, after it settled in, I was pretty happy with it. Any thoughts as far as what charge to explore further? This will only be a hunting rifle. Just wanted to post and get some feedback from what some of you really experienced guys think? I'm far from a professional marksman. My goal is to develop as accurate a hunting load as I can while maintaining good barrel and case life, so I don't need to push max full throttle on this one (but it might be fun, ha). For some reason I couldn't get my MagentoSpeed to read any shots at this session so don't have any fps numbers. I did start to see some very slight ejector marks at 89.0gr so didn't shoot any of the 90.0gr or 91.0gr I had. Any feedback would be much appreciated. I'm pretty new to this caliber. Thank you!

300rum 24" 1:9"
220gr ELDX (.02 jump)
H1000

 

[cohunt]

88 is where I'd start messing around

 

[Calvin45]

Ran 15 rounds through a new barrel to break it in last week and results from my first load testing this week. Took at least 4 rounds for the barrel to settle in "F" holes (thinking I had it too clean). Anyway, after it settled in, I was pretty happy with it. Any thoughts as far as what charge to explore further? This will only be a hunting rifle. Just wanted to post and get some feedback from what some of you really experienced guys think? I'm far from a professional marksman. My goal is to develop as accurate a hunting load as I can while maintaining good barrel and case life, so I don't need to push max full throttle on this one (but it might be fun, ha). For some reason I couldn't get my MagentoSpeed to read any shots at this session so don't have any fps numbers. I did start to see some very slight ejector marks at 89.0gr so didn't shoot any of the 90.0gr or 91.0gr I had. Any feedback would be much appreciated. I'm pretty new to this caliber. Thank you!

300rum 24" 1:9"
220gr ELDX (.02 jump)
H1000

If you can get your hands on them try the 225 eld m. It's effective as all get out on game too, way higher bc, and in my experience the eld m is in fact way more accurate and fouls less than the eld x

 

[Full Curl]

If you can get your hands on them try the 225 eld m. It's effective as all get out on game too, way higher bc, and in my experience the eld m is in fact way more accurate and fouls less than the eld x

Good to know, thanks.

 

[Full Curl]

I can get some 225 ELDM's and already have a few boxes of 230 Berger Hybrids, but I think the 220 ELDX is my best option for an all-around hunting bullet for what I can currently get. I know there are lots of opinions out there on all of these for hunting purposes and all of them will kill no problem with good accuracy, but things happen in the field and my POI isn't always where I want it to be. I just figured the ELDX is my best all around option from the small crease behind the front shoulder on a bull to smack dab in the center of the shoulder. Plus they are shooting plenty accurate thus far so I figure they are my best bet.

 

[doug2080]

I'd say you got a pretty good node somewhere between 87-88 and maybe a little seating depth work should put you pretty close to one hole.

 

[Full Curl]

I'd say you got a pretty good node somewhere between 87-88 and maybe a little seating depth work should put you pretty close to one hole.

Thanks. I like those numbers too for hopefully good barrel and case life.

 

[meatyrem]

I'd stick with the 88gr and leave it it.
If it ain't broken don't fix it.

 

[Full Curl]

I'd stick with the 88gr and leave it it.
If it ain't broken don't fix it.

I hear that! What we'll do for another 1/4" tighter group right!!

With that being said I guess I enjoy the process. Maybe it just builds confidence in the round for peace of mind. I'm going to mess around a little with 0.5gr and seating depth but not much. Plus I need to get my darn Magneto working to get some fps data.

Wondering what I can expect for case life without annealing brass in this caliber?

 

[meatyrem]

Yeah even if you wanted it better that's where I'd start. But for general hunting it should be just fine. Unless you're taking on long shots then I'd look for tighter grouping.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

If you like to tinker. I would take 87.5gr and seat .003", .006", and .009" shorter. One of those may suck that one right into it.

 

[Full Curl]

Thanks. I loaded up some some 87.5gr last night with some others. Going to do one more good charge test to confirm what I'm thinking and then I'll tinker with seating. I keep reading these ELD-X's like to be .01" off the lands but I don't like being that close for a hunting round. I'll start at .02" and go from there, maybe .015" if they are lights out. I've never done seating testing in increments smaller than .005" and usually use .01" or even .02" increments to start out.

 

[Calvin45]

Thanks. I loaded up some some 87.5gr last night with some others. Going to do one more good charge test to confirm what I'm thinking and then I'll tinker with seating. I keep reading these ELD-X's like to be .01" off the lands but I don't like being that close for a hunting round. I'll start at .02" and go from there, maybe .015" if they are lights out. I've never done seating testing in increments smaller than .005" and usually use .01" or even .02" increments to start out.

I feel the same about hunting rounds needing more clearance. Last thing you need in the field is a hard to chamber round or a bullet getting pulled out and dumping powder all up everywhere. Plus happens in the field. Not that we're cramming muddy ammo into our chambers but even differences in temperature affecting metal expansion, to say nothing of the possibility of getting moistire
Or even slight dust on your rifle or ammo, and a cartridge set up to have a little jump is a heck of a lot more forgiving of real world possibility regarding pressure spikes than one that's starting out touching.

 

[dustbag]

I run the 220s at mag length which equals a .120 jump. 88 grains retumbo. Christensen ELR. 3000fps. Tried to run them longer they did not like it in mine. For a hunting rifle your already "there". Nice work.