88 gr of H-1000- -did it start too hot?

[NotEnoughTriggerTime]

I just loaded a bunch of 300 RUM shells for load developement. This is the first time I've loaded for the RUM.

My Components:
- Rem once fired factory brass, cleaned, full length resized and trimmed to 2.840" (0.010 under max length of 2.850")
- Federal 215M Primers
- Sierra 200 gr SMK
- H-1000 powder (new extreme type)

I loaded them to 3.600" OAL (SAAMI MAX), as this is as long as the magazine will allow. I haven't been able to get a good idea of distance to the lands, but it seems like I'm a good distance away.

My starting load is 88.0 gr. I stepped up .2 gr per step, up to a max load (so far) of 92 gr. I haven't shot any of them yet, but hopefully will get a chance to next week.

Is this a good starting load, or should I start off with something lighter?

Load info has been hard to find, Nosler lists 92 gr max for their 200 gr partition, "Handloader" magazine has a load of 92.5 max for a 200 gr SMK. Seirra wants to sell me a manual of course.

 

[sakofan]

My data shows 94gr. being max. 88 would seem like a likely spot to start..sakofan..Be sure to check out RL25 too!!

 

[Brent]

Have you modified a case yet to check the distance to the lands with various bullets?

You "are" probably a good ways off like you say, probably won't get there or close unless you load long to single feed. You should be able to get 3.650 - 3.660 and fit the Remington box though.

I never have used H1000, or 200 SMK's, but you might want to consider RL25 and Retumbo, also a 210 JLK or 210 Berger for a .670 or the .640 BC advantage they offer.

I check at least three sources with a very similar bullet before deciding on a starting load, Sierra has one of the good manuals, as well as Nosler and Hodgdon, probably the three that I use most.
http://www.hodgdon.com/data/rifle/300rem.php
http://recipes.alliantpowder.com/rg.taf?_function=centerfire&step=1
http://www.sierrabullets.com/whatsnew/300RUMReprint.pdf

 

[JustC]

88gr is my accuracy load with the 200SMK,...it also happens to be my MAX load seated at the lands. Any farther seating in the lands, or increase in charge shows pressure signs. I have shot under 3" at 600yds with that combination.

I will be working with RL25, and retumbo along with the 215cartaruccios, and 216 clinch rivers here shortly.

 

[Mountain Man]

watch the 92 at bit, but my 200gr smk load was 91.0 of h-1000 with no problems, so you should be good.

-brian