Looking for a good 185 VLD load for 300rum

[smith]

Hello folks,

I shoot a 300 RUM Remmy 700 1-10 twist. I'm looking for a good hunting load for making those long shots here in the state of Utah

Currently I have Berger 185grain vld with 97grains of Retumbo; I'm getting about 3350fps. My groups are not so good.

Should I go lower on the powder? Switch to the 168 or 210?

 

[ultraedge]

I use the same 97gr Retumbo load with good results. Seating depth was the issue. Do the Berger seating depth test. My .300RUM rifles are all chambered with the same reamer and work best at .055 off the lands. Gary

 

[Franklin]

If your hunting with this rifle and stuck on the berger craze, I would be shooting a heavy for caliber bullet, like the 210 or 215 hybrid. I've shot 3 elk with the 190vld's and penetration was poor. One bull I hit in the shoulder the bullet fragmented and some how hit his spine and paralyzed him. Wasn't until I walked up to him that I realised he was still alive.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

I'd either go with 93-95 gr rl25 or go with the heavier pills as the others have said. My brother's 300 rum was doing the so-so thing with 180's and retumbo. He shoved three of my rl25 loads in and popped a 1" 200 yard group with out really trying. Needless to say, he's switched to rl25 and 180's. I'm playing with rl33 and the 225 hornady at present but have 200 hornady 180's and rl25 loaded.

 

[smith]

I'd either go with 93-95 gr rl25 or go with the heavier pills as the others have said. My brother's 300 rum was doing the so-so thing with 180's and retumbo. He shoved three of my rl25 loads in and popped a 1" 200 yard group with out really trying. Needless to say, he's switched to rl25 and 180's. I'm playing with rl33 and the 225 hornady at present but have 200 hornady 180's and rl25 loaded.

Mr Left7mmstw,

What kind of fps are you getting on the reloader 25 180's? and are you 3.6 on the length?

 

[bigngreen]

I would go to a 230 gr, your running to fast for hunting with the 185. IMO the 185 and 190 are awesome in a 300 WSM but way to light for getting pushed in the RUM.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

Mr Left7mmstw,

What kind of fps are you getting on the reloader 25 180's? and are you 3.6 on the length?

3.600" oal on a hornady 180 with rl25-- 93 gr is 3280-3300 fps in a lh bdl with a 26" tube. The rifle really likes bullets that come in a red box, but will snack on swift too. With the 225 I use either rl33 or rl50 at 3.650". Other choices work well too I'm sure, but why keep playing.