Quickload question for 300WSM

[DynamicAVP]

Can someone help me out. I have been reloading for a couple years and I make no claims to be any where near an expert.

I reloaded for my 300WSM, a Winchester M70 (Wal-Mart special), 24" barrel, Hornady 180grain SST, Federal Brass, 66 grains of RE-17, CCI200 primer, COAL of 2.262 which should be about .003" of the lands.

The end result was a .303" group at 3086fps average. Is this a safe load? I am more about accuracy than speed.

Yes I did start at a lower charge and worked up. I dont think I see any obvious signs of over-pressure.

I am interested in what people "who know", or have the ability to tell me if this load is safe to use.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Mikecr]

Based on QL, it is a hot load @ 71Kpsi.
While new brass may take it, I can't imagine it will for more than a couple reloads & you'll have your pressure signs, and degrading results.

It's a low fill ratio @ only ~93% with a powder that's too fast for capacity IMO.

 

[winmag]

66 grains is Alliant's max load recommendation on thier website. So far I agree with them. 66 is as far as I felt comfortable pushing it for load testing.

I shoot 180 Accubonds over 65.0 gr of RL-17 in my Model-70 custom, Long Action 300WSM. I use Nosler brass, & it's on its 3 loading so far. Bullets seated .015 off lands with a c.o.a.l. of 3.004 your clear back at 2.262 so your capacity ratio is better than mine for a hot powder, but I had er throated long for flingin 200gr Accubonds too.

Tested all the way from 63gr to 66gr in .5 gr increments, 95* temps with no real issues, but it just seemed "too hot" of a load at 66gr. Slightly stiff bolt but barely noticeable. No flattened or cratered primers, no shiny marks on brass etc. just felt a bit too hot. So I backed off to 65 gr in .2 gr increments where I found the best accuracy.
I hunt Hells Canyon in August for bear, in temps up in the hundred & teens, so I'd rather err on the safe side..... If you consider 1 gr under max the safe sidegun)
IMO 66gr really is about where max safe load was in a moderate climate. I didn't feel comfy at 66gr personally for my hunting climate. I'm good with 65 tho.

As a side note, I'm shooting over max with 140 Accubonds over RL-19 in my 270WSM in Hells Canyon with zero issues what so ever.

I really like Alliant RL powders.

 

[Shortmagman]

If you can detect no signs of excessive pressure and you can get 4-5 reloads without stressing the brass,I think that this is a safe load for your gun.

The Alliant web site gives 66 grains as the Max load with a 180 grain bullet, as Winmag just stated. They used Fed cases, Fed 215 primers for a velocity of 3082 ft/sec., so you results comes close to matching their data.

I have loaded 68 grains of RL-17, WW cases, Fed 215 primers, and 168 grain Berger in my Model 70 Winchester. This load produced 3132 ft/sec velocity and I not feel that this was too hot for my gun.

I have also fired Federal factory ammo loaded with 180 grains Nosler solid base bullets in my gun. This load was not very accurate in but it did produce 3055 ft/sec velocity. So it is very possible to get over 3000 ft/sec with a 180 grain bullet without exceeding pressure limits.

 

[Mikecr]

He's well exceeding SAAMI pressure limits, or his velocity would not be so.
But as mentioned, that don't mean it's a problem.

 

[DynamicAVP]

Thanks for all the help guys. I also e-mailed Alliant and they stated it should be OK. With that being said, since I am already on my hunting trip, I will work backwards in .2 grains as suggested by WinMag when I get back home.

The thing that kind of sucks since I am more into accuracy is that I am getting great accuracy!!

On a good note my wife shot her 1st 4X5 this morning. It wasn't very big but she is happy. 7MM-08 120grain Nosler BT, 3035fps. She got it 140yds away free standing.

Once again thanks for all the help and quick responses.

 

[joegun]

I've been shooting 66 grains of RL17 behind 180 grain SST's for about a year. 1/2 MOA at 200 yds. with a Savage model 16 stainless L.H. 300WSM. Switching from 165's to 180's and from RL19 to RL17 made a big difference. I think I'm .20 off the lands.

Joegun

 

[DynamicAVP]

Mikecr;

So how much would I need to back off to get back to SAMMI specs? At 65grains I was getting .9something groups.

I guess I am asking if I back it off to much and my groups start opening significantly would this recipe be worth it?

If I can back off to say 65.6 grains and still get about .5" accuracy would I be safe, pressure wise?

joegun;

Thank you for your input!