Reverse engineer .300 Win Mag Berger factory match grade 215 hybrid OTM ammo

[gznokes]

I tried a box of .300 Win Mag factory ammunition—Berger brand match grade 215 hybrid OTM ammunition in a new rifle bc I didn't have time to work up a load. It shot really well. I'd like to reload this round and use it as a starting point. The main thing I'd like to know is what powder is used? I believe I can reverse engineer the rest of it. as I ask that question I give the disclaimer that any reply would be taken as a suggestion and would be carefully consulted against manuals. I'm not going to blindly reload based on a reply from the internet. If anyone has done this or is familiar w powder to give their opinion I would appreciate it.

 

[Mike300wby]

What caliber?

 

[gznokes]

.300 Win Mag. Thanks Mike. I updated the original post bc I forgot that important detail

 

[CatShooter]

Ammunition companies do NOT use the same powers as we do.

We use "Canister" powders, that are blended (like fine whiskey) so each can we buy, this year or next, is the same as the can we bought last year (within tiny limits).

Ammunition companies use "Bulk" powders - they buy 10,000 or 50,000 pounds of a bulk powder within a given burning range - each batch will be close, but not the same - each lot of ammunition will have a different load - one lot might be ball powder, and the next might be stick powder.

So don't chase a non-existent powder.

Start with a good powder (that you can actually buy) and work up a load - you can probably do better.

 

[gznokes]

Very interesting answer. Thank you @CatShooter

 

[Coldfinger]

I read an article in the last month or so about Berger being bought by same company that owns Lapua and Vhita Vouri powder, if that helps at all.

 

[cohunt]

Chronograph the factory load, also many times factory ammo does in fact use the same powders we use but yes they are bulk batches and they will "re-do" the load for each batch of powder.
If you pull the bullet, look at the powder and weigh the charge you can often get a good starting point for your own reloading process.
If you cant figure out what powder it is, then post a pic-- but often times if you think you know what powder it is, and the speeds are close to book speeds it will give you clues too

 

[6.5-300 BEE]

Chronograph it.
Put it on paper out to 500.
Then duplicate that.
I'd bet on RL 25,26, Win 780.

 

[bigngreen]

It won't take much H1000 to figure out your load, H1000 and a 215 Berger are an easy one in a 300 Win!!

 

[Mike300wby]

I am using 79.5 grains of H1000 on a .300 Wby mag. If using same powder start around 75grains and work up. I think you should find your sweet spot.

 

[CatShooter]

Chronograph the factory load, also many times factory ammo does in fact use the same powders we use but yes they are bulk batches and they will "re-do" the load for each batch of powder.
If you pull the bullet, look at the powder and weigh the charge you can often get a good starting point for your own reloading process.
If you cant figure out what powder it is, then post a pic-- but often times if you think you know what powder it is, and the speeds are close to book speeds it will give you clues too

That is the worst reloading advice I have ever read on the internet - and that's sayin' something.

Factories NEVER use canister powder - they cannot afford it. Canister powder costs 20+ times as much as bulk powder.

And you cannot identify powder by pictures.

Jeeze!!

 

[25WSM]

Factories do in fact use some of the same powder we do. No they don't buy it in canisters but in bulk. Where do you think all the h1000 is right now. Going in factory loads for the military. Norma uses the same powder we do in the 6br factory loads. And I know there are alot of powders you can identify by visual inspection. Especially stick powders.
Shep

 

[CatShooter]

Factories do in fact use some of the same powder we do. No they don't buy it in canisters but in bulk. Where do you think all the h1000 is right now. Going in factory loads for the military. Norma uses the same powder we do in the 6br factory loads. And I know there are alot of powders you can identify by visual inspection. Especially stick powders.
Shep

Nonsense.

 

[25WSM]

Mk248 mod 1 military ammo uses H1000 and 220sierra match king bullets.
Shep