Short barrel 300 WM

[mountainman56]

I have loaded for a few 300 Win Mags in the past but never one with a 22" barrel. I don't know why this barrel length was his choice but I do know it don't seem to like the heavier bullets, at least not with slower powders. I figure likely the shorter barrel is going to want faster powder and am trying several loads in the morning with RL-19 and RL-22 with 168 berger vld's and 175 barnes lrx's. I don't have much faster powder on hand at this time so this will have to serve as a starting point.

Looking for suggestions from anyone who has loaded for a 300wm of similar barrel length.

Thanks in advance

 

[MagnumManiac]

This myth about short barrels and fast powders persists!
There is no reason to go to a faster powder with a short barrel, whatever powder gives the highest velocities in a 26" barrel, will also give the highest velocities in a 22" barrel. Period.
The rifle in question just may not like heavy bullets, this could be due to many factors, the least of which is barrel length. The length of the barrel has little to do with accuracy, it's how stiff it is that counts.
Anyway, what powders have you tried?
I find Retumbo, RL25, RL22 and H1000 to work quite well with the bullet weights you list, RL19 will be a poor performer I feel, but you can only try it, I guess.
Let us know how you go.

Cheers.
gun)

 

[mountainman56]

I lucked out on the first day. The powders you mentioned actually are all my go to powders for cartridges this size. I usually wind up with H-1000 or Retumbo and for some reason I don't seem to have good luck with RL-25. This rifle decided it really liked RL-22 and the 175 LRX. Shot a .514" group at 200 yards and the owner had a serious case of perma-grin.

Have not chronographed yet and it don't much matter...it is what it is (I'm guessing it will be right at 3000). Of course it could have been an accident and more follow up will tell but it's an awful good start.

 

[silent thunder]

I would be interested to see what velocity you get out of the 22" barrel. I just re-barreled my TC prohunter with a 22" full bull from match grade machine. The only thing I have tried so far is the Berger 215 Hybrid with H-1000. Accuracy was good but velocity was 2650.

 

[mountainman56]

I would be interested to see what velocity you get out of the 22" barrel. I just re-barreled my TC prohunter with a 22" full bull from match grade machine. The only thing I have tried so far is the Berger 215 Hybrid with H-1000. Accuracy was good but velocity was 2650.

I will chrono some for certain likely next weekend and post some numbers. I did check some factory Federal 165's on Friday that did over 3100. I was mildly surprised at that number since the box claims 3050.

 

[silent thunder]

Thanks. I think I have some Federal 165's. If I do I will see what they do out of mine. That is very good velocity. I was really happy with accuracy with mine but a little disappointed on the velocity. I may try some RL-22 also. I would rather it do better with H-1000 because I have a lot more of it. Thanks again.

 

[Buttermilk]

Try some IMR4350.

I have a 30-338WM in a 16.5" bbl. similar to a 300WM but slightly less case capacity.

My best loads have been with IMR4350 combined with a Berger 175 VLD, and H4831sc combined with a Nosler 180 Ballistic Tip and Accubond. These will shoot 1/2 to 2/3 MOA for me from my gun out to 200yds (farthest I've shot them so far).

Velocity has been 2846 FPS (B175VLD) and 2800 FPS (N180BT).

I'd try the two powders I've listed above in the 300WM. I'd also look at H1000 and a couple others.