Speer 168gn Gold Dot in 300 WSM

[JMRhino]

BLUF:
Does anyone have any direct experience with handloading the Speer 168gn Gold Dot in a 300 WSM? I have had shockingly good results (.3 - .5 moa not uncommon) with them in my 308 Win using both IMR 4064 and RE15 for whitetail hunting.

I spoke with Speer and they don't have a published load for the 300 WSM/Gold Dot combo nor do they recommend it, but they do have several for the 300 Win Mag. I don't see why I can't treat it like a standard "bonded or cup and core," start low, and then work up. Any concerns that I am not considering? Are they tough enough for large bodied, thick boned game such as elk?

I have some .30 Cal, 180gn Norma Bond Strike on backorder, and some NOS 165gn Accubonds which will probably be better, but I have several hundred of the GD on hand. Just thought I would inquire. Thx.

.300 Win Mag Data:

 

[JMRhino]

BLUF:
Does anyone have any direct experience with handloading the Speer 168gn Gold Dot in a 300 WSM? I have had shockingly good results (.3 - .5 moa not uncommon) with them in my 308 Win using both IMR 4064 and RE15 for whitetail hunting.

I spoke with Speer and they don't have a published load for the 300 WSM/Gold Dot combo nor do they recommend it, but they do have several for the 300 Win Mag. I don't see why I can't treat it like a standard "bonded or cup and core," start low, and then work up. Any concerns that I am not considering? Are they tough enough for large bodied, thick boned game such as elk?

I have some .30 Cal, 180gn Norma Bond Strike on backorder, and some NOS 165gn Accubonds which will probably be better, but I have several hundred of the GD on hand. Just thought I would inquire. Thx.

.300 Win Mag Data:
View attachment 28614

Indirect experience and opinions also welcome...

Mant Thanks.

 

[Slimfinn]

I heard that with the old deepcurls (now gold dots i think) you had to be careful because because they could cause unexpected pressure spikes, also why they came with a powdered lube coating.

 

[JMRhino]

I heard that with the old deepcurls (now gold dots i think) you had to be careful because because they could cause unexpected pressure spikes, also why they came with a powdered lube coating.

I think that I have also heard or read that about possible pressure spikes. I assume that 300 WSM pressure will build quicker than a 300 WM due to smaller case volume. I think that I will start with some slow burning RS Hunter, RE22, or RE23 and maybe only go up in .5 increments?

Thanks for the response.

 

[Joe C.]

I really like the 150gr GD’s in my 308 Win. Great deer bullet. They hold together great and are very consistent. Speer did have troubles with pressure spikes to begin with. Then they started coating the GD ‘s with HBN and that salved the problem. That’s why they have the matte finish from the box. Great bullet though. I wouldn’t hesitate working up a load with them. Shoot a ladder so you know what pressures your working at and then move to group testing.

 

[JMRhino]

I really like the 150gr GD’s in my 308 Win. Great deer bullet. They hold together great and are very consistent. Speer did have troubles with pressure spikes to begin with. Then they started coating the GD ‘s with HBN and that salved the problem. That’s why they have the matte finish from the box. Great bullet though. I wouldn’t hesitate working up a load with them. Shoot a ladder so you know what pressures your working at and then move to group testing.

I appreciate the reply. I have observed really good accuracy from the 168s in my Bergara Premier in .308. It's not fast but works great on whitetail.