180 Accubond Loads for .300 WSM

[TBASTIAN]

I just purchased a new Browning A-Bolt, Hunter in .300 WSM. It's topped with a Leupold VXII 3-9X40mm with the new LR reticle.

I am trying to work up a load, before hunting season rolls around, using the 180 grain AccuBond. I have two loads that are showing some promise, but in each load the third shot consistently throws a flyer. Both of the three shot groups are measuring about 1.25-1.5" at 100 yards.

The first load uses RL 22 with 67.0 grains, and the second uses IMR 4831 with 68.0 grains. In both cases the first two shots are touching one another, and with the third comes the flyer. Would you attribute this to barrel heat-up or should I be looking into tweaking the loads?

Thanks for your suggestions in advance!
-TB

 

[JD338]

Give us a little more information.

How long are you waiting between shots? If too quick, barrel may be getting too hot.

Are you keeping the gun consistant in the sand bags?

What is your COL? You might want to try changing this if you can.

What kind of primers are you using?

How are you cleaning your rifle?

JD338

 

[TBASTIAN]

I'm keeping the rifle consistent in the bags, OAL is 2.86" and just clears the magazine, using WLRM primers, and cleaning before shooting the groups with one fouler shot before-hand.

I'm thinking you may be right on the barrel heat. I am shooting all three shots within about 3 minutes, so it may just be getting too hot. I will try cooling the barrel completely between each shot and see how that changes things.

I appreciate your help and suggestions.
-TB

 

[R Flowers]

Well, you are probably right, it is barrel heat up in this particular rifle.

I have a Winchester Model 70 chambered in 300 WSM and it shoots the 180 AccuBond quite well. I have arrived at the same load as you, that being 68 grains of IMR4831.
With that load my rifle will shoot consistant 3/4 inch groups time and time again.

Just for the fun of it, try shooting that same load, but let the gun cool down completely between each shot.

My dad owns a Weatherby Ultralight chambered in 25-06. If you just sit down and shoot it, the three shot groups are much like the ones you are getting. BUT, if you let it cool down COMPLETELY between each shot the groups are about 3/4 of an inch.

If your gun will shoot well when cooled down, do not worry about it. The first one or two shots are the ones that count on game. If you need a third or fourth shot, things are probably out of control all ready.

 

[Alaska]

Good load! I also use IMR 4831 but with Sierra Gameking BTHP @ 69.5.........my Win 70 300 WSM sure likes these loads. My COL is out of the sierra manual @ 2.80".............

Let the barrel cool........

 

[TBASTIAN]

Thanks to all. I'm looking forward to getting back out to the range. I sure appreciate the help.
-TB

 

[JD338]

I shoot a 338 RUM and have to let the barrel cool between shots to get steller accuracy. 3 quick shots and you will burn your hand on the barrel and the group turns into a pattern. I shot a 3 shot group today at 100 yds that measured .599" but I let the barrel cool doen a bout 5 min between shoots.

Let us know how she shoots with the cool barrel.

JD338

 

[TBASTIAN]

Might be a couple of days, but will make sure to post the results as soon as I do.

Nice to hear about your .338 RUM. I shoot a .338 Win. Mag and my dad is shooting a .338-378 WBY. I'm a dyed in the wool Nosler fan, but have to say that the 225 TSX that we are loading in both of these rifles has been amazing for accuracy and far surpasses any of the other bullet/load combos we've tried.

Thanks again for your help.
-TB

 

[TBASTIAN]

I was finally able to get out and shoot this load a few days ago. By allowing the barrel to completely cool between shots, I am able to keep the group at about .90" at 100 yards. Definitely accurate enough to take into the Cascades in a month. I'm anxious for the opportunity to actually try this combo out on Roosevelt's Elk. I will try not to default to the .338 Win. Mag. with 225 grain TSX's, although that'll be tough to do!

Thanks for the suggestions!
-TB

 

[kiddekop]

In rifles a contributor suggested wetting a cloth rubbing alcohol and wiping the barrel to cool it down between shots.