30 Nosler 168 gr ABLR Load Development

[JD338]

Started working with my wife's Nosler M48 Mountain Carbon chambered in 30 Nosler. Picked up some 168 gr ABLR's in preparation for a WY Antelope tag.
I selected Retumbo as it has performed well for be and I have a good supply on hand.
85.0 grs produced 3118 fps and a 1.200" group.
86.0 grs went 3131 fps and .670" group.
I'll verify the load and get an absolute zero at 200 yards tomorrow morning.
It was a hot one today at 92°F so I'm calling it a wrap for now.

JD338

 

[Yoteklr]

Good accuracy!
I'm sure you know that you are NOT top gear with this bullet weight. However accuracy is king and your barrel will have a long life, and I'm sure your wife probably isn't as recoil numb as I am,lol.
Good job.

 

[JD338]

Good accuracy!
I'm sure you know that you are NOT top gear with this bullet weight. However accuracy is king and your barrel will have a long life, and I'm sure your wife probably isn't as recoil numb as I am,lol.
Good job.

My wife absolutely loves this rifle. She has been shooting 180 gr BT and AB at almost 3100 fps and recoil hasn't been an issue. This rifle is a shooter and she shoots it out to 800 yards.
The 168 ABLR will be a flat liner and should be able to hold on fur out to 400 yards.

JD338

 

[RL338]

Looks like you found a good load

 

[NYDAN]

Good work, Jim. Congratulations. That makes two rifles you have developed loads for with that bullet. I would love to run that bullet in my 300 WSM.

 

[jjs405]

Looks like you have a winning load!

I also have a 30 Nosler but have not used Retumbo because in my readings/research I have seen that some have had pressure spikes that vary with temperature ... have you experienced this at all?

Thanks.

 

[xphunter]

Your wife should be happy.
That will smack the dog out of a lope for sure...and just about anything else too

 

[JD338]

Looks like you have a winning load!

I also have a 30 Nosler but have not used Retumbo because in my readings/research I have seen that some have had pressure spikes that vary with temperature ... have you experienced this at all?

Thanks.

I have used Retumbo in 3 338 RUMs and haven't had any pressure spikes. It's a great powder that gets good speed and excellent accuracy.

JD338