.300 RUM Powder Questions

[Wondermutt]

Hi all-

I am fairly new to reloading and have a questions about some powders. Here is what I am using now:

200 AB bullet
94 g. retumbo powder
Fed. 215m primers
Nosler brass
.300 RUM 700 XCR rifle

I like this load, but was curious what the difference would be by switching to H50BMG powder? This is my elk rifle and normally keep the shots under 350 yards. I just switched to the retumbo from the IMR-4350 and found the recoil a little more substantial. Not really concerned about that since I only pull off about 5 shots or so a year after sighting it in.

Thanks

 

[DrMike]

Welcome to the forum. You have a fine cartridge for elk, or just about anything else you might encounter in North America. The 200 grain AB is as fine a bullet as you could choose for that fine cartridge. As an aside, the reason you experienced more recoil after changing from IMR4350 to Retumbo is that you have a larger charge of the latter propellant. Recoil is a factor of bullet weight and weight of propellant charge. A maximum charge of 50BMG will have somewhat more recoil due to a higher load density. Whether this additional recoil is problematic is a matter of how well you handle recoil. You can reduce the felt recoil by taking a couple of simple steps. You should have a good recoil pad on your XCR, so I won't advise changing that up. Make certain the stock fits you, however. Also, check to ensure that the trigger is set to about three pounds. Also, wear good hearing protection. Many people perceive more recoil in part because of the sharp report of the rifle. If after taking these steps recoil continues to be a problem for you, consider using a Lead Sled or using a "sissy bag" to absorb some of the recoil. On hard-kicking cartridges, using an appropriate aid to avoid developing a flinch is wise. As an aside, you will have marginally less velocity from the use of 50BMG than what you can obtain from Retumbo. There are a number of fellows shooting this cartridge that will be able to give you a good deal more insight into the characteristics of the cartridge.

 

[Woodycreek]

I use the same combo but with 95gr of Retumbo. It shoots great out my Sendero but it needed a brake when I started using the 200s. Currently looking at getting a better carrying 300 RUM. I may try 180s and 7828 or RL-22 again to keep recoil down or put a brake on it also.

 

[JD338]

Wondermutt

Welcome to the forum.

Sounds like you have a pretty good load for your 300 RUM. Retumbo is an excellent choice in the big RUM cases.
Take a look at the Pachmeyr Decelerator recoil pad. I put one on my 338 RUM and it made a big difference in felt recoil.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

If your accuracy is good you found the golden load. That is / was my load also for the longest time.

 

[Guy Miner]

94 - 95 grains of Retumbo and the 200 gr AccuBond has become pretty much a standard load among .300 RUM users. I think you've got one of the best loads possible for that cartridge. Load 'em up and let 'em rip. Fill that elk tag!

 

[Oldtrader3]

You could drop about 13 grains of powder to IMR 7828 SSC at 82.0 grains and lose both ejecta weight (13 grains) and jet effect. Would drop recoil maybe about 4-5 ft. pounds and velocity about 90-100 fps +/-. Just a thought.

 

[C.Smith]

You could drop about 13 grains of powder to IMR 7828 SSC at 82.0 grains and lose both ejecta weight (13 grains) and jet effect. Would drop recoil maybe about 4-5 ft. pounds and velocity about 90-100 fps +/-. Just a thought.

Only problem I see with that is its back to or nearly to 300 WM levels. I was getting ready to test some 200 ABs with Retumbo but I may just stick with 7828SSC and 180s since the recoil is not too bad, velocities are great.

Corey

 

[Wis65x55]

DrMike
I understand and agree with your reasoning in regards to recoil and load density. I believe that this is a point where we need to revisit a physics text book in regards to kinetic energy formula KE=1/2MV^2. Kinetic energy will increase as a direct result of the velocity being squared.
Keith

 

[Oldtrader3]

You could drop about 13 grains of powder to IMR 7828 SSC at 82.0 grains and lose both ejecta weight (13 grains) and jet effect. Would drop recoil maybe about 4-5 ft. pounds and velocity about 90-100 fps +/-. Just a thought.

Only problem I see with that is its back to or nearly to 300 WM levels. I was getting ready to test some 200 ABs with Retumbo but I may just stick with 7828SSC and 180s since the recoil is not too bad, velocities are great.

Corey

Corey, you are absolutely correct except that you are buying the extra bullet weight and BC at long range.
Charlie

 

[Wondermutt]

Thanks for the replies all.

I hope to get a 180 load developed soon and use it for more than a squirrel gun but that is a topic for next month.

I originally bought this gun intending on a 300 win mag, but it was to good of a deal to pass up. Besides the 10/22, this is my favorite gun to shoot.

 

[C.Smith]

Thanks for the replies all.

I hope to get a 180 load developed soon and use it for more than a squirrel gun but that is a topic for next month.

I originally bought this gun intending on a 300 win mag, but it was to good of a deal to pass up. Besides the 10/22, this is my favorite gun to shoot.

Sounds just like how I got my RUM. looking to trade my 30-06 for something with a little more power and got a trade deal I could not pass on.

Corey

 

[SJB358]

Thanks for the replies all.

I hope to get a 180 load developed soon and use it for more than a squirrel gun but that is a topic for next month.

I originally bought this gun intending on a 300 win mag, but it was to good of a deal to pass up. Besides the 10/22, this is my favorite gun to shoot.

Sounds just like how I got my RUM. looking to trade my 30-06 for something with a little more power and got a trade deal I could not pass on.

Corey

Corey, what is your current load for the 300RUM? I know you were shooting 180's, just wondered about the specifics. I remember seeing your targets and they looked excellent..

 

[C.Smith]

Thanks for the replies all.

I hope to get a 180 load developed soon and use it for more than a squirrel gun but that is a topic for next month.

I originally bought this gun intending on a 300 win mag, but it was to good of a deal to pass up. Besides the 10/22, this is my favorite gun to shoot.

Sounds just like how I got my RUM. looking to trade my 30-06 for something with a little more power and got a trade deal I could not pass on.

Corey

Corey, what is your current load for the 300RUM? I know you were shooting 180's, just wondered about the specifics. I remember seeing your targets and they looked excellent..

I'm shooting 87 grains of 7828scc with once fired RP brass and 215 primers. I'm thinking of trying 88 grains (noslers accurate load) and see what happens.

Corey