300 Win Mag 200 ABs

[filmjunkie4ever]

Hey guys, I have a brain picker here nothing else. A friend of mine got a black bear tag for Alaska for this last spring and had a blast though he didn't take that good of ammo with him. He had some factory loaded 180's and wasn't very pleased with their performance. Now being the cantankerous sort that I am I told him that I would oad him up some "good" bullets. He wants to try something in the neighborhood of 200 grain PT or AccuBond as he plans to go back this fall for Moose. His rifle is a Ruger M77 and the magazine length is restricted to the standard 3.340" OAL. I have never loaded the 200 grainers in a 300 Win Mag but right away I wonder how this will work. The short neck with long ogives doesn't typically mix too well, which is why I shoot PT's in my 300 as opposed to the AB's. The bullets are non-cannelured and so crimping is out of the question. Would trimming the necks work?

He wants 2800-2850 for a muzzle velocity, a speed we should easily achieve. Any good recommendations? Was thinking of trying the H4831 or H4350 extreme powders.

 

[SJB358]

I have had great luck with RL22 with 200gr Sierra 200gr GKs. Getting 2940 out of them. The ABs would work fine as well. Just for reference I'm stuck with a Ruger with a short magazine as well. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

I don't believe you'll have any particular difficulty getting the velocities you project. Moreover, I don't believe you'll run into any particular problem seating the bullets. I'd probably focus on H4831 or IMR4831, as those are classic powders with the 200 grain bullets in the 300 Win Mag. As Scotty states, RL22 works very well in that cartridge with that particular weight of bullets.

 

[JD338]

The 300 WM with the 200 gr AB at 2850 fps is very doable and will hit hard.
H4831, RL 22, RL, 25 and H1000 would all be good powders to try.
With H4831, start at 66.5 grs and work up to a MAX 70.5 grs. This powder is listed as most accurate powder tested and would be a good starting point for you.
Keep us posted with your load development.

JD338

 

[woods]

This is a nice safe load that works well in any 300 win mag I reload for

 

[velvetant]

I tried Retumbo using a 200gr NPT and 200gr NAB. I was getting velocities close to 3000fps/26" barrel but my rifle did not like any combo I tried.
I also tried RE25 and H1000 and was getting a little over 2900 fps.

Randy

 

[SJB358]

I loaded for a buddy using RL25 and the 200gr PT's in his 300WM. Seemed to work decent, although I seemed to be getting a little better speed out of RL22.

This was 76.5gr of RL25

76gr's

Granted, this was out of a really new barrel, shot just after break in, so I imagine it will get better. I am thinking of giving RL22 a try in the rifle next time out. I think speeds were running in the mid 2800's or so. Scotty

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

You guys are the best, thanks for all of the info. Just learned today that he wants also to load up something lighter for pronghorn/mule deer. He asked my suggestions and so I said a 150-168 grainer would be my choice even in this big boy as long as he didn't try too hard to exceed 3200-3250fps. What is your take gents? Would he be fine with a good 150 PT or the new 168 ET? I am sure he would, a poor hit with even the 200 AB will let you down whereas a kill shot with a 150 while it may not penetrate all the way through some animals will still blast his vitals to kingdom come. Will be trying the 200 grain data in two weeks, on the road and wont be back til then. Will post results.

 

[DrMike]

I'd probably focus on 165/168 grain for mule deer/antelope. You can get sufficient velocities to reach way out there.

 

[FOTIS]

Cartridge : .300 Win. Mag.(R)
Bullet : .308, 200, Nosler AccuBond 54618
Useable Case Capaci: 73.784 grain H2O = 4.791 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.340 inch = 84.84 mm
Barrel Length : 26.0 inch = 660.4 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 63000 psi, or 434 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 110 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

149 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 90%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Ramshot Magnum (Big Boy) 105.4 76.7 4.97 2999 99.7 63000 11388 1.235 ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 517 105.8 76.8 4.98 2998 99.7 63000 11378 1.235 ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 12 105.6 76.7 4.97 2997 99.8 63000 11354 1.236 ! Near Maximum !
Norma MRP 101.1 71.8 4.65 2997 100.0 63000 11195 1.250 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N560 102.9 71.5 4.64 2996 99.3 63000 11612 1.245 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-25 109.2 73.9 4.79 2996 100.0 63000 10756 1.239 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate MAGPRO 103.2 74.6 4.84 2989 98.4 63000 11728 1.251 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N570 110.0 78.9 5.11 2984 96.0 57654 12647 1.284 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 107.4 71.0 4.60 2983 99.5 63000 11205 1.235 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 SSC 101.6 71.0 4.60 2983 99.5 63000 11205 1.235 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA15 103.2 70.9 4.60 2969 99.9 63000 11099 1.252 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP5/NP ~approximation 103.2 70.9 4.60 2969 99.9 63000 11099 1.252 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-22 103.2 70.9 4.60 2969 99.9 63000 11099 1.252 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester WXR 106.0 71.3 4.62 2969 99.9 63000 11122 1.252 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2213 102.6 70.6 4.57 2968 99.4 63000 11130 1.234 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AP 2214 106.5 75.2 4.87 2963 99.6 63000 10963 1.232 ! Near Maximum !
Norma MRP 2 110.0 74.8 4.85 2961 99.5 59627 11531 1.280 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R905 104.4 70.5 4.57 2937 99.2 63000 10880 1.253 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2209 99.4 67.3 4.36 2925 99.8 63000 10520 1.244 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-19 100.0 68.0 4.41 2924 99.9 63000 10582 1.251 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP14 ~approximation 100.7 68.5 4.44 2917 99.8 63000 10508 1.252 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter 95.5 67.1 4.35 2912 100.0 63000 10138 1.259 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760 90.2 64.9 4.20 2910 100.0 63000 10170 1.260 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4350 95.2 64.4 4.17 2909 100.0 63000 9972 1.252 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831 105.3 69.6 4.51 2902 99.0 63000 10512 1.249 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831 SC 101.2 69.6 4.51 2902 99.0 63000 10512 1.249 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H1000 110.0 74.0 4.80 2902 99.2 58827 10831 1.270 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA4 97.9 66.6 4.32 2899 99.8 63000 10314 1.253 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 ~approximation 97.9 66.6 4.32 2899 99.8 63000 10314 1.253 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 204 94.9 66.6 4.32 2899 99.8 63000 10314 1.253 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4350 97.7 63.6 4.12 2899 100.0 63000 9948 1.256 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N550 92.3 64.2 4.16 2886 100.0 63000 9825 1.270 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S365 97.0 65.6 4.25 2886 100.0 63000 9392 1.272 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S385 100.2 68.9 4.46 2885 100.0 63000 10052 1.272 ! Near Maximum !
Norma URP 95.0 63.9 4.14 2885 100.0 63000 9689 1.267 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP19 ~approximation 95.1 64.0 4.14 2884 100.0 63000 9686 1.267 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4350 98.4 64.0 4.15 2879 100.0 63000 9633 1.285 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester Supreme 780 98.6 70.7 4.58 2877 99.8 63000 10066 1.258 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R904 98.8 66.3 4.29 2872 99.4 63000 10096 1.255 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N165 105.4 70.9 4.60 2870 100.0 63000 9837 1.263 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 3100 109.2 70.2 4.55 2869 100.0 63000 9708 1.287 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4831 99.7 64.9 4.21 2866 100.0 63000 9471 1.276 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Retumbo 110.0 75.2 4.87 2857 100.0 51251 11203 1.351
Lovex-S0701 94.9 63.8 4.14 2856 100.0 63000 9671 1.275 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N160 105.5 68.8 4.46 2856 99.3 63000 9917 1.259 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2218 110.0 79.7 5.16 2848 93.5 51533 12409 1.343
Rottweil R907 92.8 61.9 4.01 2838 100.0 63000 9565 1.269 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Hybrid 100V 100.9 64.2 4.16 2837 100.0 63000 8922 1.270 ! Near Maximum !
Lovex-S0651 93.8 62.4 4.04 2830 100.0 63000 9290 1.275 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R903 90.0 60.6 3.92 2819 100.0 63000 8921 1.289 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S355 90.3 60.1 3.89 2817 100.0 63000 8953 1.282 ! Near Maximum !
Lovex-D1001 110.0 80.5 5.22 2815 90.9 59673 10491 1.287 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori 24N41 110.0 79.7 5.16 2794 88.4 54496 11013 1.324
Accurate 2700 91.0 63.9 4.14 2792 100.0 63000 9040 1.273 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N150 95.3 61.1 3.96 2773 100.0 63000 8455 1.283 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4064 91.5 58.2 3.77 2772 100.0 63000 8428 1.312 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N140 91.9 60.1 3.89 2770 100.0 63000 8400 1.276 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H870 110.0 77.3 5.01 2753 94.5 45657 11617 1.433
Vihtavuori N170 110.0 74.0 4.80 2749 93.1 53454 10443 1.366
Vihtavuori N135 91.5 56.4 3.65 2719 100.0 63000 7793 1.298 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon US 869 110.0 79.7 5.16 2607 84.5 44010 10332 1.468
Hodgdon 50BMG 110.0 76.0 4.92 2604 80.2 44176 10309 1.464
SNPE Vectan SP 13 110.0 76.4 4.95 2555 88.8 40080 10153 1.535
Vihtavuori 20N29 110.0 80.5 5.22 2512 84.5 38140 10203 1.568
PB Clermont PCL 513/520/9520 110.0 76.4 4.95 2491 85.8 37650 9890 1.581
Accurate 8700 110.0 76.6 4.96 2468 86.3 36880 9832 1.587
NC A3502 ,test only 110.0 73.2 4.74 2281 61.1 35026 7731 1.640
TLP A 502(RH) ,test only 110.0 73.2 4.74 2262 65.8 32803 8141 1.685
V1734 7-multiperf ,test only 110.0 73.2 4.74 1614 30.0 18125 3789 2.212

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

Thanks POP I knew I could count on you. What is your take on the 150 grain E-Tip @ 3200 fps (or the 168 grain @ 3100fps for that matter) out of a 300 Win Mag?

I am anxious to load some of these up for him, they likely shoot straight and flat.

 

[SJB358]

The ET's really change the game a little as far as weight is concerned. I would bet a 150gr or 168gr ET would work pretty well in the 300. I haven't come around to that train of thought just yet, but I would bet the high 3200's and even 3300 or so is possible out of the 300WM. I ran some 150gr Winchester PP's (factory loads) through my buddy's M70 with a 26" tube and I wanna say they were all in the 3300 range. That would make for a very flat shooting combo, and with the ET, I wouldn't sweat penetration in the least. Scotty

 

[FOTIS]

Anytime sir. Start low work up slow. This is only a reference.

 

[OldMan]

Last year I played a bit with loads for the 300 Win Mag and found one I really thought had promise! The load was the 200 AB with RL-25 (75 gr), it shot way under an inch, has a fair bit of recoil, I just needed to chrono it. Well yesterday the sun was out and I had some time, so did the deed! 2750 fps---- I suppose it would work, but I will try RL-22 with the 200 next as I figure a magnum should be closer to 2900. If you are thinking it could be my chrono-- I tested it with my 300 Wby, showing 3257 fps on the 180 AB, 1854 on my 22 magnum rifle and my 22 LR at 1175!

 

[FOTIS]

A 180 Ab at 3250? Gotta love the Bees. No need to look further! That will do all!

 

[SJB358]

Im thinking RL22 and the 200gr'ers will run into the 2900's pretty easily. That would be a serious contender. Mine runs about 2940 and shoots really well. Haven't found a reason to drop back to 180's. Scotty

 

[FOTIS]

72-73 gr of RL22 will push a 200 gr into 3K territory provided a 26" tube.

 

[OldMan]

My 300 Win has a 24 " barrel, the 300 Wby has a 26". Both of these were chrono'd with RL-25.

 

[matthewusmc8791]

Try H-1000 anything over 77.0grs for 200grainers.. I run 78.4 in my 208AMax HBN coated bullets and get 3000fps and zero pressure. H-1000 is the shit!!! It works great on 210 bergers too... Anything under 200, yoru goign to want to use a little faster powder, such as IMR4350... Check pressure and fps, deminishing returns cuz you might not burn all the powder if you run slow slow powders with heavy bullets... Check bearing surface in b.Lytz's book and conpare.. Might giv eyou issues...

 

[GF1]

Back to the original issue - good bullet for black bear - I'd have to question the need for a 200 grain bullet in the first place. I'd suggest a 180 grain Partition or TTSX, partial to the former. Easier to seat in the troublesome .300 WM's magazine, plenty of power and penetration, great trajectory. I get over 3000 fps w/ my perferred load (and that 300 just happens to be the caliber of my favorite rifle) w/ the 180 Partition.