300 Win Mag low velocities for 200 gr bullets

fremont · Feb 15, 2018

I'm having trouble getting my Browning AB3 26" 300 Win Mag to shoot faster than mid-2750's with 200 gr bullets. This includes 200 NAB with H4831 (Nosler manual indicates as potentially most accurate powder) and 200 SGK with H1000. Both loads are near book max. Per the manuals, I was expecting approximately 100 more fps. Accuracy is respectable.

I think the gun may simply run better on faster powders. A couple examples: Used Re17 for the 190 LRAB and got near what the manual suggested; same thing for 180 NBT and IMR4350.

Maybe it's as simple as speeding up the burn rate for those 200's--at least what I think I'll try next. Curious if others have had similar experiences with the Winny and heavier 30 cal bullets.

DrMike · Feb 15, 2018

According to a QL projection, your rifle should generate velocities in excess of 2900 fps with that particular powder and bullet combination. (I included projections for both H4831 and H4831SC.)

Code:

Cartridge          : .300 Win. Mag.(SAAMI)
Bullet             : .308, 200, Nosler AccuBond 54618
Useable Case Capaci: 77.761 grain H2O = 5.049 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.340 inch = 84.84 mm
Barrel Length      : 26.0 inch = 660.4 mm
Powder             : Hodgdon H4831 SC

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 1.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step    Fill. Charge   Vel.  Energy   Pmax   Pmuz  Prop.Burnt B_Time
 %       %    Grains   fps   ft.lbs    psi    psi      %        ms

-10.0   90    64.98   2644    3104   45413   9980     96.3    1.453
-09.0   91    65.70   2673    3173   46946  10089     96.7    1.431
-08.0   92    66.42   2702    3242   48534  10194     97.0    1.409
-07.0   93    67.15   2731    3312   50173  10297     97.4    1.388
-06.0   94    67.87   2760    3383   51862  10395     97.7    1.367
-05.0   95    68.59   2789    3455   53605  10489     98.0    1.347
-04.0   96    69.31   2818    3527   55406  10580     98.3    1.327  ! Near Maximum !
-03.0   97    70.03   2847    3600   57271  10666     98.6    1.307  ! Near Maximum !
-02.0   98    70.76   2876    3673   59201  10749     98.8    1.288  ! Near Maximum !
-01.0   99    71.48   2905    3747   61201  10827     99.1    1.269  ! Near Maximum !
+00.0  100    72.20   2934    3822   63272  10900     99.3    1.250  ! Near Maximum !
+01.0  101    72.92   2962    3897   65418  10969     99.4    1.232  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+02.0  102    73.64   2991    3973   67643  11034     99.6    1.214  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.0  103    74.37   3020    4049   69949  11093     99.7    1.196  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0  104    75.09   3048    4126   72342  11148     99.8    1.178  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+05.0  105    75.81   3077    4204   74824  11198     99.9    1.161  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba    100    72.20   3053    4138   75136  10557    100.0    1.164  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba    100    72.20   2767    3399   51705  10734     94.5    1.363

Cartridge          : .300 Win. Mag.(SAAMI)
Bullet             : .308, 200, Nosler AccuBond 54618
Useable Case Capaci: 77.761 grain H2O = 5.049 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.340 inch = 84.84 mm
Barrel Length      : 26.0 inch = 660.4 mm
Powder             : Hodgdon H4831

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 1.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step    Fill. Charge   Vel.  Energy   Pmax   Pmuz  Prop.Burnt B_Time
 %       %    Grains   fps   ft.lbs    psi    psi      %        ms

-10.0   93    64.98   2644    3104   45413   9980     96.3    1.453
-09.0   94    65.70   2673    3173   46946  10089     96.7    1.431
-08.0   95    66.42   2702    3242   48534  10194     97.0    1.409
-07.0   96    67.15   2731    3312   50173  10297     97.4    1.388
-06.0   97    67.87   2760    3383   51862  10395     97.7    1.367
-05.0   98    68.59   2789    3455   53605  10489     98.0    1.347
-04.0  100    69.31   2818    3527   55406  10580     98.3    1.327  ! Near Maximum !
-03.0  101    70.03   2847    3600   57271  10666     98.6    1.307  ! Near Maximum !
-02.0  102    70.76   2876    3673   59201  10749     98.8    1.288  ! Near Maximum !
-01.0  103    71.48   2905    3747   61201  10827     99.1    1.269  ! Near Maximum !
+00.0  104    72.20   2934    3822   63272  10900     99.3    1.250  ! Near Maximum !
+01.0  105    72.92   2962    3897   65418  10969     99.4    1.232  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+02.0  106    73.64   2991    3973   67643  11034     99.6    1.214  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.0  107    74.37   3020    4049   69949  11093     99.7    1.196  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0  108    75.09   3048    4126   72342  11148     99.8    1.178  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+05.0  109    75.81   3077    4204   74824  11198     99.9    1.161  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba    104    72.20   3053    4138   75136  10557    100.0    1.164  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba    104    72.20   2767    3399   51705  10734     94.5    1.363

If you are not getting those velocities, it is possible that your rifle has different chamber dimensions or the powder is degraded for some reason.

The Nosler Reloading Guide 8 shows H4831SC generating a velocity of 2850 fps with a maximum charge of 72.5 grains. This was with a 24 inch barrel. Allowing for an additional two inches of barrel, the velocity projected by QL is right in the ballpark. If you're eager for velocity, you might consider a slower power, rather than a faster powder.

Code:

Cartridge          : .300 Win. Mag.(SAAMI)
Bullet             : .308, 200, Nosler AccuBond 54618
Useable Case Capaci: 77.761 grain H2O = 5.049 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: 63250 psi, or 436 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 112 %
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 !

19 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
---------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
Vihtavuori N570                    110.5     83.5     5.41    3099    97.6    63250   13377   1.238  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-33                 112.0     87.1     5.64    3078    97.8    62754   13199   1.242  ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 80                  112.0     87.1     5.64    3037    97.8    59795   13047   1.266  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-26                  98.3     75.8     4.91    3036   100.0    63250   11384   1.259  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP30                        109.6     78.5     5.09    3032    99.9    63250   11988   1.255  ! Near Maximum !
Norma MRP 2                        109.6     78.5     5.09    3032    99.9    63250   11988   1.255  ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 517                104.0     79.6     5.16    3028    99.9    63250   11760   1.239  ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 12                  103.9     79.5     5.15    3027    99.9    63250   11733   1.240  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2218                        112.0     85.5     5.54    3027    96.7    59285   13418   1.260  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N560                    101.1     74.1     4.80    3025    99.5    63250   12012   1.248  ! Near Maximum !
Norma MRP                           99.3     74.3     4.81    3021   100.0    63250   11541   1.254  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-25                 107.3     76.5     4.96    3020   100.0    63250   11098   1.244  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate MAGPRO                    101.4     77.3     5.01    3019    98.7    63250   12150   1.255  ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 70                   96.4     73.6     4.77    3013   100.0    63250   11183   1.239  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828                           105.7     73.6     4.77    3013    99.7    63250   11594   1.238  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 SSC                       100.0     73.6     4.77    3013    99.7    63250   11594   1.238  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2213                        101.0     73.2     4.74    3000    99.7    63250   11522   1.236  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2225                        112.0     80.7     5.23    2998   100.0    58589   11660   1.276  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Retumbo                    112.0     80.7     5.23    2998   100.0    58589   11660   1.276  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AP 2214                        104.9     78.0     5.06    2997    99.8    63250   11348   1.233  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP5/NP ~approximation       101.4     73.5     4.76    2996   100.0    63250   11457   1.255  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-22                 101.4     73.5     4.76    2996   100.0    63250   11457   1.255  ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA15                       101.4     73.5     4.76    2996   100.0    63250   11457   1.255  ! Near Maximum !
Winchester WXR                     104.1     73.8     4.78    2996   100.0    63250   11482   1.255  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP15                        104.1     73.8     4.78    2996   100.0    63250   11482   1.255  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H1000                      110.3     78.2     5.07    2994    99.8    63250   11314   1.233  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2217                        110.3     78.2     5.07    2994    99.8    63250   11314   1.233  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Magnum                     101.3     79.1     5.12    2978   100.0    63250   10898   1.249  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP5 NT ~approximation       104.7     76.5     4.96    2970    98.5    63250   11484   1.240  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R905                      102.7     73.0     4.73    2967    99.4    63250   11268   1.255  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori 24N41                   112.0     85.5     5.54    2956    91.7    62500   11998   1.246  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2209                         97.8     69.7     4.52    2954    99.9    63250   10876   1.246  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-19                  98.4     70.5     4.57    2952   100.0    63250   10936   1.253  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-23                 103.7     72.7     4.71    2947   100.0    63250   10264   1.266  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP14 ~approximation          99.1     71.0     4.60    2946    99.9    63250   10863   1.253  ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 518                 94.7     70.1     4.54    2943   100.0    63250   10563   1.260  ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 511                 90.9     69.4     4.50    2939   100.0    63250   10482   1.261  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter                      93.9     69.5     4.50    2938   100.0    63250   10468   1.261  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831                      103.6     72.2     4.68    2933    99.3    63250   10899   1.250  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831 SC                    99.6     72.2     4.68    2933    99.3    63250   10899   1.250  ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 62                   92.4     69.4     4.50    2932   100.0    63250   10243   1.274  ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA4                         96.4     69.1     4.48    2930    99.9    63250   10672   1.254  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 204                           93.4     69.1     4.48    2930    99.9    63250   10672   1.254  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 ~approximation           96.4     69.1     4.48    2930    99.9    63250   10672   1.254  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-16                  95.3     66.5     4.31    2927   100.0    63250   10023   1.268  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 217                          112.0     79.1     5.12    2919    99.9    52258   11948   1.359
Somchem S385                        98.5     71.4     4.63    2913   100.0    63250   10380   1.274  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N550                     90.8     66.5     4.31    2912   100.0    63250   10150   1.271  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H870                       112.0     82.9     5.37    2912    97.1    52643   12499   1.348
Norma URP                           93.5     66.3     4.29    2910   100.0    63250   10012   1.268  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP19 ~approximation          93.5     66.3     4.29    2910   100.0    63250   10009   1.268  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S365                        95.2     67.9     4.40    2907   100.0    63250    9703   1.275  ! Near Maximum !
Winchester Supreme 780              97.1     73.4     4.75    2907    99.9    63250   10412   1.260  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4350                       92.6     66.3     4.30    2904   100.0    63250    9953   1.286  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R904                       97.3     68.8     4.46    2904    99.6    63250   10466   1.255  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 NT ~approximation        94.1     68.5     4.44    2901   100.0    63250   10188   1.267  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N165                    103.7     73.6     4.77    2899   100.0    63250   10165   1.265  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4955 Enduron                   100.9     70.4     4.56    2899    99.3    63250   10570   1.254  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex D100                         109.8     84.7     5.49    2897    92.6    63250   11119   1.258  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S071                         107.3     72.8     4.71    2895   100.0    63250   10025   1.290  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 3100                      101.5     72.8     4.71    2895   100.0    63250   10025   1.290  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-50                 112.0     86.8     5.63    2895    94.7    50817   12940   1.386
IMR 4831                            98.0     67.3     4.36    2891   100.0    63250    9788   1.278  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N170                    112.0     79.4     5.15    2890    95.5    60763   11257   1.292  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N160                    103.9     71.4     4.63    2887    99.6    63250   10281   1.259  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S070                          93.4     66.2     4.29    2885   100.0    63250    9996   1.275  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S361                        96.4     73.6     4.77    2876    99.2    63250   10312   1.267  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP7                          91.4     64.3     4.17    2869   100.0    63250    9893   1.268  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R907                       91.4     64.3     4.17    2869   100.0    63250    9893   1.268  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Hybrid 100V                 95.9     66.5     4.31    2861   100.0    63250    9228   1.271  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S065                          92.4     64.8     4.20    2858   100.0    63250    9608   1.275  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7977 Enduron                   105.4     74.7     4.84    2844    93.9    63250   10355   1.258  ! Near Maximum !

SJB358 · Feb 15, 2018

There are so many different kinds of brass for the 300 Win that’d I’d have no issues with carefully bumping your charges up until you hit listed speed. With a 26” barrel it won’t take much. I understand not wanting to exceed book speeds but there is much variation in the 300 Win components you really have to watch the chrono. 2900 with a 26” 300 Win should be a piece of cake. H1000 would be the powder I’d work with. It’s usually very accurate and adequately fast as well.