.300 WSM : Best bullet for hunting ?

[Bluejay]

Hi Folks, shortly I'll have to start reloading for this caliber.

A buddy of mine just bought a brand new SAKO 75 Hunter in this caliber.

I'd personally go with a 150 grs. NOSLER BT....

Shots will be taken in the 200/400 yds. range on European Stag (slightly smaller than Elk).

What do you Guys suggest ?


Thank you in advance.

Cheers
Bluejay :wink:

 

[rick smith]

I would use the 165gr AccuBond or Partition.Rick.

 

[HunterJim]

My Mark 1 Mod 0 hunting bullet for the .300 Magnums is the 180 gr Nosler Partition.

jim

 

[DrMike]

For insurance sake, I would consider the 165 AccuBond as a minimum to use on elk, and with red stag, I would make a similar assumption. The 180 grain Partition would be a better choice, I personally believe.

 

[bullet]

Ballistic tip, Partitions, AccuBond are the ticket depending on game.

That is right I did not mention the Monolithic bullets. I have used TSX, GS and E-Tip. Got better accuracy and velocity out of the TSX. Killed with TSX but not anything yet with the GS or E-Tips. The TSX performs well on game but it does not leave a desired blood trail and I have not dropped game like some of the conventional bullets have like Sierra HPBT, Nosler ballistic tip, AccuBond, A-Frame, TBBC and Partitions have that I have taken game with. I had to really look for the last three deer I killed with the TSX one out of my 300wby and two out of the 257Wby. No blood to follow just got lucky in my tracking since the ground was still soft.

My shot placement was right on with the TSX so it was not shot placement. I just think at the moment that for me the conventional bullet is better all around and for tough stuff the bonded bullets do well. I was all excited about he the Monolithic bullets and have been for two years but after trying them accuracy is great with the TSX and GS so far with me but I am not sure yet on them the verdict is still out on game performance as far as I am concerned. Have some more field testing coming up this year in Arizona, Missouri, Mississippi and Louisiana it will be interesting to see. One thing for sure, the bullets we have today are wonderful to say the least.

I also don't like folks saying and especially like Barnes making the statement that their copper bullets are safer bullets. Plays right into the hands of the green thing and at the same time promotes their bullet for sales purposes while selling out the conventional bullet that is more versatile in my opinion on taking game quickly. Don't any body get excited now, just responding to my own experiences that is all.

 

[YoteSmoker]

165 Partition or AccuBond.

 

[GB300wm]

I've always had luck with the 180 BT and a 300wm. I switched to the 180 nab with the gun and never looked back. I worry that the lighter nab's or BT's expand too rapidly on close shots and won't get full penetration.

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

Either the 165-180gr NAB would be a great all round bullet for you friend.

 

[JD338]

I would also recommend the 165 gr AB but he should also try the 180 gr AB.
The heavier bullet will buck the wind better had carry more energy downrange.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

Best bullet for hunting huh?


180 AccuBond, 180 Partition, or 165 flavor of either.
Cartridge : .300 WSM (CIP)
Bullet : .308, 165, Nosler PART SP 16330
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.860 inch or 72.64 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch or 609.6 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 105 %

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 !

115 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
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Norma MRP 105.0 74.6 4.83 3171 99.2 59496 12364 1.123 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4350 100.2 67.9 4.40 3141 99.9 63000 11186 1.097 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2209 104.4 70.7 4.58 3139 98.3 63000 11550 1.091 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter 97.4 70.7 4.58 3138 99.8 63000 11339 1.105 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-19 105.0 71.5 4.63 3138 98.4 62984 11627 1.099 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S365 102.5 69.4 4.50 3136 100.0 63000 10552 1.111 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760 94.9 68.4 4.43 3135 99.4 63000 11362 1.106 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 SSC 105.0 73.4 4.76 3132 96.7 59598 12060 1.114 ! Near Maximum !
Norma URP 100.1 67.4 4.37 3119 100.0 63000 10879 1.111 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP19 ~approximation 100.1 67.4 4.37 3119 100.0 63000 10876 1.111 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N550 97.2 67.6 4.38 3119 100.0 63000 11014 1.115 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4350 103.8 67.6 4.38 3115 100.0 63000 10848 1.127 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA4 102.8 70.0 4.53 3112 98.2 63000 11311 1.100 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 ~approximation 102.8 70.0 4.53 3112 98.2 63000 11311 1.100 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 204 99.5 70.0 4.53 3112 98.2 63000 11311 1.100 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP14 ~approximation 105.0 71.5 4.63 3108 98.2 61496 11477 1.112 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H414 91.3 66.2 4.29 3106 99.7 63000 11043 1.115 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N560 105.0 73.0 4.73 3099 95.7 56364 12288 1.150 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot BigGame 96.4 65.6 4.25 3098 100.0 63000 10483 1.110 ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 11 93.5 65.7 4.26 3097 100.0 63000 10469 1.110 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4350 104.7 68.3 4.42 3096 97.6 63000 11186 1.104 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S385 105.0 72.3 4.68 3094 99.0 62550 11119 1.122 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2213 105.0 72.3 4.68 3087 96.2 57924 11836 1.129 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4895 92.2 60.8 3.94 3085 100.0 63000 9892 1.095 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-15 91.0 62.0 4.02 3079 100.0 63000 10358 1.117 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP11 ~approximation 91.0 62.0 4.02 3079 100.0 63000 10358 1.117 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA11 91.0 62.0 4.02 3079 100.0 63000 10358 1.117 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R904 103.5 69.5 4.50 3077 97.3 63000 10994 1.104 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203B 91.5 62.3 4.04 3076 100.0 63000 10272 1.118 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-22 105.0 72.3 4.68 3073 97.5 55793 11907 1.160 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA15 105.0 72.3 4.68 3073 97.5 55793 11907 1.160 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP5/NP ~approximation 105.0 72.3 4.68 3073 97.5 55793 11907 1.160 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H380 92.3 64.2 4.16 3073 100.0 63000 10504 1.120 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate MAGPRO 105.0 76.0 4.92 3071 93.8 55463 12233 1.164 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203 old 92.7 63.8 4.14 3063 100.0 63000 10105 1.131 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4320 93.0 62.3 4.04 3062 100.0 63000 9987 1.103 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R903 97.6 63.9 4.14 3058 100.0 63000 10024 1.131 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S355 95.0 63.2 4.10 3054 100.0 63000 10036 1.125 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R907 97.2 65.0 4.21 3052 99.0 63000 10584 1.116 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4007 SSC 94.2 65.0 4.21 3051 99.0 63000 10576 1.116 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon VARGET 93.9 61.8 4.01 3044 100.0 63000 10003 1.107 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2208 93.6 61.8 4.01 3044 100.0 63000 10003 1.107 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831 SC 105.0 72.3 4.68 3041 95.2 58874 11212 1.130 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4064 94.4 60.7 3.93 3036 100.0 63000 9813 1.112 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 3031 90.4 57.5 3.73 3027 100.0 63000 9309 1.123 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4895 93.6 61.6 3.99 3025 100.0 63000 9462 1.111 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4831 105.0 68.5 4.44 3020 99.5 56613 10848 1.171 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4064 96.6 61.5 3.98 3018 100.0 63000 9483 1.152 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R902 91.1 59.8 3.87 3010 100.0 63000 9497 1.129 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N150 100.1 64.3 4.17 3009 100.0 63000 9440 1.124 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N540 90.9 62.5 4.05 3006 100.0 63000 9451 1.124 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N140 96.5 63.1 4.09 3004 100.0 63000 9388 1.118 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2700 95.2 66.9 4.34 3000 98.9 63000 9975 1.120 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R905 105.0 71.0 4.60 2997 95.0 53809 11364 1.181
SNPE Vectan SP 12 105.0 76.3 4.94 2987 95.2 50859 11817 1.199
Winchester WXR 105.0 70.7 4.58 2984 96.3 50932 11623 1.209
PB Clermont PCL 517 105.0 76.3 4.94 2981 94.9 50569 11809 1.202
Ramshot Magnum (Big Boy) 105.0 76.2 4.93 2977 94.9 50288 11802 1.205
Vihtavuori N135 96.3 59.4 3.85 2965 100.0 63000 8737 1.134 ! Near Maximum !








Cartridge : .300 WSM (CIP)
Bullet : .308, 180, Nosler AccuBond 54825
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.860 inch or 72.64 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch or 609.6 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 105 %

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 !

116 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
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Norma MRP 105.0 71.0 4.60 3050 99.6 60458 11862 1.159 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 SSC 105.0 69.9 4.53 3013 97.5 60470 11620 1.150 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2209 103.9 67.0 4.34 3003 98.8 63000 11062 1.136 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-19 104.6 67.8 4.39 3002 98.8 63000 11138 1.143 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4350 99.7 64.3 4.17 3000 100.0 63000 10647 1.142 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter 97.0 67.0 4.34 3000 99.9 63000 10814 1.149 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760 94.5 64.8 4.20 2996 99.7 63000 10836 1.151 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S365 102.0 65.7 4.26 2993 100.0 63000 10032 1.157 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP14 ~approximation 105.0 68.1 4.41 2986 98.8 62402 11032 1.149 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N560 105.0 69.5 4.51 2983 96.6 57234 11867 1.186 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N550 96.7 64.1 4.15 2979 100.0 63000 10478 1.161 ! Near Maximum !
Norma URP 99.6 63.8 4.14 2978 100.0 63000 10342 1.156 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP19 ~approximation 99.6 63.9 4.14 2978 100.0 63000 10339 1.156 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA4 102.3 66.3 4.30 2976 98.6 63000 10833 1.145 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 204 99.1 66.3 4.30 2976 98.6 63000 10833 1.145 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 ~approximation 102.3 66.3 4.30 2976 98.6 63000 10833 1.145 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4350 103.3 64.0 4.15 2974 100.0 63000 10303 1.172 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2213 105.0 68.8 4.46 2970 97.1 58753 11421 1.166 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H414 90.8 62.7 4.06 2967 99.9 63000 10520 1.160 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S385 104.8 68.7 4.45 2965 99.4 63000 10646 1.163 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4350 104.3 64.7 4.19 2960 98.1 63000 10713 1.149 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate MAGPRO 105.0 72.4 4.69 2958 94.8 56332 11844 1.200 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-22 105.0 68.8 4.46 2957 98.2 56692 11468 1.196 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP5/NP ~approximation 105.0 68.8 4.46 2957 98.2 56692 11468 1.196 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA15 105.0 68.8 4.46 2957 98.2 56692 11468 1.196 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot BigGame 95.9 62.2 4.03 2956 100.0 63000 9965 1.156 ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 11 93.1 62.3 4.04 2955 100.0 63000 9951 1.156 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R904 103.1 65.9 4.27 2943 97.8 63000 10539 1.149 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4895 91.8 57.5 3.73 2939 100.0 63000 9382 1.142 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-15 90.6 58.7 3.80 2937 100.0 63000 9830 1.163 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA11 90.6 58.7 3.80 2937 100.0 63000 9830 1.163 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP11 ~approximation 90.6 58.7 3.80 2937 100.0 63000 9830 1.163 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H380 91.9 60.9 3.94 2933 100.0 63000 9979 1.166 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203B 91.0 59.0 3.82 2933 100.0 63000 9751 1.164 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831 SC 105.0 68.8 4.46 2924 96.1 59716 10828 1.168 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203 old 92.2 60.4 3.92 2922 100.0 63000 9599 1.177 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4320 92.6 59.0 3.82 2920 100.0 63000 9482 1.150 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R903 97.1 60.5 3.92 2917 100.0 63000 9516 1.177 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R907 96.8 61.6 3.99 2915 99.4 63000 10104 1.162 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4007 SSC 93.7 61.6 3.99 2915 99.4 63000 10097 1.162 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S355 94.5 59.9 3.88 2913 100.0 63000 9534 1.171 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon VARGET 93.4 58.6 3.80 2903 100.0 63000 9504 1.154 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2208 93.1 58.6 3.80 2903 100.0 63000 9504 1.154 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4831 105.0 65.2 4.22 2901 99.8 57525 10373 1.209 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4064 94.0 57.5 3.73 2894 100.0 63000 9311 1.159 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R905 105.0 67.5 4.38 2884 95.9 54686 10975 1.219
Hodgdon H4895 93.1 58.4 3.78 2882 100.0 63000 8988 1.159 ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 12 105.0 72.6 4.71 2880 96.2 51629 11436 1.236
Accurate 4064 96.0 58.2 3.77 2876 100.0 63000 8995 1.199 ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 517 105.0 72.6 4.71 2874 96.0 51333 11432 1.239
Winchester WXR 105.0 67.3 4.36 2873 97.1 51763 11219 1.247
Ramshot Magnum (Big Boy) 105.0 72.5 4.70 2870 95.9 51049 11427 1.243
Vihtavuori N150 99.6 60.9 3.95 2868 100.0 63000 8977 1.171 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R902 90.6 56.6 3.67 2868 100.0 63000 9011 1.176 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2700 94.8 63.4 4.11 2866 99.2 63000 9526 1.167 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N540 90.4 59.3 3.84 2865 100.0 63000 8995 1.171 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N140 96.0 59.8 3.87 2864 100.0 63000 8921 1.165 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 105.0 66.1 4.29 2832 95.1 49792 11042 1.258
ADI AP 2214 105.0 70.7 4.58 2826 95.3 51048 10900 1.243
Vihtavuori N135 95.8 56.3 3.65 2822 100.0 63000 8287 1.183 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-25 105.0 67.7 4.39 2813 99.1 46539 11033 1.298
Vihtavuori N165 105.0 67.3 4.36 2804 97.8 53173 10035 1.243
Hodgdon H4831 105.0 66.1 4.29 2801 94.3 52084 10411 1.243
Vihtavuori N160 105.0 65.3 4.23 2790 96.1 54044 9932 1.233
Vihtavuori N133 90.2 53.5 3.47 2769 100.0 63000 7807 1.175 ! Near Maximum !
Norma MRP 2 105.0 68.1 4.41 2715 93.4 42042 11036 1.370
Accurate 3100 105.0 64.4 4.17 2701 98.3 46476 9852 1.350

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

That's some good looking data PoP.
Considering you get top velocities with H4350, RL19, Ramshot, IMR 7828, and W760, with both bullet weights, it would be hard NOT to find something that shot well. :grin:

This caliber keeps looking better and better all the time.

 

[Mighty Peace]

IMO, the 180gr bullet is "THE BULLET" for the 300WM and 300WSM. 180gr Accubonds get my vote. But if you want a bit smaller, the 165gr AB's would be a great choice or the 165gr TTSX's.

I reload 180gr in my 300WM Sako m75ss along with my buddy's (same rifle) and 180's in my 300WSM Sako m75 Greywolf.

 

[Britz]

My Tikka 300WSM loves H4350 CCI BR2 primers and the 180 NAB. For long range stuff the 180 is about the best weight for that cartidge and the AccuBond is hard to beat as far as performace goes.

There really isn't a need ot run a mag primer with the WSM case as long as your powder doesn't require it. I use Reloader 19 in the 325 and H 4350 in the 300 and both do very well with BR primers. It is recomended to use a mag primer if you are going to be hunting in extreme cold.

 

[russ808]

My vote gos for the 180 ABs and PTs. Thats all I use in my 300wsm.

 

[steve4102]

None better than the 165 or 180gr Partition. I shoot the 180gr in my Browning and the 165gr in my CZ. It justs doesn't get any better than a Partition.

 

[Eagleye]

I shoot the 30-338; the 300WSM and the 308 Norma Mag. All are very similar in performance. The best bullet, IMHO, is the 180 Partition, with the 180AB right on its heels. I have shot about 20 Elk with these big 30's and the 180 Partition, and have never had any serious tracking to do, this at ranges from 70 yards to 450. Regards, Eagleye.

 

[Idaho_Elk_Huntr]

I hae been using the 200 grain AccuBond and I just picked up some RL 17 to try. My last 3 elk have been bang flops with the 200 AccuBond

 

[COelkhunter]

I will say the bullet that shoots the best out of your rifle. My 300wsm really likes 180 anything. I have tried partions( work really well) AB and just recently the E-tips any one of those should work well.