300 WSM Load Advice

[bob_dobalina]

I'm trying to wean my 300 WSM off of factory ammo but man it shoots good. So I'm trying to match it. This is Barnes 165 TTSXs.

I measured the factory ammo at an average of 3130.

My handloads I estimate are going 3120. 65.5 gr RL17, CCI 250 primers.

I average .002" longer in my handloads for seating depth.

I shot a group with each today and my handloads are hitting 1.5" higher and not grouping as well, the factory loads group awesome at 100 and 200 yds.

It was hotter when I measured my factory speeds but I think that factory powder should be pretty temp stable.

I shot a 6 round "ladder" to measure velocities of RL 17:

65 - 3110
65.2 - 3115
65.4 - 3118
65.6 - 3125
65.8 - 3122
66 - 3169

Where should I go from here? Seat a little deeper? A little less powder? Crimp? Buy more factory ammo? I'm a little stumped on hitting higher with less velocity with the same bullet but I didn't measure velocities on the same day.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd probably play with seating depth. It looks like you're in a nice broad node with your velocities and those speeds look good as well.

I'd also probably shoot some more groups. 2 three shot groups really isn't indicative of one load being better than the other.

 

[mjcmichigan]

Those 300 WSM’s are great. In general I find annealing the neck can help keep the neck tension consistent. I sear Barnes a bit deeper vs long. As Hodgeman indicates, you got a very nice node with consistent velocity. You should be able to make 65.4gns shoot great.


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[bob_dobalina]

Well here's the deal, when I originally seated these I just tried to match the factory ammo almost so if my math is right it is actually .23 off of my lands! I was thinking of jumping in to like .100, Barnes recommends .05. Both would be a big change

 

[Anonymous]

Well here's the deal, when I originally seated these I just tried to match the factory ammo almost so if my math is right it is actually .23 off of my lands! I was thinking of jumping in to like .100, Barnes recommends .05. Both would be a big change

I'd try both. I've had rifles that liked a bunch of jump and I've had them that liked bullets right up near the lands. Without any rhyme or reason either!

I did an experiment that once I found a node, I ran a "bullet jump ladder" in .05" increments. I changed the group from 1" to .5" back to 1,5" within just a few rungs.

 

[bob_dobalina]

I'd try both. I've had rifles that liked a bunch of jump and I've had them that liked bullets right up near the lands. Without any rhyme or reason either!

I did an experiment that once I found a node, I ran a "bullet jump ladder" in .05" increments. I changed the group from 1" to .5" back to 1,5" within just a few rungs.

Nice! What were your "min" and "max" depths?

 

[Anonymous]

I'd try both. I've had rifles that liked a bunch of jump and I've had them that liked bullets right up near the lands. Without any rhyme or reason either!

I did an experiment that once I found a node, I ran a "bullet jump ladder" in .05" increments. I changed the group from 1" to .5" back to 1,5" within just a few rungs.

Nice! What were your "min" and "max" depths?

I seem to remember I was about 20 thousandths off out to about 80 thous.

 

[wildman]

Looks like it's going to be hard to beat factory performance to me might be cheaper in the long run to buy them already rolled...

 

[bob_dobalina]

Looks like it's going to be hard to beat factory performance to me might be cheaper in the long run to buy them already rolled...

I know, by the time I get em dialed I'll be out of 165s. Then I have a new box of 168s I'd try to hopefully move to without much change. But my long term goal is to transition back to 180 Accubonds. I kind of got on an all copper kick there for awhile but I am over that. If I buy a new box of factory ammo, I am on that wagon for a year or two.

 

[bob_dobalina]

Well guess what, .12 off is as long as I can go with my magazine.

 

[frankm]

Try a group or two at .120 off and see how it does. Lots of guys say .100 + off is where they find accuracy.
Personally I haven't played with the monolithics though.