.300RUM Powder Info

[Powerstroke]

Ok, I've pretty well narrowed the powders down on my .300rum.
The RL-25 is working darn well, as is the viht-165 ( huge viht fan )
My issues, I can't find much info on the RL-25
Most books state about 96grs as max with the 180 A.B.? Barnes is at 89grns max with the X bullet.
I shot 94grs yesterday, and don't have any signs of pressure.
Anyone playing with that powder?
Thanks

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

Rl25 is pretty dang slow burning, just like h1000 and retumbo. Max is usually 94-95g with a 200g bullet, and around 97g with a 180g bullet. I dont know personally as I dont mess with RL-25, but I've spent enough time on longrangehunting to remember what other people are using. If you have a cronograph, thats the best way to develop loads if your over book max. Dont pay to much attention to book max, its just there as a reference more then anything. So how is your 300 RUM shooting for you? I actually just traded mine for a 7mm rem mag. I think I got what I want now.

 

[J300UM]

I've been loading for my 300 for 2 yrs now. I've used both rl 25 and retumbo, both with good results. I noticed the retumbo is a little less temperature sensitive than the rl 25. One load is a 180 gr tsx w/94 gr of rl 25. 3310 avg fps and sub moa. on a hot day (90 plus) I get extracter marks on the case. The other load is a 180 gr scirroco w/97.5 gr of retumbo. 3350 avg fps and sub moa. It seems to shoot about the same reguardless of the temp. On a different note, I'm new to the site and was wondering if anyone had some good load advise on the 180 gr ab. I loaded it in my stw and loved it. I loaded the other bullets in my 300 because I had them laying around so I figured I would shoot them and clear off my bench a little. Any advise would be appreciated!

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

I shoot the 200g AB in my 300 RUM right at 3225fps with 95g retumbo. Gives 1.5 inch groups at 300 yards, and has given 5-6 inch groups at 800. It flat knocks the crap out of elk over 400 yards as its done that 3 times. In my opinion, your wastime your barrel life and true potential of the cartridge by shooting anything less then a 200g bullet. I also like to shoot the 210g vld, or uld rbbt bullets at 3000fps. They fly very well to 1150 yards on a 15" steel plate. I have also shot some 220g SMKS at 3000fps. I guess it depends on how far you are shooting.

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

Oh yah, I forgot to mention that I put 1200 rounds through mine in 2 years, so I have a little bit of "trigger time" behind the rifle.

 

[Guy Miner]

:grin: That sir, is a whole lot of trigger time behind 95 grains of Retumbo! :grin:

 

[Powerstroke]

remington-man

It's actually starting to come around. I'm under an inch on both the RL-25 and the Viht. I've tried the H-1000 and can't get it to shoot too well. ( Recoil is heavy with the H-1000 too ) The Vigt N-165 is easy shooting with the 180gr A.B's
I've also tried the 200gr A.B.s and haven't had a whole lot of luck with them either. I'll play with the RL-25 a bit more and probably call it good. Then start on the 200gr A.B. No big elk hunts planned this year, but we did draw deer tags in a very limited area. We'll see what happens.

P.S. Again, is there any reason no one uses much Viht powder? Other than the 2lb cans?

 

[J300UM]

Thanks for the advise. Is the trajectory much different between the 180 and the 200? I'm the worst judge of distance in the world, hence the reason I was leaning toward the lighter of the two. If it's not enough to make a difference then I will certainly give the 200's a shot. After looking through the site, I found that most everyone favors the 200. Probably end up going that route reguardless. Thanks again!!!

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

If you sight them both in at either 2 or 3 inches high at 100, there will be minimal difference in trajectory. Try the 200's, you'll probly be glad you did.

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

Heres a quick check on them. I am comparing the 180g and 200g AB, 180g @3400fps, and 200g @3200fps. If you were to sight them both to hit 2.5" high at 100, the 180g would have a zero at 295 yards, the 200g would be zeroed at 275 yards. So thats what, 20 yards of MPBR. As far as trajectory goes, at 500 yards the 180g would drop 20 inches, and the 200g would drop 24 inches. So at 500 yards your talking 4 inches difference. Also, the 200g will drift less, and hit harder.

 

[J300UM]

Doesn't look like there's enough difference to really matter. I think you just helped make my decision. 200's it is. Thanks a lot!!!

 

[FOTIS]

Go for the 200 at 3100-3200 :twisted:

 

[J300UM]

Well, I took everyones advise and loaded some 200 gr Accubonds. They shoot incredibly well. The first time out I loaded 94-96 gr. of Retumbo. My best group came in under half an inch at 94.5 gr. I have the OAL at 3.660. I have room to go longer and was wondering if I should try that or leave well enough alone? I'll probably stay with what I have for now as I have an early season elk hunt in 2 weeks. It's pretty open country so hopefully I'll get lucky enough to reach out and touch one and put this bullet to the test. Thanks again!!!

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

I would not bother going out any farther. Thats where mine were at also. Pretty much the longest you can go in a remington and still feed reliably. Do you have an extended mag box?? You should be hovering around 3200fps with that charge. Mine was going 3225 at 95g of Retumbo. You will absolutely love that bullet when it hits an elk. It straight puts them down with authority!

 

[FOTIS]

Kinda hard at this point not to show off my SAKO 75 300 ULTRA

200 grain AccuBond
3175 fps
95 gr Retumbo
.292" at 100 yards
Below is a group at 300 yards
.675" at 300 yds.

[/img]

 

[Powerstroke]

POP
Awesome shooting !
I've stated before I've never been a big caliber fan, and this .300RUM is my first experience......The more I play with it and shoot it, I love it!!
I just wish I could get the 200gr AB's to shoot.....mine seems to like the 180's......still working on it tho.....