E-tip and RL17

[alaskazimm]

I'm loading for a 300 wsm and want to work up some grizzly loads for the spring. I usually use IMR4350 in this gun, but am just looking for a bit more thump with RL17.

These will be with the 180 grn E-tip using RL17. Since it's hard to come up with load data for that combo, I emailed Alliant to get their data.
Naturally they don't have any but said that I "might start with 58 grs and the max should be about 63 grs."

For those that have worked with RL17 and the short mags - does that sound like a reasonable (read safe) load data? I'll be starting at .050 off the lands working back to .100 depending on accuracy.

 

[Richracer1]

This take straight from the RL-17 data I received from Alliant a while back.
Caliber Bullet Brass Primer COL Max Velocity PSI
300 WSM-180gr BTSP Fed Fed 215 2.8 66 3082 62987

So, I would say 58 - 59gn is probably a good place to start.

 

[kraky]

I've played with the 180 e tip a bit and can say it will most likely max out about 2.5-3 grains under normal cup and core loads for the 180 class bullet.
Being they list 66.0 as a max for universal 180 bullets I would say their guesstimate of "max" being about 63 grains is spot on.
Personally I'd start at about 60 and work up a bit.

In regards to using that bullet on grizz I'm not sure it would be my pick. I have never hunted grizz so may be out of bounds offering advice. While I believe the 180 etip will penetrate anything I think the 200 Partition might tend to make a bigger wound channel and still have great penetration because of the slightly slower speed. At least on close up (within 100 yds) I think I'd like the cup and core better in this case.

 

[DrMike]

I wouldn't hesitate to tackle a mountain grizzly with my 300 WSM and a 180 grain E-Tip. A shot to the shoulder will break bone and penetrate to the vitals, which is my goal in any case. The only reason I would choose a larger calibre would be because I wanted more frontal area. I can't speak for the big boys down on the coast, but so long as the bear wasn't agitated, the 300 WSM would work just fine. I'm not likely to take a shot over 150 yards in any case, and I prefer to limit my shots on grizzly to 100 yards or less in any case.

alaskazimm,

I would think that a 180 grain Partition or an AB of the same weight at 2900 to 3000 fps will work very well indeed to drop a big bear.

 

[alaskazimm]

Yeah, I'm talking about the interior grizzly - not the big browns on the coast. We had a discussion on the Alaska forums and the consensus seemed to be that the 180 e-tip or 200 AccuBond would be the way to go with the 300 wsm.

The only things I've heard about the e-tips have been good, and I'd feel comfortable using it on grizzly. 4 e-tips, plus my back up 45 colt with 365 grn hardcast should do the trick . :twisted:

Thanks for the advice on the loadings. I have to say this is a great forum!