Powder selection

cobblestone · Dec 11, 2011

Hello,new here. Would like to start off with I think this is the best site on the web. I have been lurking for a while and finally decided to join. Would like opionions on powder selection for 300wsm. Currently using Imr 4350 with 180 accubonds but am thinking about switching to more temp stable powders like Hodgdons or Ramshot powders. What says you?

JD338 · Dec 11, 2011

cobblestone

Welcome to the forum, glad you dcided to join in on the fun.

I have not loaded the 300 WSM but stay tuned as the fellas will be here shortly with load recommendations for you.

JD338

DrMike · Dec 11, 2011

Cobblestone,

Welcome to the forum. It's good to have you on board. IMR 4350 is about ideal for the 300 WSM. RL19 is also a good choice with 165 to 180 grain bullets. There is no question but that H4350 or H4831 will work for you. However, I would encourage you to not neglect the powder you are now using. It serves me well, and our temperatures range from highs of ~85 F to lows of ~-40 F. Then again, I'm not making shots much over 450 yards with my 300 WSM.

wildgene · Dec 12, 2011

...I've had good luck w/ RL-17 in the .300 WSM, very good velocities & accuracy...

257 Ackley · Dec 12, 2011

Welcome Cobblestone -
I have been loading for the 300WSM for about three years now and my go-to powder for 150 - 180 grain bullets is R19. IMR4350 is a good powder for the WSM's, but as you get to the higher weights of bullets a slower powder seems to work better for me. I have tried R17, since that powder was supposed to have been developed for the WSM's, but could never get the accuracy that I get with R19. Velocity is as good or better as well.

In regards to temperature stability, you will not notice much change during normal shooting/hunting situations unless you are hunting in some extreme environments that few of us ever see. I develope most loads in the summer months in Minnesota and see very little if any change in POI during the winter months when it can be as much as -20 for yote hunting. That is with a 22-250 or .204, so you will see very little change with the capacity of a 300WSM. If you are developing loads in the winter months, you may want to check them during the warmer months of the year to ensure you haven't pushed the charge to an extreme. Good luck

Trikstr · Dec 12, 2011

You might also look at VhitaVouri N550. It has worked very well in 3 different 300 WSM's.

cobblestone · Dec 12, 2011

Thanks for all the replies. I have tried Re19, Re17, and Imr 4831 but Imr 4350 gave me the best accuracy. Re17 did shoot pretty good but the load that shot the best was flattening primers a little. Guess I'll have to chrono my load in the cold to see how it holds up against summer temperatures. Of course I guess I could try some other powders just to play around with my gun some more.

SJB358 · Dec 16, 2011

I am a new guy here as well with the 300WSM. I am starting out with RL19 and 180gr BT's in order to break the rifle in with. Speaking with Nosler's ballistician, he said RL19 is "THE" powder for the 300WSM with 165's and 180's. I think thats a good vote. I am going to run some RL22 with the 200's, just for kicks and see what the 300 is capable of. RL22 works really well in the 270 and 7WSM's, so I gotta at least give it a try! Scotty