Starter load for 300 H&H

DaveA37 · Mar 25, 2010

A while back I posted that I had been given a nice 300 H&H. Since I have not yet started to shoot it, I'd like to prepare a few good loads as "starters" to get a feel for this rifle. I was thinking of using 165 or 180 grain "Partitions" but could be persuaded to give Barnes Triple X a try.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good starter load?

FOTIS · Mar 25, 2010

I would go for the 180 grain PT or AB.

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

DrMike · Mar 25, 2010

The 180 grain weight is just right for the 300 H & H. Either the AB or the PT will be a real thumper.

POP pointed you to the Hodgdon web site, and it has some excellent data. You might also want to check out the Nosler data at: http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=15&b=30cal&s=354.

shoots_5 · Mar 26, 2010

I've been running 69.5 grains of RL-22 behind my 185 grain Bergers. It will give me 2850 fps so you should probably be able to get 2900+ with the 180's. No pressure signs at that load either so I could probably push it a bit more but the accuracy was awesome as well. If you let me know what powders you have I can give you some other loads as well. It's a sweet caliber....I think you'll be impressed with it if you put a little time into load development.

SJB358 · Mar 27, 2010

I second the 180gr PT or AccuBond. That sounds like a very neat rifle. If you have any pictures of your H&H post them up. Don't get to see many of them nowadays. H4831 and RL22 are probably your best friend with that cartridge. Scotty

DaveA37 · Mar 28, 2010

The powders I have on hand are

IMR 3031
IMR 4350
IMR 4831

I've been loading 71 gr of 4350 behind 165 gr PT's and WLR primers for my 300 Win Mag, with pretty good results. Only problem is the cases are pretty darn "full" and some powder compression takes place. I have used a small vibrating plate to settle the powder into the case before seating the bullets which did help a bit. Thought the problem of a full case might be worse with the "H&H" since those cases are a tad smaller than the 300 Win mags.

Might give the RL-22 a look and see how that might go.

SJB358 · Mar 28, 2010

I would give the IMR4831 a try. RL22 will probably be another great one. I have had excellent luck with RL22 and my 300 Win Mag. I am sure you won't have an issue finding a good load for the H&H. Most I have heard of shoot very well. Scotty

shoots_5 · Mar 28, 2010

My H&H really likes IMR 4831. It's been the most accurate powder I've found when using the 165 grain bullets. I would work up some loads with it and see what you get. Magnum primers are the way to go with the H&H. In my Nosler book I'm showing a starting charge of 4831 at 66.0 and a max of 70.0. Starting velocity is 3018 and max is 3148. At max load you are at 94% of case capacity.

From a ballistics standpoint if you use a high BC 165 grain bullet pushed near it's max it's about as flat shooting as that caliber gets. The 165 Accubonds (BC .475) would be a good place to start, or the 168 grain Bergers (BC .473). Not to mention that with that load you are good to go for a hunting load for most animals all the way up to elk and it will absolutely smoke check a deer at whatever range you want to shoot it at!

JD338 · Mar 28, 2010

For your 300 H&H, the 180 gr PT or AB would be tough to beat. For powders, I would look at RL 22, IMR 4831, and IMR 4350 in that order.

Let us know how the load development goes for you.

JD338

Elkman · Apr 6, 2010

I have three .300's and load nothing lighter than 180's they sail along nice and fast and usually you can find one that is accurate. With the powders you have I would start with the 4831 and if your not happy with that try the 4350. Only 180 or 200gr. Nosler Partitions for hunting.