300 WSM - Loading Experience

[Paul]

Finishing and preparing a new 300wsm Rifle and the next stage is to ascertain the best possible/suitable loads for long range shooting. I have read numerous articles on what is the best powders to use, however, most of this data is generated in the USA and not using ADI powders.

I have the ADI recommendations as noted in the charts, however, personal experience here in Oz from those who have experience with the 300wsm would be appreciated.

Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated............especially in order to be within the NRAA muzzle energy rules.

PS : Planning to use 230gn Berger Hybrid Match Projectiles at this stage.

[johnk]

Try using the ADI comparison chart for guidance. The Hodgdon range is ADI powders rebranded.

http://www.adi-limited.com/handloaders/equivalents.asp

[Paul]

Hi John,

Thanks........

Yes I have seen this but I'm interested to find out what ADI loads people have found to be more beneficial for the 300wsm to stay under the maximum Ft/Lbs Muzzle Velocity with proven results.

Cheers
Paul

[DenisA]

Paul I have been playing with the 300wsm for a few years now. I was running 230gn Hybrids before the ME restrictions were made known to everyone. 300wsms are incredibly accurate but now days must be run too slow when conforming to ME limitations resulting in far too much drift for F-Open. Ballistics at the level we can push them are similar to that of the F-STD .308's and FTR guns and you have far more recoil.

SD's and ES's are generally fantastic with a 300WSM. I think it's simply due to the size of the case and 1 kernel of powder is a very small percentage of that. With the great equipment we have now we are easily able to load to 1 kernel of powder. Also variations in primer compound and such is a much smaller percentage in the 300WSM than that of a .308 for example.

The case has decent capacity, too much for what we are restricted to. It means that even when using a standard length throat and ar2213sc, you don't get a good case fill for the allowable MV with anything under 210gn VLD's. With a standard length throat, 215's and 230's get a decent case fill only because the bullet sits so far into the case.
I mention that because in the US they're running equivalent to ar2209, 210VLD's and 215 Hyb's at much faster speeds using longer throats.

Chamber pressure has never been an issue for me with Norma and Winchester brass.

I've never tried ar2217 as the ar2213sc has always produced brilliant results.

When you compare all of the allowable MV's for different weight bullets, the ballistics are similar. 230's can only be run at 2615fps, they have similar flight time at longer ranges compared to lighter options but lob much more and so on some ranges it may put the trajectory further over the flags.
My favourite load so far has been 185's jugs at 2910fps.

Although I love shooting the 300WSM, I wont be shooting them anymore in competition. There's no point in Australia until the systems fixed.

It took me a long time to learn that free recoiling a heavy kicking cal. using a great recoil pad is far more accurate than trying to hug down and control it repeatably.

I wish I could run 230gn Hybrids at the speeds I use to knowing what I do now about managing their recoil.

Happy to answer any question you might have. I could blab all night about the pro's and con's.

[Paul]

Hi Denis,

Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge on loads.
I have been contemplating the use of 2209 but after reading your comments I may also try 2213 as an option in testing.
I was intending to use Nosler Brass which I purchased from the US combined with the 230 Berger Hybrid Match, and based on what I know to date, I would have expected to be able achieve closer to 2700Ft/sec with a stout load (staying within the limits) ?
Is there an accurate formula to ascertain what the ME would be in this instance ??

Thanks Again
Paul

PS : Just found this on the web.....
http://www.shooterscalculator.com/bulle ... energy.php

[DenisA]

Hi Denis,

I was intending to use Nosler Brass which I purchased from the US combined with the 230 Berger Hybrid Match, and based on what I know to date, I would have expected to be able achieve closer to 2700Ft/sec with a stout load (staying within the limits) ?

In the day I achieved far more than 2700fps with 230's and Norm brass, without pressure signs and good brass life. I believe Norma and Nosler are the same brass. Our ME restrictions are 2615fps for 230's.

http://www.qldrifle.com/images/updates/ ... %20WEB.pdf

[Paul]

Does this mean that the ME maximum is only restricted to certain ranges ? i.e QLD Ranges
Hmmm...........I should also review and take a look at the NRAA / VRA F-Class (Open) rules on this one as well.

[DenisA]

Although that's a QRA document, the majority of NRAA ranges are subject to the same legislation, as far as I'm aware. I'm not exactly sure which ranges are and are not.

Apparently the restriction is set by the Police Weapons Licencing branch. Maybe Police services of different states have been talking to each other. A little like price fixing

[RDavies]

Where about are you? You might not be limited to QLDs restrictive limits. I run my 300WSM at 2840 fps with 62.0gns 2209 with great accuracy at 1000yds and am well within most states limits.

[johnk]

As I understand it, at this stage, NSW is the exception state, but you did just sack your Police Minister because he tried to swim the Adler against the flow.....

[RDavies]

As I understand it, at this stage, NSW is the exception state, but you did just sack your Police Minister because he tried to swim the Adler against the flow.....

No doubt someone will be trying to restrict NSW as well sooner or later, but I thought only QLD and Victoria were the states with the lower limits?

[Brad Y]

I believe our new state complex will have a similar limit to Belmont.

[RDavies]

I believe our new state complex will have a similar limit to Belmont.

Is that a range limit or state limit?

[Brad Y]

Only going on what I've heard from others, it will be a range limit I believe. Our local range has just had a restriction put on it but there's no problem with 230's in a 300WSM again so I have been told. Then again there is a velocity limit and the guys shooting field rifle with their varmint guns are technically breaking the rules? Seems a little silly to me but hey just keep quiet and be thankful it's back open after a couple of years.

I will clarify the range limits with wara via email and report back.