Best/Biggest 30 cal

Get or give advice on equipment, reloading and other technical issues.

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IanP
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Post by IanP »

Tim N wrote:Ian,
Was there a particular reason you chose a 300WM instead of the WSM ?


Tim, the WSM cant launch the 230gr Bergers where I wanted to run them at and I conferred with Paul Janzso on just what the WSM was capable of before jumping to a larger case. Paul has been using the WSM for years and has a wealth of experience in what the case can and cant do.

The 230gr hybrid's high BC attracted me but I wanted a case that was off the shelf and that didn't need case forming with light loads. Nearly everyone locally I spoke to suggested the case was past its use by date with its short neck and belted case. Not being one to be influenced by opinions from shooters not having experience in using the 300WM I did a little research and found the cartridge was still a favorite of the 1000 yard BR aficionados.

The case is really only just big enough to hold enough powder to launch the 230gr bullets at 2800 to 3000fps. Thats using a special match reamer to seat the bullet out as far as it goes and still utilising a full bearing surface in the neck. I have only launched at 2800 to 2920fps while developing a load and the case comes out looking brand new after every firing with absolutely zero pressure signs. You can still see the BR designation on the primers after firing.

I suggest you dont bother with the 300WM as there are lots of better cases out there, (I'm told on good authority) and just leave Paul and myself to struggle along with 0.25 moa accuracy and the terrible recoil that this calibre delivers :D

Ian
bruce moulds
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Post by bruce moulds »

dave,
not sure of relative case capacities, but the30?338 win mag might be in your ballpark.
it has always been respected at 1000 yd, and is virtually the same as the 308 norma.
they could be about like a wsm in capacity, but I think a bit more.
keep safe,
bruce.
"SUCH IS LIFE" Edward Kelly 11 nov 1880
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IanP
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Post by IanP »

Bruce, your on the money with the 338WM as the 300WM was based on a necked down 338WM with the shoulder brought forward 0.156" and the case lengthened by 0.120". It resulted in the 300WM holding approx 3.0gr more than the parent 338WM case.

Ian
DaveMc
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Post by DaveMc »

Great suggestion Bruce and if you could get hold of some norma brass ($$$) might be fantastic. I actually have a 308 Norma mag case in the collection somewhere and had eyed it off once before.......

so the WSM around 80 gr (H20) case capacity
308 Norma mag (300-338 Win Mag) 87 gr
300 Win Mag 90 gr

probably three very good options!!!! and the latter 2 should handle 2800+ fps with 230gr (maybe 2950-3000 + with 215??).

Now - who's got the lugs to hang onto it??? :D
bruce moulds
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Post by bruce moulds »

dave,
I have necked 30 up to 35, 9,3 & 35 down to 7mm & 30, and 30 d0wn to 25 & 26, 8mm to 7mm, so 338 should go to 30 ok.
or 7mm remmy mag should go up to 30. virtually the same as 338.
there might be some euro high quality brass in 7 mag if you just can't bear remchester.
keep safe,
bruce.
"SUCH IS LIFE" Edward Kelly 11 nov 1880
http://youtu.be/YRaRCCZjdTM
IanP
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Post by IanP »

I think regardless of personal preferences for any of the larger 30 cal cases the answer to this threads question, "the biggest/best 30 cal" is simply, any cartridge that can accurately launch the 230gr hybrids at velocities that exceed the ballistics of the 180gr 7mm hybrids launched at their max.

Without doubt the 230gr hybrid is the projectile to use at long range when the conditions are dirty. Living in SA and shooting at Monarto and Lower Light means conditions are dirty more often than calm. The state championships (queens) being shot in Sept/Oct is a time of high winds and any ballistic advantage is worth exploring.

As I have said before, the 230gr hybrid is a game changer and is about to breathe new life into large 30 cal loads, that is until something better comes along!

Ian
DaveMc
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Post by DaveMc »

I agree Ian, Interesting times lay ahead! :)
Tight velocity spreads will be essential for the long range game on top of nice 100m groups. I actually hold high hopes for some of these cartridges as many are used in 1000 yd BR and they look to be very efficient cartridges.

In the 7mm category - there is something magical about the 284 to 7mm RSAUM case capacity (including 280AI and the like) for efficient combustion and tight velocity spreads. For those a bit more adventurous the 7mm WSM can work too but it seems (anecdotal evidence) harder to tune for supreme long range vertical and harder on barrels. Some are getting great results from them though - particularly in the UK where there are more of them about and they are popular in bigger wind areas. I think we will see the same emergence in 30 cal. Cases in the WSM - WM range will be very popular - perhaps a little bigger for some???? - But I can't wait to see some more on the line....- bring it on!

:D
Brad Y
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Post by Brad Y »

Looking forward at the next FCWC in Canada, I dont think we will see much in the way of 30 cals there. There is a velocity/BC limit and from what I can see, the 7RSAUM/284S is going to be about the limit. Of course a downloaded 30 cal could be used but I wouldnt think there will be much difference on what is used now.

Still waiting the opportunity to have a crack at a 7 or 30 cal magnum rig. Hopefully it wont be too long.
johnk
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Post by johnk »

Could be worthwhile checking your local range standing orders. The Aussie civilian range approval process that eventuated post 1996 has incorporated similar velocity conditions, I understand.
IanP
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Post by IanP »

johnk wrote:Could be worthwhile checking your local range standing orders. The Aussie civilian range approval process that eventuated post 1996 has incorporated similar velocity conditions, I understand.


No problems in SA John!

If Qld ranges are only approved for 308W then F-Open could be in trouble in your state.

Ian
johnk
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Post by johnk »

Ian,

I'm not talking about calibre designation, but velocity limits for a given projectile calibre & weight.

John
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Post by macguru »

I have another idea, and its just an idea mind you

How about getting an extra long magnum action, such as a remington 375H&H, and rechambering it in 8mm Remington magnum, fitting a 1:10 heavy barrel & shooting sierra 8mm 200gr matchkings at over 3100 FPS ? (if you can find them). Sound like it would be a killer at both ends.....
bruce moulds
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Post by bruce moulds »

it would outsmart markers who forget to gauge!
keep safe,
bruce.
"SUCH IS LIFE" Edward Kelly 11 nov 1880
http://youtu.be/YRaRCCZjdTM
IanP
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Post by IanP »

Brad Y wrote:Looking forward at the next FCWC in Canada, I dont think we will see much in the way of 30 cals there. There is a velocity/BC limit and from what I can see, the 7RSAUM/284S is going to be about the limit. Of course a downloaded 30 cal could be used but I wouldnt think there will be much difference on what is used now.

Still waiting the opportunity to have a crack at a 7 or 30 cal magnum rig. Hopefully it wont be too long.


Hey Brad, unless Canada is going to ban F T/R in 2017 then there will be a lot of 30 cals shooting in the Worlds and shooting the 230gr hybrids :wink:

If what you say is correct how about putting a link up in your thread so we can evaluate your source . Otherwise its nothing more than a rumor and seeing the Worlds are run under ICFRA rules I find it a little hard to believe there is any substance to it!

Maybe start another thread?

Ian
Brad Y
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Post by Brad Y »

http://www.dcra.ca/2013%20docs/DCRA%20R ... 202013.pdf

Rule 11.21 and its associated annex A

Wont be a problem for 308 as it wont exceed the velocity limit for that amount of BC I wouldnt think.

I found this info after reading an article on accurateshooter.com forum with Jerry Teo (mysticplayer) discussing it.

Not trying to draw away from the fact that 30 cal magnums are going to be a large part of the upcoming f class scene, but for those who are going to look at nominating its worth knowing now instead of getting to Canada with 300WSM's and having to start from scratch there.
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