Gday fellow shooters my names rowan and I’ve just joined the forum(newbie). Been hunting for over 10 years now and loving it. First off not sure if this is starting an old thread again. Long story short I lost my father to cancer 12 months ago and as one of many mementos I used some inheritance to purchase a Winchester model 70 super grade in 300 WIN MAG so that when my brother and I are hunting the rifle is a constant reminder of our father. Basically I’ve started reloading my own ammunition done many test fires and groups well. My question is regarding the longevity of my rifle with my current reloading as I want the rifle forever. Currently loading 200gr Hornady ELD-X with cci magnum primers with a charge of 65.5 grains of 2209 or IMR 4350 at a velocity of 2803fps at the muzzle. Is this a conservative and sensible load to maintain maximum barrel life from this rifle ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as this rifle means the world to me.
Reloading 300win mag
- Thread starter Rowan
- Start date
Thanks for the response Chappy I know the win mag can be a barrel burner under certain conditions and I never push more than 6 shots before a cool-down and the rifles cleaned and brushed after ever trip probably a bit excessive but as I said it’s more than just a rifle
My condolences on the loss of your father.
As Chappy said, as a hunting rifle, with a few sight-in check shots before the season and maybe a few practice shots, this rifle should last a very long time - just avoid sustained rapid fire sequences.
The cold barrel shot is the "money" shot in my hunting world, so I do all my practice and sight in checks from a cold / cool barrel.
Also, I prefer to hunt with a 'fouled' barrel, i.e., one that has a few shots done the barrel but if a clean barrel works for you as your first shot in a hunting situation, then there is no need to change what you're doing.
As Chappy said, as a hunting rifle, with a few sight-in check shots before the season and maybe a few practice shots, this rifle should last a very long time - just avoid sustained rapid fire sequences.
The cold barrel shot is the "money" shot in my hunting world, so I do all my practice and sight in checks from a cold / cool barrel.
Also, I prefer to hunt with a 'fouled' barrel, i.e., one that has a few shots done the barrel but if a clean barrel works for you as your first shot in a hunting situation, then there is no need to change what you're doing.
I would guess a life of 1500 rounds. For hunting figure 50 rounds per year? 30 years? The load really doesnt make much difference in barrel life. Heat is the enemy.
If you shoot the barrel out on a 300 win. mag. Your going to be crippled. Doug
This! We shoot the living sh#t out of 300 WM. We had the gun into the Riflesmith for some reason and he said the barrel looked great. A little erosion, but nothing to sneeze at.
I have a M70 extreme weather in 300WM and can confirm it kills on one end and hurts bad on the other.
A new barrel will cost less than the components you used burning that one out.
Ive got a 300win. mag in a Browning auto . I started shooting 125 gr. in it . Helped some but you can tell when it gos off. And its an auto. Doug
Lee Whitsel
Silver $$ Contributor
I've got a Rugar77 bought new in 85 and when you shot it it kills game very well. I use it for elk hunting and a deer here and there. Mine is loaded hot over 3000 FPS with 180 Nosler Partition and it puts 5 into 3/4" on a good day. RL 22 for powder and Federal GMM primers made it shot the best. My wife and I figured it out last year. I counted up the average weight of an elk and deer and totaled as best I could the number of animal I've taken with it and it's over 15 tons on the hoof with this one gun.
Lee Whitsel
Silver $$ Contributor
Correction the primer i use is the Federal Gold Medal Match Magnum primer. Win., Rem., Federal all did well but when I went to the Fed. GMMM primer my groups shrank by about 25% . The smart thing to do in those 300 WM is to use a heavy tough bullet Like the 180 Partition or if you can afford it the Swift A Frames. They hold together much better when hitting a big elk. Elk are big and tough and cup and core bullets for my past blew up and where not doing as well as needed so I went to the Nosler Partition much better results. Seam like with the Nosler I have to do very little tracking to find my elk. A lot when down at the crack of the gun.
Lee Whitsel
Silver $$ Contributor
Like Grandpapa use to say just make sure you got the meat and hair in your sights before you pull the trigger you can't eat air it will not cook up at all.
There are guns of sentimental value that no other three guns combined can equal. You need to buy a shooter or two in 300 WM, and save that one for special occasions.
Part of its charm right now is that it is grouping well. Don’t find the day when it no longer does.
You’ll lose appreciation for it when it’s not relatable at anchoring game, or when someone suggests you rebarrel it, an option that significantly alters the actual gun he carried, and would cost as much as getting yourself a new shooter gun.
Part of its charm right now is that it is grouping well. Don’t find the day when it no longer does.
You’ll lose appreciation for it when it’s not relatable at anchoring game, or when someone suggests you rebarrel it, an option that significantly alters the actual gun he carried, and would cost as much as getting yourself a new shooter gun.
I have cherished rifles, I pull them out once in awhile.
You're right about the cost of shooters, I picked up some sporterized military rifles, 2 will shoot as chambered, 1 already is done and is just a tad over an inch at 100 yards for 5 shots but places the first 2 shots on point of aim touching or near touching.
The last one will be rebarreled, I'm pushing for 300 Win mag due to availability of ammo but my son's argument is that it won't get shot alot and he wants, different so he's arguing 308 Norma because it suits an old 03 better. Even with that the rifle will come in under $500.
It is the same as any other rifle, Used for general hunting and kept clean while no in use, it will last for years and be passed onto the family members.
If shot for target/range work and the barrel kept over heated, it will burn out the throat faster and need work, like re-barreling to keep it in good shape, etc.
Your load, if it is accurate and hits what you want, where you want, then just enjoy it and do not fret.
If shot for target/range work and the barrel kept over heated, it will burn out the throat faster and need work, like re-barreling to keep it in good shape, etc.
Your load, if it is accurate and hits what you want, where you want, then just enjoy it and do not fret.
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