300 Win 245 EOL Berger Max Load

[treillw]

I'm doing a little research project and want to figure out how badly the 245 grain Beger EOL will kick from a 300 RUM. So I'm going to load up some hot hot loads for my 300 win to maybe get a lower limit on the RUM's recoil.

I have a good supply of H1000 powder and would like to use that. I have 10 bullets to play with. What powder charge would you start at? What powder charge would you anticipate ending at? What would you anticipate the max velocity be out of a 24" barrel?

Thanks!

 

[Jager]

QuickLoad, using its program defaults, shows 2662 fps / 63,713 psi using 71.4gr/H1000 behind the Berger 245gr Elite Hunter (#30560), out of a 24" barrel. That's just under SAAMI max. With a charge density of 107.5%, that would be a significantly compressed load.



I would tread cautiously before assuming that's in the neighborhood of your actual max. Critical dimensions that you ought to first confirm would be things like case capacity, bullet length, and bullet seating depth.

You could also call Berger (660-460-2802) and get their take on that bullet, with that powder, in that caliber.

If it were me, with only ten bullets to play with, I'd probably run a 5-charge ladder, 2 shots each, starting well under max, over a good chronograph.

 

[treillw]

Thank you for the info. I plan on shooting them with a labradar, working up, and just watching for pressure signs. Is quickload a program that is available for free download?

Are there any dangers/downfalls with compressed loads?

I got this information from Berger. I was just curious what some real world data was on this, because their tables are generally conservative - their load data for a 215 berger says a max velocity of 2772 fps with H1000 and many of us are shooting them well above that.

 

[Jager]

Thank you for the info. I plan on shooting them with a labradar, working up, and just watching for pressure signs. Is quickload a program that is available for free download?

No, QuickLoad (https://www.neconos.com/category/Software-2) costs about $150. But it's easily the best $150 in the handloading world I've ever spent.

GRT - Gordon's Reloading Tool (https://www.grtools.de/doku.php) - is a free piece of software that also analyzes internal ballistics.

Are there any dangers/downfalls with compressed loads?

There's nothing inherently bad or dangerous about compressed loads - many favored loads by many very good shooters/handloaders are compressed. Probably the biggest thing to be mindful of is that a compressed load is exerting outward force on the base of the bullet. If you have too much compression and too light neck tension, the bullet can be pushed out of the neck some amount. If you've got a lot of ammo so loaded you could easily end up with varying COAL dimensions.

If you use a Redding Competition Micrometer Seating die, that die is specifically NOT rated for compressed loads - though many of us successfully use that seater with lightly compressed loads.

Generally, a bit of compression is fine. A lot of compression suggests a less-than-optimum powder choice.

 

[treillw]

No, QuickLoad (https://www.neconos.com/category/Software-2) costs about $150. But it's easily the best $150 in the handloading world I've ever spent.

GRT - Gordon's Reloading Tool (https://www.grtools.de/doku.php) - is a free piece of software that also analyzes internal ballistics.




There's nothing inherently bad or dangerous about compressed loads - many favored loads by many very good shooters/handloaders are compressed. Probably the biggest thing to be mindful of is that a compressed load is exerting outward force on the base of the bullet. If you have too much compression and too light neck tension, the bullet can be pushed out of the neck some amount. If you've got a lot of ammo so loaded you could easily end up with varying COAL dimensions.

If you use a Redding Competition Micrometer Seating die, that die is specifically NOT rated for compressed loads - though many of us successfully use that seater with lightly compressed loads.

Generally, a bit of compression is fine. A lot of compression suggests a less-than-optimum powder choice.

That's the seater die that I have. I knew I read something about compressed loads somewhere, but I couldn't remember where.

Think I'll be OK loading up these few if they are compressed in the ballpark that we're talking?

Thanks!

 

[Jager]

That's the seater die that I have. I knew I read something about compressed loads somewhere, but I couldn't remember where.

Think I'll be OK loading up these few if they are compressed in the ballpark that we're talking?

Thanks!

Redding is very clear that using that seater with any compressed load voids their warranty.

Seater issues aside, I consider 107% compression excessive. I'd take it to 104% or thereabouts... and if that didn't do what I wanted, I'd be looking at a different powder.

 

[lb-ft]

Drop tube and slow trickling might do the trick.

 

[treillw]

Drop tube and slow trickling might do the trick.

What does that mean? Haha

 

[lb-ft]

I use a homemade drop tube with a compressed 308 recipe I run. Mine goes on the bottom of my powder funnel and the other end just slips inside the mouth of the case. It is 7” long. When I slowly pour the powder in (trickle), it fills the powder into the case more densely so that the load is barely compressed. Powder done this fashion is right at the bottom of the neck for me and this works great.

If I skip the drop tube and dump fast into the case, if fills to the edge of the case mouth and this does not work out at all.

 

[treillw]

I use a homemade drop tube with a compressed 308 recipe I run. Mine goes on the bottom of my powder funnel and the other end just slips inside the mouth of the case. It is 7” long. When I slowly pour the powder in (trickle), it fills the powder into the case more densely so that the load is barely compressed. Powder done this fashion is right at the bottom of the neck for me and this works great.

If I skip the drop tube and dump fast into the case, if fills to the edge of the case mouth and this does not work out at all.

Guess I need to run to McDonalds!

Any better straw ideas with a RCBS funnel?

 

[Pinkes]

FWIW--Using Retumbo in my 300WM with 28" barrel. Best results was at 2800-2820 with the 245gr EOL

 

[Ray123]

I'm doing a little research project and want to figure out how badly the 245 grain Beger EOL will kick from a 300 RUM. So I'm going to load up some hot hot loads for my 300 win to maybe get a lower limit on the RUM's recoil.

I have a good supply of H1000 powder and would like to use that. I have 10 bullets to play with. What powder charge would you start at? What powder charge would you anticipate ending at? What would you anticipate the max velocity be out of a 24" barrel?

Thanks!

Worried about recoil? Why build a rifle that's obviously gonna kick rather harshly. You won't like it, and flinching sets in.
Put a muzzle brake on it..10 bullets ain't much of a test. I run the 300 RUM with 101 gr US 869 behind a 250 Atip at 2985 fps 26" barrel with 4" COAL. But the barrel throated longer, reciever milled, bolt stop altered and new mag box to do that...If it was a serious long range gun I'd have a 28 to 30 inch barrel, to burn all that powder. Or just see what accuracy and velocity you can get with your current set up with 24" barrel, it may be too much recoil for your needs, so no need to go to larger cartridges...without a brake and heavier gun.