Recently loaded up some new rounds to be non lead compliant. I'm shooting weatherby vanguard 300 win mag. I took the information directly from the nosler website. 180 gr e-tip, 79gr H1000. It was amazing how much of a difference these loads where from factory rounds, but got it zerod at 100, then 200, with nice round holes. But once I shot out to 300 I had a keyhole. I'm lost....my only thought is to go smaller on the powder. My vanguard has a 1-10 twist, which is also posted on the nosler website. Any help is appreciated
300 win mag tumble
- Thread starter Bkb33
- Start date
It could be a bullet problem.
If you're gonna go with monolithic in the 300winmag, I'd only consider the TTSX because they're very proven.
If you had round holes at 100 and 200 but keyhole at 300 that usually means either the bullet hit something in mid air that caused it to destabilize, or it took the bullet more than 200 yards before it destabilized, most likely due to a bullet having a defect.
I base my opinion on my experience with over-spinning (too fast of a twist) certain bullets what would always hit the 100 meter target, but 20% of them would come apart before getting to the 200 meter target, and 40+% would not make it to the 300 meter target.
I am NOT saying you have too much twist or anything of the sort. I'm just saying it took the bullets some time before they became unstable. Unless you have a 11" or 12" twist and not know it.
I use a nylon or bronze bore brush to check the barrel twist when cleaning them.
10" twist should 100% stabilize these bullets unless they're longer than 1.600". Which is unlikely cause the 180 E-tip should be closer to 1.470"
What do you plan on hunting ???
I've used 130 TTSX in my 300winmag for deer and I would not consider going up in weight. For elk I would use 165 TTSX.
The faster the terminal velocity, the better the terminal performance of these bullets. That's why you should always step down in weight when using monolithic bullets.
If you're gonna go with monolithic in the 300winmag, I'd only consider the TTSX because they're very proven.
If you had round holes at 100 and 200 but keyhole at 300 that usually means either the bullet hit something in mid air that caused it to destabilize, or it took the bullet more than 200 yards before it destabilized, most likely due to a bullet having a defect.
I base my opinion on my experience with over-spinning (too fast of a twist) certain bullets what would always hit the 100 meter target, but 20% of them would come apart before getting to the 200 meter target, and 40+% would not make it to the 300 meter target.
I am NOT saying you have too much twist or anything of the sort. I'm just saying it took the bullets some time before they became unstable. Unless you have a 11" or 12" twist and not know it.
I use a nylon or bronze bore brush to check the barrel twist when cleaning them.
10" twist should 100% stabilize these bullets unless they're longer than 1.600". Which is unlikely cause the 180 E-tip should be closer to 1.470"
What do you plan on hunting ???
I've used 130 TTSX in my 300winmag for deer and I would not consider going up in weight. For elk I would use 165 TTSX.
The faster the terminal velocity, the better the terminal performance of these bullets. That's why you should always step down in weight when using monolithic bullets.
I load for the 300 win mag - look at barnes data - 110ttsx at 3900 fps. Ramshot Hunter powder= 1/2"-3/4" groups. Also R17. If you compare trajectory/ speed/ energy calculations you will see this is the best for out to 400-500 yds. My groups are closer to 1/2" most of the time. Low recoil also/ comparatively. Heavy copper bullet's= bad choice. Copper bullet's can only make a big wound if they are moving fast. Slow copper bullet's make small wound's.
Last edited:
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.