.300 WSM, Opinions / Tips wanted

[ShootDots]

I have been tossing around the idea of getting a .300 WSM for 1000 yard F-Open, primarily when the wind is huffing and puffing. I have decided to "pull the trigger" on getting one. I dislike recoil, although I can easily handle it. I want to shoot the Berger 215 Hybrid. The reamer I will use has a .337 neck and I will throat it out to .240.

H4831sc, VV N165 and N160, in that order, will be my powders of choice. The Krieger 4 groove barrel I have will finish at 32" and it has 1-9.5 twist. It will be a new round to me, never having had one previously.. I was wondering if those who know the cartridge well could help me cut down on "finding a great load / node" so I am not spending inordinate amounts of time and components in search of one due to my lack of experience with the WSM.

I have done extensive research, however, I know that there are idiosyncrasies with all cartridges and sharing your knowledge would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Ringostar]

Ben, I don’t have one but the guys that I know using them. Are using H4350 for powder. I’ve thought about one also. If your planning to use the 215’s, what about the possibility of the 300 saum?

 

[ShootDots]

Ben, I don’t have one but the guys that I know using them. Are using H4350 for powder. I’ve thought about one also. If your planning to use the 215’s, what about the possibility of the 300 saum?

I originally thought about the .300 SAUM, however, obtaining brass can be a problem. I know that H4350 is a good powder, however, it also has the character trait of eating barrels up like candy...

 

[Scott Harris]

Ben, you already have a good plan. As mentioned, run them slow and you will be very pleased with the results. Steve Blair is someone you might want to ping.

 

[whatwind?]

I have some RP brass begging to be purchased....


67 gr H4831sc got me to 2921 on 32” bbl, .015 jump

I didn’t need it,but some have reported “extra” neck tension helping accuracy

Mine had a RAD device that helps recoil

 

[dkhunt14]

I never shot the 215 or H4831. The ones that do good are using H4831 at around 2900. Another guy is using RE23 and is a tad faster. He shoots really good. Matt

 

[kerjo]

I've got an Arcas tactical rifle with a 28" 1:11 twist Krieger barrel with a brake. I'm using N560 with a Berger 210 VLD hunting bullets. Recoil isn't a problem and I'm getting 2950 fps. I thought I would be somewhat restricted with the box magazine but that hasn't been a problem either.

 

[ShootDots]

I never shot the 215 or H4831. The ones that do good are using H4831 at around 2900. Another guy is using RE23 and is a tad faster. He shoots really good. Matt

That is good to know Matt! I have a couple of jugs of RL-23. I may give it a whirl BUT only after I get a good load.

 

[ShootDots]

I have some RP brass begging to be purchased....


67 gr H4831sc got me to 2921 on 32” bbl, .015 jump

I didn’t need it,but some have reported “extra” neck tension helping accuracy

Mine had a RAD device that helps recoil

I appreciate your offer, however, I have a sufficient supply of Norma on it's way.. Thank You though for your offer..

 

[LA50SHOOTER]

I have been tossing around the idea of getting a .300 WSM for 1000 yard F-Open, primarily when the wind is huffing and puffing. I have decided to "pull the trigger" on getting one. I dislike recoil, although I can easily handle it. I want to shoot the Berger 215 Hybrid. The reamer I will use has a .337 neck and I will throat it out to .240.

H4831sc, VV N165 and N160, in that order, will be my powders of choice. The Krieger 4 groove barrel I have will finish at 32" and it has 1-9.5 twist. It will be a new round to me, never having had one previously.. I was wondering if those who know the cartridge well could help me cut down on "finding a great load / node" so I am not spending inordinate amounts of time and components in search of one due to my lack of experience with the WSM.

I have done extensive research, however, I know that there are idiosyncrasies with all cartridges and sharing your knowledge would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Ben,
I have one competition rifle (1000 yd. Heavy Gun) with a 32" 5R Barrel that likes 67.4 of H4831ssc. I tried regular H4831 and the lot of it was too warm to load 67.4 gr. with the 215 Berger Hybrids - Chamber is a neck turn 0.339 (at the neck) and the free-bore is 0.285 (T & V dimensions on a JGS print)
I'd start at 64.5 gr. with the 215 gr. Berger & work up. Brass is NORMA (The load shot 5.75" at 1000 yds. 10 shot group & 99 score)

- Ron -

 

[ShootDots]

Ben,
I have one competition rifle (1000 yd. Heavy Gun) with a 32" 5R Barrel that likes 67.4 of H4831ssc. I tried regular H4831 and the lot of it was too warm to load 67.4 gr. with the 215 Berger Hybrids - Chamber is a neck turn 0.339 (at the neck) and the free-bore is 0.285 (T & V dimensions on a JGS print)
I'd start at 64.5 gr. with the 215 gr. Berger & work up. Brass is NORMA (The load shot 5.75" at 1000 yds. 10 shot group & 99 score)

- Ron -

Thanks for the help Ron! I appreciate it! I know that the Lot-to-Lot consistency of Hodgdon powders leaves A LOT to be desired. Here is something to think about: I was on the Viht web-site and was reading about their powders. It appears that ALL of their powders now are 1.) Temp stable; 2.) exhibit lot-to-lot consistency and 3.) have that de-coppering agent impregnated in them. If that be the case, N165 (with the newer lots) might be something to seriously consider.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

H4350 and Rl23 are the powders I like best. 215s shoot well in the lands. 32" seems excessive to me for an efficient cartridge but likely wont hurt you. Lots of guys in Br have the wsm really figured out and it will shoot smaller than the .284 IMO if you can handle it.

 

[ShootDots]

H4350 and Rl23 are the powders I like best. 215s shoot well in the lands. 32" seems excessive to me for an efficient cartridge but likely wont hurt you. Lots of guys in Br have the wsm really figured out and it will shoot smaller than the .284 IMO if you can handle it.

RL-23 was previously mentioned as an excellent powder. I have plenty of it and will try it. I am attracted to the lot-to-lot consistency and the ability to obtain higher velocities without excessive pressure.

 

[Cody Richardson]

I’ve ran h4350 and h4831sc and settled on 4831sc. I’ve ran the 230’s the last 2 years with great success. When I messed with the 215’s I ran 67.2 of short cut at a little over 2900. They shot great but I have several thousand 230’s still already prepped. Won’t be unhappy with the wsm!

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Ben the node to run in my opinion is 2800-2850 or so in 28-30" barrels. There is another node higher that you can reach with 23 but you will likely run into problems with primer pockets loosening up. Every time I have ran that high node I end up backing down.

 

[ShootDots]

Ben the node to run in my opinion is 2800-2850 or so in 28-30" barrels. There is another node higher that you can reach with 23 but you will likely run into problems with primer pockets loosening up. Every time I have ran that high node I end up backing down.

These are some of the "idiosyncrasies" that I am lacking in my knowledge base. Thank You!

 

[Geno C]

I run 210s at 2820. I tried to run the higher node but it wasn’t quite as accurate and tough on brass. I’m usung H4350 and Winchester brass so my load won’t really help you. .230 freebore on my reamer and it would probably be a little longer too but isn’t needed

 

[Mulligan]

H4350 and Rl23 are the powders I like best. 215s shoot well in the lands. 32" seems excessive to me for an efficient cartridge but likely wont hurt you. Lots of guys in Br have the wsm really figured out and it will shoot smaller than the .284 IMO if you can handle it.

Are most BR shooters using the 215’s?
Pondering a build myself.
Thanks
CW

 

[Bkluke]

Are most BR shooters using the 215’s?
Pondering a build myself.
Thanks
CW

I’m shooting 210 Vld’s with 4350 in a BR Heavy Gun with great consistency and accuracy.

 

[LA50SHOOTER]

Are most BR shooters using the 215’s?
Pondering a build myself.
Thanks
CW

I'd say no, especially in a 17 Lb. Light class gun. - I shot the 215's in a 65 Lb. Hvy-Gun at the 2018 Nationals. - I'd say the 210's are probably the most shot. - I shot 200.20X's in Light and they are still a handful to try to run quickly. - I'm planning to test some 185's (all 3 Berger offerings) and see how they do.