300 WSM x RL23 x 180 Scirocco II

[Laguna Freak]

If you are shooting from a stable rest, then shots 3 and 4 were not due to shooter error. I see this all the time when a good barrel doesn't like a load. If your rest isn't stable and the crosshairs aren't dead steady when you pull the trigger, then you may need a better rest setup.

While RL-23 is always the first powder I try in a 300 WSM, not all barrels like it best. Some like H4350 or IMR 4451 when RL-23 or H4831 SC won't work.

Your barrel just may not like Sciroccos either.

The classic load for a Berger 215 in a 300 WSM is around 64.5 grains of RL-23. Usually gives 2900 fps in a 29-30" barrel. My current load for my BR rig is 62ish grains of IMR 4451 with the Berger 215s, also at around 2900 fps.

In my lighter weight hunting rifle in 300 WSM, 24" barrel, it likes 64ish grains on H4350 with Barnes 168 TTSXs. Pushes them to about 3050 fps.

My thought is you need to make a bigger change to tighten up your groups.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. They will be helpful as I work through this.

I didn’t shoot today, but stopped at the shooting bench to double check my 300 yard scope focus on a 3” splatter target circle that had 1 6.5mm hole in it. I ended up having to turn the ocular lens at least 12 more rotations counter-clockwise to be able to see the hole. So, I still had a focus issue that I thought I had remedied previously.

I’m thinking I will load more of these and load some long. Then next range trip I’ll take my press, dies, tools to the bench so I can readily check some shorter and longer seating depths.

It is true my rest allows me to move PoA. I like that for practice but I may need to get out the lead sled for this.

 

[INTJ]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. They will be helpful as I work through this.

I didn’t shoot today, but stopped at the shooting bench to double check my 300 yard scope focus on a 3” splatter target circle that had 1 6.5mm hole in it. I ended up having to turn the ocular lens at least 12 more rotations counter-clockwise to be able to see the hole. So, I still had a focus issue that I thought I had remedied previously.

I’m thinking I will load more of these and load some long. Then next range trip I’ll take my press, dies, tools to the bench so I can readily check some shorter and longer seating depths.

It is true my rest allows me to move PoA. I like that for practice but I may need to get out the lead sled for this.

Not a Lead Sled. Something like a Sinclair Varmint Rest with the All Purpose Top, and a good heavy rear bag. Until then, you can get very stable by pushing the rifle against the fore end stop, or if you don't have one of those, pulling the fore end down into the front rest.

 

[Laguna Freak]

Not a Lead Sled. Something like a Sinclair Varmint Rest with the All Purpose Top, and a good heavy rear bag. Until then, you can get very stable by pushing the rifle against the forensic stop, or if you don't have one of those, pulling the fore end down into the front rest.

Good. I hate the lead sled! Can’t remember the last time I used that monstrosity.

 

[INTJ]

Good. I hate the lead sled! Can’t remember the last time I used that monstrosity.

Not "forensic stop", FORE END stop. I hate that spell checker guy.......

 

[Laguna Freak]

I read something that indicates its possible to have too much action screw torque which may contribute to this latest result. This rifle is walnut stock; pillared, bedded action and bottom metal, free float barrel. I recently installed allen head action screws so I could put the torque wrench on the screws. Recoil lug and rear tang screws are torqued to 65 in lbs because I decided 42 in lbs felt too weak. Middle screw is just tight enough to not back out. I hope

Edit: I just reviewed some other info I have. I think I’ll back down to 35 or 40 in lbs and do some shooting and adjusting in 5 in lb increments to see if repeatable accuracy gains consistency. I really like the first 2 shots every time.