300wsm and Berger 208gr LRH

[Willow]

In line with the title, curious to see if anyone out there is running the Berger 208gr long range hybrid in a 300wsm? I've been running the 220gr long range hybrid, but due to limited powder options, in particular RL23 no longer available, I run the 220gr around 2800fps with ADI2213sc (H4831sc). It shoots nice and accurate at this speed, but I was previously able to push the 215s at 2920fps when RL23 was available, so quite a difference there.

I briefly tested the Hornady 208gr ELDM and was able to reach 2900fps without pressure so with the BC of the Berger 208gr being comparable with the 7mm 184gr, I'm thinking this could be a slightly better option than the 220gr as I can run it an extra 100fps without issue.

Keen to hear if anyone has experience with this bullet as the 300wsm is not common in Australia due to a lot of our big ranges having energy limit restrictions. Interested to hear what seating depths people are having success with, powder/primer combo etc.

For reference I run ADG brass and have access to RWS, S&B, Fiocchi, Federal 210m and White River primers...I normally have the most success with RWS, S&B and Fed210M primers in that order...Powder options are limited to H4831sc and H4350.

Rifle is an F-Open setup, Borden BRMXD action, Brux 9 twist barrel finished at 32".

Thanks.

 

[Orr89rocz]

Fwiw midway still shows 23 in stock. 1 and 8 lbs. its expensive tho

I dont shoot f open or anything competitive but rl23 and that bullet works well in mine. I see mid 2800’s from a 24” brux barrel but its on the hotter side.

 

[Willow]

Fwiw midway still shows 23 in stock. 1 and 8 lbs. its expensive tho

I dont shoot f open or anything competitive but rl23 and that bullet works well in mine. I see mid 2800’s from a 24” brux barrel but its on the hotter side.

I'm in Australia so shipping is the issue with it, hence why I'm limited to H4831sc and H4350. Both powders should work, but RL23 usually does everything H4831sc does, but with a touch less pressure.

 

[SpencerC87]

In my experience with the bullets (not in a WSM though) is that if one of them shoots, the other very likely will as well. The 200.20x, 208 lrht, 215 hybrid, 220 lrht are all very similar in design and if you have seen previous success with the 220s and 215s, then you should be able to find something relatively easy with a 208. I've found the 208s seem to like to be closer to the lands, 6-9 thou, but your results may vary.

As far as powder have you tried or is N160, N165 or N560 accessible? N555 may even be a contender

 

[Willow]

In my experience with the bullets (not in a WSM though) is that if one of them shoots, the other very likely will as well. The 200.20x, 208 lrht, 215 hybrid, 220 lrht are all very similar in design and if you have seen previous success with the 220s and 215s, then you should be able to find something relatively easy with a 208. I've found the 208s seem to like to be closer to the lands, 6-9 thou, but your results may vary.

As far as powder have you tried or is N160, N165 or N560 accessible? N555 may even be a contender

Cheers - the 220s quite liked a 10 thou jam as well as a 10 thou jump, with the jump perhaps shooting a touch tighter, but it's close. My testing for tomorrow will consist of the 10 jam and jump. There's a small quantity of VN160 and N165 available here but it's like $1000 for 8 pounds which is beyond what I am prepared to pay for flammable sprinkles. We do now have a Vihtavuori distributor in Australia but the first shipment is not due until 2026. I would definitely like to try N555 if it is part of the shipment.