Load development starting point - 300WSM

[BearPeak]

Hello all! Just finally taking the dive into reloading and it’s very exciting. Tickling my nerdy side that enjoys learning new things for sure.

I was hoping to shorten the load development process by tapping into the vast amount of experience here. I am going to be loading for a 300WSM hunting rifle - I going to develop a load for a 180grain monolithic copper bullet. I am gonna try the Hornady CX (which I have been shooting in a factory form) the Nosler E-Tip and the Barnes TTSX. The rifle has a 20” Proof carbon wrapped barrel. If anyone as developed a load for one or more of these bullets and maybe with a similar barrel and could offer their experience to give me a starting point for powder and primer selections as well as bullet seating/distance off first touch and charge weights that seems like it might save me some time and money on the development side.

Even just a powder recommendation for a 20” barrel WSM would be a helpful starting point for me.

Thanks!

 

[pikespeakgoat]

The only powder my 300 WSM has seen since day 1 is Reloader 17. I load 165 Nosler Ballistic Tips and Accubonds. I don't step on them too awfully hard . 25" Lilja 11 twist, Borden Alpine, PTG SAAMI chamber, Winchester brass, Wolf LRM primer.

Here's some good reading, maybe you can find something useful:

300 WSM--Need Your Data for Cartridge Guide

Folks, We're starting on a new Cartridge Guide--this one for the 300WSM and 7WSM. If you've seen any of our previous Cartridge Guides, you'll know we try to make them the definitive resource on the web for that particular chambering. It's a format that has been very popular with readers--our...

forum.accurateshooter.com

 

[RegionRat]

Hodgdon Data



I don't have any time with the CX, but their old GMX wasn't hard to develop. Similar to Barnes bullets, I start with a very clean barrel and things settle sooner than if there is residue from previous regular bullets.

Don't be shy about the seating depth being deep with copper monolithic bullets, they often show some good performance with bigger jump than one would expect, at least they do for Barnes.

I got good performance with H4350 most of the time, but higher speeds from N550 and RE-17.

YMMV

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Use the Nosler Load data for your E tips, Nosler gives most accurate load data. This could be the short cut you are looking for and also could help you get some experience. Follow the instructions(data) exactly. Starting loads, work up. But remember if a starting load shoots well, a top load may only be 150-200 fps higher and wouldn't be a big terminal performance difference at normal hunting distance. Copper/monolithic bullets usually need 1800-2000 fps to start expanding, that will determine your max shooting range.

 

[BearPeak]

Thank you all. This is a helpful starting point. Now I just have to get my hands on some primers.

 

[AlNyhus]

I've had excellent results in the 300WSM with Hodgdon H4350 and the 180 class bullets. -Al

 

[boltman13]

My Winchester Model 70 grouped Barnes TSX 180 gr bullets into 1.25" groups at 100 yards with Reloader 22 the max amount in the Barnes Loading Manual seated mag length. Winchester Magnum Primers and Cases. Four one shot dead elk never knew what hit them, 0ne a 6X5 and a 5X5 and 4X4. Best of luck.

 

[asquared19]

I haven't used it as I couldn't source it until now, but have heard of great loads found with H4831SC. With the slower burn it supposedly works well with the heavier pills as well like the 200gr ELD-X.

 

[BearPeak]

I have heard that as well and have some H4831SC on the way.

 

[MUP]

I have a factory Winchester Model 70 in 300 WSM that I've developed a load for using 150 gr NABs and NBTs over AA 4350. Not a barn burner but fairly accurate out to 500 yards as far as I've tested, holding at .5 MOA. I primarily hunt whitetail so the 150 gr projectiles were my choice for this application. I've taken two with it, one at 130 yards and one at 90, and they both dropped where they were standing. I really like the 300 WSM, it's become my favorite hunting rifle over the last 4 years or so.

 

[bulaman]

I had good luck with I4831 with the 180 TTSX seated for a comfortable length in a short action magazine.