My first ladder test with a 300RUM

[Minesweeper3433]

I did a ladder test with my 30RUM today. Bullets are jammed .050" past engagement. Norma brass 230 berger hybrid and H1000 powder. No pressure signs at any point. I did 82grn to 88grn in .5 increments. I only had access to 600 yards today but I was a bit surprised that all rounds landed in less than 8 inch's of vertical change. I have had ladder tests in the past with different cartridges that had much more vertical. However thankfully it was plainly visible that the first 4 rounds at the bottom of the ladder and the top 4 rounds formed 2 separate groups of less than 2" each with the in between shoots scattered evenly between the two groups.

My questions for others with experience is this enough to go on in order to move forward with load work up? Purpose of this rifle is very long range target shooting.

 

[trailrider121]

Do you have picture of target?

 

[ShootDots]

I have never tried any bullet above a 200gr. Accubond in my .300R.U.M. My BEST load came from Retumbo. IMHO with H-E-A-V-Y bullet like the 230gr, I would consider Retumbo to be the FASTEST powder I would use and H50BMG might be a better option! I do not know how clean the new RL-Powders are, but if they are fairly clean, RL-33 would be right in line..

 

[Minesweeper3433]

Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of the target before I disassembled my target stand. As of right now I am getting signs of really good accuracy so far with H1000 and I happen to have a lot of it sitting around already on hand. So I'm willing to sacrifice some velocity as I have enough barrel length to make up for it. Rifle is a Defiance deviant actino with a bartlein barrel 10 twist at 30 inch's plus suppressor.

 

[Cat MD]

I found H1000 shot best in my model 700 long range. It shot big node at 3000. 85.8-86.6 in .2gr increments was a nice 4" group at 900 yards.
I worked with 50bmg and found good shooting load at 99.3 grains. The node was not as big but 3010fps.
Both loads impact pretty close together out to 900yds. I'm going to shoot both a while and make choice later.
Just my ten cents Herb

 

[Minesweeper3433]

3000fps for a node is actually my goal for the moment. I am looking forward to getting some loaded up for this weekends match at Byers CO and doing 5shot groups at the 1000yard match.

 

[ShootDots]

3000fps for a node is actually my goal for the moment. I am looking forward to getting some loaded up for this weekends match at Byers CO and doing 5shot groups at the 1000yard match.

I am certain that the R.U.M. would be a formidable cartridge at long range. However, my R.U.M. has only about 300 rounds on it and according to my 'smith, his borescope says I have a fair amount of firecracking! Mine has been used sparingly for hunting. I can't imagine what the barrel life might be in competition! Whew! You better have a few barrels on hand.

 

[Minesweeper3433]

This sunday at the 1000 yard match will be a one time deal in order to have access to the facilities without having to buy a membership. I honestly don't like doing it that way as they always try to rush you when they don't know that your working on a load.

 

[Minesweeper3433]

Re: My first ladder test with a 300RUM Updated with pic

Shot this second test at 1000 this past saturday morning. Winds were severe however I managed to hold out for a semi steady wind to shoot the test with. Rounds 1,2 were sighters to make sure on target with my average wind hold. I dialed in the hold that got me on target and dialed down .5 mil to start lower on target. rounds 3,4 were 86.5 and 87 grns. rounds 5,6,7,8 which had less than 3 inchs vertical aprox were 87.5,88,88.5,89. This reflected the results I had at shorter range previously however at 89grn's I had stiff bolt lift and a very slight ejector mark so I stopped my ladder test at 89. I am thinking that 88grns would be a good starting point to fine tune seating depth and charge from here.