Nosler & Hodgdon

[Butte Sink]

Hello All,

Working up a new load for my 300 RUM
Nosler Case
200 AB
Retumbo powder
WLRM primers
Looking at the Nolser load data and Hodgdon, there seems to be a quite a bit difference in max load.
Nosler @ 91.5
Hodgdon @ 95.5

Does this seem right?

Thanks for any info

 

[ShootDots]

I am shooting that exact combo>>>that is when I am brave enough to bear the recoil>>>no brake! LOL!! My load is 96.0gr of Retumbo with a Fed 215GM primer. 26" barrel, 1-10 twist, 3220 f.p.s and excellent accuracy. Brass will get right at 5 loadings. Plenty for a hunting rig!
I just had a thought. I don't know where to begin with it BUT you might want to try RL-33. In the .300 Norma Mag>>>about the equivalent of the RUM, it is THEE powder to go to, according to my 'smith in Houston..

 

[SheepDog]

The difference in the data is, at least partially, due to the difference in case capacities.
There can also be differences in lot to lot variations in powder, primers and the environmental differences during load work-up.
Add to that the attitude of the guy working the load up and the calibration of his equipment and it is easier to understand variations in load data.
Since you are using the components used by Nosler you should use their data. If you were using a Remington case then it would be better to use the Hodgdon data.

 

[CJ6]

Pick your starting load and work up. Look for best accuracy and stop. Manuals are just a guide not absolutes...too many variables in any given firearm for that.

 

[SheepDog]

^^^^ sound advice this!
It is what I do and I rarely get closer than about 97% of the maximum listed charge.

 

[watercam]

Pick your starting load and work up. Look for best accuracy and stop. Manuals are just a guide not absolutes...too many variables in any given firearm for that.

+1 on this. There is no 'One' load off the internet that will guarantee results in your rifle. I don't care for load work up but I do it with every change in my components.

 

[Butte Sink]

Thanks All,
I'm going to try a OCW testing and it does make total sense to go off Nosler data being that my brass and bullets are Nosler.
If your familiar with OCW, you starting point is max load and then scale down roughly 10% to start your load build ups.
But what your saying makes total sense the deviation between the two.

Thanks again

 

[fourpower]

my go-to load in the 2 300 rum that I shoot is 90grs retumbo cci mag primers 210 bergers on rem brass. one with 28in bbl gets 3150fps= one with 26in bbl gets 3125fps. I have harrels brakes on both guns and can shoot them all day long. took the one with 26in bbl to Africa and took 6 large animals with 6 shots. all (dit) dead in tracks!

 

[BrushyHillGuide]

Pick your starting load and work up. Look for best accuracy and stop. Manuals are just a guide not absolutes...too many variables in any given firearm for that.

^^This^^

Learn to identify pressure signs. Lots of times my loads may be over the "max" listed in a manual but I'm able to recognize the signs. Sometimes the best node is below max. It depends on the rifle and the components. If you want your brass to last, anneal with each loading. It'll also help with your accuracy and consistency.