I've been testing the new 300 WM with some heavies and first off I came to conclusion the rifle did not like the berger 230 grain match hybrids. No matter what I've done it just put them all over the paper at 300 yards. So I switched over to the 230 grain OTM hybrids and it'll drill those bullets.
As I worked up loads I found an accuracy node at 75 grains of H1000 which produced speeds of 2804 fps and during load development my best group of the day measured .688 with the 230 OTM at a seated depth of 2.950 measured to ogive. To verify I shot another group and that one measured .840 and these were all at 300 yards.
Next up was the Hornady 208 Amax I started at 74 grains of H1000 and went up to 77.0 grains. With 75.5 grains being the best of the day it shot a group of .331 at 300 yards with a velocity of 2864 fps.
Of course the day I was load developing I didn't use a chronograph as I was waiting the arrival of my new magneto speed to arrive.
When it showed up I loaded five rounds of each load and seating depth of the mentioned best loads and headed to the range to get my velocities.
I put two couplers down range on a target that was used as I wasn't really worried about saving anything for later use. As I had my note pad.
I proceeded to shot my 5 shot string and saw that the numbers looked really good on the readout I had a SD of 12 and I can't recall the ES but avg velocity was 2804 fps. The range went cold so I and another shooter drove down range and I examined the target and I was like Holy Sh*t I litterly had five bullets in a 1/4" group. To say the least I was smiling ear to ear.
We got back to benches and range went hot and without thinking I didnt adjust scope for the 208 Amax as a couple days earlier both bullets impacted nearly same in verticle and about 1.5" difference in horizontal so I just shot the next five down range to get my velocities on this load as the 75.5 grains avg 2864 fps so I thought ok if that's what it likes that's what I'll shoot. As the range went cold again I wanted to retrieve the target to save that 1/4" group and as I examined the target I shot the Amax in 1/2" group but nearly right on top of the 1/4" group which just looked like a mess. (Lesson learned use separate targets always) a bit disappointed but still have a witness.
Anyhow I'm pretty happy with how this beast shoots but im told I need to be pushing the 208 Amax at 3000 fps. I can't see me getting there to be honest or even if I need to try since it shoots so well as is. What do you guys think? I've been up to 78 grains and to be honest the brass took a beating.
As I worked up loads I found an accuracy node at 75 grains of H1000 which produced speeds of 2804 fps and during load development my best group of the day measured .688 with the 230 OTM at a seated depth of 2.950 measured to ogive. To verify I shot another group and that one measured .840 and these were all at 300 yards.
Next up was the Hornady 208 Amax I started at 74 grains of H1000 and went up to 77.0 grains. With 75.5 grains being the best of the day it shot a group of .331 at 300 yards with a velocity of 2864 fps.
Of course the day I was load developing I didn't use a chronograph as I was waiting the arrival of my new magneto speed to arrive.
When it showed up I loaded five rounds of each load and seating depth of the mentioned best loads and headed to the range to get my velocities.
I put two couplers down range on a target that was used as I wasn't really worried about saving anything for later use. As I had my note pad.
I proceeded to shot my 5 shot string and saw that the numbers looked really good on the readout I had a SD of 12 and I can't recall the ES but avg velocity was 2804 fps. The range went cold so I and another shooter drove down range and I examined the target and I was like Holy Sh*t I litterly had five bullets in a 1/4" group. To say the least I was smiling ear to ear.
We got back to benches and range went hot and without thinking I didnt adjust scope for the 208 Amax as a couple days earlier both bullets impacted nearly same in verticle and about 1.5" difference in horizontal so I just shot the next five down range to get my velocities on this load as the 75.5 grains avg 2864 fps so I thought ok if that's what it likes that's what I'll shoot. As the range went cold again I wanted to retrieve the target to save that 1/4" group and as I examined the target I shot the Amax in 1/2" group but nearly right on top of the 1/4" group which just looked like a mess. (Lesson learned use separate targets always) a bit disappointed but still have a witness.
Anyhow I'm pretty happy with how this beast shoots but im told I need to be pushing the 208 Amax at 3000 fps. I can't see me getting there to be honest or even if I need to try since it shoots so well as is. What do you guys think? I've been up to 78 grains and to be honest the brass took a beating.
