166g Hammer Hunter in 300WM ... trying to narrow down powder options Search...

philcox

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Trying to get any data on running a 166g HH in my Tikka 300WM (1:10). My current powder choices for this are:
  • Varget
  • RL16
  • RL19
  • RL22
  • H4350
  • IMR 4381
  • Ramshot Hunter
I'm not sure where to start, so trying to do some elimination off the bat.

Thanks in advance
 
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My 300 wm's favorite loads are:

165 gr Accubond/Ballistic Tip with RL 19
200 gr Accubond with IMR 4831
 

Trippy

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My 300 WM Tikka likes H4831SC with 180 AB and 210 VLD. Little slower burning than IMR4831 but kinda close.

Do you have a stock Tikka barrel? If so I've only seen 1:11 twist which takes out some of the heavier/longer bullets...which you're not using.
 
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philcox

philcox

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My 300 WM Tikka likes H4831SC with 180 AB and 210 VLD. Little slower burning than IMR4831 but kinda close.

Do you have a stock Tikka barrel? If so I've only seen 1:11 twist which takes out some of the heavier/longer bullets...which you're not using.
The new 300WM are 1:10
 

Boomtakem2

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Phil - I run RL16 with 180 gr Accubonds. Seems like my Tikka guns like the set up for sure! I realize that doesn't necessarily answer the .166 Hammer question though? Haven't gone down that road yet...

Hope you received the brass I sent!

Joel
 
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philcox

philcox

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Phil - I run RL16 with 180 gr Accubonds. Seems like my Tikka guns like the set up for sure! I realize that doesn't necessarily answer the .166 Hammer question though? Haven't gone down that road yet...

Hope you received the brass I sent!

Joel
Joel,

received it, my apologies for not responding and thanking you! Going to try to work up a load with them now!

Phil
 
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philcox

philcox

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Son of a bitch, mine's not even 5 months old and 1:11. If it wasn't lefty I'd sell it and get a new one, always lose my ass selling em 😔
Why do you think it is a 1:11? You look up the model on the Tikka site? If it is 5mos old, I bet a 1:10.
 

Trippy

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Why do you think it is a 1:11? You look up the model on the Tikka site? If it is 5mos old, I bet a 1:10.
Because that was the spec on the Sportsman's Warehouse website at the time I purchased it from them...it was also the spec on Tikka's website at the time. I debated a lot whether to buy it at the time because of that spec.

I could certainly email someone with the serial number to verify but I'm not getting my hopes up, it was a well known "flaw" at the time.
 
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philcox

philcox

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Because that was the spec on the Sportsman's Warehouse website at the time I purchased it from them...it was also the spec on Tikka's website at the time. I debated a lot whether to buy it at the time because of that spec.

I could certainly email someone with the serial number to verify but I'm not getting my hopes up, it was a well known "flaw" at the time.
Ah, got it.
 

Trippy

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Ah, got it.
Dug around a little. It's 6 months new to me, bought it on 1/16. There's also a new part number for the 1:10 twist 300 win mags, Tikka added "R10" to the end of the part number. I have the box still and my part number is the old one without "R10" in it.

Strange that all their .30 calibers aren't 1:10 yet but that may show the transition from 1:11 to 1:10 too. Would think it's the same tool cutting the rifling.
 
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philcox

philcox

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Also dug around a little. It's 6 months new to me, bought it on 1/16. There's also a new part number for the 1:10 twist 300 win mags, Tikka added "R10" to the end of the part number. I have the box still and my part number is the old one without "R10" in it.

Strange that all their .30 calibers aren't 1:10 yet but that may show the transition from 1:11 to 1:10 too. Would think it's the same tool cutting the rifling.
Well that just sucks ... I looked at mine, and you are correct, 1:11! I did not notice the R10 on the new models. Going to have to rethink the whole bullet selection now. Looks like I have some 166gr Hammers to get rid of :( Luckily, I do have some 168 TTSX that are made for the 1:11.
 

Trippy

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Well that just sucks ... I looked at mine, and you are correct, 1:11! I did not notice the R10 on the new models. Going to have to rethink the whole bullet selection now. Looks like I have some 166gr Hammers to get rid of :( Luckily, I do have some 168 TTSX that are made for the 1:11.
Sorry to ruin your day like that.
 

Challis

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I think you will find that the 165 grain Hammers will work well in your 1:11 twist. I recommend working up your loads before you abandon the project.
 
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philcox

philcox

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I think you will find that the 165 grain Hammers will work well in your 1:11 twist. I recommend working up your loads before you abandon the project.
I'll give is a shot with what I have. I'll finish the box of 166 that I have to see if I can get them working at 200, and then make sure they are not tumbling at 500
 

gbflyer

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Don’t get wrapped around the axle on twist rate. Shoot it and see what happens. You’ll be agreeably surprised.
 

wind gypsy

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I'll give is a shot with what I have. I'll finish the box of 166 that I have to see if I can get them working at 200, and then make sure they are not tumbling at 500

I bet they'll be fine with an 11 twist at WM velocities. They are shorter than a berger 185 hybrid which is stable in an 11 twist.
 

Trippy

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I bet they'll be fine with an 11 twist at WM velocities. They are shorter than a berger 185 hybrid which is stable in an 11 twist.
Both are marginally stable at 0' elevation, 0 F, 3100 fps per Berger's twist calculator. Real world vs math could show otherwise, just test it if you want to use em.

I was just trying to point out that I thought the twist rate OP put up was wrong not knowing Tikka changed it for new 300 WM. Some bullets may not work but I'm far from an expert.
 
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