300 Norma vs 300 Ultramag

[TalusHunterCA]

Case capacity is probably the most important factor to look at in comparing the big .30’s (to me.) I went with an Improved version of the Norma to avoid case stretch and donuts that some have encountered in the standard version. Mine runs 215’s into small groups at 3240 and 3130, so I opted for the lower charge for longevity. 91.5 grains of N570, 91.5 of IMR8133, or 87.5 grains of N565 will get it to 3150. It took 93 grains to run the higher node.

I have a friend who we have running a 300 RUM with 215’s on a factory length Mag box, and we can only get him to 3100 at Mag length. In the RUM you really need the 3.85-4” Mag box to take full advantage of the case capacity, where the shorter Norma you don’t. If you’re building a custom this is probably a moot point, because you can build it however you want.

The same friend has a Seekins Havak 300 PRC, but we haven’t had a lot of time to work with it yet. It’s running 225’s at 2915 into small groups with H1000 right now, but only has 30-40 rounds down the barrel. The Seekins guns come with a 4” Mag box which is nice, but the PRC is designed for optimal length, so there isn’t much rom to gain from SAAMI length before the bullet is out of the neck.

At the end of the day in my opinion, it depends if you’re building a custom or looking for a factory-ish rifle, if you plan to reload, and what your definition of “better” is, because there is no free lunch. More powder equals more recoil, and more throat erosion.


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Thank you. I would have a custom build and have whoever builds the rifle develop handloads for it. I hope to learn reloading some day.

As an aside: Is it possible to spot your own shots beyond 500 yards with any of the larger 300 mags in a 10-12lb rifle?

 

[270quest]

I just picked up a Sendero SFII 300 rum - going to shoot the 220 scenars out of it....

 

[WRO]

Thank you. I would have a custom build and have whoever builds the rifle develop handloads for it. I hope to learn reloading some day.

As an aside: Is it possible to spot your own shots beyond 500 yards with any of the larger 300 mags in a 10-12lb rifle?

I do it with a 9lb rifle...

I'm getting 3125 on a 225 elm with 88 gains n570 and a 26" pipe out of my norma.

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[wind gypsy]

I do it with a 9lb rifle...

I'm getting 3125 on a 225 elm with 88 gains n570 and a 26" pipe out of my norma.

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Jesus. That’s a non-improved model? I was only getting mid 2900s with 230 Berger’s from my 27” hawk hill.

 

[WRO]

Jesus. That’s a non-improved model? I was only getting mid 2900s with 230 Berger’s from my 27” hawk hill.

Yep.

I'm pretty pleased.

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