300 RUM loading results today

[Novahunter]

Interesting day at the range. This rifle has been an off and on project for a while. Haven't been able to get it to shoot well with 200 ELDX's, 220 ELDX's, and lately the new 205 Bergers.

Rifle is:
Rem 700 Long action (circa 2001) blue printed/trued
Original trigger, tuned
26in Krieger heavy sporter barrel
Nightforce base
Area 419 muzzle break
Magpul Long Action Hunter stock
Scope: ZCO 5-27 with MPCT 3 reticle

Took 2 loads to the range with 205 Bergers.

Loads were:
Berger 205 Hunters
Norma brass
Federal GMM 215's
Retumbo powder

Same results today that I've been getting. 1.3MOA and 1.6MOA groups (first picture). Just not the accuracy I wanted from this rifle.



On a whim, I bought a box of factory loaded Norma 180 bondstrike.

Got the rifle dialed in in 3 shots. Then shot a 5 shot group that was .56in at 100 yards. Last 2 shots of the bondstrike were to confirm zero (2nd pic).



Took the remaining rounds out to 300 yards, and they showed promising consistency.

Was very happy to finally be getting close to 0.5MOA out of the gun.

The 180's are a little light, and don't stay supersonic to a mile for steel (using .530 as the G1 BC not the box .615 number). But, they're more than enough for big game out to 600 yards.

One day I'll get one of the 200 to 220 class bullets shooting well, but for now I'll shoot these factory loads.

$700+ dollars for 200 rounds though is making me cry a bit right now though....

 

[Hill Difficulty]

What's the barrel rate of twist?

 

[Novahunter]

What's the barrel rate of twist?

1 in 10

 

[Hill Difficulty]

Got - thx.

As a starting point, that 1/10" barrel is going to shoot bullets less than 200 grains much better than bullets greater than 200.

How about hand loading for the 180s?

 

[Novahunter]

Haven't tried handloading anything under 200 grains, but that looks like it's in order.

I put in an order of 200 rounds of factory ammo for this Norma Bondstrike. That will get me through this fall and into spring. Trying a few bullets in the 175 to 190 class probably is in order from this experience, so will need to pick a few to try.

Once I burn this barrel out, planning on going with a faster twist rate for the next barrel.

 

[Lvthntitall]

I have one that shoots Barnes 180 tsx bullets with retumbo really well, might be another option.

 

[hicountry1]

200ab, and retumbo.

Haven't seen a 300rum that wouldn't shoot that combo

 

[Novahunter]

Have read that's a good combo, and I have 10lbs of Retumbo. Problem is the 200 Accubonds, and 210 LR Accubond's are impossible for me to find.

I think I have a box of 50 of the 200's, never loaded them up and tested them. If I knew I could buy a few hundred of them I'd load then up in a heartbeat.

 

[hicountry1]

Work up a load then load the remainder and go hunt

I don't have a bunch either. I save them for hunting.......

 

[Wrench]

I just pulled a 10twist 2b from what was supposed to be a tack driver....but it shot everything over 180 like poo. I called bartlein and they tried to bs me into more twist.
I built 3 other 30 cal 10tw guns that hammer 215's into tiny holes.

Sometimes they make a dud. I just spun up another tube for it last night and hopefully this one rocks.

Sorry about your luck.....but it does happen eventually.

 

[Novahunter]

Work up a load then load the remainder and go hunt

I don't have a bunch either. I save them for hunting.......

That's an awesome bear! What yardage was the shot? Looks like the AB's did what they were supposed to do.

Only shooting a few shots a year is one option. But, I want to shoot this gun a few times a year, and take it to a mile+ on steel. My intent was to average 200 rounds a year on it, really know the round and it's capabilities, and re-barrel it every 4 to 5 years. Goal was to develop 1 load that I can use for long range steel and to hunt with.

Haven't completely given up on that plan yet, but doesn't look like it will be happening with 200+ class bullets.

 

[hicountry1]

340 yards qtr away

Bullets penetrated about 4ft of grizz

 

[Novahunter]

I just pulled a 10twist 2b from what was supposed to be a tack driver....but it shot everything over 180 like poo. I called bartlein and they tried to bs me into more twist.
I built 3 other 30 cal 10tw guns that hammer 215's into tiny holes.

Sometimes they make a dud. I just spun up another tube for it last night and hopefully this one rocks.

Sorry about your luck.....but it does happen eventually.

Yep, thinking this could very well be a possibility. It does happen.

 

[Novahunter]

340 yards qtr away

Bullets penetrated about 4ft of grizz

That's alot of bear, and great performance.

 

[hicountry1]

That's alot of bear, and great performance.

Yeah, could not have asked for better performance from the bullet.

First shot dropped him, guide said keep shooting, #2 was 3 inches from the first one.

We picked one off the hide on the offside shoulder, second one was in the front of the chest cavity. both went through a lot of grizz.

He sqd 101 inches.

They should work just as well out of your 300rum

 

[BucksNDucks]

Interesting
Having real good results with the following--

210 Berger VLD Hunt
N570 94.6
Nosler
GM215
Hart 27.625" w/MB
3160 - 3166 fps
+/- 3/8" MOA

COAL-- 3.817 / .020 jamb

Also had excellent results with 200 AB / Retumbo, just wish I could find more Retumbo

 

[Novahunter]

Interesting
Having real good results with the following--

210 Berger VLD Hunt
N570 94.6
Nosler
GM215
Hart 27.625" w/MB
3160 - 3166 fps
+/- 3/8" MOA

COAL-- 3.817 / .020 jamb

Also had excellent results with 200 AB / Retumbo, just wish I could find more Retumbo

What twist is your rifle.

Longest I can go in my mags is 3.715. Do you have the extended bottom metal for yours?

I have the opposite problem. Have plenty of Retumbo (10lbs), but haven't found 200 AB's in years.

 

[BucksNDucks]

10” and yes I do Wyatt MBE2, it’s snug but they do fit and chamber well

 

[BucksNDucks]

I’m hoping to find 215 Berger Hybrid
Hear they shoot a lot better then the 210’s and are deadly on Elk

 

[Novahunter]

I’m hoping to find 215 Berger Hybrid
Hear they shoot a lot better then the 210’s and are deadly on Elk

I bought 400 of the new 205 Elite Hunter and really wanted to get them too work, but the accuracy has just been aubpar thus far.