300 WSM Box Ammo?

[joerotter]

I'm going back to my 300 WSM for bears this spring, and am looking for others experience with box ammo in the 180 - 200 grain range. I've dabbled in reloading but frankly just don't enjoy the process enough to be good at it. Here's where I'm at.

I had a couple boxes of the Federal 200 Grain Terminal Ascent, that shot amazing but the last box was AWFUL (different lot #). I'm a bit soured on that now.

The Hornady 200 Grain ELD-X shoots about 1.5", which is what I'm leaning towards and am fairly happy with that group size, but am up for suggestions.

The Federal Fusion 165's shoot very well, right at 1" typically but am hoping to shoot a bit heavier for bears.

My rifle is a Rem 700 with a 20" barrel, 1:9. Bedded in an HS stock for what its worth. Does anyone have any personal favorites for their 300 WSM in the 180-200 range they love?

 

[Matt5266]

I handload 185 classic hunters thay shoot lights out. My buddy uses these and they also shoot good. We've killed a number of animals with them. They have yet to disappoint.

 

[journeyman713]

Federal premium 180 accubond

 

[Roofer1]

I went to hand loads on my 300 WSM, but mine always liked the ELDX's (which I may have some left if you're interested). A friend has the exact same rifle and his like the 165 gr Fusions.

 

[VernAK]

That Terminal Ascent is hard to beat for performance on the very large critters and the 180TSX same. For black bears, I'd go with any quality hunting bullet that shoots well for you.

 

[KHNC]

I use Barnes ammo . 168gr i believe. Shoots phenomenal. Bears wont mind. I only wish i had not used that damn 77TMK this year on a bear. Then my tag would be filled in NC.

 

[Sharpspur]

I was shooting the 178 Precision Hunter ELD-X out of my 300 Win. this year on whitetails. It stopped 4 deer with the longest one going 25 yards. No exit holes, small entrance would. If I would have needed a blood trail, I would have had nothing. Ranges from 50 yards to 200 yards. Bullets came apart, but inside they caused alot of damage.

I had planned on using these for spring black bear, but rethinking and going to look at a bonded bullet.

How has others had these perform on black bears?

They do shoot great accuracy out of my rifle.

 

[Kenai_dtracker]

180 grain federal trophy bonded tip (off the old bear claw) are a solid round for the 300wsm.

 

[Snyd]

I 2nd or 3rd any premium ammo with the Nosler Accubond. I don't know which companies use em any more. I roll my own 200gr for my 325 wsm. I've killed moose, grizzly and sheep with it. Tough, super accurate bullet. I've recovered a few from moose at various ranges. The bullet on the left is factory loaded Winchester ammo with coating on it before I started reloading. Others are handholds. All shoot sub Mao at 100yds from my Kimber.

 

[kcm2]

Federal premium 180 accubond

I agree with Journeyman. Good for antelope to elk, always worked perfectly.

 

[medvedyt]

i used long time ago a 300wsm with 180 nosler partition with black bear and moose and sold the rifle but that combo caliber/bullet was working great.

 

[KenLee]

Not my rodeo, but I shoot bears with 165 gr nbt and everything else with 150 gr nbt. Splat-dead