300 wsm bullet

[Njadams13]

Hi guys, I am currently working with a number Montana in 300 wsm. The barrel is cut and threaded to 20” and suppressed/scoped the rifle weighs 8 pounds 4 ounces.

I had been working a few loads with hammer 154 HHTs as I like their performance on game over Barnes since the petals shear, but with their most recent price increase it’s $200 shipped for 100 bullets which is simply too much for the amount I shoot and try to practice.

The eventual plan with this rifle is to rebarrel into 6.5 saum or 25 saum, but this year it will be used on at least one cow elk in Wyoming and a deer in Nebraska. I know neither are particularly difficult to kill.

I have also gotten the 180 EH to shoot well, however the recoil is quite stout and spotting shots just isn’t possible until about 400, and that’s with a solid rest/position.

What bullets between 150-168iah grains would you recommend based on personal experience? I’d like to try and keep enough velocity to effectively take game to 700 (4200 elevation average), however 400 and in is more likely.

I’ve never really messed with the Berger classic hunters, or any Berger’s outside of the EH.

I know ELDMs and TMKs are preached on here and I’ve killed several animals with the Eldm, however it’s usually stated that heavy for caliber is a big part in that.

 

[Dark timber]

I’m a fan of the Berger 200.20x but if you want lighter, I think the 185 juggernaut will be a great choice. You’re gonna have a hell of a time spotting your impacts no matter what.

 

[Njadams13]

I’m a fan of the Berger 200.20x but if you want lighter, I think the 185 juggernaut will be a great choice. You’re gonna have a hell of a time spotting your impacts no matter what.

Spotting impacts a bit closer is my whole reason for going lighter. With the 154 hammer I can spot at 200 (enticer STi suppressor with SRS brake endcap). I am going to probably give the 168 berger classic hunter a shot and see how it does.

I also just don't think I can get away with the 200.20 with any amount of actual velocity as I am limited to like 3.0 internal mag box (blind mag) on the montana.

 

[CJ_BG]

Cow elk are gonna be 10-14 inches wide in the largest part of the ribs depending on age and body mass. They aren't hard to kill and a 168 TMK will be fine penetration wise.

The bergers will also be fine. With either one, if penetration is any concern it will only be at close range. In which case if you're proficient enough to kill game at 700yds you can surely just put it in the neck.

 

[doverpack12]

Spotting impacts a bit closer is my whole reason for going lighter. With the 154 hammer I can spot at 200 (enticer STi suppressor with SRS brake endcap). I am going to probably give the 168 berger classic hunter a shot and see how it does.

I also just don't think I can get away with the 200.20 with any amount of actual velocity as I am limited to like 3.0 internal mag box (blind mag) on the montana.

That’s the whole point with Bergers, you need to keep impact velocity down. If Bergers hit in their performance velocity window they work really well. When pushed too hard results are less than ideal.

If dropping weight in the 160-170 range I would only look at something like a 165 accubond so they try to stay together a little better at higher speeds.

My 20” tikka 300 WSM pushes 200.20x at 2714 fps and I maintain 1800 fps to 850 yards minimum in nearly all atmospheric conditions encountered in western Montana.

 

[HiMtnHntr]

My favorite load for 300 wsm uses 178 gr eldx.

If your looking for a lighter bullet the 165 gr accubond or 168 gr Barnes might be with a look. If you are looking for a budget bullet sierra makes several in that weight range.

 

[Njadams13]

That’s the whole point with Bergers, you need to keep impact velocity down. If Bergers hit in their performance velocity window they work really well. When pushed too hard results are less than ideal.

If dropping weight in the 160-170 range I would only look at something like a 165 accubond so they try to stay together a little better at higher speeds.

My 20” tikka 300 WSM pushes 200.20x at 2714 fps and I maintain 1800 fps to 850 yards minimum in nearly all atmospheric conditions encountered in western Montana.

What would be the maximum impact velocity for a Berger then? I’ve seen plenty of results on here at over 2800-2900 impact with sufficient penetration. The 180 EH shoots great at a muzzle of 2900 fps, I imagine I’ll be right around 3k muzzle with the 168 which would put it right around 2830 at 100 and 2675 at 200.