This is an old thread but...
I’m a new forum member and typically shy away from social media and message boards as I’d rather live my own life rather than watch or read about other people living theirs. But I felt compelled to not only create an account but add to this post.
I was gifted a Tikka T3 Lite chambered in .300 WSM 10 years ago by my father. It was by no means the .308 Remington I was eye boning, but it’s the gun I ended up with. Being that my father was so proud of his purchase and excited for me to have the rifle, I’ve been hellbent on getting it to group. I’ve heard countless stories of the Tikka being a tack driver and appreciating any ammo you smash down the barrel and the action really is the best you can find for the money. This gun appeared to be the exception. On my very best day, with the most accurate ammo I could find, I could only punch out a 1.1” group (Hornady Outfitter 180 gr.). Which for a hunting rifle is acceptable, but I hold myself to a higher standard and prefer to give myself more room for pre-shot jitters and excitement.
Some background - I’m a former military firearms instructor. I’m by no means an award winning marksman, but I’m familiar with the fundamentals of marksmanship and am normally able to hit my intended target. Also, I haven’t started reloading yet so I was bound to factory ammo. For the rifle - the action and barrel are bone stock. I put them in a Mesa Altitude carbon fiber stock, have Talley lightweight rings and a Leupold VX II 6-18x scope on top. All up, this rifle hovers around the 7 lb mark. If memory serves me, this stock is the same weight or an oz difference from the OEM stock. My point, it’s light.
After reading this post I figured what the hell, I might as well try Hornady ELDX. What was previously not even an MOA rifle, is now a sub .5 MOA rifle. Due to the light barrel profile, I only shoot 3-shot groups with this rifle. And I’ll be damned if all three rounds weren’t touching. I’m going to attempt to post a photo of the group, but as I mentioned, I’m new ‘round these parts and technologically retarded.
My rounds clocked in at an average of 2,661 fps, measured with a Magnettospeed. Fired off bipods and a bag leaning against a round bale. As far as terminal performance goes, I just dropped a 6 point on Monday that didn’t even kick when he hit the ground. Double lunged and the bullet had complete pass through.
If your .300 WSM is a bit light in the ass and not grouping worth a damn, do yourself a favor and spend the money on this ammo.