First time reloader! Will be reloading 300 Win Mag. Recommendations for a great Elk hunting load to start my load development with?

[wind gypsy]

I still don’t have a headspace comparator, and I’ve been loading for my 300wm for a bit now. The bullet comparator is for sure a solid tool. Always good to know where you are in relation to the lands of your rifle, and playing with searing depth can make huge changes on how a load shoots.

The headspace is much more useful with something like a belted magnum. Once it’s fire formed to your chamber, being able to set that shoulder back just as much as needed really helps extend brass life. I have so much once fired brass that I bought, that I just load it three times and toss it so I have not worried about bumping the shoulder. It shoots great on a full length size, so I just keep that constant and the rifle shoots well. Soon I will get a headspace comparator though and start bumping the shoulder a couple thousandths and hopefully it shoots just as good or maybe even improves a smidge. Brass life should improve too.

Someone mentioned the Peterson 300wm LONG brass if you are buying brand new brass. It’s a solid option that will keep that initial huge brass stretch to a minimum. Additional bonus is it’s really good quality brass.

A guy can just use an empty 9mm case (make sure its actually round) to do the same thing as a comparator. A little harder to be consistent but can be close.

 

[Gadjet]

I've had great luck with H4831SC and 200 grain ELDX. 2900fps out of two different guns with 22 inch barrels.