Powder for LA 300 WSM & Heavy Bullets

[PathFinder]

I'm going to pick up a Tikka Roughtech in 300 WSM next week. I have a Manners EHT on hand, and will be mounting a SWFA 12x. Will add a PVA UL Jet Blast, Sportsmatch rings (anyone know where to find them?), Lumley arms bolt handle, HCA magazines and a LA bolt stop.
I've already got 250 primed/prepped Norma brass, and I'm planning to shoot the new 205 Berger Elite Hunter or the 208 ELD M. The 11 twist is stupid, but I'm trying to pinch pennies and save time by sticking with the factory barrel. I should be ok with either of those two bullets at the elevation I live and hunt at.
The goal is to hit 2950 or better in the factory 24" barrel. The top options I'm aware of are: RL26 (hard to find), VVN560 (can get it locally), VVN565 (hard to find), H1000 (on hand), RL16 (on hand), and RL23. My understanding is that VVN560 can be a bit temp sensitive. I think RL16 is on the fast side. Likely won't reach top velocity with H1000.
Any real world input is welcome, I'm itching to start load development as soon as I pick the rifle up!

 

[1shotgear]

I have loaded N560 in a bunch of rifles and I have not seen any significant velocity changes from 0 degrees all the way to 80 degrees. It is one of my favorite powders for short action magnums! I have not got my hands on any N565, but I know that most guys who are running it are achieving higher velocities compared to N560.

 

[KClark]

Michael Tawn at Tawnado Air Guns has begun to ship Sportsmatch rings again. email him directly: [email protected]

 

[KClark]

I have loaded N560 in a bunch of rifles and I have not seen any significant velocity changes from 0 degrees all the way to 80 degrees. It is one of my favorite powders for short action magnums! I have not got my hands on any N565, but I know that most guys who are running it are achieving higher velocities compared to N560.

What velocity were you getting with N560 in a 300 WSM? Bullet weight? Barrel length?

 

[tdot]

I'd think youd have better luck with the RL23, then RL16, which is likely too fast.

 

[1shotgear]

What velocity were you getting with N560 in a 300 WSM? Bullet weight? Barrel length?

I was pushing the 208 ELDM at about 2850 out of a 24" barrel. I don't remember the exact powder charge as I no longer have the rifle.

 

[wind gypsy]

2950 is pretty fast even if using highest energy powders. RL26 is your huckleberry for getting there but i think setting 2950+ as a primary goal could limit your ability to settle on a good load.

I'd set your expectations to be happy with high 2800s / low 2900s and settle on something that is consistent / safe / reliable.

 

[ajwcotton]

I know you asked for a long action but mine loves 4831 non sc. It pushed a 208 at 2830 with 68 grains from a 24 inch barrel.

 

[fatbacks]

I am pushing a Barnes 200 gr LRX over H4350 @ 2830 out of a Proof 22” barrel.


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[Brent]

RL26 would be my absolute first choice. My distant second choice would be IMR7828ssc.

In my 26" bbl Win 70 I get 3010 fps with 200s with RL26 and I've pushed 230 OTMs at 2750 with 7828ssc.

 

[Ekrider]

I shoot a 270 wsm heavys (170s)
Re Loader 33 is my favorite.

 

[wind gypsy]

I shoot a 270 wsm heavys (170s)
Re Loader 33 is my favorite.

Unless RL33 is denser than I can remember, there is no way you could fit enough of it in the case to be ideal for 300 WSM and 208 class bullets.

 

[m274]

I had asked my smith about load recs for a Tikka based 300WSM being built for me. Response was:
66.7 grains of 4831SC and 215's on a recent 26" Remington WSM build is right at 2870fps with an ES of 8 and high .2's for accuracy

 

[Salmon River Solutions]

I'm thinking on using 4831SC for my WSM once its done. H1000 is my go to for 308 magnums but its just impossible to get the last 6 months.

 

[MeatBuck]

Imr7828ssc or h4831sc would probably do.

 

[khuber84]

Rl26 and H1000 all day. Rl26 will be 75 fps faster than H1000. The 205 EH has a long bearing, so I'd go with 200.20 as it has a short bearing and will not crowd powder in a saami throat.

 

[tdhanses]

RL26 is pushing the 215’s at 2963 out of my 26” barrel in my 300wsm, I’d think 3k is possible with the 205’s out of a 24” barrel. You will not compress RL26 in a 300wsm load as pressure shows up way before.

 

[PathFinder]

I'll post an update thread in the next couple of days when I have time. The rifle exceeded all of my expectations for both accuracy and velocity.

 

[khuber84]

RL26 is pushing the 215’s at 2963 out of my 26” barrel in my 300wsm, I’d think 3k is possible with the 205’s out of a 24” barrel. You will not compress RL26 in a 300wsm load as pressure shows up way before.

The 205. Has about 10% longer bearing surface than a 215. So speeds will likely be similar in equal barrel lengths. The 205 has a thinner jacket to aid in expansion, but can cause over expansion at closer ranges. The 215 hybrid is the more proven bullet.

 

[wind gypsy]

The 205. Has about 10% longer bearing surface than a 215. So speeds will likely be similar in equal barrel lengths. The 205 has a thinner jacket to aid in expansion, but can cause over expansion at closer ranges. The 215 hybrid is the more proven bullet.

Yep. And compared to the 205, the 200.20x has higher BC and quite a bit shorter bearing surface so it will outperform the 205 from a ballistics standpoint. I'm confident enough in the design of the 200.20x to use it for hunting.