Powder Selection for 300WM with a 22" Barrel

[ndbwhunter]

Recently swapped barrels and added a suppressor to my Tikka 300wm. I replaced the factory 24" barrel with a 22" 1:10" twist tikka take-off that came pre-threaded. I ran a few of my usual loads through it this weekend and immediately noticed some signs of pressure, which is odd considering I didn't have any pressure with the old barrel. I also noticed a fair amount of powder burning off in the suppressor after a few shots. This tells me that I'm not getting full combustion and will either need to switch to a faster burning powder or possibly a heavier bullet.

What are my options here? I'm not interested in testing the pressure limits. I just want something that is accurate and reliable. This is a hunting rifle and won't be used for distances greater than 600 yards. I've been shooting 180ttsx. Should I switch to a heavier bullet and stick with the RL26 or H1000, or keep the 180ttsx and starting playing with a faster burning powder. I do have some flexibility with COAL since I'm running mountain tactical bottom metal and AICS mags.

Anyone with access to quickload that could run some numbers?

 

[archp625]

H1000 is the staple when it comes to 300 WM/WSM. It won't be a screamer but solid and temp stable.

 

[ndbwhunter]

H1000 is the staple when it comes to 300 WM/WSM. It won't be a screamer but solid and temp stable.

It is a great powder, but it's on the slower side in terms of burn rate and is even a little slower than RL26. I need something that will allow for full combustion in a 22" barrel.

 

[archp625]

Oh I agree. Maybe H4350 or 4831 of some variety.

 

[Fire_9]

I had good luck with 4831sc in my WM

 

[Timplant]

I have an insane load worked up using H1000 and 200gr accubonds in a 21'' .300 Tikka. Everything about it is perfect.

 

[ndbwhunter]

I have an insane load worked up using H1000 and 200gr accubonds in a 21'' .300 Tikka. Everything about it is perfect.

What are you seeing for velocity? I'm not opposed to going with a heavier bullet if it means I can continue using the slower burning powder.

 

[Timplant]

2815 , I believe 79gr of H1000

 

[UPThunderbolt]

73.4 grains of H4381 with 180 grain accubond gives me 2925 fps out of my Tikka .300 wm.

 

[ndbwhunter]

Anyone have access to quickload to run some numbers on different powders or bullet configurations?

 

[cdre311]

200 grain ELD-X, 70.5 gr H4831SC. 22 inch Seekins, 300WM. Maybe 2735 velo but that rifle likes that node.

 

[ndbwhunter]

View attachment 1095212

200 grain ELD-X, 70.5 gr H4831SC. 22 inch Seekins, 300WM. Maybe 2735 velo but that rifle likes that node.

Have you tested any slower burning powders with this bullet? I would try H1000 or RL26 if you haven't done so already just to see what happens.

 

[hiker270]

79 gr. H1000

 

[ndbwhunter]

79 gr. H1000

H1000 is too slow and won't work with my setup.

 

[Blake C]

It is a great powder, but it's on the slower side in terms of burn rate and is even a little slower than RL26. I need something that will allow for full combustion in a 22" barrel.

Rl26 sucks as far temp stabilization. For me
H1000
N570
H4831sc
And good brass! Good brass gets me higher speeds

 

[Chris in TN]

I think the idea that slower powders have a disadvantage in shorter barrels, is pretty badly overplayed. I won't say it's 100% myth but.....ok, it's at least mostly myth.

I'd dump the TTSX because I like basically nothing about mono bullets.

It would cost you nothing to download Gordon's Reloading Tool which lets you model (disclaimer: all models are incorrect, some are useful; I think GRT is useful) how different powders might act, in terms of velocity or %burnt, in different barrel lengths. But I don't think it's going to ever show you that the powders that work great in 24" .300WinMags are going to not also be the group of powders that work great in 18-20" .300WinMags.

 

[cdre311]

Have you tested any slower burning powders with this bullet? I would try H1000 or RL26 if you haven't done so already just to see what happens.

I also have some load data with H1000 that seems to perform just as well. I'll dig it up.

 

[turbobrick]

I was in a similar boat with two different 300win mags, ended up with H4350/IMR4350 and a 180gn mono with one, the powders were nearly identical, but H won out on accuracy in that one. The other one was with a 162 mono and IMR won out. I'm planning on trying out RL16, its been amazing in 300wsm so far.

 

[ndbwhunter]

I think the idea that slower powders have a disadvantage in shorter barrels, is pretty badly overplayed. I won't say it's 100% myth but.....ok, it's at least mostly myth.

I'd dump the TTSX because I like basically nothing about mono bullets.

It would cost you nothing to download Gordon's Reloading Tool which lets you model (disclaimer: all models are incorrect, some are useful; I think GRT is useful) how different powders might act, in terms of velocity or %burnt, in different barrel lengths. But I don't think it's going to ever show you that the powders that work great in 24" .300WinMags are going to not also be the group of powders that work great in 18-20" .300WinMags.

I don't think disadvantage is the right word though. The slower powders still work fine in a shorter barrel, but it comes down to efficiency. Any powder burn occurring outside the barrel is a loss of efficiency. Assuming velocities are consistent, you won't even notice the excess powder being lost out the barrel unless you're watching for muzzle flash in low light conditions or notice the powder burning in the suppressor.

 

[ndbwhunter]

I was in a similar boat with two different 300win mags, ended up with H4350/IMR4350 and a 180gn mono with one, the powders were nearly identical, but H won out on accuracy in that one. The other one was with a 162 mono and IMR won out. I'm planning on trying out RL16, its been amazing in 300wsm so far.

H4350 is also at the top of my list along with H4831SC. I was considering RL16 as well, but it's not nearly as temp stable as the other two.