Weird diagonal grouping. Reduced loads. Tikka 300wsm

[BjornF16]

oh...you meant Hodgdon recommended loads...

 

[Jimbee]

oh...you meant Hodgdon recommended loads...

Ah, my bad, sorry

 

[black dawg]

Well, before my Rokslide education I thought I needed a big gun to kill elk. I've since come to appreciate low recoil, spotting impacts, etc. I also enjoy reloading and shooting.

Are the bullets you are using going to perform on animals at reduced velocity?

 

[Jimbee]

Are the bullets you are using going to perform on animals at reduced velocity?

I believe so, I'm just in the process of figuring out how much recoil I will have to keep the bullets above 1800fps at 400 yards. Maybe I'm just wasting time, but it keeps me out of the bar.

 

[BjornF16]

What kind of case fill are you getting with that load?

 

[Jimbee]

What kind of case fill are you getting with that load?

I don't know?

 

[RadDad]

I believe so, I'm just in the process of figuring out how much recoil I will have to keep the bullets above 1800fps at 400 yards. Maybe I'm just wasting time, but it keeps me out of the bar.

I like it. This is part of the fun of reloading.

Do you have a Chronograph? That may offer some data to help rule out any issues with the load.

- RadDad

 

[Jimbee]

I like it. This is part of the fun of reloading.

Do you have a Chronograph? That may offer some data to help rule out any issues with the load.

- RadDad

Yes, it's a magnetospeed and kind of a pita to attach to a suppressor but I make it work. Hopefully I can get a velocity reading this evening.

 

[RadDad]

Yes, it's a magnetospeed and kind of a pita to attach to a suppressor but I make it work. Hopefully I can get a velocity reading this evening.

I have one as well and feel your pain. Looking forward to the results.

- RadDad

 

[black dawg]

I believe so, I'm just in the process of figuring out how much recoil I will have to keep the bullets above 1800fps at 400 yards. Maybe I'm just wasting time, but it keeps me out of the bar.

When I read your original post, I saw 175 Smk not tmk......

 

[kayakonthefly]

This isn't going to be any help, but just letting you know someone else feels your pain - sort of. I have a 2001-ish 300wsm A-bolt that throws factory ammo (Federal Fusion 165gr) that way diagonally. If I let the barrel cool and start over, the bullet holes nearly each other. First shot dead on every time. Was trying to work a handload up and it started showing major pressure signs really quick (cracked case) less than halfway between mid and max load using RL19 and 165 TSX's. I'm thinking there's a throat issue going on, and am debating on whether or not to just buy a new one, or take this to a good gunsmith. If you figure this out for yours, please keep us updated.

 

[Jimbee]

This isn't going to be any help, but just letting you know someone else feels your pain - sort of. I have a 2001-ish 300wsm A-bolt that throws factory ammo (Federal Fusion 165gr) that way diagonally. If I let the barrel cool and start over, the bullet holes nearly each other. First shot dead on every time. Was trying to work a handload up and it started showing major pressure signs really quick (cracked case) less than halfway between mid and max load using RL19 and 165 TSX's. I'm thinking there's a throat issue going on, and am debating on whether or not to just buy a new one, or take this to a good gunsmith. If you figure this out for yours, please keep us updated.

I believe my groups were a result of slow factory twist (11), slow velocity and poor form. I now have a reduced load that shoots just fine out of a custom 9 twist prefit. I seem to shot much better prone than off a janky wooden bench. I am also figuring out that more recoil makes groups open up for me.

 

[kayakonthefly]

I believe my groups were a result of slow factory twist (11), slow velocity and poor form. I now have a reduced load that shoots just fine out of a custom 9 twist prefit. I seem to shot much better prone than off a janky wooden bench. I am also figuring out that more recoil makes groups open up for me.

Glad you got it worked out. Thanks for the update.