Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 200 gr 30 cal loads

I picked up a box of the new Hornady ELD-X 200 gr bullets. Looking to experiment a bit with them in 30-06 and 300 WSM. I have H4350, RL17, Big Game, and Ramshot Hunter. I'm planning on using 208 gr A-Max starting load data and going from there.

But looking at the data I have it looks like RL19 or RL 22 would be a better option for these. Never shot anything over 180 gr so this is new territory for me.

I tried RL17 in my 300 WSM with 180's and got good speeds with it, but much better accuracy with H4350. Trying to decide if it is worth buying more powder or just make what I have work.

What do you think, or any other options worth considering.

Stay with 4350. I went thru that gyration a few years ago.I'd rather give up a few FSP in favor of accuracy any day.

Not 200 gr,but I favor 4831 for 220gr in my .06

Tagging this as a reminder to try 4350.

tagging for the same reason.

Based on my experience with RL17 in 300 WSM the extra speed wasn't worth the loss of accuracy. That experience was the reason for asking.

But at the same time I've read of others using both RL19 and RL22 in 30-06 with heavy bullets. Some guys into long range target shooting who need the accuracy have been pleased. I don't recall any comments about using it in 300 WSM. But on paper it appears RL19 or RL22 should give about 50fps more in 30-06, 100+ fps more in 300WSM.

This load works in my 30-06 .

Love RL17

I might have to give some of that powder a try... I have a bunch of 200gr. partitions laying around. Couldn't pass up the deal SPS had on the blemished ones a while back. $13.45/bag....

If you don't want them I know "this guy" that'll put them to good use as well.

.... I loaded up some for my old left hand pump gun. Then I screwed up and tried them through my old pos 30-06 and it loves them too... No load development with that one, since the 760 load shoots 1 moa in the bolt action too... Should make a good elk load in either rifle.. However, I've been using IMR 4350 in the 06 for forever now. I think I'll try me some of that RL 17!!

What length barrel are you using?

I tried this load today out of my Remington 700 with 22" barrel. I was only getting a little over 2500 fps. Best group was right at 2500 fps, with 54 grains.

How does a 200 partition do on deer and elk at this speed?

My load data shows 51 gr @ 2552 fps as a max load with RL-17. I can find data showing RL-19 right at 2650 fps and H4350 at 2580 fps.

The results look impressive, but I'm concerned about going that far above max.

When I was doing my load work up with RL-17 and the 200 grain Nosler Partition, the closer I got to 55.0 grains of powder the tighter the group got.
This load was easy and fun doing.

This is the only load I use RL-17. Might be more in the future.

Have a good day.

My barrel is cut at 24 inches. It's a #2 Lilja 1-11" twist 3 grove.
I've taken two deer with this load. Worked just fine, I'm sure it's a great elk load.

Wish you luck.

I finally got to shoot some of the 200gr ELD-X's. I loaded them in my 300 WSM with H4350. The max load of 62 gr H4350 gave me 2800 fps with acceptable accuracy. I only had 6 rounds and put 3 into .886" at 100 yards, 2.03" at 200 yards. I can live with that, but will tweak things and might do better. My sources show RL-19 or RL-22 capable of 2900+.

I didn't try anything in the 30-06. I do have some RL-17 and may give your load a try.

Here is another 200 grain bullet load, it's the Nosler A/B from my 300 Win. Mag.



Note* My seating is at the ogive.

Nice shooting.

My Ruger MK 2 LH in 06 Shot right at 1" with 55 Gr of RL 17
Fed 215 primer RP Brass, 200 Grain Nosler Accubond.

Any idea or guess what pressures your load is running? I worked up to 55.0 gr RL-17 with 200 gr NPT and chronographed 2750 FPS. Normal (easy) extraction effort but the CCI 200 primers were flattened a bit more towards the edges. I will back off to ~2650 FPS since the groups were about the same at the lower velocity.

I have no idea how much pressure there is with that load in my rifle.
The last thing I want is a load that might hurt me or my rifle.
Like I said, I have no pressure signs. Shoots great in my gun. When I burn up my 2 lbs of RL-17 if I buy more 17, I will re-work up this load.
Checking for pressure again.

Wishing you the best with your loads and shooting.