Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Powder for 300 Win Mag

+1

Although several in that burn category do well. Rl-22 has worked so well in mine that I've stuck with it. And, I'm shooting 180 gr. NBT/NAB's.

DF

Rel 22 is about as good as it get in the 300WM

IMR powders used to dominate the sales shelves hereaboots. As that changed the hodgdon extreme line took its place...

I switched from IMR 4831 to H4831SC without a bobble using hodgdons online data...

I also picked up a second fast .30 last winter and just took delivery on an 8 lb caddy of H4831.

Let the big dogs eat...

180 Gr Bullets with 7828 or RL22 have always worked up best in the rifles I loaded for.

I just picked up a 300 Win Mag and this topic is very timely. I was very surprised to see data in my manuals vary so much for some powders. H4831 in particular would have a starting load from one manual be close to the max load for another one. Recent data seemed to be more conservative if I remember correctly. I've got a 20yr old keg of IMR 4350, 8yr old can of H4350 and a brand new keg of H4831 SC and was leaning towards the latter with 180gr BT/Partitions. If I'm going to use it this season I need to take a guess at a good load that optimizes velocity without weeks worth of workup. Suggestions for any of these?

With H-4831sc work up to 75 grs. with 180 grain bullet.

You might be able to go more or less. Should work fine.

I can't say it any better..............

MM

Several years ago I switched to H-1000 in my 300 win. H-1000 is very consistent from shot to shot and lot to lot. I shoot mostly 180!grain bullets in my 30's.

I used IMR-4831 for years and when I switched over to H4831sc I had the increase the powder charges by 3-4 grns to get the same velocity and accuracy. The H4831sc is more temp insensitive so I'm staying with that.

X3

How temp insensitive is R22. ?

Reportedly more than the Extreme series.

Also, reportedly, some lot to lot variations.

But, it performs very well in the .300 WM and if one isn't hunting in extreme temps, it's hard to beat. In sub zero conditions, I'd probably be looking at a Hodgdon equivalent.

DF

DF,
So to clarify, RL22 is not insensitive to temperature variation? When it gets cold, the load slows down more than the Extreme powders?
That is my understanding of the RLxx powders, but the way you answered seemed the opposite.

All powders are temp sensitive...those with nitro are more...nature of the beast.

If you check your velocity and your zero at the ambient temp, it's not a big problem.

I could have sworn that Mule Deer said that R-22 was more sensitive to temp swings than the Hodgdon Extreme powders.

He did.

And he's run some controlled tests to draw that conclusion.

Nonetheless, I've run it in several chamberings & have had no problems with loads developed in 50-60 degrees down to around 10 degrees or so.

But then again, I've not run any controlled tests.

MM

Whoops, I got whacked by the double negative.

You right, RL-22 is MORE temp sensitive than the Extreme series.

Sorry about that...

DF

So I made it to the range with the new to me 300WM and some loads with 180 BTs over charges of H4831SC from 73-75.5. Rifle is a 1980's 700 BDL as it came from Remington with addition of pillars and Devcon. Got it on paper and first 3 shot group at 100yds was a pretty little triangle 5/8" c-c. Yippee! Adjusted scope, moved out to 200, and shot three shot groups in 1/2 grain increments. 73.5 - 74.5 averaged 2" @200 so not horrible. First time I've shot anything bigger than a 30-06 so I'm not displeased. The rifle does recoil and I was getting used to it and trying different holds. The last two loads averaged 1" @200 so I'm happy the rifle shows some promise. Still some work to do but I have an accurate load to hunt with. Pressure is at or near max, but no extraction problems or marks on the case heads. I will measure the web diameter tonight for expansion.

Anyone care to venture a guess at velocity for 75gr H4831 and 180 BT out of a 24" barrel? In my haste, I left the crono at home and won't be able to get back to the range until after the season.

gzig: I hate to make these wild ass guesses because surer than hell you will run it over a chronograph, I'll be wrong,and look stupid...

But I can't resist cause I love games...

I'll say 2900-2950 fps. Let me know I am now really curious!


Powders for the 300 Win Mag? Years back when I was using a 300 Win Mag a lot for hunting I used IMR4831 in a 24" barreled Krieger M70 (throated long) and it consistently chronographed about 3125 with a 180 gr bullet.

Later in a couple of others I used RL22 which was excellent and got to velocity very quickly with great accuracy. If I were t start over today with a 300 Win Mag and 180-200 gr bullets I would likely reach for H1000. I have been impressed with its consistency and it does not seem to get touchy as you approach top end.

H-1000
I agree with BobinNH.
I have found that RL-22 is great powder for the .300WM. However, there is a lot of variation lot to lot.
Also, in my rifle, I lose about 2 fps velocity per degree of temperature drop from around 70-75 degrees F.
Since loading H-1000 with 180 gr. Partitions the SD's have run under 10 fps and accuracy is on par with RL-22.
FWIW,
Jim