Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 200gr bullets in 300 win mag: is it just me?

I took several load combinations to the range today to test in my Remington 700 in 300 win mag. I tried some 165gr Scirocos, 150gr NPTs, 180gr TSX, an some factory 200gr Federal Trophy Bonded Bear Claws. Everything grouped at least 2 inches, but the TBBC factory loads grouped into a 1/2 MOA...which put my hanloads to shame. I'm wondering if my rifle just likes the 200gr bullets better or if it just likes the 200 gr TBBCs. Anyone notice their 300 win mag liking the heavier 200 gr bullets?

Never shot any that heavy. Mine likes everything I've fed it so far. Best groups so far have been with TSX 168's and RL22. After that, 180 Hornady Interlock BTSP's and IMR4350. I did try some 190 Hornady BTSP's, but they were only so-so. Those TBBC bullets are expensive in Canada.

Since the handloads of all bullet weights all did poorly compared to the factory loads,it might not be the bullet weight at all.It might have something to do with your loading methods.I would pull a few of the 200gr bullets from the factory loads,and load them into your resized brass,using your normal powder and primers.If they shoot as well as the factory loads,the bullet is the critical factor.If not,you need to check out the other things.

I shot some Federal factory TBBC's today... Dads 22-250 but 5 shots into about 6 inches!

There were a few Posts here from guys who swore by 200gr Partitions over 180s, but can't finD it now.

I have a 300 Weatherby but my experience tells me 200 Gr Accu-bonds will give you reason to kick those others to the curb.

I like the 200 Part and 200 Sierra Spt BT Game KIng. I have used 180's and 150's but have always liked the 200's better and the gun has always been partial too.

For me 180's belong in the '06 and the 150's and 165's in the 308; but that's just me (grins).

The stuff I've seen shot with the 200 Part. is akin to whacking stuff with a 250 / 338; 'bout the same. Not a bad thing.

300Win-you can count me in as one of the guys who uses 200's in 300's. Mainly cause I've yet to see a 300 yet that would shoot better with the 180's.

So, I use what's accurate in them as I want all the accuracy I can get. Note, this is not to say that the 180's didn't shoot fast enough.

I feel that most stay away from working with the 200's cause they want the extra speed that the 180 has (although in the real world it aint' enough to sweat) and secondly they don't want the extra bump that the 200's come with.

Back when I had a Krieger in 300 on my old 700 I shot a lot of chucks and other critters at fair ranges with both the 200 Sierra and the Nozler.

Were I to be using one of the 300's today no doubt I'd be for giving the 200's a serious run first and formost.

Dober

200's have become my go to bullet in my 300 wsm for the reasons Dober mentioned.

No, it's just not you. Both of my hunting buddies are shooting 200-grain bullets in their 300 win mag's. They both reload their own ammunition and both get really good accuracy (one is shooting 200-grain Accubond's, the other 200-grain Barnes TSX).

Okay what are the 200gr bullets available in 30 caliber? I really am not inclineD to buy a bunch of TBBCs even though they have been very accurate so far.

So there's the NPTs, AccubonDs, Barnes TSX....any others?

I have a bunch of 180 gr NPTs that I may offer to anyone with some 200gr NPTs....

The good ol' 200 gr Sierra SPBT Gameking is actually one heck of a bullet. I've seen some great results with that bullet from a .300 Win mag, with heavy charges of slow-burning powder.

I'm impressed and surprised that you got such good accuracy from the Trophy Bonded bullets. The only time I tried them, their accuracy was very disappointing.

I found that the 200gr. NP shot better than any other 200gr. bullet I tried and better than any 180 I tested in my 300RUM and that was more than just a few.

The NP's may not be as fashionable these days, but I've knocked the stuffin' out of a bunch of bulls since using these 200gr. NP's.

Due to case capacity, coupled with my choice of powder, I do use 180gr. bullets in my 300WSM as opposed to the 200 grainers.

Good luck....

My 300wm really liked the Federal premium 200gr,TBBC usally 3 touchin at 100yds was the norm, I just got tired of paying a Premium price for them!

The problem, if you want to call it that, with 200 gr. bullets in the 300 Win Mag is they take up too much powder space as you have to seat that long bullet quite a bit below the shoulder junction on most rifles, and you lose velocity by doing so..I shoot the 180s in my 300 Win. Mag. and 200s in my 30-06 and 300 H&H, both haveing longer necks than the short necked 300 W.M.

That said, the velocity you lose may not be a concern to you and I doubt that it makes as much difference as some claim...What I do know is the 200 gr. Noslers in any 300 magnum rifle seem to kill better than any other bullet I have used..If you only have the one 300 and its a Win Mag, then I would load them up with 200 gr. Noslers and shoot about anything that walks.

200 gr partitions penetrate forever...

I had a Winchester Model 70 in 300 Win Mag that loved 200 grain bullets. The only two bullets it would reliably shoot less than an inch were the Barnes 200 grain TSX in my handloads and the Swift A-Frame 200 grain in Remington Premium Safari Grade Factory Ammo. Not quite sure why except the throat was cut very deep on that rifle from the factory and bullets loaded to a maximum overall length were limited by the magazine. With the longer shank on the 200 grain bullets, perhaps it helped keep the bullet aligned as it met the lands. Just a guess.
Anyway, good luck!
Elk

LE:It's a very good guess.The M70 Classics I have messed with all had a long throat and, of course,30/06 -length magazine, limiting OAL. I think it is true that the 180-200 gr bullets shoot better in many M70's than the lighter bullets do because of that.Anyway, that has been my experience as well.

I'll let you know because I'll be shooting one in 300 win mag today with 165's.We'll see.

My only 300 WM really likes 200-gn bullets. It seems like a good match for the cartridge. That 2900 fps area, with a nice long bullet, is a good place to be- IMHO.

Good load, Jeff.