Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Factory Ammo Choice for 300Win?

I am out of factory ammo for my Sako 75 in 300 Win. I have been using Remington Core-Lokt's, 180 gr. ever since I got the rifle, and it shoots them well. Also, I do not reload.

My question is, now that I am in need of more ammo, should I be considering anything else? I have an elk hunt in October, and I am deciding between my 300 Win and 257 Wby for my Barbary hunt in February. The Core-Lokt's have performed fine in the past. I haven't lost an animal (elk) yet, but then again, with draw odds being tougher every year for tags here in NM, it's not as if though I'm squeezing the trigger on an animal every other day either. Basically, I bought this gun for elk and have had 4 opportunities on bulls, and all 4 went down. 2 were DRT, while the other 2 took follow up shots.

The reason I bring up the Barbay hunt is because many people are telling me the 257 Wby isn't enough (I also have a 270, so that is an option, but I would like to see what the 257 is capable of) and that I should use my 300 Win. I guess the sheep are tougher than they look?

Anyhow, this is getting long winded, so here are my basic questions:

1) Should I leave well enough alone, and just stick with the 180gr Core Lokts?

2) The alternatives I am considering are the Hornady Superformance and the Barnes Vort-X. Are these worth the look?

3) Weight - Should I stick with 180gr, or should I entertain something lighter, like a 165 TTSX or Hornady SP 165 GMX?

4) Any other comments?

Thank you!

I'd stick with what you've already proven works rather than chase the latest fad bullet. That can be exhausting. I would recommend you step down to 165 though if you're going to try the TTSX.

I rarely shoot factory ammo unless I stumble on a deal. A couple years back I was given a gift certificate to Academy, so blew it on a box of the Vortx 300WM 180 TTSXs to try in a t3 and was well pleased with the results. That ammo gave groups in the .6s at 100 with an avg MV of 3060fps(above advertised). Not quite as accurate as some of my handloads in the rig, but plenty good enough for hunting.

Thanks for the replies!

So, is dropping down in weight for the TTSX a necessity, requiring greater velocity to perform? Or...does it just "need" less weight to get its job done, so I may as well take advantage of the lighter weights velocity?

I would think that 165gr. TTSX would be a fine choice, but that GMX is nothing to sneaze at either. I guess go with the one that shoots the best in your rifle.

I'm using these for my Barbary hunt

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/22...um-165-grain-trophy-bonded-tip-box-of-20

for your 300, i'd buy a box of federal premiums loaded with 180gr partitions, then shoot a few 3 shot groups. if you rifle shoots them reasonably well, i return to the store a buy a couple more boxes of the same lot number. i'd practice with the core-lokts and hunt with the partitions, at least for elk and larger stuff.

i'd take my 270win for sheep, and save the 257 for deer, hogs, etc.

ymmv.

I have the exact same rifle me and a buddy bought at the same time back in 1997. We use to shoot the Winchester Supreme Partition Golds in 180gr. Then we switched to the Accubonds in 2004. I reload AB's, he shoots factory. Most of my friends shoot the WS ammo. The XP3's would be another option. The WS is my preference for factory ammo. Next would be the Federal in AB's or TTSX's. Stick to the 180gr bullets. If you reload the 165's woulod be good too.

There are FACTORIES, that will make your ammo for you??? WOW! Who knew!

I have never shot an animal other than one modest black bear in about 1980 with a factory loaded round. But if I had to I would stock up on Barnes new VorTex line of ammo loaded with the 165 or 168gr Tipped Triple Shock, sight the rifle in and then never look back. Nothing that one would point a 30 cal at could not be taken handily with that bullet and load.

I shoot the TSX in my 257 Wby, and I really like the way they shoot. I had better luck with them than the Accubond, which bummed me out cuz I was really excited to try the Accubond's and see how they would perform. I guess this is why I had the Vor-Tx ammo on my list.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I've shot maybe half a dozen boxes of factory rifle ammo in 30+ years. Half of those were Federal Fusion - not fancy and not expensive but they've shot as good as any handloads I've concocted. These were 300wsm, 243win and 7mm wsm, not 300wm - but it wouldn't cost much to try.

I can't see a 180gr Fusion put in the right place on an elk not doing the job at any practical range...

I will probably go down the monolithic path for my sako A7 300WM... have a few boxes of factory loads (Federal Vital Shok with 160 gr TSX and barnes Vor Tx 180 gr TTSX) - then onc eI have enough brass will get a pal to reload with a 160 grain Nosler E tip.....should be just the ticket!!!

Gus

My son-in-law took hist first (and only) elk with a .300WM and Win 180g Power Points. The shot was 363 yards and it dropped like a rock (its midway between the tops of the aspens and the top of the trees on the far peak). I picked up a box of ammo for him to use on this year's hunt and it was another box of the same.




The main thing is placement. Use a load you shoot well and you should be OK.

Mine likes the 180gr. win powerpoint bullets too. Glad to know they work on elk too....

I shoot the Barnes VorTx in both my 7mm-08 and .270,it has been the best ,by far.

FYI-nosler custom ammo in 300 win mag 165 partitions just went on sale on the nosler site.
They were out of stock for months.
Bought 4 boxes yesterday.

Thanks again for all the replies! One thing for sure, there are definitely some solid choices out there.

For factory ammo look at the Remington Safari Grade with a 180gr Swift A-Frame.