Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum
So basically what you have observed is that the bullet coating improved speed SD and velocity. Is that correct? If so that is a very important observation. Please respond because I have other thoughts of practical significance.
The difference between the BD2 and SBD2 is essentially the ogival length which increases the BC and length of the bullet. That's why the SBD2 bullets need a tighter twist and in some instances a longer magazine especially with longer cases. They are better suited for magazine use in short/fat cases especially in medium length actions. Range and wind drift are significantly improved as a result of the high BC. If you want send me an email with your phone number and we can discuss further this issue.
You can use data published for similar weight bullets from any manual you want that has data for the case you have. I would caution anyone NOT TO START OUT WITH THE FASTEST LOAD LISTED. Seems obvious, but someone might try that and over pressure their gun. The prudent way is to take the first shot with a powder load close to the lowest charge listed and look for pressure signs such as primer flattening, heavy bolt lift or ejector marks. If no pressure signs are seen then increase the charge in 1 grain increments until some pressure signs are reached then back off 1-1.5 gr. Be sure bullet jump during this process is 0.025" off the lands.
In my 300 PRC the 195gr BD2 jams at 3.725" and I started load development at 3.675". In the same rifle the 205gr SBD2 jams at 3.888" and I started load development at 3.830". I have not settled on final loads yet, but I have found acceptable accuracy potential with both bullets so far.
This is excellent information, thank you! I will pick up both and see how it goes. I have a fair amount of Retumbo I plan on using. I figure before I invest in other powders I'll see how the Retumbo performs. Unfortunately I've got another 3-6 months before all my rifle components arrive. Chomping at the bit in the mean time.In my 300 PRC the 195gr BD2 jams at 3.725" and I started load development at 3.675". In the same rifle the 205gr SBD2 jams at 3.888" and I started load development at 3.830". I have not settled on final loads yet, but I have found acceptable accuracy potential with both bullets so far.
If you want to avoid single feeding and also want to avoid seating bullets past the case donut then the 195gr is your best bet IMO. Others here have also had good luck with that bullet in their 300 PRC.
If you load the 205gr to 3.770" you will be 6% past the case donut according to GRT. If you are using a mandrel then maybe that isn't a big problem for you. 6% isn't so far past that I would expect to have a lot of powder compression problems like you might in some smaller cartridges. If you are willing to try both the 195gr and 205gr then I think it's worth grabbing some of both. That is what I did
What powder are you planning on using? The first load I was working on was with N570, but given how I am almost out I had to switch to N565 for further testing. Both powders showed good accuracy potential. The only powder I would recommend avoiding in 300 PRC is Ramshot Magnum. I have found it has very low case fill in 300 PRC and very inconsistent ignition compared to other powders in the same rifle with same bullet.
Actually, i just learned one has been started in the Reloading section called Badlands BD2 loading data. You might find specific data there.
Quite true. Turning out to be very popular. Thought I'd direct readers to my FB page, George Fournier, where I posted a video produced by one of our customers, Todd Walchli who owns Divide Gun Company. I don't think he is s member of the LRH forum. Very talented guy. Used to fly Helicopters in AK. The video shows the terminal effect on a 5x5 Elk of a 145 gr 7mm BD2 bullet at 400 yds launched from a 7SAUM at 3185 fps. The bullet impact is in slo-mo and one can see the bullet's shock wave as it travels towards the Elk. Notice, no vapor trail as condensing water uses up energy.
What did the uncoated group look like with RL26?
Picked up decent gain. Question is, what's it worth the trouble to HBN coat the bullets?
Clearly the RL26 works
It's easy no trouble really for me.
Clearly your best group is with 91-93 gr RL-26. I would do 91.5 gr as you are just shy of 3100 fps with no ejector mark.
