Help Pick a Load

[live2huntmt]

I need all your advice on what powder/bullet combo's I should start with on 2 rifles

Rifle # 1
Tikka T3 Lite 300 WSM (1:11 twist 24.375")
Powder Options: H4350, H4831SC, RL-17, RL-19, & IMR 7828SSC
Bullet Options: 190 ABLR, 210 ABLR, 215 Hybrid

I am wanting to feed this thru the factory magazine and am limited to 2.890"

Rifle # 2
Rem 700 BDL 300 RUM (1:10 twist 26")
Powder Options: H1000, Retumbo, RL-33
Bullet Options: 210 ABLR, 215 Hybrid, 230 Hybrid, 230 OTM

I have no problems single feeding this. 3.936" should get me .015" off the lands w/ 230 Hybrid Target.


I ran all the numbers in quickload and am driving myself nuts trying to pick one to start with. If it was up to you...where would you start?

 

[mountainman56]

Can't offer any advise on the 300 WSM but on the RUM I would start with the 230 hybrids 015 back and 95 grains of RL33.

 

[Barrelnut]

I believe the 210 LRAB and 215 Hybrid would require a 10 twist in the 300 WSM. I have used RL17 and H4350 with good results with bullets up to the Berger 210 VLD from a 10 twist barrel. RL17 is the speed king and accuracy king but temp sensitive. H4350 is slower almost as accurate but not temp sensitive. I think 180 gr bullets would be good in the 11 twist Tika.

 

[live2huntmt]

Can't offer any advise on the 300 WSM but on the RUM I would start with the 230 hybrids 015 back and 95 grains of RL33.

I am at the range right now doing a ladder test from 98.5gr to 103.5gr of RL33 .015" off the lands w/ 230 Hybrids! It is looking very promising from 99.5-101.5......1.3" vertical and .8" horizontal node @ 300 yards...chrono speeds: 99.5 - 3016 100.5 - 2989 101.5 - 3115

 

[TikkaShooters]

One of our guys found a .36" node with his T3 300WSM using 208 amax's, Win brass, BR2's, and 64.5 grains of R17 at SAAMI spec length (dopes out around 2950fps). It's a warm load for cold weather, and needs to worked up to, but it might be worth doing a slightly lower ladder with R17 & the 215's.

Our guy hasn't gotten around to testing the Bergers yet...

 

[Punisher]

On the 300 wsm. 168 grains is your bullet at standard for 1/11" twist, I believe. So use the 190's with r-19 to start.

On the magnum: 215 hybrids.

Try Retumbo with any of those bullets. It should give you the best velocity and at least 1/2 minute accuracy. Most guys say they gain 100 fps or more when switching to Retumbo. It will save you some wind dope later.

 

[live2huntmt]

I am going to start with the 190 ABLR's in the T3 300 WSM but am still debating which powder to start with. I am leaning toward RL-17

 

[Rick Richard]

I have had great results with RL17 and Berger 185 Hybrids out of a Savage 300 WSM. However as mentioned, it is a bit temp sensitive.

 

[A_Baker]

Just getting started in reloading and I don't mean to hijack this thread but I have a few questions...what is a ladder test amd what are the nodes y'all refer too?

 

[brentc]

I am going to start with the 190 ABLR's in the T3 300 WSM but am still debating which powder to start with. I am leaning toward RL-17

RL17 is a great powder for this combo. Another one is 7828ssc. You should be able to drive the 190s to 3050 fps with RL17. Some say it's temp sensitive, some say it's not all that bad. I say it's pretty good if you keep it under 85*F

Start at 63.5 grains and run it up to 66.0 looking for accuracy and pressure.

 

[prm]

+1 for RL17

 

[live2huntmt]

RL17 is a great powder for this combo. Another one is 7828ssc. You should be able to drive the 190s to 3050 fps with RL17. Some say it's temp sensitive, some say it's not all that bad. I say it's pretty good if you keep it under 85*F

Start at 63.5 grains and run it up to 66.0 looking for accuracy and pressure.

63.7gr of RL17 is a max charge according to Quickload with a 190gr ABLR @ 2.890" with my Norma brass case capacity measured 81.150 gr H2O in a 2.084" case. Do you think I should start that close to Max?

 

[brentc]

63.7gr of RL17 is a max charge according to Quickload with a 190gr ABLR @ 2.890" with my Norma brass case capacity measured 81.150 gr H2O in a 2.084" case. Do you think I should start that close to Max?

The Tikka's generally end up about a grain higher on the final loads than other makes. Start lower if you feel like you need to.

 

[upacreek]

Just getting started in reloading and I don't mean to hijack this thread but I have a few questions...what is a ladder test amd what are the nodes y'all refer too?

Go to the reloading section index. The sticky at the top referring to ladder test might help.