favorite 300 rum loads for elk

[bigshot]

I shot two, three shot groups. The second was slightly larger .274 inches. Average velocity from my chrony was 3,156 fps, 200 grain Nos. Accubond, 92grns of RL-25, 26 inch tube.

The Barnes 180 grain, TTSX, pushed by 100 grains of Retumbo, did much better too. They grouped .320 and .332 inches, velocity was an amazing 3,502 fps. I will be ordering custom (CDS) dials for each load.

[Colorado Cowboy]

IMHO 5 shot groups are a waste of ammo. 3 shot groups is all I do, sometimes just 2 shots will do.

[Bitterroot Bulls]

bigshot,

If you are pushing 180s to 3500 you are exceeding safe pressures for that cartridge, even if you are not seeing the telltale signs on the brass.

That is excellent accuracy you are getting.

CC,

I also prefer 3 shot groups, but I like to get an average from several groups, as one or two can sneak by that are smaller (or bigger) than normal.

[Drhorsepower]

bigshot,

If you are pushing 180s to 3500 you are exceeding safe pressures for that cartridge, even if you are not seeing the telltale signs on the brass.

That is excellent accuracy you are getting.

CC,

I also prefer 3 shot groups, but I like to get an average from several groups, as one or two can sneak by that are smaller (or bigger) than normal.

I agree. I shoot 3 - 3 shot groups. Throw out the worst and average the two

[Bitterroot Bulls]

The Barnes 180 grain, TTSX, pushed by 100 grains of Retumbo, did much better too. They grouped .320 and .332 inches, velocity was an amazing 3,502 fps. I will be ordering custom (CDS) dials for each load.

bigshot, I just checked my Barnes Number 4 Reloading manual (the most recent). It has data for the 180 TSX and 180 MRX listing the max charge of Retumbo at 93 grains! The max velocities for all powders range from 3089 to 3180. I had a bad experience once (only a stuck/ruptured case thankfully) from pushing a 270 WSM too fast. be careful.

[Drhorsepower]

And chrono your shots before ordering a turret. You will be surprised the difference between book speed and actual speed.

[Bitterroot Bulls]

DrH,

I believe he did use a chrono, as there isn't a manual out there that I know of that shows 3500 for a 180 of any type out of a 300 RUM.

Other than specialized pressure-measuring equipment, the chronograph is the best pressure testing tool available, IMO. If you are way over max speeds, you are likely way over max pressure, typically.

[Elkoholic307]

As far load testing goes, I also shoot 3 shot groups. For me, 5 shot groups just adds additional presure on the shooter and lends itself to shooter error. With adequate cooling between shots, a 3 shot group should tell you all you need to know. IMO

During load development when I'm looking for pressure signs and accuracy, I shoot 3 shot groups of many different powder charges. Once I hone in on what I think is going to be an accurate load, I shoot 5. 5 shots tell me a lot more than just 3.

[packer58]

During load development when I'm looking for pressure signs and accuracy, I shoot 3 shot groups of many different powder charges. Once I hone in on what I think is going to be an accurate load, I shoot 5. 5 shots tell me a lot more than just 3.

I have been handloading for many years and have never understood the advantage of 5 shot groups over 3 shot groups, maybe i'm missing something. I'm not trying to start an argument here but let me run this by you.

Your first shot during load testing starts with a clean / cold barrel unless you fire a spoiler first. Your second shot is sent down range a few minutes later trying to keep consistant barrel temps. Your third shot a few minutes later, again trying to maintain constant barrel temps.
What additional information are you getting from the two extra shots that wasn't apparent in the first three, again, i'm just asking a question here and hopefully i'l learn something.

[Colorado Cowboy]

One thing to remember is that not all rifles will shoot the same place with a clean barrel. My .300 Wby has to have a round shot after the barrel has been cleaned to put it back where it was before. My 25-05 doesn't care one bit if the barrel is clean or not. You need to know your rifle.