Specfic load and bullet question - Now with range report

blacksmithden

blacksmithden

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I've got a Browning BAR Safari in 300 win mag on the way the BOSS barrel tuner and break on it.

For my other 300wm, I've been shooting IMR7828 and 180gr Speer Spitzers. That combination has been working well. It never really liked the RL22 for some reason.

I've got lots of 7828 left, as well as a healthy quantity of RL22. I know it's a stretch, but, might as well ask. I was just wondering if anyone else has this specific rifle, and what bullets/powder you've found worked well. I've never reloaded for a semi-auto magnum before.


Thanks in advance guys.
 
Last edited:
sunray said:
"...never reloaded for a semi-auto magnum..." Isn't any different than any other cartridge. FL resize and load.
Click to expand...

The usual spiel from HWKL, but loves to jump right in and comment.

Blacksmithden; In fact, you may find that in loading for your semi-auto, powders on the slightly "faster" spectrum of slow burners working best. [IMR & H 4350, IMR 4831, Vihtavuori N160, N204, etc] Only experimentation will tell the truth, of course. You will probably need to FL resize each time. and brass life will probably be a bit shorter than with a bolt action, but you should be able to find a great load for your BAR. Keep in mind, semi-autos like to be kept clean and free of any lube that may stiffen in cold weather or over time. Regards, Eagleye.
 
Good comments Eagleye.
I'm well known for not being a fan of semis, however, the BAR is an exception. A bit heavy, but reliable, and accurate.
My experience however, has been with the 270, and 338WM. Both of those cartridges did not require small base dies, and functioned well with the use of standard dies.
The owners did not use any different powders than they did with their other rifles, but then, the owners were not accuracy nuts. I think you'll find that like any other rifle, it may have it's own special load, it may not. Bit of experimenting is needed.
 
Well, the nice thing about the BAR with a BOSS on it is that you can tune the barrel to the ammo with the adjustable break. I've been shooting 68.5 grains of 7828 under a 180 grain Speer spitzer in my other 300wm because that was the most accurate. Now, a full pop load of that powder, in that cartridge is a max of 78 grains. 68.5 is actually below the starting load in some of my books. I might just stick with that, and mess with the barrel tuner....one load for 2 rifles would be nice. On the other hand, I might be able to get a little more punch out of the BAR and be able to tune it. Hey...maybe it won't work well with Speer spitzers, and I'll have to go to some other bullet. Who knows.

The only reason I'm asking if anyone has this specific gun, in this specific caliber, is that I'm looking for a possible starting point with a bullet and powder. If nobody has done a ton of experimenting with them, I guess it'll be just me and my load workup book. :D
 
Browning BAR

I had one of the first made in Belgium, I would use H4831 medium load from your loading manual. That rifle with the boss should reduce recoil substantially. They are the best of the semi's.
 
Ok...tried the 72 grains of 7828 under a 180 grain Hornaday flat bottom soft point. I'm really happy with this rifle. It shot 3 holes touching once and tight groups, 1 minute or less numerous times. It took a while to find the sweet spot with the BOSS adjustable break, but not that long.

The one thing I did try with this gun was firing it without hearing protection. I figured hey...I'm going to use this thing for hunting....I'm not going to be wearing hearing protection....HOLY SWEET BEJEEBUS !!!!! I couldn't believe how LOUD this thing is. I mean, I knew with the break, if there was someone beside me, they were going to take a hit, but the hit I took was almost not to be believed !! I thought I was going to start bleeding from the ears !!!! The straight/non drilled BOSS tuner will be going on it before ANYTHING else is done with load development.
 
"HEY TIMBERWOLFE, I FORGOT, GUNS ARE LOUD!"

I've never purposely shot without the ears on, but it's happened, usually when Timberwolfe is around, so it's his fault when I go deaf.
 
Glad it turned out well.
I know a guy with one of those rifle, he kept it in an outside rental storage locker for three years during his divorce proceedings. Never even looked at it. No special storage, just cleaned it, oiled it, and stood it in the corner in a cloth gun case.
I warned him, but was ignored. He got away with it. Light rust, and it shoots as good as ever. Impressive.
I never even considered a brake for my rifles. I've heard enough at the range, and I don't want to hunt with 'ears on'.
 
blacksmithden said:
The one thing I did try with this gun was firing it without hearing protection. I figured hey...I'm going to use this thing for hunting....I'm not going to be wearing hearing protection....HOLY SWEET BEJEEBUS !!!!! I couldn't believe how LOUD this thing is. I mean, I knew with the break, if there was someone beside me, they were going to take a hit, but the hit I took was almost not to be believed !! I thought I was going to start bleeding from the ears !!!! The straight/non drilled BOSS tuner will be going on it before ANYTHING else is done with load development.
Click to expand...

I was beside you with hearing protection. WOW! I felt the shot through my whole body :p
 
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