I have a question for the more experienced reloaders here. I have a browning BLR in 300 win mag. My best load for it so far is 77 grains of H1000 with a 180 grain Hornady SST using federal brass and federal magnum primers. groups are not great. 2.5" at 100 yds. i have tried other 180 grain projectiles with similar results. Im wondering if i should change the Powder or change the Projectile? If i change the Bullet i would consider going up to 200grains or more if you think it would help. its a hunting rifle and my range is usually no further than 300-400 yrds, but in my heart of hearts i feel like it should be getting a better group than it currently does. Twist rate is 1 in 10. My thinking is a should change one variable at a time so i don't end up going on a wild goose chase of powders and bullets. any impout would be greatly appreciated.
300 win mag load question
- Thread starter pescador
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- In the shadows of the Rockies
Limitations of the BLR trigger with its excess take-up and heavy pull could affect accuracy. Nowhere near as precise as my Sako 85 single set trigger for example.
Might consider a systematic approach to finding accurate loads for your rifle -
"Test Rounds for Accuracy
It’s a well known fact that some rifles shoot poorly until fed one specific load. Something about the combination of powder charge and bullet shape/weight/construction combine to maximize accuracy. Finding this load should be every hunter’s first step toward hunting and shooting precision. And here’s how to do it.
First, select your three or five favorite loads/bullets and buy a box of each. To save $, just get two at a time and pit the winner against a new load later. Use the excess “inaccurate” loads for field practice. Don’t be afraid to get bullets heavier and lighter than you might prefer. Game animals rarely notice the difference between 130, 140, 150 and 160-grain bullets, but your rifle might..."
https://www.norma.cc/us/About-Norma/...-for-accuracy/
Might consider a systematic approach to finding accurate loads for your rifle -
"Test Rounds for Accuracy
It’s a well known fact that some rifles shoot poorly until fed one specific load. Something about the combination of powder charge and bullet shape/weight/construction combine to maximize accuracy. Finding this load should be every hunter’s first step toward hunting and shooting precision. And here’s how to do it.
First, select your three or five favorite loads/bullets and buy a box of each. To save $, just get two at a time and pit the winner against a new load later. Use the excess “inaccurate” loads for field practice. Don’t be afraid to get bullets heavier and lighter than you might prefer. Game animals rarely notice the difference between 130, 140, 150 and 160-grain bullets, but your rifle might..."
https://www.norma.cc/us/About-Norma/...-for-accuracy/
Load seems light to me. I'm running just over 78 grains of H1000 with 208Gr ELDs...
Don't just choose a load at random, work your way up testing as you go. You'll find some things work better then others, refine, try it again, rinse and repeat until you are happy with the results.
Don't just choose a load at random, work your way up testing as you go. You'll find some things work better then others, refine, try it again, rinse and repeat until you are happy with the results.
I use a lot of H1000 with 180s and 190s in .300 Wins. The load comes in at 80-81 grains; regular as clockwork. It'll likely wake you up in a BLR.
*H1000 got its name by being Hodgdon's 1000 yard powder for the .300.
*H1000 got its name by being Hodgdon's 1000 yard powder for the .300.
Ok so some more info on my gun and my load. I started at 75 grains and worked up by .5 grains to 81 and 77 was the best group
This was shot off a lead sled and my gun has had a trigger job to correct the horrendous factory trigger. So my input was minimal on the gun when I grouped it. I realize it isn't a precision rifle but I think it should group a bit better
Lots of you guys are suggesting changin powder so I think this where I will start. 4831 is available to me so it seems like the logical choice
This was shot off a lead sled and my gun has had a trigger job to correct the horrendous factory trigger. So my input was minimal on the gun when I grouped it. I realize it isn't a precision rifle but I think it should group a bit better
Lots of you guys are suggesting changin powder so I think this where I will start. 4831 is available to me so it seems like the logical choice
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
The obvious thing. Optics and mounts checked? Your best more closely resembles a pattern so best start there.
I use 180s in 3006. My default projectile is Nosler partition, the accubond is okay as well.
I use 180s in 3006. My default projectile is Nosler partition, the accubond is okay as well.
Assuming that the shooter is taken out of the equation the BLR could be difficult to make shoot well if it does not show any hope from the
get go compared to a bolt action but it should do better than 2.5".
An old standby has been IMR 7828 powder and IMR and H 4350.
Good Luck
bb
get go compared to a bolt action but it should do better than 2.5".
An old standby has been IMR 7828 powder and IMR and H 4350.
Good Luck
bb
YES!!!
You could load the current bullet with a different powder and load the current powder with a different bullet. A couple different powder charges of each variation (3 loads in 0.5gr increments) and look for a combo that looks like it is trying to group better.
Take some of your current load along, too, for comparison.
It would be most important that you let the barrel cool between strings, and use a spotting scope to watch the group form, in case the first 3 shots are good and then the group opens.
I 2nd this. I've never cared if a rifle shot well in a lead sled, because when I shoot it, it won't be off a lead sled... I do my load development how I intend to shoot the rifle (prone, bench, bipod, off a pack, etc)
Only reason i use the sled is to remove human error from the equation. When i just target practice i shoot prone, sitting or standing, just like i hunt. Im searching for the most accurate load for my rifle not for my poor aim.....
Thanks guys all the info is appreciated. i got some 4831sc from a friend and may consider a new projectile. not an easy undertaking but ill try and have fun with it in the meantime. Question: the gun is relatively new. does a barrel have a "break in periode" after which it becomes more accurate? someone suggested this to me and was wondering if there was any truth to it? thanks again
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I disagree. Your trying to find what the rifle takes. Take the Indian out of.the equation, dealing with the arrow.
Going from H1000 to 4831sc seems a big jump. Check out the burn rate chart, if for nothing else.....a plan c.
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