300 WSM Ramshot Hunter load data - where to start?

B

BearClan

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
4   0   0
Location
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Hello,

I'm hoping someone can provide me with guidance on loading 175 g Barnes LRXs for the 300 WSM using Ramshot Hunter data. Has anyone used this combination of components for this cartridge.

My issue is the published load data from Barnes, Ramshot, and Federal is so very different for this powder for similar weight, controlled expansion-type bullets. Specifically
1) Barnes' Min-Max loads for Barnes 175 LRXs/180 TTSXs are 65.3 g (vel: 2813 fps) - 72.5 g (vel: 3107)
2) Hodgdon's Min-Max loads for Barnes 180 TSX are 57.6 g (vel: 2664 fps) - 64.0 g (2960 fps)
3) Federal's Min - Max load for the 180 g Federal Trophy Bonded Tip is 63.0 g (2757 fps) - 67.0 g (2963 fps)

As I use the OCW in load development, the variances in Max load charges lead to very different test loads. Normally, I go with the bullet manufacturer's data, but the Barnes data seems so far off. Hoping that someone with experience with this combination of powder, bullet, and cartridge can share their thoughts/experiences.
 
So for the 180 TTSX my book goes from 60 grains at 2748fps to 64 Grains at 2963

Kq7PAWT.jpeg
 
From Hodgdon's Reload Centre :

https://hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center

175 GR. BAR BT-MB
CASE
WINCHESTER
PRIMER
WINCHESTER LRM, LARGE RIFLE MAGNUM
Starting Load Maximum Loads
Manufacturer Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure
Ramshot Hunter .308" 2.860 63.7 2,873 58,200 PSI 70.8 3,095 64,700 PSI

start 63.7 MAX 70.8 grs = 64700 PSI
 
Last edited:
I tested the following Hunter loads in my Sako M85 300WSM with the 175 LRXs in Hornady Brass using Fed215 primers (3-shot groups). I followed Barnes data but used 3112 fps as my max velocity (Why? I had copied the Barnes 175 LRX data BEFORE Barnes combined 175 LRX data with 180 TTSX data - comparing the data between these 2 bullets when using the same powders, the LRX always had a faster max velocities (approx. 20-30 fps faster, on average). As such, I used 3112 fps as my "conservative" max. safe velocity for Hunter powder.

RESULTS:
68.0 g Hunter - Ave. Vel. = 3036 fps with WIN Brass, Group = 2.780"; Ave. Vel. = 3057 fps with HOR Brass, Group = 1.726" Note: I also tried WIN Brass at my 68.0 g load to compare effect of different brass on velocity.
68.5 g Hunter - Ave. Vel. = 3074 fps, Group - 0.787"
69.0 g Hunter - Ave. Vel. = 3062 fps (Weird, but that was what my Magnetospeed recorded), Group = 2.488"
69.5 g Hunter - Ave. Vel. = 3090 fps, Group = 1.831
70.0 g Hunter - Ave. Vel. = 3107 fps, Group = 2.258

I did not witness any of the common high pressure indicators (i.e., experience no heavy bolt lift; primers looked fine), but most importantly, I did not exceed the book Max velocity for 180 g. Why is this most important? I primarily rely on velocity in my judgements of whether my loads are safe - as long as I don't exceed max velocity, I'm confident my loads are safe. In my experience, whenever I experienced tight-bolt lift, it occured well AFTER I exceeded published max velocities.

Despite my better judgement, I re-tested the 68.5 g load. As expected, the 0.787" was lucky - my re-test of this load ended up with a 2.583" group.

To conclude, I was perfectly fine in using the Barnes data even though it appears to be overly optimistic when compared with other sources of data.
 
I recently purchased 175 g Fed terminal ascents. The load data insert that came with with the bullets listed a Max load and velocity for 300 WSM as 69.5 g, 3045 fps, respectively in a 24" test barrel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom