BAR 300WM which bullet weight to use?

Potshot21

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Howdy! I am finally at the point where I can shoot my BAR again and am not sure where to start to as far as bullet weight is concerned for this rifle. 300 win mag has a large selection of types and weights, so I'm interested in any factory loads that guys have found to be accurate in their rifles. I know not every rifle is the same, but hey it'll at least be a place to start.

Thanks for any help!
 
From the standpoint of accuracy, every individual rifle will have a preference for a specific load, be it it a factory load or a handload. If it was me, I'd choose a factory load that produced about 3000 fps, which suggests a 180 gr bullet, although many .300 magnum advocates prefer a 200 gr slug. That said, the bullet you choose should be based on it's intended purpose, rather than on the cartridge and rifle its fired from. Define the purpose (target/hunting medium/heavy/dangerous game, short/medium/long range) then choose the best bullet for that purpose.

The practical value of accuracy is dependent upon the range to the target, the longer the range, the more accurate the shot must be, but in discussions concerning typical big game hunting, the practical value of accuracy is often overstated. While it not the best example of typical hunting conditions, what difference does MOA accuracy make if you need to make a 10 yard snapshot offhand? The offset between the scope and the centerline of the bore is more critical in that circumstance. Despite this inconvenient truth, rifle enthusiasts gain a great sense of satisfaction if they can shoot tiny groups on paper, and it allows them to go afield confidently. If accuracy alone is the point of the exercise, simply choose a good match load, but if killing a game animal is the point of the exercise, terminal performance trumps other considerations. Nosler's Trophy Grade factory ammo includes a 180 gr Accubond, but the cost of Nosler ammo is intimidating if you're used to buying Federal blue box. If you're going to be a dedicated .300 Winchester shooter, handloading will be a huge benefit.
 
You're just going to have to try some factory ammo and find out what it likes. Start with 180 flat base bullets in a brand with decent brass. These days with brass shortages the salvage value can offset some of your expense. When you settle on a load buy lots. Something I've found about BARs is that they can be temperature sensitive. Base your accuracy testing on what it will do cold.
Not warm, or cold enough but cold. Use 180s for everything.

Leftovers and part boxes can be used up for offhand practice. Just the fact that you are using a BAR suggests that you are hunting in conditions where the ability to stand and deliver over-rides little details like mechanical precision or the colour of the ammo box. Actually it applies to a startling of hunting opportunities when I'm all geared for 5-600 shooting. Game pops up at what should be easy offhand range, and those that can will pound it and go home. Those that can't will go home and debate bushing sizes.
 
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