Bill Leeper 300 WSM

Gatehouse

Gatehouse

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Bill Leeper 300WSM

I finally got a chance to work up a load for my 300WSM. It’s built on a M70.

I used H4831, which I think may be just a touch too slow for this cartridge. The velocity was a little slower than what I expected it to be, but the accuracy is sure there. I was using Barnes 168 TSX bullets.

This is a load work up. It has 7 shots fired at the same target, all different powder charges. This is a quick and easy way to check for velocity, pressure and to see if your chosen load has a good chance to work properly.

This target was shot with:

65gr
66gr
67gr
67.5gr
68gr
68.5gr
69gr

All 7 shots went into a group under an inch.


f31a6cf5.jpg


Like I said, velocity was a little lower than I expected. 68.5gr was about 3000fps, and 69 gr was about 3050fps.

At 69gr, I got some pressure signs, so I stopped. Previously, I was able to get similar velocities with 180gr bullets, so that’s why I think that something a little faster may be in order. But frankly, I doubt it matters if the bullet is going 2950 or 3100 fps… :wink:
 
Man
you sure got it going on there, I would take care of that one , a sweet shooter indeed. I sure would love to see it group a 5 string with the same charge, and maybe stretch its legs, and see what it does at 300. You can get barnes to shoot that good, your set :D
Frank
 
Gatehouse,

I am currently having the same velocity "problems" with my Tikka T3 in .300WSM. Load was developed as:

70gr H4831SC
168gr Barnes TSX
Fed GM215M primer
Win brass
2.899OAL (longest I can go w/ the Tikka)

group size: 1.04" (4 shot) @ 27°C, no wind.
velocity: 2899 w/ no pressure signs

Planning on trying out H4350 And RL19 and possibly H414 (currently have all 3 powders)

I would like to see velocities in the 3100ft/sec range.

If you manage to "crack the code" - let us know.

Cheers.

A_1
 
Gatehouse,

That is one accurate rifle (not a bad shooter either :wink: ). A Leeper.......I am jealous. With that rifle you could probably load with almost any powder and bullet combo and it would group like that :wink: Maybe post a pic or two of that baby.

Jacky
 
A1 I was expecting to get to about 3100fps as well.

I think that 4350 and RL-19 may be the powders to try.

Although, readign Hodgon Data for the 168gr bullet, they only get to 3015fps with 69.5gr of H4831. I got 3018 with 69grs, but the bolt was getting a little stiff. Since I am getting close to 3000fps (2995) with 68.5gr, with no bolt lift problems, I think that is reasonable.

The fastest velocity they have for 168gr bullet is 3074 with 65gr H414.

I have a feeling that much of the other data form some other companies is 'optimistic.' :wink:

What is odd, though, is that I previously got the same velocities with 180gr Partitions. Perhaps it is just the TSX bullet, as I couldn't find any Barnes data for the 300WSM.
 
What is odd, though, is that I previously got the same velocities with 180gr Partitions. Perhaps it is just the TSX bullet, as I couldn't find any Barnes data for the 300WSM.
Click to expand...

Barnes basically just said "use the 165XBT load data" and increase the charge a few grains, if you feel the need. I would of thought, given the lower bearing surface area of the TSX that it would be pretty easy to push real fast. :oops: I think the key may be in going to a quicker powder ala RL19 or H4350 (or even the notoriously filthy H414.) In the past I've even pushed the 180 barnes XBT's quicker than I'm throwing these bloody TSX's. But on the upside, the TSX's seem to hit what I'm aiming at - and do a real nice job on 3/4" mild steel plate. 8)
 
The Barnes manual lists 73 gr of H4831 as the max load for the 168 XFB for 3111.
the Minimum load is 68 for 2898. If you are getting pressure signs at 69 grains with the tsx, I sure wouldn't want to try the max with a plain naked X bullet. It lists reloder 19, IMR 4831 and big game as the best powders.

Your target sure has the look of a nice rifle though.
 
I did try the IMR4831 w/ some 200gr Accubonds. I think I still have some left...
Will let y'all know how it goes.
 
How temperature stabel is IMR 4831?

Last time I used it (in a 7RM IIRC) the velocities where pretty high in the summer, but dropped alot when it got cold. :cry:

It has been at least 6 years since that, I haven't used that powder much.
 
I had the best results to date with a Sako 300WSM using H414 over 180 grain accubonds... 2960fps ... groups were not as tight as yours Gate but they were MOA no problem.
 
That's damn good for 7 different charges Gate. 8)

Not a hunting rifle but the 300WSM Bill Leeper built for me is outstandingly accurate. It was made off a Savage action and groups in the .3's for every group I don't make an obvious mistake and then it only stretches to .4's. Outside to outside minus hole diameter, which are only .291 in the paper I'm using. No coffee :!:

I worked up 64.0 to 68.0gr of H4831SC with 190MK's and couldn't tell which load was the best :D Yes its way better than me, that's exactly what I was hoping for. I have some more loaded up to 69.0 to test out but didn't get the chance yet.

Yes, I will be taking it hunting, I just can't resist.
 
I have been using this as a guide, if you exhaust bullet weights,switch maker, Sierra are very very good, better than Nosler, less fliers, and Barnes can surprise you in the right gun , correct twist, lands, its weird with the x bullets
Frank
 
Salty said:
You could just stick with this combo Gate. Throw away your scales and use the cases as a powder dipper :mrgreen:
Click to expand...

Yeah, you are probably right. For this year, anyway. I am running out of time to play with loads... :D
 
Levi Garrett said:
I have been using this as a guide, if you exhaust bullet weights,switch maker, Sierra are very very good, better than Nosler, less fliers, and Barnes can surprise you in the right gun , correct twist, lands, its weird with the x bullets
Frank
Click to expand...

I have always managed to get excellent accuracy out of X bullets.

I've loaded them for 3 30-06, 2 7RM, 2 270 1 300WM and now this 300WSM.

It's usually in the seatig depth. Seat the bullets as they instruct and 90% of the time, they will shoot. :wink:
 
Try a box of factory 165s or 168s and clock the velocity to see how "fast" your rifle is.

In any case you may find it hard to match factory velocities as we don't have access to the same powders the factory uses.
 
[quote='Boo]Try a box of factory 165s or 168s and clock the velocity to see how "fast" your rifle is.

In any case you may find it hard to match factory velocities as we don't have access to the same powders the factory uses.[/quote]

Yeah, i thought about that after I got home- I have some factory fialsafes (180gr) I think I clocked them at about 2950m but that was pre new barrel! :D

I'll try them tonight.
 
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