Can you load a .300 Win Mag light like a .308?

[p.Rundle]

You do realize you're in the Reloading section right? So advising the OP to go buy another gun when what he has can be downloaded seems a little foolish at best. Harold

He said in his OP that he owns a .308 in addition to the .300

 

[Ganderite]

My data above was for the 208 Amax.

If you are plinking with a 300, then lighter and cheaper bullets would be better. 150 to 170 gr bullets and a faster powder, like 3031 to 4895 in speed would make good ammo. Start your loads fairly hot, say 56 gr., and then work down increments, towards 48 gr., looking for less recoil and seeing if accuracy drops off.

I would be concerned about all that empty space causing pressure variations. A magnum primer might help, and lots of crimp on the bullet.

Check this: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/...tent=2017-06-24&utm_campaign=Weekly+Newslette

 

[todbartell]

somewhere between 55 and 60grs H4895 should push a 178gr BTHP to 2750 fps from a 24" 300wm. I'd probably just use the 308 rather than neutering the 300wm

 

[Astute Observer]

He said in his OP that he owns a .308 in addition to the .300

You make a good point, absolutely! But my eventual intent would be to sell the .308 and the .308 dies, and focus on one rifle. I don't have much need of two .30 cal precision rifles.

If you are plinking with a 300, then lighter and cheaper bullets would be better. 150 to 170 gr bullets and a faster powder, like 3031 to 4895 in speed would make good ammo.

Thanks - I have a supply of 168 gr BTHP .30 cals that would work as you suggest. And definitely magnum primers, I wouldn't want to risk incomplete ignition when there's some empty space in the casing. I don't know if it's a common problem, but it's theoretically possible, and I can reduce that possibility with magnum primers.

 

[Neilm]

As Gander says lots of crimp on the case really helps.

 

[boxhitch]

recalling this with interest.

I don't have much need of two .30 cal precision rifles.

Likely won't be precision with reduced loads from what I have read.

What did you figure for a load?

 

[VinnyQC]

I have a 300wsm instead of 300WM, but anything over 75% of max charge of H4895 gives me decent groups at 100m (~1MOA, using campro, so my guess is the bullet is what limits the accuracy).

The loads published by Hodgdon is 51 to 54.5 grains (velocity is 2919 to 3018fps). They suggest to use 60% or more of the max load of H4895 for reduced loads.
If I use 34 grains of powder (62.4%), I obtain a velocity of 1951fps. The drop at 100m is insane and the group is big. I don't consider this a load that "works".
If I use 40 grains of powder (73.4%), I obtain a velocity of 2213fps and 1.5MOA 5-shot group.
If I use 45 grains of powder (82.7%), I obtain a velocity of 2508fps and 1.3MOA 5-shot group.

H4895 seems to be THE powder for reduced loads. At least for small range. The groups might open up at longer range.

 

[MRP]

SR4759 is my go to pouder for slower loads.

 

[BigUglyMan]

Sell both and buy a 308 that you really like. You're only shooting the 300 because of looks. It's more rifle than you need so flush it. You don't like the 308's look - flush it. Then get on the hunt for the right 308.