So I'm trying to figure out what I want to use for a bullet in my Tikka t3x in 300 win mag for hunting out to 500m and maybe some target shooting past there just cause. I'm leaning towards the accubond LR in either 168gr or 190gr but wanted to know what other people like to use or have experience with. 1-11" twist in the tikka rifles so a lot of the heavier stuff is likely a no go.
Long range hunting bullet selection
- Thread starter Freyr_255
- Start date
You really aren’t stretching it that far.
LRAB’s give a good account of themselves, but also has a host of other pills too.
Myself I’d load some 180 or 200 Partition’s for sub 300yd work, and a run of the mill 180 or 200 regular AB for the longer stuff.
FWIW you’ll stabilize up to 200’s just fine with a 1 in 11” twist.
LRAB’s give a good account of themselves, but also has a host of other pills too.
Myself I’d load some 180 or 200 Partition’s for sub 300yd work, and a run of the mill 180 or 200 regular AB for the longer stuff.
FWIW you’ll stabilize up to 200’s just fine with a 1 in 11” twist.
Just to clarify, I'm looking for thoughts on an accurate bullet with good terminal performance at 500m on a moose sized animal. I already have close range loadings (180 hot cores), I just don't have any experience with hunting bullet terminal performance at longer ranges(or the long range bullets themselves) and calculators only get one so far. Actually part of this is I'm running out of hot cores and it doesn't seem like they're available anymore in 180gr, so I figured it was time to up the loading to something with better ballistics while I was at it.
I was tossing around just the regular accubonds as well, but frankly they're more expensive it seems. Which is odd...one would think the newer technology would be and the older would drop in price, but it doesn't seem to be the case. As well I wanted to try my hand at going longer range on paper, which my understanding of Hornady's findings were that past 500 the polymer tip was a problem with melting and causing destabilization. Although I don't know if the new accubonds have corrected this or just the long range ones.
MRP, how did the Hornady perform terminally? I assume those are just a standard cup and core, yes?
I was tossing around just the regular accubonds as well, but frankly they're more expensive it seems. Which is odd...one would think the newer technology would be and the older would drop in price, but it doesn't seem to be the case. As well I wanted to try my hand at going longer range on paper, which my understanding of Hornady's findings were that past 500 the polymer tip was a problem with melting and causing destabilization. Although I don't know if the new accubonds have corrected this or just the long range ones.
MRP, how did the Hornady perform terminally? I assume those are just a standard cup and core, yes?
The 1-11” shouldn’t be a problem, but the short Tikka mag might be. I like the ABLRs but have ‘t had much luck getting them to shoot with that kind of jump. For the relatively close ranges youre talking don’t rule out ordibary Accubonds and Ballistic tips.
Ya I was looking at that today and it seems like the long bullets might have an issue as they're a little tight. Honestly not a fan of tikka mags as I bought a 5 round one to replace the 3 it came with when I got the gun and it still only holds 4. $100 well spent...
Frankly I don't consider the energy left past 500m to be ethical to hunt with using the 300 win unless it's smacking varmints or predators. Yes you could hunt out past there on larger stuff, but it's just not my style as it's dropping below 1800 ft-lbs. Plus there's nothing worse than f-ing up and having to walk a long way before you can start tracking. After which nothing will go smoothly... lol!
That said I was thinking I wouldn't mind punching paper or ringing steel past there, which is why I was looking at the long range/vld class of bullets. I wouldn't mind stepping out to 1000m with this gun if I get an accurate enough loading, but given my constraints, that's a big if. But anywhere out pasat 500 really is ok. I live in the middle of nowhere so it's just a fun thing to do with friends or on a sunny summer day. Since I don't like multiple loads on my hunting rifles, I was going for something that would cover all the bases if I could rather than getting all my long range practice in with a different round that flies different. I'm actually considering the hornady VLD-X in 178gr, but once again it's that bloody long profile and I'm uncertain on it's close range performance being a cup and core.
Rambling aside, have you had better luck with just the straight accubonds when you have a shorter OAL constraint? Realistically looking at the mag I don't think I can go above SAAMI spec for length and have them feed reliably. Maybe 10 thousandths but that would be pushing it I think.
If its just about doing some long range target shooting, using your Tikka as a single shot wouldn’t be the end of the world if it comes to that.
There’s plenty of good reasons to use 500 ish range as a cut-off, so I won’t argue that. On the other hand; if it is just about keeping 1800 fps of energy, then I feel like mentioning that my own 190 ABLR load will take that out to 775 more or less. Just sayin’
. Used that for some red deer herd reduction shooting, but not on anything as big as a moose.The farther you push things down the high BC road the touchier they tend to get for getting them to shoot. Back off to something like a Ballistic Tip or Accubond and it sometimes seems lime you can’t do anything wrong. There isn’t a moose in the world that I wouldn’t shoot with a 180 Ballistic Tip or Accubond.
If its just about doing some long range target shooting, using your Tikka as a single shot wouldn’t be the end of the world if it comes to that.
There’s plenty of good reasons to use 500 ish range as a cut-off, so I won’t argue that. On the other hand; if it is just about keeping 1800 fps of energy, then I feel like mentioning that my own 190 ABLR load will take that out to 775 more or less. Just sayin’
The farther you push things down the high BC road the touchier they tend to get for getting them to shoot. Back off to something like a Ballistic Tip or Accubond and it sometimes seems lime you can’t do anything wrong. There isn’t a moose in the world that I wouldn’t shoot with a 180 Ballistic Tip or Accubond.
Words of Wisdom, right here!!!
Dave
The Tikka long action cartridges all share the same magazine. The extended mag holds 5 rounds of 25-06, 270 Win, 30-06, and 4 rounds of 7mm Mag / 300wm / 338wm
As for a 500 yard hunting bullet for an 11 twist 300wm, I'd go with the Nosler 180gr Accubond. It will work great near or far
If its just about doing some long range target shooting, using your Tikka as a single shot wouldn’t be the end of the world if it comes to that.
There’s plenty of good reasons to use 500 ish range as a cut-off, so I won’t argue that. On the other hand; if it is just about keeping 1800 fps of energy, then I feel like mentioning that my own 190 ABLR load will take that out to 775 more or less. Just sayin’
The farther you push things down the high BC road the touchier they tend to get for getting them to shoot. Back off to something like a Ballistic Tip or Accubond and it sometimes seems lime you can’t do anything wrong. There isn’t a moose in the world that I wouldn’t shoot with a 180 Ballistic Tip or Accubond.
Appreciate the candor. I've never played with the high BC bullets before so really it's good to know that they tend to be fussy. But then again, this is why I ask before jumping in, because a bullet calculator and basic information doesn't give you real world practicality for both getting an accurate load, or actual flight characteristics/velocity. I've done enough learning the expensive way and have a stack of bullets and such that aren't doing anything to attest to that lol! From just a specs perspective, the Accubond LR has better flight characteristics and is cheaper than the regular accubond, which is why I was going to go with them.
And yes I could feed single shot, but frankly this is a hunting rifle first, not a bench rest gun. I'm not trying to get every last millimetre of group out of it, just wanting to play with what I use as I already have more guns than I shoot regularly. So I guess it's me trying to just get back to the days of knowing my rifles really well so I can use them for anything rather than blowing off 50rnds trying to remember how it shoots before doing something with it.
I guess next question, does anyone have any other suggestions for bullets? I know I started off on accubonds but half the point was to get suggestions to look at. I kinda like the price tag on the Hornady ELD-X which is bloody tempting, but then I remember this is a 300 win and under 100m I'm sure they'll...come unglued...Lol! But then again...not the end of the world, just messy. Although if they have the same fussy tendency of what you're describing regarding VLD bullets then I'll probably run into the same issue with getting them to shoot well.
Ya I figured this out the hard way lol! It would have been good to know before purchase as it clearly lists 5rnd on the package and I don't remember it having a different listing for the belted magnums regarding capacity. Then again this was like 3-4 years ago so I don't remember exactly. I'd have to look at a new package to see if they do list them separately.
rifleman762
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Alberta
I've killed a few animals with the 200gr ELD-X in my 300 WM. Furthest was a black bear at 530 yards. First shot passed through the front leg and stopped in the chest cavity after making a huge entry hole. The second shot was steeply quartering away and tucked in just behind the ribs. It also stopped in the chest cavity but with a tiny entry hole - hardly any bruising around it.
Closest broadside chest shot was a whitetail deer at 200 yards. That had a bit of brushing at the entry hole (between two ribs) and a messy exit wound. Not many bullet fragments inside the deer and it was a bang-flop, unlike any deer I've lung shot with an Accubond.
Closest shot with the ELD-X was a moose at 100 yards. My brother had already shot it in the lungs but it was heading uphill into dense brush so I shot it in the spine at a steep angle. It didn't make it through the spine (bullet disintegrated) but the moose dropped on its butt!
I've also used 180gr Accubonds on one moose before I started reloading. It was 460 yards away and died plenty quick, as far as moose go. Walked around for a bit, stumbled, and laid down. I think out to 500 you would be fine using an Accubond, honestly. With any of the softer bullets you have to be careful not to punch big bones at closer range. With a solid copper bullet you'd give up expansion and damage at further distances. A bonded bullet is probably your best bet.
Closest broadside chest shot was a whitetail deer at 200 yards. That had a bit of brushing at the entry hole (between two ribs) and a messy exit wound. Not many bullet fragments inside the deer and it was a bang-flop, unlike any deer I've lung shot with an Accubond.
Closest shot with the ELD-X was a moose at 100 yards. My brother had already shot it in the lungs but it was heading uphill into dense brush so I shot it in the spine at a steep angle. It didn't make it through the spine (bullet disintegrated) but the moose dropped on its butt!
I've also used 180gr Accubonds on one moose before I started reloading. It was 460 yards away and died plenty quick, as far as moose go. Walked around for a bit, stumbled, and laid down. I think out to 500 you would be fine using an Accubond, honestly. With any of the softer bullets you have to be careful not to punch big bones at closer range. With a solid copper bullet you'd give up expansion and damage at further distances. A bonded bullet is probably your best bet.
Leatherstocking
CGN Regular
- Location
- BC Rockies
Barnes bullets?
No experience with 30 cal or moose, but these perform well for me: 150 grn TTSX in 7mm.
No experience with 30 cal or moose, but these perform well for me: 150 grn TTSX in 7mm.
My 2 cents,
Federal Trophy Bonded Tip is something that worked very well for me last year. I love the Accubonds however in time I may love these more. For my rifle and moderate tuned load development, the TBT has been a bit more accurate and terminal performance - albeit one white tail buck - can't be ignored by myself. I've got a thread on here somewhere if you are interested.
Tried them simply because they appeared in technology and performance to be a descendant of the "Bear Claws" that I was witness to on a hunting trip. Price is a little less than Accubonds which was appealing enough to spend time on development and try in the field. I don't regret the effort on this bullet one bit, and my freezer don't either.
Like your considerations and have had similar thoughts.
Have fun with your choice, whatever it turns out to be.
Regards
Ronr
For the Tikka the standard 3.34" magazine is not a detriment to hunting accuracy, so load magazine length.
I have both 30-06 and 300wm and use the 200 NAB for hunting, both are accurate enough for big game.
Any deficiency in BC is dealt with by ranging and dialing, so no biggy.
Using the ELD-X is fine as long as it is operating in its zone, typically 18-2600 ft/s terminal velocity. Any faster and you will cause the bullet not to perform as advertised.
Most of my rifles are set up for long range, ya hits at 1000+ yards, but those that are hunted the distance is scaled back to ~500m if conditions warrant it.
In your (OP) 300wm load a 180 or 200 NAB to magazine length, make sure the ammo is concentric and tune with powder charge.
Practice at the distances you hunt.
I have both 30-06 and 300wm and use the 200 NAB for hunting, both are accurate enough for big game.
Any deficiency in BC is dealt with by ranging and dialing, so no biggy.
Using the ELD-X is fine as long as it is operating in its zone, typically 18-2600 ft/s terminal velocity. Any faster and you will cause the bullet not to perform as advertised.
Most of my rifles are set up for long range, ya hits at 1000+ yards, but those that are hunted the distance is scaled back to ~500m if conditions warrant it.
In your (OP) 300wm load a 180 or 200 NAB to magazine length, make sure the ammo is concentric and tune with powder charge.
Practice at the distances you hunt.
With my 300 Win Mag I tried and settled on the 190 grain accuracy load from the Sierra Manual.
I had a bulk of 190 grain Sierra MK and 70.4 grains of Re22 produced a 1.5" group at 300 yards.
Switching to a hunting load, same manual was 72.6 grains with the 190 grain Hornady produced a 3" group at 300.
I had a bulk of 190 grain Sierra MK and 70.4 grains of Re22 produced a 1.5" group at 300 yards.
Switching to a hunting load, same manual was 72.6 grains with the 190 grain Hornady produced a 3" group at 300.
Appreciate this information. It corresponds to what I would expect of a bonded vs not in a fast gun as most bullets are designed to impact between 1800-2500fps. The exception I know of is the Hornady GMX but it won't expand below 2200fps IIRC. Meaning it pushes me back to going with the bonded and not cheaping out lol!
I have been seriously contemplating these bullets, but there is a couple issues. The biggest one is that copper bullets tend to shear petals at high impact velocity. Now, being a lead nose, I'm not entirely sure how it'll perform by comparison, but I'm hesitant to think it would perform reliably over the whole range of hunting distances (25m-500m). A bonded bullet, when impacting at high velocity, at worst frags and causes a giant mess inside the animal, sort of like a cup and core bullet coming unglued. Now I could be wrong on high velocity performance as I'm mostly going off people shooting TSX's out of 300 win mags and posting about it online, and the bear claw is a different bullet technology. This was some years back when I read up on it so things could be different, however I know TSX's didn't like it above 2500 impact velocity and I assume still don't.
How have these held up at close range? As I stated above I recall reading about them really not liking impact over 2500 and in the high 2000's they were supposed to have issues with petals shearing. Assuming it's not always, but it's a consideration.
You know, I was noticing that the difference in BC didn't seem to make that much difference with the ballistic calculators as far as trajectory and energy retention went. Which I guess falls into the whole category of everything looks better on paper than it actually is. Generally I haven't ever looked at BC and such as I always picked the bullet I wanted to hunt with and just went with that. The terminal performance was always my main consideration so thinking about longer ranges is sort of all new territory for me. This whole trying to balance things out is honestly becoming a headache to the point where I'll probably just go with 180 accubonds and call it good lol! Especially since they're common as dirt to find. The Hornady bonded seems rarer than hens teeth and I can't think of anyone else who makes a similar bullet. I half debated saying screw it and going with A-frames, but you know...$90 plus tax and shipping per 50 lol! Also not the best flight characteristics as it's a FB.
Just to back up a bit; if you liked your 180 Hot Core load and are just looking for a replacement, you could probably just get a pile of 180 Interlocks and live happily ever after. Its not like Hot-cores are bonded or anything other than ordinary.
Not that there’s much wrong ordinary, most of the time.
Not that there’s much wrong ordinary, most of the time.
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Leatherstocking
CGN Regular
- Location
- BC Rockies
TTSX & TSX. Don’t know about petals shearing on game. Never recovered a bullet, always an exit hole. Whitetails always dead right there from 80-300 yds.
