A follow-up to the previous results with a new .300 WSM (24" barrel) , wherein book-listed (Nosler #5) loads with RL-22 produced lower than expected velocities. The consensus of those who responded with advice was to switch to a higher speed powder. Also, I wanted to try a ball powder to avoid load compression with a 2.86" max OAL and long bullets. WIN 760 or H414 were obvious choices. I headed to the range with loads of H414 under both 165 TSX and 180 BT bullets. The powder charges started at the high range of book-listed and went up in 0.5 grain increments to basically 2 gr over book max.
Long story short...
A 180 BT load was found that produced 2970 fps avg. and good group precision (.97 inch @100m). There were no apparent pressure signs (but, i can't measure case head expansion).
A 165 TSX load was found that produced 3106fps avg. and good precision (1.1 inch). Again, no apparent pressure signs.
In both cases, these optimum loads were at the upper end of my test range.
These were loaded in neck-sized, once fired WIN cases, and lit with WLRM primers. The ambient temp. was roughly the same as the previously reported day (10 degrees).
These loads produced the desired velocity levels, and I don't feel compelled to increase them further, being pleasant enough to shoot. I'll tweak them for better precision (vary OAL), and we'll see where that leads. Happily, in this process I also found mild loads that were accurate - good for puching paper and general practice.
Testament again to the individuality of rifles. Thanks to all who offered advice.
Long story short...
A 180 BT load was found that produced 2970 fps avg. and good group precision (.97 inch @100m). There were no apparent pressure signs (but, i can't measure case head expansion).
A 165 TSX load was found that produced 3106fps avg. and good precision (1.1 inch). Again, no apparent pressure signs.
In both cases, these optimum loads were at the upper end of my test range.
These were loaded in neck-sized, once fired WIN cases, and lit with WLRM primers. The ambient temp. was roughly the same as the previously reported day (10 degrees).
These loads produced the desired velocity levels, and I don't feel compelled to increase them further, being pleasant enough to shoot. I'll tweak them for better precision (vary OAL), and we'll see where that leads. Happily, in this process I also found mild loads that were accurate - good for puching paper and general practice.
Testament again to the individuality of rifles. Thanks to all who offered advice.
