300 PRC update

[Taylorbok]

I think they’d be basically the same cartridge, sans the banded case.

Agreed but it’ll be easier to make the PRC mag feed with heavies since the case is .040 shorter

 

[category_theory]

Agreed but it’ll be easier to make the PRC mag feed with heavies since the case is .040 shorter

Oh for sure! I mean I personally never mag feed my rifles….

 

[Taylorbok]

Oh for sure! I mean I personally never mag feed my rifles….

I had no reason to mag feed an ELR style rifle until I shot NF and KRG matches.
That is when I switched from a 300 RUM to a 30 Sherman Mag

 

[category_theory]

I had no reason to mag feed an ELR style rifle until I shot NF and KRG matches.
That is when I switched from a 300 RUM to a 30 Sherman Mag

Makes sense. I mean my 300 prc loads w 245s are at a 3.9” COAL….

 

[bodhisafa]

Makes sense. I mean my 300 prc loads w 245s are at a 3.9” COAL….

What speeds you get with the 245?

 

[category_theory]

What speeds you get with the 245?

From a 30” barrel running 81gr of N570 Im
bw 2930 - 2960 given varying conditions. So pretty good in my book!

 

[Taylorbok]

From a 30” barrel running 81gr of N570 Im
bw 2930 - 2960 given varying conditions. So pretty good in my book!

That is impressive. I run my 32" SM at 2975. I've got room to go up but I was happy with that speed.
EDIT: That's actually the same charge I'm running also.

 

[category_theory]

That is impressive. I run my 32" SM at 2975. I've got room to go up but I was happy with that speed.

Same. I could push them but I’d like to keep my barrel for a little longer

 

[Taylorbok]

Same. I could push them but I’d like to keep my barrel for a little longer

I’ve started ordering them 2 at a time and I don’t even shoot that much

 

[Kickin45]

Wow there is an overwhelming amount of info on this page!
just starting to reload for 300prc. Wanting to load 230 & 250 atips and 245 Bergers
It’s time for a new barrel, so my question is freebore. What reamer should I be going with?
I’m sure the answer is already in here somewhere, but I don’t think I can read through 106 pages lol

Thank you guys in advance

 

[category_theory]

Hey All! I got lowlight to pin a thread in the reloading forum for 300 PRC loads. I had thrown out the idea of just renaming this one and moving to there but I think having a clean place just in reloading was the thought w pinning the thread there. Anyways would love some reload data over yonder! Cheers.

 

[Obi-WanKannoli]

Hey All! I got lowlight to pin a thread in the reloading forum for 300 PRC loads. I had thrown out the idea of just renaming this one and moving to there but I think having a clean place just in reloading was the thought w pinning the thread there. Anyways would love some reload data over yonder! Cheers.

This thread should be edited into the OP for reference.

 

[newageroman]

I am posting some reloading stuff on Rumble. I am working up 198 PVA solids with N565 and making another batch of my goto 220ELDX with 7828SSC. Not the best videos, but better than posting on the YT... I guess my main question that I have right now is will a neck thickness of 0.0135" have any noticeable difference from the brass that was turned to 0.0145"(ish)? It seems that I turned these in two different batches/settings. Would you advise going back to the thicker necks and turn them down to match the thin ones as well or would it be a waste of time?
I did forget to mention how to determine what size bushing to get or how to measure the overall neck tension (bullet diameter + neck thickness x2). I'm looking for a good quick and easy way to describe that in the next video, any tips please feel free to share.


-Spew the pew and press or cry like the rest...

 

[brianf]

I am posting some reloading stuff on Rumble. I am working up 198 PVA solids with N565 and making another batch of my goto 220ELDX with 7828SSC. Not the best videos, but better than posting on the YT... I guess my main question that I have right now is will a neck thickness of 0.0135" have any noticeable difference from the brass that was turned to 0.0145"(ish)? It seems that I turned these in two different batches/settings. Would you advise going back to the thicker necks and turn them down to match the thin ones as well or would it be a waste of time?
I did forget to mention how to determine what size bushing to get or how to measure the overall neck tension (bullet diameter + neck thickness x2). I'm looking for a good quick and easy way to describe that in the next video, any tips please feel free to share.


-Spew the pew and press or cry like the rest...

Only tip is don’t get discouraged if they are .7 groups.

A few of us have played with the 30 cal PVA and none of us have found them to be .5 at 100

The 6mm shot little knots but the 30’s don’t
seem to group that tight in several different chambers

If you figure I’ll be haunting you for info

 

[Taylorbok]

I am posting some reloading stuff on Rumble. I am working up 198 PVA solids with N565 and making another batch of my goto 220ELDX with 7828SSC. Not the best videos, but better than posting on the YT... I guess my main question that I have right now is will a neck thickness of 0.0135" have any noticeable difference from the brass that was turned to 0.0145"(ish)? It seems that I turned these in two different batches/settings. Would you advise going back to the thicker necks and turn them down to match the thin ones as well or would it be a waste of time?
I did forget to mention how to determine what size bushing to get or how to measure the overall neck tension (bullet diameter + neck thickness x2). I'm looking for a good quick and easy way to describe that in the next video, any tips please feel free to share.


-Spew the pew and press or cry like the rest...

Make all your necks the same for consistency sake.
For bushing You can measure wall thickness, then double it and add to bullet diameter, after that subtract how much interference you want. If using this method I typically err on the small side just incase my measurement was a touch big.

Or, measure a loaded round and subtract the interference you want

 

[newageroman]

Trimmed my necks to match and put it on Rumble. Gotta brush the necks then prime and load.

 

[Pete Cefalu]

I have/use a Redding Type S 3 die set plus mandrel die to load my 245/250's. The problem/question I have is: Has anyone found a better way to full length bush the neck instead of Redding's answer to insert the decapping rod set nut on top of bushing? This gets me a little over halfway down and Redding's answer is "that's good enough". I can post pics, but confident I can't be the only one with this `Issue'.

 

[Max_The_Phoenix]

I have/use a Redding Type S 3 die set plus mandrel die to load my 245/250's. The problem/question I have is: Has anyone found a better way to full length bush the neck instead of Redding's answer to insert the decapping rod set nut on top of bushing? This gets me a little over halfway down and Redding's answer is "that's good enough". I can post pics, but confident I can't be the only one with this `Issue'.

Are you trying to size the neck all the way?

 

[Pete Cefalu]

Are you trying to size the neck all the way?

Not necessarily, but I'd like to go down a little further without creating a donut. do you use this same die and "nut spacer" setup?

 

[Rocketmandb]

I have/use a Redding Type S 3 die set plus mandrel die to load my 245/250's. The problem/question I have is: Has anyone found a better way to full length bush the neck instead of Redding's answer to insert the decapping rod set nut on top of bushing? This gets me a little over halfway down and Redding's answer is "that's good enough". I can post pics, but confident I can't be the only one with this `Issue'.

Do you mean that the neck is only being sized about halfway down?

If so, I saw the exact same thing with the same line of dies - and Redding's answer is bullshit. If you're only sizing half the neck, then you're only holding in the bullet with half the friction force. This makes parameters associated with that half of the neck more important to control.

I had a 308 Redding Type S (actually, I still have it in a drawer somewhere) that I ended up replacing with a Whidden due to this issue. I already use Whiddens for my 300 PRC and 6 BRA.

 

[Max_The_Phoenix]

Not necessarily, but I'd like to go down a little further without creating a donut. do you use this same die and "nut spacer" setup?

I have been using the SAC on for all my cartridges and so far after 7 reloads I never had any donut on any of my brass. I have been using 331 bushing following by the 306 mandrel with excellent results.

 

[Pete Cefalu]

Do you mean that the neck is only being sized about halfway down?

If so, I saw the exact same thing with the same line of dies - and Redding's answer is bullshit. If you're only sizing half the neck, then you're only holding in the bullet with half the friction force. This makes parameters associated with that half of the neck more important to control.

I had a 308 Redding Type S (actually, I still have it in a drawer somewhere) that I ended up replacing with a Whidden due to this issue. I already use Whiddens for my 300 PRC and 6 BRA.

Well I'm glad someone agrees with me. It's been chapping my ass from the get go. The only reason I haven't addressed it is the rig runs my loads very well. I have a new pipe on order and id like to get this bushing BS sorted out. I reached out on here hoping someone made their own machined spacer. If not, guess I'll reach out to Whidden.

 

[Max_The_Phoenix]

Well I'm glad someone agrees with me. It's been chapping my ass from the get go. The only reason I haven't addressed it is the rig runs my loads very well. I have a new pipe on order and id like to get this bushing BS sorted out. I reached out on here hoping someone made their own machined spacer. If not, guess I'll reach out to Whidden.

I tried whidden and returned it immediately
It was giving me super consistent shoulder bump but wasn’t sizing the base enough for my liking so I ended up with SAC.

 

[Bandit320]

I use an L.E. Wilson neck sizing die with bushing and have been very happy with it. This is with an arbor press.

 

[Pete Cefalu]

Thanks, I was hoping to find a fellow member that had a work-around so I wouldn't have to change dies and all my titanium bushings.
For such a solid company, Redding sure screwed the pooch on this one.

 

[brianf]

Monos..has anyone gotten solids/monos to shoot?

Still haven’t found a load/mono combination that shoots tight groups in close

All seem to hover around .7 or so

 

[Devildog]

I use an L.E. Wilson neck sizing die with bushing and have been very happy with it. This is with an arbor press.

I‘m using L.E. Wilson‘s FLSD with neck bushing and there bullet seater die with an arbor press as well. Extremely happy with the results I’m getting.

 

[Defender3]

Seems to be more activity in this thread vs the reloading thread.

AI AXMC with 28" Bartlein, 400MODBB, 5R, 1/9 in their #9 profile chambered with the AW2. Load testing with 1x Hornady, Federal 215Ms, RL-26 and 220gr Bergers. This barrel has sped up by 75FPS since its first rounds. For this test, the 73.6gr shot really well, but I need to load up some more and see how they do at 1,000yd. I want to find a load in the 2925fps for longer range and will be working up a faster load, as well as one for 230 A-Tips as soon as possible (can't find 230 Bergers). From my spreadsheet:

 

[BCX]

How’s that barrel shooting for you?

 

[Defender3]

How’s that barrel shooting for you?

I have to ask you about the chambering.

 

[BCX]

Sent you a PM!

 

[Defender3]

Sent you a PM!

Thanks. Ended up ordering a 1/8 at 30" with the AW2 so I can shoot the 245s and 250s.

 

[BCX]

Drop ship it to Fritz

 

[Defender3]

Drop ship it to Fritz

He has one in stock.

 

[alphamikefox]

Well, after reading every single of these 106 pages over the span of about 2 weeks, and lurking here for years in general, I figured it's time to make my first post and say a big thank you to all those who have provided so much invaluable information based on their experience here (@DAVETOOLEY , @b2lee , and very many others). It has all pushed me to spend far too much money on my own 300 PRC build after spending the last 10 years with 308s.

Impact 777R
Foundation MG2
Hawkins metal
Krieger 30" HV 1-9
APA FB
TT Diamond SS
Tangent 525P
Hawkins heavy tactical mount

Looking forward to putting all the things I've learned here into practice and have some fun hitting some little far-away objects. Thanks all for the wisdom.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Do you mean that the neck is only being sized about halfway down?

If so, I saw the exact same thing with the same line of dies - and Redding's answer is bullshit. If you're only sizing half the neck, then you're only holding in the bullet with half the friction force. This makes parameters associated with that half of the neck more important to control.

I had a 308 Redding Type S (actually, I still have it in a drawer somewhere) that I ended up replacing with a Whidden due to this issue. I already use Whiddens for my 300 PRC and 6 BRA.

Just catching up on this thread.

I have used both the Redding and LE Wilson bushing dies (.223 Rem, 6.5 creedmoor and 300PRC). I have used LE Wilson and SAC bushings. I noticed that these bushings, especially the SAC bushings do not resize more than half the neck. I noticed that the SAC bushing have a groove at one end and wasnt sure if that groove should be oriented at the top or bottom of the sizing die or if it matters. I resized some casings and noticed that with the groove at the top in the sizing die, it well size less than half the neck and if i put the groove on the bottom, over half the neck was being sized. I contacted SAC and they said that the groove is supposed to be at the top so the entry point into the bushing is more gradual and that it is not intended to size the whole neck.

I seldom shoot less than 600yds and am getting good sub MOA groups and consistency but i am always left with the impression that it can do better and the key is in the neck tension. I think that in my situation, my desire for perfection has not always worked in my favor.

Right now, I am preparing for an ELR match with my 300PRC. I am running 77.8gr of N565 with Berger 230gr HOTM and getting an average MV of 2972. A 15 round group is giving me an SD of 14 and ES of 45. I am ok with the SD but i think the ES is related to inconsistencies in neck tension.

 

[nick338]

Just catching up on this thread.

I have used both the Redding and LE Wilson bushing dies (.223 Rem, 6.5 creedmoor and 300PRC). I have used LE Wilson and SAC bushings. I noticed that these bushings, especially the SAC bushings do not resize more than half the neck. I noticed that the SAC bushing have a groove at one end and wasnt sure if that groove should be oriented at the top or bottom of the sizing die or if it matters. I resized some casings and noticed that with the groove at the top in the sizing die, it well size less than half the neck and if i put the groove on the bottom, over half the neck was being sized. I contacted SAC and they said that the groove is supposed to be at the top so the entry point into the bushing is more gradual and that it is not intended to size the whole neck.

I seldom shoot less than 600yds and am getting good sub MOA groups and consistency but i am always left with the impression that it can do better and the key is in the neck tension. I think that in my situation, my desire for perfection has not always worked in my favor.

Right now, I am preparing for an ELR match with my 300PRC. I am running 77.8gr of N565 with Berger 230gr HOTM and getting an average MV of 2972. A 15 round group is giving me an SD of 14 and ES of 45. I am ok with the SD but i think the ES is related to inconsistencies in neck tension.

How many firings and what kind of brass? Are you annealing? Have you tried running a mandrel through the neck after sizing?

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I have two groups of brass, one for matches and one for practice. The match group are on their 3rd firing the practice groups are Hornady. My first rounds through the 300PRC was accomplished using Hornady Match ammo and i am reusing that brass for my practice sessions.

I do anneal and i do use a mandrel. I have also turned the necks in an attempt to get consistent thickness of the brass.

 

[nick338]

I have two groups of brass, one for matches and one for practice. The match group are on their 3rd firing the practice groups are Hornady. My first rounds through the 300PRC was accomplished using Hornady Match ammo and i am reusing that brass for my practice sessions.

I do anneal and i do use a mandrel. I have also turned the necks in an attempt to get consistent thickness of the brass.

How long is the barrel and what primer?

 

[nick338]

Also, I don't know how long you're waiting between shots, but that barrel has to be heating up quite a bit during a 15 rd group, burning that much powder, which will affect the ES.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I try to exercise time management and i believe you are correct in that the heat can be affecting the ES. In the match, however, we will have 8 minutes to shoot 15 rounds.

My barrel is a 30" bartlein heavy varmint 9.25-9" and I am using CCI #250 Magnum Large Rifle primers

 

[nick338]

I try to exercise time management and i believe you are correct in that the heat can be affecting the ES. In the match, however, we will have 8 minutes to shoot 15 rounds.

My barrel is a 30" bartlein heavy varmint 9.25-9" and I am using CCI #250 Magnum Large Rifle primers

Did you try or have access to Fed215M?

 

[nick338]

Anyone shoot either of the 245 Berger bullets out of a 9 twist and close to sea level?

 

[Taylorbok]

Anyone shoot either of the 245 Berger bullets out of a 9 twist and close to sea level?

I've shot the 245 EOL at 1500 feet from a 9 twist with no issues. That being said it's a 30 Sherman Mag with a 32" barrel they are going close to 3k.
Depending on barrel length you might be down at like 2650 fps which will affect the SG. that being said you are only going to sacrifice a marginal amount of BC. I shot 250 A-tips from that same barrel and couldn't really notice the BC mis-match until like 2k. After that tube was done I went to an 8.5 twist.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Anyone shoot either of the 245 Berger bullets out of a 9 twist and close to sea level?

I have avoided 245 Bergers simply because Berger specifically requires/recommends 8twist or faster to shoot this bullet.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Did you try or have access to Fed215M?

I havent. Is it a good option for ELR out to 2200yards?

 

[nick338]

I havent. Is it a good option for ELR out to 2200yards?

Usually everyone's first choice for a magnum cartridge regardless of distance, but yes they perform exceptionally well at long range. Just very hard to come by.

 

[nick338]

I have avoided 245 Bergers simply because Berger specifically requires/recommends 8twist or faster to shoot this bullet.

They actually recommend a minimum of 1-9 or faster.

 

[Taylorbok]

I havent. Is it a good option for ELR out to 2200yards?

I've had the best luck with 215M primers but haven't been able to buy them in a few years and just recently ran out.

 

[nick338]

I've shot the 245 EOL at 1500 feet from a 9 twist with no issues. That being said it's a 30 Sherman Mag with a 32" barrel they are going close to 3k.
Depending on barrel length you might be down at like 2650 fps which will affect the SG. that being said you are only going to sacrifice a marginal amount of BC. I shot 250 A-tips from that same barrel and couldn't really notice the BC mis-match until like 2k. After that tube was done I went to an 8.5 twist.

It's a 24" barrel so I'm hoping to try them and get 2700-2750. I have N570, N565, N568 and H1K to try, however I'm concerned once the weather gets cold that the SG will dip to 1.4 or less.