300 win mag and 225 eld-m

[CMP70306]

Goal of the rifle is to reach out to a mile if given the chance so I will go at least a 9 twist or faster. I just pre-ordered an ARC Nucleus so that will be set up to handle 1000 and in while the .300 will be strictly for 1000+ or long range hunting where the heavy bullets are advantageous.

When I was building the rifle I went with the heavy Palma to save a little weight and clear the EFR on the manners stock. After getting it I realized it was a moot point as the prefits start at 1.05" and the EFR clearance is 1.2". Since the Palma only goes down to 0.95" it might just be better to go straight 1" with no contour.

 

[223762]

Sounds like you have a nice rig in the works. Do you know a gunsmith maybe that can fit a barrel to that action? That way you could order a barrel to the dimensions you need. A straight 1 inch well probably work. But the 300 produces a lot of heat and barrel whip. I think the extra barrel beef would help. But it all comes down if you want to do that and how much weight you want to carry.

 

[CMP70306]

I've been estatic with it's performance so far, as my first foray into the custom Precision rifle world I played it safe the first time around. Now with almost 2 years behind the rifle and new offerings to fill the short range gap I'm looking to optimize this rifle solely for throwing 225gr bullets from a .300 Win Mags as far as possible.

I'm actually not terribly far from PVA and have considered going to him to get a barrel fitted as well as get the action coated. As one of the early long actions it's still in the white but I've been doing so much shooting I haven't had time to let it go and get coated. Based on a 10 week lead time I've got until mid May to order which allows August for load development so I've got time to see if anything exciting comes out after SHOT show.

 

[eicas]

Weather was decent this past weekend and managed to slip out to the range for the morning. Main task was to try out my new LabRadar and chrony already established loads for my .308 and ,300wm. Second was to additionallly revisit the 225eldm loading of 74.2gr H1000 and Norma brass. Original test was done at jump .020”. This time out shot several round robins of ,010, .020, .030”. Here is the last of the series, although the other two are pretty identical. If you omit the two called flyers (got to LOVE guys who walk up and throw stuff down on the benches...) it seems to like the .010. ES/SD seemed good with the SD below 10. The next step is to take them out to distance. However, laying in a snow covered pasture at 7F ‘aint gonna happen anytime in the near future.

 

[EdH]

I am working on similar questions with my 300WM. It is a new gun. I have only been out with it 3 times. I have several loads that perform well in it (<0.25MOA) but am most interested in the 220SMK and 240SMK. The rifle has a long throat with a maximum COAL measured at 3.637 for the 220SMK and 3.697 for the 220 ELDX. I have not measured the 240 yet. The groups with the 220SMK using 70.8gn of 7828SSC over Norma brass and Fed 215 are averaging ~.2MOA. I want to know two things, which will have to come from testing but I figure many others have gone there before. The first is will I get a significant improvement in consistency with a much shorter jump since I am starting with OK groups now? The second is I have a lot of H1000 and was planning to start with the 220SMK over 73.5 to 74.5gn in the same cases, does this sound reasonable? The COAL for the 7828 load was 3.42" making the jump quite big. I was planning to try 3.617 +/- 0.010.

 

[CMP70306]

EdH First I would pass on the 220 ELDX, with your ability to load to a 3.6 COAL the 212 ELDX or 225 ELDM would be a much better option. The 220gr was designed for the RUM & Weatherby cases that are limited by case length. The 220gr ELDX gives up BC to fit this criteria.

As for H1000 I'm running 77.7gr behind the 212gr in Norma brass and 74.7 behind the 225gr in Hornady brass both loaded to around 3.59". Based on that I would guess 72 would probably be a good place to start to give some safety factor to work up.

For the jump, your already shooting better than mine so while getting closer to the lands might help but that is not always the case, that is something you simply have to test.

 

[EdH]

Thanks for the info. I only used a small box of ELDx because there were a cheap intro into this caliber. They were surprisingly accurate to 500yds. The goal is to use the 220-240gn bullets for the 1000-1800yd range as I read they are stable when going subsonic. You know of anyone who has compared the 225M and the 220SMK when going subsonic? I will try the 225M but for now am pleased with the 220SMK as well. Thanks for the starting load. I will make some this week and try on Saturday.

 

[EdH]

So the few times out with the 220SMK over varied charges of H1000 shows the 72.8gn to be the most accurate. Average velocity is 2880fps with SD of 11. I am assuming another node exists in the 74gn range but this load works and there are no signs of high pressure. Will do the same with the 225gn ELDM and see how it compares.

 

[Budget Sniper]

So after pulling a total noob move and starting any unnecessary thread (for some reason this one didn't come up when I searched) here's what I've gotten out of the 300 WM and 225 ELD Match...

Rifle is a Rem 700 trued action, 31.25" Krieger SS match 4 groove, Varmint #17 contour, 1:10 twist, cut with a custom match reamer. It's bedded in a heavily modified HS Precision stock and is fitted with a Leupold LRP 8.5-25X50.

I'm using new Norma brass, Winchester mag primers (WLRM) and H1000 with the "new" 225gr ELD Match. This bullet is 1.65" long so the custom chamber/jump is cut to an overall length of 3.800 (ogive 3.030) and loaded to a max .300 CID magazine length of 3.75 (ogive 2.980). I know, .05 is A LOT of jump, I think hornady recommends somewhere between .015 and .025. so i was very skeptical. I started loading at 73.5 gr and went up in 1/2 gr increments to 78 gr. Norma brass has a lot more capacity than your average factory brass so it can be loaded hotter. I started seeing very slight pressure (extractor) marks at 77.5 gr and a little more pronounced at 78, but I achieved the best accuracy at 77 with no pressure signs. So here's what I ended up with... 77 gr of h1000 grouped at .37 MOA at 200 yds with a cloverleaf pattern (no significant vertical spread). Crono reads an average of 3020 fps (3017-3032). Only have a few shots at 500 yds but 6 shots were easily within 3".

BS


[IMG]http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/data/avatars/s/123/123158.jpg?1525826741[/IMG]
225gr ELD Match Load Data (.308)

 

[.30kal]

About done working up a 300 WM load with the 225 ELD, which looks promising:

*Nosler Brass (straight out of the box)
*Fed 215 primer
*76.0 gr of H1000
*2835 fps through a 27", 1-10 twist Bartlein w/ Mk248 Mod 1 chamber by LRI (only 100 rounds through it, so hoping it will still speed up a little more).
*6.4 SD
*15 ES

5rds, .31 MOA at 100 yds:



I just need to try it through some fire-formed brass and at distance.

 

[223762]

Hornady 225 ELDM at 1160. The bottom impact was from a 6.5 creedmoor. The five impacts just above that are the 225s. That is about 7 inch vertical. I put my 1200 zero on then come down 2 mins. Perfect wind call but just over. Came down another one and half mins. Then went 5 for 5. This bullet flat out shoots.

 

[223762]

Hornady 225 ELDM 3 shot group at 1000. Around 4 inch vertical. Shooting off a Harris bipod and game changer as the rear bag. Also did a little testing with the new Sierra 230. Same load as the Hornady, but the Sierra’s were coming in at 70 FPS faster. They do fly more efficient through the air.

 

[eicas]

Getting back after a hiatus and catching up. Wow. Looks nice. Havent yet taken the 225 out to distance. Hopefully soon. They are loaded up and ready.

 

[RPR300WM]

Goal of the rifle is to reach out to a mile if given the chance so I will go at least a 9 twist or faster. I just pre-ordered an ARC Nucleus so that will be set up to handle 1000 and in while the .300 will be strictly for 1000+ or long range hunting where the heavy bullets are advantageous.

When I was building the rifle I went with the heavy Palma to save a little weight and clear the EFR on the manners stock. After getting it I realized it was a moot point as the prefits start at 1.05" and the EFR clearance is 1.2". Since the Palma only goes down to 0.95" it might just be better to go straight 1" with no contour.

 

[ACO_2/75th]

Anyone have data on RL - 33 with 225 ELD Match for .300 WM? Trying to find a starting point.

 

[ACO_2/75th]

**Redundancy is for metadata to help others

1st Range Day - Reload Data for those wondering for the following:

Ruger Precision Rifle .300 WM
3.645" Max OAL
3.625" Seating bullets at OAL
1:9 twist
26" barrel

Reloading info:
Hornady 225 ELD-M (225 ELD Match)
Federal brass (could not find any Norma brass) - Fed brass appears to almost max on 82 grains
Federal Primer #215
Reloder 33 (RL - 33, RL 33)


Shooting Data (Shot 4 rounds per grain at 100 yds)

Grain MV ( the mean) (fps) = Grouping (inches)
77.5 / 2608 = 1.25

78 / 2634 = .75

78.5 / 2647 = .25

79 / Chrono malfunction = .375

79.5 / 2683 = .625

80 / 2735 = 1.0

80.5 / 2757 = .5

81 / 2772 = .625

81.5 / 2786 = .625

82 / 2801 = .5

2nd Range TBD to get data upto 2950 fps, if there are no overpressure issues

 

[ACO_2/75th]

2nd Range Day

82.5 / Chrono issue

83 / 2855 = .5

83.5 / 2861 = .675

84 / 2892 = .0 (same hole)

84.5 / 2915 = .125 (almost same hole)

85 / 2925 = .1875

85.5 / 2942 = .75

Overall, Federal brass can hold the powder. Had no overpressure issues, but no need to continue due to the sweet spot with 84 gn.

 

[honuswagner]

Providing my data as a reference point for anyone interested. My objective was to find velocity nodes.

I'm at 6,000 ft elevation, 82 degrees today.

Custom rifle, .300 WM, Rem 700 action
Pac-Nor 22" barrel, 1:10 twist
SilencerCo Omega


Reloading info:
Hornady 225 ELD-M
Cheap S&B brass I've collected for years! sorted by weight
WLRM primer
H1000

Charge and velocity table below. My bolt started to get sticky above 74.7 grains. FWIW, I tend to favor lower velocity nodes to (hopefully) extend brass/barrel life, so going to load several at 73.7 grains and see how they group.

Not sure if I jacked something up on 73.1 and 73.3 grains, could be my brass I suppose...

72.1	2754
72.3	2766
72.5	2766
72.7	2777
72.9	2772
73.1	2743
73.3	2795
73.5	2777
73.7	2772
73.9	2772
74.1	2772
74.3	2789
74.5	2812
74.7	2849
74.9	2855
75.1	2849
75.3	2849
75.5	2836
75.7	2836

 

[eicas]

Finally got the above listed 225eldm out to distance. Just shy of 1K. Flew great, solid consistent performance. The 208 and 225 are both good performers in my gun. Need to get them beyond 1000yds, but judging by the performance, they should fly true.

 

[honuswagner]

I have the 208 dialed in well from last season, been working on the 225 this season. I'm seeing the same thing, my gun likes both.

Not sure how your results have been, but seating depth seems to be relatively forgiving. In other words, I get sub 1/2 inch groups at 100 yds with jump from .005 to .0030. That's money to me, I don't want to be constantly tweaking things!

Have yet to get the 225 out past 1000, but have had the 208 out past 1200 with great results.

 

[honuswagner]

I added some more data points to the chart I posted above, FWIW. Atmospherics were almost identical on both shoots. Maybe it will be useful to someone out there...

 

[eicas]

I’m running a 26” Bartlien. The AMAX liked a .030 jump. Both the 208 and 225 ELDm seem to like .010. I did see a slight difference going from .010 out to .060.

 

[.30kal]

Anyone have any success with RL26 and the 225 ELDs? Can't find any H1000, but scored some RL26.

 

[skin]

Currently doing some load work ups with them, settled on 74.7gr H1000, CCI 250, Hornady Brass, coal of 3.615", approximately 0.04" off the lands. Charges of 74.6 and 74.8 went into 0.5 MOA with the 74.7 going into 0.33 MOA.

Velocity is estimated to be around 2880 fps, I only tested it suppressed which was 2910 fps so I'd guess approximately 30 fps gain from the suppressor. Rifle is a LA Mausingfield with a 30" Pac-Nor Heavy Palma barrel.

NOTE: These loads are on the edge of max, primers are flattened with faint ejector marks showing at 75.1gr. As always start low and work up in your own rifle to ensure safe pressure.

CMP70306 I tried the 225 gr ELD-X with H1000 in a 26" Bergera starting at 66gr going up to 70gr in 1/2 incraments and had overpressure signs at about 67. I couldn't find exact data for the 225s so estimated it. I'm at a loss, any ideas?

 

[CMP70306]

CMP70306 I tried the 225 gr ELD-X with H1000 in a 26" Bergera starting at 66gr going up to 70gr in 1/2 incraments and had overpressure signs at about 67. I couldn't find exact data for the 225s so estimated it. I'm at a loss, any ideas?

I’ve never shot a Bergara so it could be the differences in barrel and chamber. Mine is a throated for the 230 Berger at 3.6” COAL and is pushing 1400+ rounds down the tube so that may contribute to the difference in pressure. I know Carbon 6 barrels seem to hit pressure several grains under what my Proof Barrels do.

Additionally it could be the brass, heavier brass may cause you to see pressure signs at lower powder charges. Combine those two together and you could be hitting pressure several grains below what I am.

What kind of speed are you getting out of those loads and what is your COAL?

 

[OkieMike]

I'll have to check my notes to give specific data... But I've been working on the 225's in my Bergara 300 WM... 26" x 1:10.

This is preliminary data. Not final.

Brass: I've ran both Nosler and the Peterson "Long" brass.

CCI BR2's give the most consistent ES/SD numbers for me

Powder(s): Power Pro 4000 MR and H-1000. H-1000 so far gives 80-100 fps more velocity... 2870 ish... but 4000 MR isn't a slouch by any means. I also have 2 lbs of Retumbo... will probably try it at some point.

Charges: up to 76.2 on H-1000 in the Peterson brass. 4000 MR I was running 67.6 in the Nosler brass, 67.2 in the Peterson. Again, these are still in development, not final.

COAL: Right now at 3.558" but it could use some tuning.

Work and winter have kept things sidelined for a bit... But when I get some time and decent weather I'll resume testing.

Mike

 

[skin]

I'll have to check my notes to give specific data... But I've been working on the 225's in my Bergara 300 WM... 26" x 1:10.

This is preliminary data. Not final.

Brass: I've ran both Nosler and the Peterson "Long" brass.

CCI BR2's give the most consistent ES/SD numbers for me

Powder(s): Power Pro 4000 MR and H-1000. H-1000 so far gives 80-100 fps more velocity... 2870 ish... but 4000 MR isn't a slouch by any means. I also have 2 lbs of Retumbo... will probably try it at some point.

Charges: up to 76.2 on H-1000 in the Peterson brass. 4000 MR I was running 67.6 in the Nosler brass, 67.2 in the Peterson. Again, these are still in development, not final.

COAL: Right now at 3.558" but it could use some tuning.

Work and winter have kept things sidelined for a bit... But when I get some time and decent weather I'll resume testing.

Mike

Coal was 3.565, PFS at 66 gr 2800, 68 gr at 29 and 70 gr at 2992. Powder is IMR 4955.

Hornady states H & IMR 4831 is good. Was just trying what I have.

 

[BrienM]

I'll be firing up 208ELDM's with H1000 in a new Proof carbon fiber pre-fit 300 win mag in a few weeks. It's been a couple years since I've messed with a 300winmag. I really hope the eldm's shoot. I couldn't bring myself to pay the money for the weight Berger's I didn't want and I think the 208/215 bergers are needles in haystacks right now. I've got 3.85CIP mags to hold them in so I'll be stoked to give them a good try.

 

[Chris M.]

I haven't tried the 215s yet, but still working up loads on the 225s. I just hit 2900 fps from a 27 inch bartlein barreled AXMC and I may have to verify that my lab radar is reading correctly because they fly MUCH better than my shooting apps say they should. I have a 1:8 twist barrel so im using the higher BC from Hornady, but I had to dial down .5 mils at 800 and 1000m when my SD was sub 4.0 on them.

As far as primers go, I did back to back testing with FGMM LR and Magnum LR primers, the difference was .8 grains of powder less with the standard LR to achieve identical velocity, and it was running sub 5.0 SDs and no pressure signs either way, so ive stuck with the magnum stuff and conserve powder.

Where im playing now is OAL and brass. My FC brass took quite a bit of resizing at the bump to fit in this chamber since it was previously fired through a Remington, so I switched to new Norma brass, and the extra capacity really dropped velocity and pressure a ton. Right now im about .020 off the lands at 2900 fps with not even a faint ejector mark, and slightly protruding primer around the firing pin hit, but not flat or excessive. When I go out next week im going to try and push for 2925-2950 and see if I get any pressure signs, but as for now, it seems to really like it.

Mike, could you share what powder you are using? I will be working up a similar load and I am currently trying to make my initial powder selection choice between: H-1000, N570, 50 BMG or maybe N-217 (Norma powder, similar to Retumbo in burn rate, I have had very good result with this powder in 300 Norma). This would be for CA 300 WM MPR 26" barrel. I thank you in advance for your time and consideration - Chris

 

[Fenix Mike]

Mike, could you share what powder you are using? I will be working up a similar load and I am currently trying to make my initial powder selection choice between: H-1000, N570, 50 BMG or maybe N-217 (Norma powder, similar to Retumbo in burn rate, I have had very good result with this powder in 300 Norma). This would be for CA 300 WM MPR 26" barrel. I thank you in advance for your time and consideration - Chris

I was using RL26, it worked excellent

 

[DIBBS]

@Bigwheels has been shooting 225's for a number of years as I recall.

Not sure of the specificics maybe he will chime in here.

 

[Chris M.]

I was using RL26, it worked excellent

Thank you Mike.

 

[918v]

Has anyone loaded the 225 eld-m in their 300 win mag? If so what is your load, including seating depth, powder and charge, primer, brass, coal, accuracy, and velocity. Just wanting to see if there is an advantage other than cost to the 215 berger.
Thanks,
Jon

26” Bartlein AI chamber, 75.45grs H1000, FC215/CCI250/WLRM, 3.685” coal .005” off the lands, ADG case = 2860ish FPS .3-.4moa.

The advantage is cost and BC of the 225 which will easily make up for the lower velocity.