300WM Handloading Questions

[Zach Powers]

Now I know what you are all thinking, I didn't go through the threads and see if the question was already answered, but I assure you I spent a good hour looking for what I need (want) to know.

I am new to Precision Shooting and I am thinking about starting a 300WM build as my first rifle. I was considering a 308 at first, but after doing a ton of research I've just acquired an interest in the 300WM round. I'm a tall, thin guy but I'm really not too worried about the recoil.

Anyway, what this question is all about..

I am not made out of money so the first thing I will do is invest in a single stage press kit and handload my rounds. For the bullet, I am going to go with 190gr SMK, but as far as powder, brass, and primers go, I need help!

All recommendations are welcome, even if it doesn't involve the 190gr SMK. Thanks!

 

[Huckleberry75]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

Hodgdon H1000 is an excellent powder choice, especially where temp stability could be a concern.

 

[JoshcBoucher]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

H1000, Win. brass. WLRM primers, or Federal 215 Magnum . Start with the 208 Hornady AMAX. Seems to be where I'm going.75 gr...... but, you NEED the Hornady guages, to determine your AOL, back off 2 thousands, and work up your load from there.It's not really that much, in cost, when ya get into it. I'm starting at 72 gr., and working up, for my gun. Every one's different. Get the gauges. And a GOOD Micrometer! It's the only way "to be sure". And Get the "good" Dies! I'm 3 yrs. "into it", and that's where I'm at. I loaded, for pistols, for 25 yrs. This "Long rangerecision" is a whole new game.Bite the bullet. Spend the money. It'll be worth it. I "started" with the cheap stuff. Wish I "went all the way", at the start.

 

[Zach Powers]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

I've heard good things about the 208 Hornady AMAX, but I've heard better things about the 190 SMKs. I'll definitely experiment. I was thinking about just purchasing a kit to start with, not really looking at buying everything individually. What Dies do you use, or which do you recommend?

 

[MtnCreek]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am new to Precision Shooting and I am thinking about starting a <span style="font-weight: bold">300WM build as my first rifle</span>.</div></div>

I'd suggest something with less recoil. If you start off with a heavy recoil rifle, it could lead to bad habits. I shot 80 rds of 300wm Sat morning. Sun morning, I left the wm in the house a shot a .223; my shoulder hurt too much to shoot the wm w/o flinching. Check out some of the 6.5 cals. The 260 will do as good at distance assuming power on target is not an issue.

For loading the 300wm, H1000 would be a good start. Rx22 and Rx 25 may be a couple other to try. A lot of people like 4831sc; it's not my fav. For the money, Win brass is a good buy. I use Win primers. Also, read up on sizing brass. FL dies are made to size to generic spec, but you want to size to fit your chamber.

RCBS rockchucker would be a good start. I broke the linkage on a Lee press years ago FL sizing WM brass, but I think they've improved the cast linkage since then. Just starting out, I would get standard RCBS or similar dies and upgrade if/when needed.

 

[Zach Powers]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

I was looking at a Remington 700 SPS Tactical in .308. The thing is I don't want to waste money on buying a new stock if I'm just going to use it for practicing my habbits and putting tons of rounds down range. I say that only because I have heard really REALLY bad things about the Hogue stock the rifle comes with. I want to focus my custom build on a 300WM.

I suppose you are right though, 308 to start and develop good habits, then move to bigger and better things.

 

[Aimsmall55]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

I shoot a factory 700 p with just a trigger job and muzzle break. With 208 amaxs seated 30/1000's off the lands I was a little less than 1 moa at 1202 yards. Ismh, that I do have nf optics and that greatly helps. My load (HOT) is 72.9 r22 at 3.602" coal. I'm at 2945 fps at muzzle. Supersonic to a mile. Get an oal gauge, bullet comparator, several diff powders and just play with it until you get results you are satisfied with at 100 yards. Chrony them, noting atmospheric conditions, then jbm your data. That should do for starting out. P.s put a break on it !!! You will not regret it

 

[targaflorio]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

The 300 win is an excellent choice if you can stretch it out. I prefer the biggest bullets available. I use win brass, cci 250 primers. RL22 and H1000 powder. Vais brake. Heavy barrel.

 

[targaflorio]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

Buy some factory ammo in the 190 to compare. SWAmmo is a good choice.

 

[Bigwheels]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

I'm also a H-1000 fan. I was a 208 A Max guy too, until I tried the 225hpbt. I'll not go back. If you're dead set on a 300wm for a first rifle I suggest making it heavy with a good brake. Your shoulder will thank you.

 

[Zach Powers]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

I'm not dead set on it...yet

I will probably end up getting a .308 to get my form down and then go from there. I will get a 300WM in the future and probably custom build that so it's 15+ pounds. Will keep all of this info in mind when I start handloading. Thank you everyone.

 

[Colo77bronco]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

Get the .300 win mag. I am so glad I did. Shot my GAP crusader in .300 win mag for the first time last week expecting to get beat up and it is so gentle with the badger brake I can easily stay in the scope and track the shot and really not feel much at my shoulder. I am so glad I have a much more capable rifle only limited by me.

 

[PaulStafford]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

I started with a 300wm as my first rifle, and I'm very happy I did. No flinch, accurate and a helluva ballistic advantage. However, it does weigh 17# all-up, and has a brake.

 

[Hntelk]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

Skinny...get the 300wm and put a brake on it and you dont have to worry about rocking your skinny self too much and add to it a heavy barrel it will shoot like a 243....

as far as equipment...I say dont buy new as it will cost ya...just look on here and pick up somebodys old stuff they dont want anymore. I have found some great buys on here.

My favorite equip is the redding stuff...but I kinda mix and match some stuff cause I bought mine as I went along.

I really like the redding big boss II reloading press and the redding dies, got my 300wm dies on here from another member...practically brand new.

Now with the dilema of 300wm and the 308...I was in the same boat so eventually I just ended up getting both...you wont be satisfied till you do, if you know what I mean.

Good luck and hope to hear how the 190's work for you cause I also have picked up several hundred of them myself for plinking

 

[Zach Powers]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

pictures??

 

[Hntelk]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

My newest 300wm...just arrived

Built by Red Hawk Rifles..Dick Churchley
Mcm edge stock
douglas barrel..1:10 twist @ 26 inches
timney trigger
skeletonized bolt handle
had the barrel, bolt and bolt knob all fluted to match
zeiss conquest 4-14x 50 rapid z 800
weighs 7.75lbs

 

[Hntelk]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

Here is my 300wm ultra light...less then 5lbs

 

[Pappasniper]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

300WM, H1000, AMAX 208, good brake, good glass and good to go.

 

[Zach Powers]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

Hntelk, beautiful piece. Love the camo job on it, you do it yourself?

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

Winchester brass. CCI Magnum 250 rifle primers. Hodgdon 4831SC powder. very temperature stable and gets my 210g pills up to 2900fps

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hntelk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is my 300wm ultra light...less then 5lbs

</div></div>

Nice stick. But im skeptical that it weighs less than 5lbs. I have a build going on right now for a 6.5x47 Lapua. I told my smith to keep the weight as light as possible. And with a 24in sporter barrel + glass + rings, its still over 8lbs. And its a single shot too.

 

[targaflorio]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

300 Win with a thunderbeast suppressor. Priceless!

 

[Hntelk]

Re: 300WM Handloading Questions

Thanks but I cant take the credit....I didn't do the coating...Kerry at MG Arms did it for me when he built the rifle...it's one of his Ultralights...he builds them light and accurate...

Jig...he pulls off all unesscary weight.., blind mag...keep scope under 14oz...I also had stock shortened for LOP to a jr stock..so when I am mountain hunting with layers... the gun fits perfect...

Barrel is so thin you shoot 3 shots and wait and wait...Texas heat is not forgiving on ultralights...I think my target and load...Barnes 180 grain ttsx shoot in the 4's.

Never tried any other ammo as its strictly a hunting rig...and I've killed plenty with it and the Barnes combo.

Oops..sorry Skinny..getting off track here...