Zachary's .300wsm

[bigjeepman]

Unless I am mistaken Zachary, you purchased a Tikka in a .300wsm sometime earlier this year. I shoot a .300wsm in a Win model 70 Super Black Shadow and am very curious how you are doing with your new setup.

What kind of optics did you top this rifle off with? Powder? Bullets? Group sizes?

Just curious ....

[Zachary]

Yes, you are right.  I did purchase a NIB Tikka T3 Stainless Synthetic in 300WSM.

However, would you believe it that I haven't even picked it up from the FFL dealer yet?!?!?  It's been well over 2 months!

I have been traveling the 4 corners of this Earth on numerous legal cases and international business transactions.  In fact, I have to go back to Brazil again from about June 3 through about June 14, and my birthday is June 5 - what a way to spend your birthday - out by yourself with no family, just business clients.

Hopefully this will all slow down after July, and when it does, I'm gonna pick up the gun and go to the range.

As far as optics go, I have an Elite 4200 2.5x-10x-40mm and a Zeiss Conquest 3x-9x-40mm.  I haven't decided which scope I'm going to mount.  I like the Elite because of rainguard, but I love the Zeiss because it has much longer eye relief.

As far as rings go, I know that the Tikka comes with rings, but I understand that they are not very sturdy looking, so I just might replace them with other rings - which I haven't decided on yet either.

I'll let everyone know as soon as I get her ready to go.

Zachary

[graydonr]

Hey jeep, I also have a 300wsm shadow and am working on loads.
Got under 1" with 140barnes xbt and a little over 1" on 150 interbond so far.

How is yours doing?

[bigjeepman]

graydonr ...

I bought mine I guess because I just wanted another rifle at the time and I didn't have a .300 cal or larger rifle. I shoot quite a bit with it but have only taken it hunting 2 times (for coyote) with no shots taken. Other than that, I have only punched paper.

I have used the following bullets in my loads:

Nosler 165gr ballistic tips
Nosler 168gr HPBT (Custom competition "Test the Best' pak)
Nosler 180gr ballistic tips

I tried factory 150gr ballistic tips when I first bought the rifle but they didn't group well at all. I have had the trigger tuned and put a muzzle break on it which sure helped the recoil.

My best 3 shot groups were:

Nosler 165gr - 60gr of H380- OAL of 2.815 - .332"
Nosler 165gr - 64.5gr of RL-19 - OAL of 2.815 - .365" and .462"

My overall average is probably between .500" and .600" and after studying my notes, my best groups were always in the 2920fps to 2950fps range.

I need to buy some bullets other than Noslers and try them but I am not sure what to buy other than I thought about trying Sierra's 165gr SBT Gameking and the 175gr HPBT Matchking for paper.

[Zachary]

Those are some pretty impressive numbers - rather typical for a Tikka. :grin:

Zachary

[graydonr]

bigjeepman,

My understanding was you're using a mod 70 black shadow?

Very good accuracy I must say. I didn't need mine either but I made the mistake of picking it up in gun shop and it just "felt right". Some say it is ugly but I disagree even though most of my rifles are wood.

Anyway, one inch is a good start for me!  First I found that the forearm screw must be pretty loose to shoot well. When I first cleaned it,I tightened the screws good and it wouldn't shoot worth darn. Backed off on the forearm screw and presto!  I have collected barnes xlc 130, xbt 140, interbond 150 and 165, matchking 168 and CT 165bst. I also have a 308 so it's no waste.

I am trying to fill the very long (400yds for me) shot from my hilltop overlooking a hot deer crossing.  So I want high velocity flat and good punch. My 270win will do it but I didn't have a wsm.

The barnes 140 with 72 of RL19 gets me under 1" @100. My chrony is only showing 3150 though. The 150 interbond is right around an inch give or take with 68.8 of I4350 for avg 3100. Cases are all new neck sized only so fired cases might do a little better. Also haven't miced necks or used primers other than cci250.

Think I will try the 130xlc next with I4350 and GM210M primer and see if it will get tight. One inch ain't bad and huntable but I'm looking for better. It's fun and I'll let you know if interested.

If you want to swap any recipes, I am all ears.

tks
reed

[bigjeepman]

graydonr ...

Yes, I have a Black Shadow and like you, when I picked it up, it was going home with me. I think it has a very durable stock and I especially like the forearm because the grip feels very strong there.

I use Federal's GM210m primers myself. For some reason, I like almost everything that has Federal's name on it including their brass. I like RE-19 too and will try some of those loads soon along with some MagPro loads. I do not have have a Chrony yet but maybe someday. I have to rely on published velocities.

I hope to reload some ammo tonight and shoot sometime this weekend but I have several commitments to attend to. Good shooting .....