300 deer load

7 replies [Last post]

Sun, 2011-10-09 10:22

JJD

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Location: Right Side WA state

Joined: 11/07/2008

Posts: 205

300 deer load

About the only rifle I have left, that I can pack, for deer size game ia a 300 win mag.

I was going to load down a round to keep from destroying so much meat.

I hunt open country and shots are available as long as you wish to take them. However, considering my time to practice shooting at ranges greater than 350 to 400 yds, I don't take them. OK, considering the B.C. of the 165 and 180 gr bullets, you don't gain anything but a bit MV for a shorter distance. Which bullet would you load and why?

Thanks,

Sun, 2011-10-09 11:23

AFHunter

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Location: Colorado Springs

Joined: 02/23/2009

Posts: 150

I would go with the 165.

I would go with the 165. Either a 165 Sierra Game King or 165 Hornady BTSP (interlock). Only reason's I can think of would be flatter trajectory and less cost of reloading. With a .300 Win, it'll be hard to avoid the meat damage.

Mon, 2011-10-10 10:06

JJD

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Location: Right Side WA state

Joined: 11/07/2008

Posts: 205

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AF,

Interesting thoughts, I have not made up my mind as to how I will load. Still looking at data.

I have shot the 165 Hornady BTSP and it is a potent rd. I have a 30/338 wildcat (similar to 300 win mag) who's throat is worn out. It was built on a Springfield action and that metal is getting up there in age, I decided to retire it. That 165 in it was better than average. However, on lighter game the destruction was huge, especially if you hit big bone. While I like flatter shooting, about the only way you maintain that is through velocity. I believe that is where the damage is coming from. I believe you are correct in that keeping the flatter trajectory, meat damage will be hard to avoid.

Sun, 2011-10-09 11:28

Critter

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Location: Western Colorado

Joined: 03/26/2009

Posts: 2773

I'd stick with the heaver

I'd stick with the heaver bullet. It will stay together a lot better than a lighter one on a animal the size of a deer. I remember the first deer that I shot with a .340 Weatherby and a 225 grain bullet. I thought that I was going to have hamburger but it was almost a clean pass through with massive destruction on the innards.

As for loading it down I like the 150 grain bullets for deer out of a .30-06 and it wouldn't be that hard to load a .300 down to that.

Mon, 2011-10-10 10:30

JJD

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Location: Right Side WA state

Joined: 11/07/2008

Posts: 205

Thought

I was thinking that as a result of the 180 gr's better BC, it might hold flight path better at lower velocities than the lighter bullets. Might try a Hornady 180 BTSP at 308 or 30-06 speeds. Need to find a powder that provides a decent case fill at these velocities to provide for a uniform burn. Need a primer that will work with said powder.

Tue, 2011-10-11 08:48

WesternHunter

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Location: Colorado

Joined: 05/05/2006

Posts: 2232

.300 win mag

For deer in that caliber I'd use a 150gr or 165gr. You have a lot of power in that cartridge as it is. You can use 180gr if you want, but....how much meat do you want bloodshot? Plus the lighter bullets will give you a flatter trajectory for those long range mule deer shots.

Tue, 2011-10-11 08:53

Don Fischer

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Location: Antelope, Ore

Joined: 03/24/2005

Posts: 2859

I had always figured that if

I had always figured that if I was to have a 300 mag, I'd load it with 200gr bullets. But a lot of people that use it stick with the 180gr. Better BC on the 200gr and good muzzle velocity. But I doubt that the velocity will be hard on the bullet. I have never understood the love of lighter, 180 and below, in the 300 mag. I think mthe 180 is just right for the 30-06 and the 165 just right for the 308.

Wed, 2011-10-12 12:17

WesternHunter

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Location: Colorado

Joined: 05/05/2006

Posts: 2232

300 win mag

Your probably right Don, when it comes to the 300 win mag. It's probably best to use a heavier bullet in that. This is exactly the reason I've always thought a 300 win mag is an overpowered cartridge for something the size of a deer. It would function better with a heavier bullet and best used on large dangerous heavy game like Grizzlies or Polars. It can be used perfectly fine for deer, but for deer I would suggest going with a lighter bullet in that cartridge. Either way, it will cleanly harvest a deer if the hunter does their part correctly.

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