Looking for some ideas on a load for a 300 win mag.

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

I have never reloaded before. But i have access to all the reloading equipment i need.
I shoot a Ruger M77 MkII laminate stainless in 300 Win. I have only shot factory ammo through it.

We are going to colorado this year and i would like to work up a load for deer and elk. I was thinking the 168 VLD's or the 165 nosler accubonds.

Any suggestions. The reason i ask is to get a little headstart, just a starting point.

Thank you.

[high country]

what do you look for in a bullet? those are just about polar opposites in terms of on game performance.

[Hornseeker]

I think the VLD "Hunting" bullet has been pretty well proven, though I still shoot the barnes and noslers... am I mistaken HC?? Seems like those berger shooters have done well through the years?

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

Will be hunting elk and deer. I have been shooting the 165 federal fusions, and i would continue shooting them but i want to shoot something that is a little more consistant.
This year we will be in colorado so longer shots are the norm.

I guess i am just looking for a good hunting bullet as i am not a competition shooter.

[JLS]

How long is a longer shot?  Have you tried Barnes TSX 168 grainers?

Know nothing about the Accubonds, I've never used them.

[high country]

the nozzy is going to open up into a little mushroom and keep on trucking. the vld is going to go about 3-4" deep and then explode like a grenade. if you take less than good anlge shots with the vld, your odds go south, with the noz it will likely keep on trucking to the good stuff. the vld typically puts stuff on the ground the second it hits due to massive tissue destruction, the noz tends to be very traditional, expect a small tracking job. both are great bullets if you consider the limitations on each.

[Biggerhammer]

"Know nothing about the Accubonds, I've never used them."


..and the truth shall set you free. Now I know why you slum Barnes.

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

Oh i am guessing 600 yards max. I was leaning nosler accubonds, but i have seen what those VLDs do so i was considering those also. We are going to do an open country mule deer hunt 3rd season, and also have cow tags and an OTC bull tag in the pocket. I don't want to carry different bullets, just trying to keep is simple.

[BULLBLASTER]

Lately I have had very good experience with heavy for caliber bullets. If it were me I would buy a box of 200 grain accubonds and a box of 210 Berger's and play around with them.they may not be as fast as lighter but they should shoot flatter in the long run and carry more energy for.longer shots. I killed a mulie buck and a 6point bull elk this year with 210 Berger's inside of 100 yards and they worked great. Don't let people tell you Berger's only work on long shots. Good luck.

[high country]

I would shoot both. if one gives better accuracy, that is important at 600yds.....if on par with each other, noz gets my nod just because it offers a bit more lattitude in shot angles.

[BULLBLASTER]

I would shoot both. if one gives better accuracy, that is important at 600yds.....if on par with each other, noz gets my nod just because it offers a bit more lattitude in shot angles.

[JLS]

"Know nothing about the Accubonds, I've never used them."


..and the truth shall set you free. Now I know why you slum Barnes.

My ignorance is quite blissful

[Curly]

Out of the bullets you mentioned, I'd favor the Accubond too.

Whatever bullet you end up going with, I'd recommend you at least give H1000 powder a try.

[JLS]

 Now I know why you slum Barnes.

The oddest thing happened to me this morning.  I opened my freezer to get a pack of elk steaks out, and the bull I shot with a Barnes TSX crawled out of the white freezer paper, shook his mane, and ran off!  Is this a bullet failure?  Maybe I should have used Accubonds?

Shoot straight, even if you use ghetto bullets

[hub]

Which way did he go. I,ll grab my 300 mag and smack with a 2oo gr. partition at 3000 plus and give him back to ya. He won,t run off this time.