300 Winchester Magnum Handloads

My primary cartridge in this caliber will be a long range (up to 600 yards) hunting load. Accuracy and trajectory are the key factors, followed closely by downrange energy. A high ballistic coefficient and relatively heavy bullet weight seem to be what the doctor ordered. Therefore, I really like the 208 grain Hornady A-Max for this. At 600 yards, it still has about 2000 foot-pounds of energy.

Hodgdon doesn't show data for the 208 grain bullet. I'll need to check my Hornady manual. I can interpolate between 200 and 220 grain data, but Hodgdon lists two very different sets of data for 200 grain bullets. I will need to proceed cautiously.

This load will be used for shorter range hunting of elk sized game. Key factors are penetration and weight retention. I will go with the 220 grain Nosler Partition.

RETUMBO is the clear velocity winner with this bullet weight, topping 2800 fps at its maximum charge. H1000 is a close second, but it is not a compressed load.

It might be worthwhile to work up a light hunting cartridge so that I can take my Winchester on hunts as a backup rifle. Just a 150 grain bullet loaded to a reduced velocity of about 3000 fps (reduced velocity for more reliable bullet performance and less meat damage).

I think I'd like to try the Noslter E-Tip. However, I might also consider a Barnes Tipped Triple Shock X Bullet, which is reputed to stand up to high velocities quite well.

Just about any Hodgdon Extreme powder will do 3000 fps, right around the starting charges. It looks like H1000 will probably do the best job filling up the case.