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    Handloader April-May 2024

    Handloader April-May 2024

    Volume: 59 | Back to issue

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    Bullets & Brass

    300 Ruger Compact Magnum Heavyweight Bullet Data

    column By: Brian Pearce | April, 24

    300 Ruger Compact Magnum Heavyweight Bullet Data

    Q: Several years ago I purchased a Ruger M77 Hawkeye chambered in 300 RCM. Soon thereafter, Ruger discontinued chambering rifles, so it must not have sold very well. I noticed that Hornady still offers factory loads. I have very much enjoyed my rifle, as it offers magnum performance from a handy 22-inch barrel and its compact size is preferred in the brushy, dense timber where I hunt elk here in Northern Idaho. I have been handloading 165- and 180-grain bullets, but want to develop loads with the 200-grain Nosler Partition or AccuBond for better penetration on elk when they are quartering away. Can you offer load data that will give top velocities? I greatly appreciate Handloader and especially your articles on big-bore sixguns. Thank you in advance.

    J.S., Sandpoint, ID

    The 300 RCM can offer outstanding performance using 200-grain bullets in conjunction with Winchester 760 powder.
    The 300 RCM can offer outstanding performance using 200-grain bullets in conjunction with Winchester 760 powder.
    A: First, thank you for reading our magazines and taking the time to write. In my testing, Hodgdon H-4350 and Winchester 760 are standout powder choices for the 300 RCM, especially when used in conjunction with heavyweight bullets. I would suggest starting with 54 grains of H-4350 and work up to a maximum charge of 57.5 grains that will push either of the Nosler 200-grain bullets over 2,800 feet per second (fps). If you prefer a spherical powder, start with 55 grains of W-760 and work up to 58 grains maximum for just over 2,900 fps. The above loads were developed using the Federal No. 210 primer, which is a standard large rifle and not a magnum. If a magnum primer is used, powder charge weights will need to be reduced to keep pressures in check. Your load should prove an excellent choice for hunting elk in the timber. Good luck!

    Smith & Wesson Model 657 in 41 Magnum

    Q: I have been handloading for about five years, but have only been reading Handloader for about a year. I’m very impressed with the vast amount of data and technical information that you provide. My favorite handgun is a Smith & Wesson Model 657 41 Magnum with a 6-inch barrel. I have been using 210-grain jacketed bullets from Hornady and Speer with good results on our whitetail deer. But a friend who casts bullets gave me 400 bullets that weigh 215 grains and are from RCBS mould No. 41-210-SWC. I have been impressed with the accuracy at 850 fps, but have also pushed them as high as 1,200 fps. But I would like to try a heavier cast bullet that weighs 250 grains or maybe heavier. I have a few questions. Should I choose a design with a gas check or plain base? Can you suggest a supplier? Also, can you offer data that will reach around 1,200 fps? Thanks for any information that you can provide.

    S.S.M., Huntsville, AL

    The Oregon Trail 265-grain True Shot WNFP GC is an excellent heavyweight bullet for the 41 Magnum.
    The Oregon Trail 265-grain True Shot WNFP GC is an excellent heavyweight bullet for the 41 Magnum.
    A: There are several very good bullets that weigh 250 to 265 grains that will perform well in your Smith & Wesson sixgun. I generally prefer to use plain base designs because they are easier and faster to produce at home, cost less, are easier on the barrel and can be very accurate. However, it can be very beneficial to use a gas check designed bullet in a gun that is prone to barrel leading as it effectively eliminates that issue. You might start with the Oregon Trail 265-grain True Shot WNFP GC or a very similar bullet from Rim Rock with their 265-grain LBT-LWN with gas check (rimrockbullets.net). Use 16.5 grains of Accurate No. 9 powder or 17 grains of Alliant 2400, with both loads reaching just over 1,200 fps and are within industry pressure guidelines for the 41 Magnum at 36,000 psi. Both loads should be ignited with a non-magnum large pistol standard primer such as the CCI No. 300 or Federal No. 150.

    270 Winchester with Hornady 100-grain GMX

    Q: I’m trying to develop a new load to hunt deer with my 270 Winchester using the 100-grain Hornady GMX bullet. This is my first time using a solid copper-style bullet. My Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading manual does not include data with this bullet. I am not so concerned about achieving the highest velocities, but rather am looking for top accuracy. Powders that I have on hand include IMR-4064, Alliant RL-22 and Hodgdon Varget. Can you suggest a load that will give top accuracy? Thanks for your help.

    J.J., via Facebook

    By experimenting with bullet seating depth, the Hornady 100-grain GMX bullet can offer good accuracy in the 270 Winchester.
    By experimenting with bullet seating depth, the Hornady 100-grain GMX bullet can offer good accuracy in the 270 Winchester.
    A: I have not tried all three of the powders you mentioned with the 100-grain Hornady GMX bullet; however, I would expect Varget to be the best choice. I would suggest starting with 50 grains and working up to 54 grains as a maximum charge. You didn’t state anything about the rifle or the barrel length, however, this load reached 3,350 fps to 3,400 fps in my test rifle with a 24-inch barrel. Once you have settled on a powder charge, experiment with bullet seating depths to find the sweet spot for the best accuracy. Unlike conventional cup-and-core bullets, the sweet spot is often found with the bullet seated .050 to .090 inch off the leade.

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