Shrinking groups of 300WM

[mainehunt]

While reloading for my 300 WM, using 200 grain bullets and IMR4350 powder, I' m getting any where from 1.5 inch groups to around 2.5 inches. (100 yards) Depending on powder amount.

Here is my question;

What is the next step that you guys would try, as far as trying to shrink group sizes.

ie; bullet seat depth, different primer (I' m using fed. large rifle mag), etc.
What would you do FIRST?

[jjt]

mainehunt

i am haveing the same problem only my paterns are slightly larger than yours

i switched primers made very little or no change(win to cci)

as far as seating depth i havent changed much more than a few hundreths as there is little room to do so with this round and a 200 gr bullet

i am going to try some Sciroccos and some accubonds later this year to see if i can get it (accuracy)out of the bullet

i am also in the process of changing to faster and slower powders to see if i can change anything there

if you find anything that works let me know

[Vapodog]

Until you have glass bedded your action and free floated the barrel there is little more to say.

[mainehunt]

The barrel IS free-floated.

I don' t think that the bedding is the cause, because with some factory loads, I can get sub-MOA with it.

[Superpig]

Try different powders such as IMR4831,H4831, & RL22. I have always had good results with these powders in the 300. Also, try seating the bullet .010-.020 off of the lands. I exclusively use Federal primers in all my handloads.

[Vapodog]

OK...if you' re confident that the bedding is OK....then the number one component to accuracy is the bullet.....change it!!!

I' m assuming you have insured the scope and mounts are not an issue.

[stubblejumper]

I would try different bullet weights then different bullet construction then different powders.Getting too hung up on a single bullet or powder will often prevent you from reaching the guns full accuracy potential.

[Vapodog]

For whatever it' s worth, my .300 Mag shot three (unnamed) bullets to about 3" groups and Swift A-Frames well inside an inch.......

Bullets that normally shoot well are core lokts, power points Hornady Innerloks, A-Frames, Bearclaws, ...and more that I haven' t tried yet.

These are all fine big game bullets...be patient and you' ll find a match for that rifle.....I like your 200 grain attitude.....great for a .300 mag!!!!!

[stubblejumper]

I use only 180gr bullets in the .308" calibers as they are plenty big enough for moose and elk and shoot flatter with less recoil than the 200' s.

[handloader1]

I would mess around with bullet seating. What brand of bullet are you using? Good luck.