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I threatened here a while back to start loading for the 300 Savage cartridge. This past weekend I did just that and loaded up some Speer 180 Gr MagTips using RE15 per Speer's recommendations. What I got was unexpected. The load data suggested 39.0 gr as a starting load and working up to 43.0 gr maximum. I started at the minimum and stopped at 42.6gr. From the get-go (39.0) I was already starting to push the max load's velocity as listed. By the time I hit my max I was clocking almost 2600 fps consistently. At this level I was starting to notice some signs of high pressure in the form of cratered primers. I'll call this too hot and back down to about 42.0 for my max. Speer states that their test rifle was a model 99 with 20 inch barrel. Mine is 22 inches and so must account for most of this difference. It's refreshing to actually see my rifles exceed what the loading manuals list since it usually seems to be the other way around. That performance level is nipping at the heels of the 308. I was having so much fun that I didn't even realize I'd bruised my shoulder until the next day when I was in the shower. Guess that steel butt plate doesn't give too much
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One of my sources claims that the heavier hunting loads should be crimped and this stands to reason. However, in trying to set up my seater die for crimping I collapsed 2 cases and gave up. The second one was a very light crimp at that. The small neck and steep shoulder contribute to this problem I think. Has anyone else experienced this? I haven't check to see if Lee makes a factory crimp die for this cartridge but that might be the cure.
Does anyone else have any experience with this cartridge that they'd like to share? I'm interested in finding out about case life and stretching for one thing. How about 200 gr bullet performance? I think I've found myself a new friend.
One of my sources claims that the heavier hunting loads should be crimped and this stands to reason. However, in trying to set up my seater die for crimping I collapsed 2 cases and gave up. The second one was a very light crimp at that. The small neck and steep shoulder contribute to this problem I think. Has anyone else experienced this? I haven't check to see if Lee makes a factory crimp die for this cartridge but that might be the cure.
Does anyone else have any experience with this cartridge that they'd like to share? I'm interested in finding out about case life and stretching for one thing. How about 200 gr bullet performance? I think I've found myself a new friend.