There's no magic in any caliber. I 've used lots to kill big game, from 25 to 458. However, anyone who thinks a .308 is as efficient at killing game as a .325WSM has not used both. I'm tired of the old sayings promoting lesser cartridges over more powerful one, usually saying that a better placed bullet from a smaller cartridge kills better than a poorly placed one from a more powerful cartridge. DUUUUUUUHHHHH!!
The .300 long neck is a caliber that's hard to beat anywhere in the Rockies. I have used it for Lopes, Mulies, and Wapiti. Great results on everything. With the Limb Saver recoil pads available today it's very friendly at the range as well as in the field. With 165 grain Nozlers for the deer and pronghorns one doesn't need anything else. As for elk the 165's are ok but I go to 180 grain projectiles for these big boys. Point of aim is insignificant and usually no adjustments are needed to switch back and forth. At least not for my Ruger 77. Top off the rifle with a good quality 3x9 and your in business for what ever the lower 46 have in mind. (I no longer count the two states on the least or worst coasts)....
I have done quite extensive research before loading any load with a powder not listed for reloading in this caliber.
Again, this isn't to play safety police, but to inform of what is actually happening.
I would advise doing research before stating facts. Many companies that dont have certain powders listed for reloading more often than not just didnt test that powder. It does not, by any means, mean it is not recommended. (2) I did a side by side comparison work up from a 300wsm load data, using the same powder as the 325. Same exact case, but smaller opening. So, knowing that the same shell with a smaller opening can shoot this powder with the same size bullet leads a person to believe that I'm not going to generate more pressure with a larger opening, unless my physics are wrong.Again, this isn't to play safety police, but to inform of what is actually happening.
1) "Signs" don't accurately report anything repeatable.
2) Read my pressure sticky, or the recent pressure testing of the large and small primer Creedmoor, or any of my other pressure threads. Assuming, which can get you into trouble, that there is no soft case issues such as Federal has; "Signs" can begin to reliably show when you are well above 70,000 psi.
3) That is actually what that means. When no one doing pressure testing recommends it, it isn't recommended.![]()
4) The trouble with burning rate charts, is that they mean very little. Burning rate charts are done from a standard, typically bomb testing. So, when you actually put it in an application, things can change substantially. RL-17 in the Creedmoor is rather progressive burning, meaning it has a changing burning rate as the pressure changes. Use it in the 308, and there is nothing progressive about it, just a standard burn. I have also shared the traces for this in a few threads.
5) Unless you have used pressure equipment and measured/recorded the curve and pressures so you know it acts progressive, that is simply impossible. Pressure = Velocity. Faith and desire doesn't propel bullets, pressure behind them does. If you are getting higher velocity than a book, or expected calculation, it's because you have more pressure. Whether that is because your specific lot of powder has a different burning rate, or the application makes it such; you in fact DO have more pressure.
Thank you for your opinion. I am not on here trying to make enemies or cause turmoil, I just wanted to post some things that I have learned about my rifle.Again, this isn't to play safety police, but to inform of what is actually happening.
1) "Signs" don't accurately report anything repeatable.
2) Read my pressure sticky, or the recent pressure testing of the large and small primer Creedmoor, or any of my other pressure threads. Assuming, which can get you into trouble, that there is no soft case issues such as Federal has; "Signs" can begin to reliably show when you are well above 70,000 psi.
3) That is actually what that means. When no one doing pressure testing recommends it, it isn't recommended.![]()
4) The trouble with burning rate charts, is that they mean very little. Burning rate charts are done from a standard, typically bomb testing. So, when you actually put it in an application, things can change substantially. RL-17 in the Creedmoor is rather progressive burning, meaning it has a changing burning rate as the pressure changes. Use it in the 308, and there is nothing progressive about it, just a standard burn. I have also shared the traces for this in a few threads.
5) Unless you have used pressure equipment and measured/recorded the curve and pressures so you know it acts progressive, that is simply impossible. Pressure = Velocity. Faith and desire doesn't propel bullets, pressure behind them does. If you are getting higher velocity than a book, or expected calculation, it's because you have more pressure. Whether that is because your specific lot of powder has a different burning rate, or the application makes it such; you in fact DO have more pressure.
Again, I have moved pass the pressure "signs" and was not saying that was an opinion. Please read all before posting. I was saying that is was his opinion that if a powder isn't listed in a reloading book then its unsafe or not recommended. Also, that his logic of velocity=pressure is his opinion. If I had $900 to drop on a pressure reading devise, I would be more than happy to, but right now I just dont.
