Model 307 Elk Loads

[Catdaddy]

I'm in the process of finding an elk load for my new model 307 Alpine CT in 300 Win Mag. My handloads for my Vanguard 300 Win Mag don't shoot well in the new rifle so I'm back at reloading bench. I found a wonderful accurate load using Hodgdon H4831SC and 180gr Nosler Partition Points. Five shot group at 0.9 inch. The bad news this was a minimum starting load that the average muzzle velocity was only 2721 fps. Faster loads just got bigger spreads. Hodgdon H1000 at near maximum load shot a 1.4 inch 4 shot group with an avg muzzle velocity of 2964 fps. Federal Premium factory with the 180 gr Nosler Partition Point shot a great 3 shot group of 0.6 inch. The bad news is that this load is not available and is discontinued. I have 27 rounds of this ammo left and may use it for my future elk loads The muzzle velocity in my 307 for Federal Premium is 3014 fps. I guess I will try tweaking the H1000 as this powder is readily available and I have the Nosler Partition Points. Another factory load that shot a 0.9 inch 3 shot group is the Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X 178 gr with an avg muzzle velocity 2925 fps. I'm a big fan of rolling your own ammo but when you you can buy factory ammo that shoots as good or better, that what I'm going with. Bottom line is that I really like my model 307 Alpine CT.

[PARA45]

I've always reloaded with accuracy in mind.  When I went to Africa for the first time, I took my 300 Weatherby with me, and reloaded 180 grs Accubond, and used the starting load.  I couldn't duplicate the accuracy with higher velocity.  The animals I shot in Africa didn't noticed there was a 200-300 fps difference between my reloads and factory ammo. 

In elk country it may be different since you may have to take a longer shot, but since these are so accurate, I would check to see how they shoot at 200 & 300 yds. 

The good news is you have time; the bad news is finding suitable powder. 

Good luck with your quest. 

[oldchet]

I've found with Nosler bullets that I have trouble with I buy a box of Federal ammo that is using the same bullet. If it shoots tight groups I find load data that matches the velocity of factory. Then I seat the bullet to the same length as the factory stuff. 90% of the time it works just fine.

[zoniezonie]

right now across the board we probably have the most varity and accurate factory ammo when you can find it,   we all know to squeese the best accuracy out of our rifles is to re-load.  the thing with factory ammo is not always to same from year to year different bullet, powder, brass, primer lot's. even with the best re-loads you can go out and shoot 3 months ago 6 months ago and get different group sizes using the same ammo.  might not be much of a difference but it's there. 

[Catdaddy]

I've got 2 boxes of factory ammo ordered, both in 180 gr Barnes TTSX bullets. One is from Barnes and the other Federal Premium. My handloads with the Hodgen 4831SC minimum load that gave me the best accuracy is about the muzzle velocity of a 30-06 using 180 gr Nosler Partition Points. My personal comfort level for shooting elk is not over 300 yards so I may end up using the H4831SC as my elk load. My next range trip will be working up loads using H1000 as I already had some that shot good in my other rifle. The H1000 load that shot 2964 fps was 1 grain from max and shot a decent group. If i can find better groups with this powder I probably will load up a few boxes. I shot a bull last year with a borrowed 7mm Weatherby Magnum using the Barnes TTSX and it was a one shot kill at almost 300 yards so I know this bullet will do the job. If one of the two factory ammo shoots good you can bet I'll stock up. When you get a new rifle it's starting up from square one to find what it likes and doesn't like. That's the fun but it does get expensive.

[Catdaddy]

I've always reloaded with accuracy in mind.  When I went to Africa for the first time, I took my 300 Weatherby with me, and reloaded 180 grs Accubond, and used the starting load.  I couldn't duplicate the accuracy with higher velocity.  The animals I shot in Africa didn't noticed there was a 200-300 fps difference between my reloads and factory ammo. 

In elk country it may be different since you may have to take a longer shot, but since these are so accurate, I would check to see how they shoot at 200 & 300 yds. 

The good news is you have time; the bad news is finding suitable powder. 

Good luck with your quest.

I may end up using this load as it is super accurate and is equivalent to a 30-06 shooting the same bullet. Many a game animal has fallen to this caliber and there was very little recoil with the suppressor. Next outing will be with H1000 starting at minimum and going to maximum except for the 1 grain from maximum that also shot nice but I feel there is a better load with this powder yet to be found.

[Catdaddy]

Just checked with the Federal web site and the Federal Premium in 300 Win Mag 180 gr Nosler Partition Point is now available at a good price in today's market.  I ordered a couple of boxes as well as some more 180 gr Nosler Partition Point bullet from Natchez Shooting and Outdoors that I will use in my handloads. Today only Natchez is giving a 10% off on their reloading stuff if anyone is interested.

[txaggie]

Partitions are hard to beat on performance - they have been around forever and still compete in todays expanding market place. I'm a fan of swift-nosler-barnes use all three often. Whatever shoots accurately in your rifle - make or buy couple hundred rounds and go enjoy is my motto.