300 Blackout - 220gr Nosler Ballistic Tip Subsonic

Published on May 28, 2019
Duration: 57:44

This guide details troubleshooting bullet stabilization issues with .300 Blackout subsonic loads, specifically using 220gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets. It covers critical steps from measuring OAL and selecting appropriate powders like Hodgdon CFE BLK to diagnosing keyholing and analyzing bullet performance in ballistic gel. The expert instruction emphasizes methodical testing and component selection for achieving reliable results, even when initial attempts fail.

Quick Summary

Troubleshooting bullet stabilization for .300 Blackout 220gr subsonic loads involves verifying twist rate, measuring OAL to the lands, and selecting appropriate powders like Hodgdon CFE BLK. Keyholing indicates stabilization failure, which can be addressed by adjusting OAL or trying different powders. Proper bullet seating is crucial to avoid deformation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Context
  2. 01:33Bullet Overview: Nosler 220gr Ballistic Tip
  3. 02:30Components and Load Data
  4. 06:03Determining Maximum OAL
  5. 09:35Brass Preparation and Resizing
  6. 13:50Bullet Seating and Compression Issues
  7. 16:50Initial Range Testing: Stability Failure
  8. 21:10OAL and Powder Adjustments
  9. 26:32Ballistic Gel Testing and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common causes of bullet keyholing in .300 Blackout subsonic loads?

Keyholing in .300 Blackout subsonic loads, like with the 220gr Nosler Ballistic Tip, often stems from bullet stabilization failure. This can be due to insufficient twist rate for the bullet's length and velocity, incorrect OAL, or improper powder selection leading to poor launch dynamics.

How can I determine the correct OAL for my .300 Blackout subsonic reloads?

To determine the correct OAL, use a modified case or comparator to measure the distance to the lands. Set your target OAL with a slight jump (e.g., 0.020 inches) to the lands, ensuring consistent seating depth with your reloading press and dies.

Which powders are recommended for .300 Blackout 220gr subsonic loads?

Hodgdon CFE BLK is specifically optimized for subsonic .300 Blackout loads and provides good case fill. Winchester 296 is another common choice, though experimentation may be needed to find optimal performance and stability for heavier bullets.

Why might a 220gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet fail to expand in ballistic gel?

Failure to expand in ballistic gel can occur if the bullet does not stabilize properly in flight, leading to a sideways impact. Additionally, subsonic velocities might be too low for the bullet's design to initiate expansion reliably, especially if the bullet is not designed for low-velocity terminal performance.

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