Loading 300 Blackout - ep 6 - Initial velocity testing for 110gr hunting loads

Published on September 28, 2015
Duration: 40:53

This video details the initial stages of developing 300 Blackout hunting loads, focusing on velocity testing with 110gr V-Max bullets. The instructor explores different powders (Norma 200, Winchester 296, Lil' Gun) and their performance, highlighting the importance of velocity for bullet expansion and effective range. While accuracy was secondary, the primary goal was to identify powders that could achieve desired velocities for hunting applications, particularly for deer.

Quick Summary

When developing 300 Blackout hunting loads, achieving sufficient velocity is crucial for bullet expansion and effective range. For 110gr bullets, aim for 2300-2400 ft/s. Winchester 296 powder shows promise, while case capacity can limit velocities with powders like Norma 200. Shorter barrels also reduce overall velocity compared to standard test data.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to 300 Blackout Reloading
  2. 00:07Chronograph Issues and Velocity Importance
  3. 00:31Hunting Bullet Types: V-Max vs. SST vs. TAC-TX
  4. 01:34Understanding Bullet Expansion and Penetration
  5. 03:34V-Max Suitability for Deer Hunting
  6. 04:44Initial Testing with 110gr V-Max Bullets
  7. 05:18Powder Selection for Velocity
  8. 06:09Hornady Data for 110gr V-Max
  9. 06:32Norma 200 Powder Load Development
  10. 07:26Winchester 296 Load Development
  11. 07:56Loading 50 Rounds of 110gr V-Max
  12. 08:33Brass Preparation and Case Life
  13. 09:00Resizing and De-capping Process
  14. 10:01Priming and Case Length Check
  15. 11:29Powder Charging with Norma 200
  16. 13:26Bullet Seating to OAL
  17. 18:31Factory Crimp Application
  18. 20:28Range Day: Setting Up for Velocity Testing
  19. 21:16Testing Norma 200 (18 Grains)
  20. 22:55Testing Norma 200 (19 Grains)
  21. 23:38Testing Norma 200 (20 Grains)
  22. 25:00Testing Winchester 296 (19 Grains)
  23. 25:58Testing Winchester 296 (19.5 Grains)
  24. 26:35Testing Winchester 296 (20 Grains)
  25. 27:29Testing Lil' Gun (20 Grains)
  26. 28:42Testing Lil' Gun (20.5 Grains)
  27. 29:22Testing Lil' Gun (21 Grains)
  28. 30:06Testing Lil' Gun (21.5 Grains)
  29. 31:03Max Case Capacity Analysis
  30. 32:35Range Day Observations and Other Shooters
  31. 33:11Accuracy vs. Velocity Discussion
  32. 33:39Norma 200 Performance Review
  33. 34:25Winchester 296 Performance Review
  34. 34:54Lil' Gun Performance Review
  35. 36:32Conclusion: Winchester 296 Promising
  36. 37:33Conflicting Data: Hornady Manual vs. Test Results
  37. 38:31Barrel Length Impact on Velocity
  38. 39:00Why Velocity Matters for Hunting
  39. 40:06Bullet Expansion Velocity Thresholds
  40. 40:44Next Steps and Future Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the target velocities for 300 Blackout hunting loads?

For 300 Blackout hunting loads with 110gr bullets, the target velocity is generally around 2300-2400 feet per second. For heavier 125gr bullets, a minimum of 2100 feet per second is considered desirable for effective expansion and penetration.

Which powders are suitable for loading 300 Blackout hunting ammunition?

Winchester 296 has shown promise for 300 Blackout 110gr hunting loads, achieving velocities over 2000 ft/s. Norma 200 and Lil' Gun were less effective in this specific test, with Norma 200 limited by case capacity and Lil' Gun showing inconsistent velocity results.

How does barrel length affect 300 Blackout velocity?

Shorter barrels, like the 8.5-inch barrel used in this test, can significantly reduce achievable velocities compared to longer barrels (e.g., 16-inch) typically used for published reloading data. This means the practical velocity ceiling may be lower for short-barreled 300 Blackout firearms.

Why is bullet expansion velocity important for hunting?

Bullet expansion velocity determines the effective range of a hunting round. If a bullet's minimum expansion velocity (e.g., 1300-1400 ft/s for some copper bullets) is not met at the target distance, the bullet may not expand properly, leading to reduced energy transfer and penetration, thus limiting the effective hunting range.

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