300 Win Mag - 230gr Hornady A-Tip with RL 26

Published on April 4, 2022
Duration: 17:43

This video details the process of handloading 300 Winchester Magnum ammunition using 230-grain Hornady A-Tip bullets and Hodgdon Reloder 26 powder. The instructor demonstrates brass preparation, powder charging, and precise bullet seating to a specific overall length for optimal magazine fit and accuracy. Range testing reveals velocities approaching 2800 fps with groups as tight as 0.54 inches, highlighting the potential of this heavy bullet combination in a 1:9.3 twist barrel.

Quick Summary

Reloading 300 Win Mag with 230gr Hornady A-Tip bullets and Reloder 26 powder requires careful attention to seating depth and powder charges. The Savage 110 Precision's 1:9.3 twist stabilizes the heavy bullet, and MDT magazines allow for longer overall lengths up to 3.850 inches. Best accuracy achieved was 0.54 inches with 71.0 grains of RL 26, reaching velocities near 2800 fps.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Project Overview
  2. 00:14Focus on 230gr Hornady A-Tip Bullets
  3. 00:44Hornady A-Tip Bullet Features & Cost
  4. 01:08Rifle Twist Rate & Bullet Stabilization
  5. 01:21A-Tip Bullet Design Details
  6. 01:37Savage 110 Overall Length Limits
  7. 02:00Determining Minimum Seating Depth
  8. 02:16Target Seating Depth: 3.755 inches
  9. 02:28Comparison to SAAMI Specs & Magazine Fit
  10. 02:51Powder Selection: Reloder 26
  11. 03:03Past RL 26 Experience & Data Caution
  12. 03:24Setting Maximum Charge Weight: 71.5 grains
  13. 03:51Brass and Primer Selection
  14. 04:07Brass Preparation & Mandrel Use
  15. 05:13Bullet Seating Process
  16. 05:31Using Hornady Seating Die & Stem
  17. 05:45First Seating Attempt & Adjustment
  18. 06:07Achieving Target Seating Depth
  19. 06:24Consistent Seating Results
  20. 07:11Powder Charge Consistency & Case Fill
  21. 07:36Range Setup: Savage 110 Precision
  22. 07:53Suppressor & Environmental Conditions
  23. 08:04Target Distance & Chronograph Setup
  24. 08:19Cold Bore First Shot
  25. 08:38Post-Shot Analysis: Bolt Lift & Primer
  26. 08:44First Velocity Reading & Concern
  27. 08:50Feeding from Magazine Test
  28. 09:14First Group Attempt
  29. 09:39First Group Results & Analysis
  30. 10:10Second Group Setup: 70.0 grains
  31. 10:43Second Group Results & Analysis
  32. 11:09Third Group Setup: 70.5 grains
  33. 11:45Third Group Results & Analysis
  34. 12:16Fourth Group Setup: 71.0 grains
  35. 12:36Fourth Group Shot & Velocity
  36. 12:57Fourth Group Results & Wind Influence
  37. 13:53Fifth Group Setup: 71.5 grains (Max Load)
  38. 14:14Fifth Group Shot & Target Camera Issue
  39. 14:31Fifth Group Results & Final Velocity
  40. 15:12Review of All Five Groups
  41. 15:16Brass Inspection & Primer Cratering
  42. 15:43Detailed Look at Final Groups
  43. 15:57Speculation on First Group Performance
  44. 16:14Final Velocity Achievement
  45. 16:17Comparison to Published Data
  46. 16:46Standard Deviation & Extreme Spread Analysis
  47. 16:56Future Exploration: Overall Length
  48. 17:19Other Caliber Considerations
  49. 17:34Conclusion & Rambling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended powder for 300 Win Mag with heavy bullets like the 230gr Hornady A-Tip?

Reloder 26 is a suitable powder for heavy bullets in the 300 Win Mag. However, caution is advised as some published data, like Alliant's, can be overly aggressive. It's recommended to start with lower charges and work up carefully, monitoring for pressure signs.

What overall length can 300 Win Mag cartridges reach when using MDT chassis magazines?

When using MDT chassis magazines, 300 Win Mag cartridges can be loaded to an overall length of up to 3.850 inches. This allows for seating bullets further out, closer to the lands, which can improve accuracy and magazine fit.

What is the twist rate of the Savage 110 Precision rifle used in the video, and is it sufficient for heavy bullets?

The Savage 110 Precision rifle in the video has a 1:9.3 twist rate. This twist rate is generally considered sufficient to stabilize long and heavy bullets like the 230-grain Hornady A-Tip, which are crucial for maintaining ballistic performance at longer ranges.

What were the best accuracy results achieved with the 230gr Hornady A-Tip and Reloder 26 in 300 Win Mag?

The best accuracy achieved during the testing was a 0.54-inch group at 100 yards, fired with 71.0 grains of Reloder 26. The final group at the maximum load of 71.5 grains was 0.68 inches, indicating good potential for accuracy with this combination.

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