I am new to the reloading game...I have a new 300 WSM that I intend to use for long range target shooting and hunting. I plan to run a 168 grain bullet. I am curious to know if anyone has had any luck loading the 300 WSM? Specifically, powders, primers, etc...Any advice is welcomed and appreciated. Thanks.

I'm not going to tell you that 168's won't work well in the 300 WSM, but I prefer to use 180's. In one rifle I use a 180 Partition in WW cases, Fed 215m primers with 69grs of RL-22. In my other I've been shooting 180 Barnes Triple-shocks (Moly'd)in WW cases, Fed 215m and 71grs of RL-22. RL-19 is probably closer to optimum burning speed but RL-22 has always worked best for me in lots of calibers including this one.
I prefer the 180's for several reasons. I shoot the 168's in 30-06 and 308 and want something heavier in a heavier caliber. The 180's loaded to about 3000fps follow the trajectory of the TDS reticle quite well. I plan on using 300's on larger game and so like the heavier bullet for penetration etc..
I hope you enjoy your 300WSM!.........DJ

With Sierra 165s I have had good results with H4350 and Varget in my winchester FWT. H4350 gave good results with 180gr bullets.

I have used CCI Magnum primers with good results in 300WSM.
good luck

The 300 WSM my son owns has a lot of free bore so it is a little different than what I am used to. We tried 150gr 168gr 180gr and 200gr bullets his 300 WSM does not like the liter bullets only 180 and 200gr. The 180's work the best and the rifle likes them set deep into the case rather than trying to get near the lands. As for powder the best have been Reloader 19, W760 and IMR 4831 usualy a couple grs back down from max. http://shortmags.org/shortmags/ has all the info you need to get a heck of a good start.

I second the reference to shortmags.org, lots of good people there too.

My accuracy load is 55 Gr Varget or 54 Gr. 4895 behind a 168 Gr Matchking, loaded in contact with the riflings. (.5"-.75" depending on how I am doing reading the wind) I am trying 4350 with 165's Tuesday....should be good!

My hunting load is a max load of 4350 and 180 grain anything, just off the rifling. (easy .75" with Ballistic tip or SST bullets)

My rifle really likes bullets to touch the rifling, everyone gets different results here.

Win brass, WLRM primers, RCBS dies, partial full length sizing to just bump the shoulder.

Practice, practice, practice!

I've used RL22, RL19, H4831sc and H4350 in two 300 WSM's... I prefer H4350 over all others. It produces top velocity with accuracy and is relatively "temperature stable." Here in Montana it can be in the 90's during load development, in the 60's (+) chasing antelope and well below zero during elk season... I find the "Extreme" powders temp stability useful.

TMOSS,

I have had good results w/ R19 and R22. W/ 165 grn HDY SSTs and 70 grns of R19 I get sub MOA and Right around 3100 fps. The R22 groups great too, I just cant get the same speed out of it.

Good Luck!

Reloader

Thanks to all of you for the helpful suggestions...