I have a Kimber Montana in a 300 WSM. If I shoot factory Federal Premium with 165 barnes txs, I get a 3 shoot group that touch each other. I started handloading for the rifle and have been having one heck of a time triing to get it to group well. I would say that I get 2 inchs at the best. If I didn't get such good groups with factory shells, I would sell the rifle. I Here is what I have tried and I hope I get some advice.

Primers CCI Large Rifle
Powers IMR 4350, imr 4064, varget
cases are winchester

Has anyone triied reloader 17. I have heard that, that power was designed for the short mags. I was also thinking of switching to a Fed primer. Or a mag primer. Any advice would be great. I really like this rifle and want to turn it into my go to mountian rifle for the weight. Any advice would be great.

This is a common problem with Barnes bullets, they are more sensitive to powder selection then standard bullets. My advice would be to load a min load with 4 or 5 different powders, and go try them. See which powder shoots best and work up with this powder.

I used barnes and got annoyed, and then switched to accubonds. they grouped a little better, but still not good. I know the rifle can shot I just need figure out what is not right. I have only been reloading for a few years and have never had a problem with rifles till this one. I do relize that some rifles will not shoot, but with factory shells shooting better then hand loads, I cant blame it on the rifle

My 300 WSM shoots the 165 gr. TSX's great.
Here is the load my rifle likes:

165 gr. TSX, 58.5 grs. RL-15, Win. Brass, WLRM Primers.

Bob

165 gr. TSX-300 WSM

My 300 WSM likes the Hornady 165 gr Interbonds with RL-19 and WLRM primers. I couldn't get very good groups from the TSXs. I worked up my loads before RL-17 was available, but I plan to try it.

quote:

Originally posted by Bob in TX:
My 300 WSM shoots the 165 gr. TSX's great.
Here is the load my rifle likes:

165 gr. TSX, 58.5 grs. RL-15, Win. Brass, WLRM Primers.

Bob

165 gr. TSX-300 WSM

What sort of velocity are you getting with that?

I've had good luck with Federal primers and Ramshot Hunter (which, incidentally, meters like water and is pretty consistent over the chronograph).

R-17 has worked very well in my 300 wsm (Rem 700 CDL). I have had good luck with 180 gr TTSX bullets and 64.6 grains of R-17. COL is 2.860. The first shot was an inch off and the next three are touching. Had a similar group with the COL of 2.880. These are not compacted loads. I plan to try to repeat that group tomorrow.

I tried several factory loads and none would shoot acceptable groups. If they did I would not spend the time reloading. I know what I would do if I had your rifle. Good luck.

woodelf says,

quote:

Primers: CCI Large Rifle

Use magnum primers. You may not be getting adequately rapid ignition and complete combustion of the propellant prior the egress of the projectile. Per bullets, I shoot only target bullets. I am unfamiliar with your choice.

My target load in my 300WSM shoots half-minute out to 300 yards. It is: Any brand of Large Rifle Magnum primer, 65 grains of RL-22 or H4831SC, the 180-grain Sierra MatchKing HPBT bullet and the garden-variety Winchester case. I do not crimp the bullets. I set the bullets about 0.20 inches off the lands. If you know anyone who can supply a bit of kit to give this load a shot, why not give it a whirl? It works for me.

quote:

What sort of velocity are you getting with that?

Big Game-64.5 grs.-3094 fps (.692” group)
RL-15-58.5 grs-3050 fps (.442” group)

Its just as easy to look to the rifle for consistent accuracy. After you confirm that everything is tight check the bedding for uneven places.

Its very easy to check the action screws right at the range. Bring a screwdriver that fits and after you prove they are tight try the rear one with a quarter turn or more less tension.

The pillars can always be modified, changed or removed as well.

quote:

Here is what I have tried and I hope I get some advice.

Primers CCI Large Rifle
Powers IMR 4350, imr 4064, varget
cases are winchester

Has anyone triied reloader 17. I have heard that, that power was designed for the short mags. I was also thinking of switching to a Fed primer. Or a mag primer. Any advice would be great. I really like this rifle and want to turn it into my go to mountian rifle for the weight. Any advice would be great.

I would start by loading up some slower powders such as RL 17, RL19, IMR 4831 and maybe even RL 22. But only change one thing at a time otherwise you will never notice what helped or didnt help.
Personally I have never noticed much difference when changing primers.

First thing I would do is to measure the factory rounds and set the COL to equal what they are since that seating depth seems to work for your rifle. Then explore changes with powder charges.

If all else fails just load up rounds for practice and buy a box of factories for hunting. Once you know where they shoot in relation to your practice rounds you can easily adjust your scope to resight in. Hell, box of 20 should last you 3-4 years easily.