I have been searching old forum posts regarding velocities for the 300 H&H.

I am interested in finding out what the realistic, achievable & 'safe' maxiumun velocities are for 180gr. & 200gr. bullets?
I am not trying to push the old cartridge to the breaking point but, would like to learn it's honest capabilities.

The range I encountered during my search was much wider than I expected.

- 180gr. bullets I found everything from 2800 fps. to almost 3100 fps.
- 200gr. anywhere 2600 fps. almost 3100 fps.

Many claimed these loads were safe but, near max. for the 300 H&H.

I certainly understand that each rifle is a "case" unto itself and the componants(barrel length, powders, primers, cases etc.) all have an effect.... However, I still found this rather odd. While reviewing other rounds I never came upon such a large velocity 'spread' for max. & near max loads.

In contrast when one looks at the 300 win mag for example you generally see the max. for 180 gr. bullets between 3000 & 3100 fps.

So, what gives here? What can reasonable & safe reloading practices expect to achieve in the 300 H&H with 180 & 200 gr. bullets?

Regards,
Dave

Hey Dave!

originally a 220grain bullet made 2300 Ft/sec from H&H
and 2700 Ft/Sec with a 180. These velocities is what any healthy 30-06 will do anyday.
To push a 180 grain to the 3000 should be safe. I have never used the 180 grain..have no need...however the 200 and 220 grain is a much better choice I believe.
A load of 70 grain of MRP behind a 200grain Nosler AB will do 2880 Ft/Sec safely...
I know its always tempting to push a cartridge up to its next "brother"...like 308 Win to 30-06 and a .300win up to .300 Weatherby and so on
but as seen and discussed here on this forum a low velocity often make a bullet penetrate better. My favorite load for the .300 H&H is
65 grains MRP behind a 220 grain bullet. I haven`t chronographed it yet, but its a very fine combination for my rifle, for accuracy and low pressure= good for brass..
The 220 grain bullet I believe makes the 300 H&H into its own class.If anyone wants to shoot
165-180 bullet in his H&H, he might aswell just shoot a 30-06 IMHO.
The cartridge OAL for the 300 H&H is longer than 300 Win...and loaded with the long heavy bullets 220-240 grain the 300 win can do no better than the 300 H&H, since the bullet have to be seated deeper in the case...stealing powdervolume. I have a good supply of Hornadys 220 bullets...but once they are out(of the barrel)...I`LL go for the woodleigh 240 grain for sure.
Don`t try to make "varmintgunvelocites" out of the H&H...just go for heavy bullets and you will have a fine big-game cartridge.

I have posted several times reaching safely 2800'/sec with 180 grains in the 30-06 with a 22" barrel. Further I only assume it's safe as I see no pressure signs and primer pockets don't seem expanded. The 300 H&H should easily go to 3,000 but in my 300 H&H I shoot the 200 grain bullets exclusively and 2,900'/sec is where it ends for me.

This is an old Remington 721 with 26" barrel but will take the heat as it's a very strong action.

Possibly a lot of 300 H&H rifles are in much older guns and shooters are reluctant to push them for all they're worth. I see no reason the old magnum shouldn't stand as an equal to the 300 win mag or very close anyway.

Gents,

Thanks for the replys. I appreciate it.

3000 fps for 180 gr. & 2850-2900fps for the 200gr. Thats much more believable than the 400+ fps range I was reading about.

jens,

I understand what you are saying with regard to using heavy for caliber bullets in the 300 H&H. It seems particularly well suited for 200 gr. partitions & A frames...

I am not looking for unreasonable velocities from this cartridge but, just to understand what is achievable with proper reloading & a sound rifle.

I will likely use both 180 & 200 gr. bullets. I like the versatility of this round as well as the slick feeding tapered case. I am considering building one on a M70 action & cut rifle barrel.

Regards,
Dave

quote:

Originally posted by DavidC:
Gents,

Thanks for the replys. I appreciate it.

3000 fps for 180 gr. & 2850-2900fps for the 200gr. Thats much more believable than the 400+ fps range I was reading about.

jens,

I understand what you are saying with regard to using heavy for caliber bullets in the 300 H&H. It seems particularly well suited for 200 gr. partitions & A frames...

I am not looking for unreasonable velocities from this cartridge but, just to understand what is achievable with proper reloading & a sound rifle.

I will likely use both 180 & 200 gr. bullets. I like the versatility of this round as well as the slick feeding tapered case. I am considering building one on a M70 action & cut rifle barrel.

Regards,
Dave

Sounds like a winner

Experience has taught me that the H&H is about 150f/s slower than the 300 Winchester with bullets weighing 180 grains and under. The H&H also does well with reduced loads when one sees fit to use them. There are no flies on the old H&H.

I had no problem reaching over 3150 with 180 grain bullets out of a Model 700 Remington and a few old 70... very accurate to boot....load was 76 gr. of Reloder 19 in new W-W brass with a Federal 215 primer.

Of course, as you know, you should work up to that charge in your rifle....

First off I just purchased a 300 H&H, it has been on the top of my list for some time now. I've come to see the 300 H&H as a classic caliber.

In doing some additional research before buying this gun, I read some articles that claim the best bullet weight of 200 grains. One artical author said the 300 win mag has an advantage over the 300 H&H shooting bullets 180 grain and under. However, shooting bullets 200 grains and over the 300 H&H is the superior caliber. As Jens stated above. He also claimed that the 300 H&H would have a longer barrel life over the 300 win mag, shooting the heavier bullets due to efficency advantages in the case design.

I also like Jens point of people trying to "push a cartridge up to its next 'brother'". I personally load to what shoots the best group and try to stay within max load (per the book) to 2-3 grains under, always working up.