For those of you that have one what bullet type and what grain do you use? I currently using 180 gain Nosler Partitions or 180 grain Trophy Tips I'm pretty happy with that but was wondering what everyone else uses. I'm lookin for something I can use in Pa for deer and bear and go out west for elk. think thats why I'll stick with the partitions
Posts: 130 | Location: PA | Registered: 23 February 2009
When I used to have one, I was shooting 165gr FailSafe bullets. Also used these in my 300wby. If I was to own another 300wsm, I would probably be looking at either Trophy Bonded Tipped or Barnes TSX in 165gr as well. No real need for aything heavier, the 165's have enough SD for elk, and in a tough bullet you can smash shoulder bones no problem. You also get the added bonus of a flatter trajectory, slight, but its still there. Also, a bit less recoil.
If you think every possible niche has been filled already, thank a wildcatter!
Posts: 2287 | Location: CO | Registered: 14 December 2007
Until California passed this ignorant "no lead" law I was shooting 180 grain Nosler Partitions in my 300WSM.
When the new law took effect in this area I switched to 168 grain Barnes TSX bullets. Sorry to say I have not shot anything with them yet, but I have used the TSX bullets in several other rifles with good success.
R Flowers
Posts: 1220 | Location: Hanford, CA, USA | Registered: 12 November 2000
I have used the 168 gr TSX on several elk, mule deer, whitetail, kudu, zebra, wildebeast, hogs, nilgai...haven't found it's weak spot yet.
Mine are loaded to 3160 fps, sub 1/2 MOA. 1.5" high @ 100 yds, "0" @ 250, 3.5" low @ 300, 10" low @ 400. This is in the field, not the ballistic charts. That's plenty flat for anything I need it for.
I also have a great load for the 180 TSX, but 168 slightly flatter with a little less recoil. Nothing has yet asked for a 2nd shot with the 168, either.
Originally posted by Tom S: For those of you that have one what bullet type and what grain do you use? I currently using 180 gain Nosler Partitions or 180 grain Trophy Tips I'm pretty happy with that but was wondering what everyone else uses. I'm lookin for something I can use in Pa for deer and bear and go out west for elk. think thats why I'll stick with the partitions
About any 180 grainer is ideal in the 300 WSM. I've used the 180 Partition mostly (I buy seconds) and have taken two 6pt bulls and one 5pt bull with the 180 NP's... and of course antelope, deer, etc.
Any mono metal,solid or bonded in 165gr is what i ha ve decided on. I think i can load my 165 gr bullets hot enough to go through a elephants skull, so why more? Or am i wrong headed.
Most all the hunting purpose bullets today will do a pretty good job on the game you are after in that caliber. The trick is to find the hunting bullet that shoots well in your rifle, and stick with it. I have used a plain jane Hornady #3070 flat base spire point. Has worked well for me for 35 years and shoots under 1/2" in my guns. If I was after a Alaskan Brown Bear, or Africa's dangerous game, I'd use a premium one, but they are not needed for the lower 48. Just place it correctly.
I have been useing Nosler 180 grain e-tips on deer and Elk with excellant results. They really hit hard and exit. I thought I understood monometal bullets after useing Barnes tsxs but these are in A new class. I have been very pleased.
Originally posted by wfh: I have been useing Nosler 180 grain e-tips on deer and Elk with excellant results. They really hit hard and exit. I thought I understood monometal bullets after useing Barnes tsxs but these are in A new class. I have been very pleased.
I've had mixed results with the Barnes X/TSX/TTSX and Winchester Failsafe's. On a cow elk at a bit over 300 yards the 180 Failsafes didn't open (300 WSM). Ditto one 150 TTSX on a cow elk at 225 yards from a 308 Win.
However, have heard good things about the e-tips opening and are going to give them a whirl next year as they're super-accurate in my 308 Win (150 grain).
Since you've included bear and elk, I'd stick with a premium bullet. I've used North Fork 180 gr for the past 5-6 years and absolutely love them. They have performed flawlessly and shoot very well out of all my rifles. The only drawback is that they are a bit pricey but they are well worth it IMO.
