"Ask the Rabbi" by R. Mermelstein



QUESTION: Dear Rabbi Mermelstein:

I have just read your article about the .300 magnum and found it very informative.  I have just helped my son purchase a .300 Winchester Magnum and I am very impressed with it.  I have not yet shot anything but paper but it has proven very accurate with Federal Classic 180 grain bullets.

I also have started loading ammo and have had conflicting information about the primers used for the .300.  I have been told by some of the powder companys that use of a magnum primer with their powders increases pressures an could prove to be a problem.

I have also been using Reloader 22 powder and they claim that I should use a magnum primer.  I am rather confused as to what to do.

Presently I am loading a 180 grain Barnes 'X' bullet with Reloader 22 powder.  Any information you could offer me regarding the loading combination of these two would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Gary Stobart
Campbell River B.C.
20 Jul 1999


ANSWER: Dear Mr. Stobart,

The handloading data pamphlet provided by Alliant, the manufacturer of Reloader 22, states that their load testing of the .300 Win. Mag was done using Winchester Standard Large Rifle primers. The Barnes Reloading Manual used a Remington Large Magnum Rifle primer. A contradiction? Not necessarily. The primer compositions used by the various manufacturers vary greatly. I've used Standard Rifle primers, either Winchester or Federal brand, in all magnum cartridges based on the .458 Win. Magnum, i.e. the 7 mm Rem. Mag, .300 Win. Mag, .338 Win. Mag, and the .458 Win. Magnum, with perfectly acceptable results. If you choose to use a Large Magnum Rifle primer, reduce the load 5%. As the benchrest shooting clan discovered over 20 years ago, excessive agitation at the moment of propellant ignition by a primer too aggressive in its composition is detrimental to the finest accuracy. If there is a legitimate use for a Magnum primer in the .300, it could be when the rifle is going to be used in sub zero temperatures. Having said that, let me add that load development cannot be conducted in spring and summer temperatures if the ammunition is going to be taken on an arctic hunt. A safe load in frigid climes could prove to exceed industry pressures in warmer conditions.

Sincerely,

R. Mermelstein

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