Looking for 300 Savage load data for Model 81
Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2011 9:37 pm
I've been loading my 300 Sav w/ 165gr Speer BTSP and 170gr Speer FP (with the nose rounded off). I am getting perfect rifle function with around 2225 fps, however the bullet are not opening up at this velocity. I went up 100 fps but it didn't do a whole lot for the bullet expansion. Primarily I am shooting deer, but hogs and exotics are always a possibility so I need to be prepared. Range is usually 100 yds but may vary from 25 yds to 170 yds. After speaking to several bullet companies the most confident answer I got was from Nosler. They advised to use their 170gr RN Partition loaded to 2350-2450 fps. The tech was so confident he said "If it doesn't open up on a deer at 100 yds at that muzzle velocity I'll buy the rifle". Well, the rifle is not for sale - yet. Does anyone have experience with this bullet in the 300 Savage or extensive actual hunting experience taking game with a particular 300 Savage load? The load must be fairly low pressure but cycle the 81 flawlessly. Thanks in advance.