300 WSM Ammo Question/Copper Weight?

macabra11

FNG
Joined
Apr 1, 2020
Messages
65
Location
Idaho
I have been forced to look for a new factory ammo for my .300 WSM due to availability. I currently shoot Winchester Ballistic Silvertip, 180 gr on deer/elk and have been nothing but satisfied in accuracy and bullet/knockdown performance. All of my shots would be under 400 yards.

Looking around as to what I can get, the Federal Trophy Copper ammo popped up in my research. I see a lot of folks saying that monometal copper bullets are much better at staying together and holding their weight, so you can go with a lighter/faster bullet for bigger game.

The Federal Trophy Copper comes in 165 and 180 grains. When comparing the ballistics of both rounds to my Winchester 180 gr, there are a lot of similarities, especially with that 165 gr Trophy Copper.

VELOCITY
Muzzle100 Y200 Y300 Y400 Y
Ballistic Silvertip 180g30102822264124582301
Trophy Copper 165g31202926273925612389
Trophy Copper 180g29602780260624392279

ENERGY
Muzzle100 Y200 Y300 Y400 Y
Ballistic Silvertip 180g36213182278824342116
Trophy Copper 165g35663135274924032091
Trophy Copper 180g35023088271523782075

The trajectory between the Winchester Ballistic Silvertip 180 grain and the Trophy Copper 180 grain are pretty darn close. The Trophy Copper 165 grain is an even flatter shooter due to the higher velocities.

My question basically is whether or not the 165 grain solid Copper is going to pack enough punch for elk at the distances I am shooting? I am looking for one cartridge for mule deer and elk, and I am really trying to wrap my head around the idea of a solid copper bullet. I am afraid if I go with the 180 grain Copper, it would not be good for deer. I don't want to nuke the thing!
 

MThuntr

WKR
Joined
Apr 10, 2015
Messages
1,000
Location
SW MT
Yes the 165s will do the job on elk...I've killed them with less and will continue to hunt with less. I'm shooting 143 Hammer Hunters.

My 300WSM really likes 180Etips at almost the exact velocity that those are shooting.

I'd say go with whatever your rifle shoots best.
 
Joined
Jan 2, 2013
Messages
1,777
Location
Colorado
I’ve used the 165/168 trophy cooper/Barnes bullets for years and have had great success from my shortest shot (50 yds on a moose) up to my longest shot (475yds on an elk)


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Joined
Apr 11, 2019
Messages
348
What’s your twist? My tikka 300wsm shoots the Barnes factory ammo 165 TTSX pretty well.
 
OP
macabra11

macabra11

FNG
Joined
Apr 1, 2020
Messages
65
Location
Idaho
What’s your twist? My tikka 300wsm shoots the Barnes factory ammo 165 TTSX pretty well.
It is an older Tikka T3 Laminated Stainless with 24" barrel and 11" ROT. I have also added a Witt clamp-on muzzle brake which extends the barrel a couple more inches.
 
Joined
Apr 11, 2019
Messages
348
It is an older Tikka T3 Laminated Stainless with 24" barrel and 11" ROT. I have also added a Witt clamp-on muzzle brake which extends the barrel a couple more inches.
I have the same brake on mine as well. The Barnes ammo has shot well through the half a dozen or so tikka 300wsm’s I’ve been around. I’d start there
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2018
Messages
81
Location
Arizona
I ran a lot of factory ammo through my 300WSM to find out what it liked...165g TTSX was the winner! That combo killed 2 mule deer last year, one at 80yds and one at 330yds. Worked like a charm on both!
 

Crocker

FNG
Joined
Feb 7, 2020
Messages
4
Not to derail the thread but I would love to buy some federal 180gr trophy copper if anyone has any laying around. Also have other calibers I could trade. text 205-616-0452
 

rootacres

WKR
Joined
Jan 5, 2018
Messages
1,027
My 300 WSM really liked 180gr accubonds, I know its not a mono but they still have great weight retention and performed well for me. The 180gr Barnes TTSX is a great mono 30 cal. I have first hand with that one too (not my rifle). It performed great, many people on this forum are big fans of the TTSX.

My current setup is a 7mm SAUM pushing 143gr Hammer Hunters. If you reload Id take a serious look at their bullets. Not the best BCs but incredibly accurate.
 
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