Lighter 180gr .30 cal bullets for a 1,000yd hunting gun

[Brightwhite]

If you are going to load the bigger bullets I would double check with Mike that you have the mag box space, and that he’s chambering your barrel to fit them. The last thing you want is to be taking up valuable powder space by stuffing the big bullets down in the case.


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Thanks everyone for all the replies and info. I am still learning a lot when it comes to this stuff.

I checked with mike and he pointed me towards the 212 ELDX as a heavier option based on the chamber he cut. I think I will start there and see what kind of velocities I’m getting and go from there. I am familiar with the ELDX bullet and have had good luck with it over the last 2 years.

I might even try loads with the 178, 200, and 212 and just compare all 3 of the ELDX bullets.

 

[HiMtnHntr]

The 178s shoot well out of mine. Velocity is pushing 3,100 with modest load.

 

[deadwolf]

Here’s your 212eldx at 2900fps, just used 50 degree temp, 50% humidity, and internal pressure from iPhone, and I am at sea level, so this would be even better at elevation

And here’s the 178eldx @ 3100fps...

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[Tumbleweed]

If it was me I'd be looking hard at the Berger 200.20x. I've run them in a 300 WM and was amazed at the speed I could get before running into pressure. They have a short bearing surface which allows for this.
You'd be looking at at least 150fps faster mv than a 215. They will outperform any production 180 bullet you could run.


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[Brightwhite]

Here’s your 212eldx at 2900fps, just used 50 degree temp, 50% humidity, and internal pressure from iPhone, and I am at sea level, so this would be even better at elevation

And here’s the 178eldx @ 3100fps...

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I have to find a way to make that 212 eldx work!!!

 

[Tumbleweed]

Here's a chart for the 200.20x Berger starting at 3k and sea level

 

[Clarktar]

If it was me I'd be looking hard at the Berger 200.20x. I've run them in a 300 WM and was amazed at the speed I could get before running into pressure. They have a short bearing surface which allows for this.
You'd be looking at at least 150fps faster mv than a 215. They will outperform any production 180 bullet you could run.


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I haven't found much on terminal performance on game. Do you have any experiences to share?

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[Tumbleweed]

I haven't found much on terminal performance on game. Do you have any experiences to share?

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I have used the original 200 grain hybrid. It worked extremely well on deer and elk between 30 yards out to 700 yards at a muzzle velocity of 2950fps. It worked just as good as any of the other 30 caliber Berger bullets I've hunted with.
The 200.20x is just the original 200 grainer with the ogive profile improved to increase the ballistic coefficient. Bearing surface is also shorter to allow faster speeds. Hollow point tip appears to be identical to the original 200. FWIW I personally would have zero concerns with terminal performance on game.


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[Brightwhite]

I haven't found much on terminal performance on game. Do you have any experiences to share?

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Same, I have been poking around looking for info on that 200.20x and it’s all match/target info. Nothing on game...

What about the ELDM’s? I know people on here are shooting the match bullets at game, and now that I am looking at BC’s the 208 ELDM looks pretty dang good...

 

[BAKPAKR]

Your point is valid. According to JBM, berger 215 @ 2850 MV and 4500' elevation is moving at 1819 FPS at 1k. The 215 has basically made the 210 obsolete.

Unfortunately, I bought a lifetime supply of the 210s before I started reading about the 215s

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

I did even quicker math 180 grains is 180 grains..

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

Lighter would be 179.9 or less

 

[Tumbleweed]

Unfortunately, I bought a lifetime supply of the 210s before I started reading about the 215s

Sell them. No sense going with a handicap


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[Formidilosus]

Same, I have been poking around looking for info on that 200.20x and it’s all match/target info. Nothing on game...

What about the ELDM’s? I know people on here are shooting the match bullets at game, and now that I am looking at BC’s the 208 ELDM looks pretty dang good...

200.20x-

Similar to the Juggernauts- on a normal sized deer expect pencil entrance, lots of damage inside, and a 3-4” exit.



208gr ELD-M’s are solid.

 

[Brightwhite]

Lighter would be 179.9 or less

The thread has turned into why shoot a lighter bullet to 1k if you can shoot a heavier bullet to 1k...it’s been a good source of info I think, even though the topic morphed.

 

[Brightwhite]

200.20x-

Similar to the Juggernauts- on a normal sized deer expect pencil entrance, lots of damage inside, and a 3-4” exit.



208gr ELD-M’s are solid.

Well there you go. I know you know what you’re talking about. The load development on this rifle is going to take me all summer. So many more bullets to choose from that I didn’t know about than when I had mike start to rebuild my rifle...

 

[Clarktar]

Well there you go. I know you know what you’re talking about. The load development on this rifle is going to take me all summer. So many more bullets to choose from that I didn’t know about than when I had mike start to rebuild my rifle...

Yep, I'm going to try to find a few 200.20x to test out in my 30-06.

Form, any starting loads or powder recommendations for that bullet. I was thinking RL17

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[Formidilosus]

Yep, I'm going to try to find a few 200.20x to test out in my 30-06.

Form, any starting loads or powder recommendations for that bullet. I was thinking RL17

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Don’t reload the 30-06 anymore, though RL17 would have the velocity. A bit temp sensitive though.

 

[Brightwhite]

Like the OP I have a 22” 300 wsm. My mag box is 3.340” so no concerns about OAL issues.

I get 2875 fps out of 212 eldx and 2925 fps with 208 ELDM is what I settled on for the load I will be using this summer/fall.

Hey Luke, what powder and brass are you using for that 208 ELDM load?

 

[Brightwhite]

Both 212 and 208 loads were with Norma brass, Fed 215M primers, and RL-26 powder.

Thanks, I am planning norma brass and the 215M primers....I will def track down some RL-26, have some retumbo too that I plan on trying, not sure if you tried any of that?