Rooggvc
WKR
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2022
- Messages
- 611
I was wondering what bullets you guys are running out of a stock Tikka 300 WSM. Looking at hunting elk with this rifle. I really want to shoot Berger but I am open to other options.
They’re not. They stabilize just fine in mine. A multitude of people have used the 215s in a 11 twist with no issues as well.I plan on swapping components on my tikka to make it a long action. Then I will reload. I was leaning towards a 180 if I run the factory barrel. Berger shows there 205 will stabilize, but I am a little nervous they will be on the ragged edge of stability.
That’s good to know. I feel like the 205 in the WSM would be an awesome combo.They’re not. They stabilize just fine in mine. A multitude of people have used the 215s in a 11 twist with no issues as well.
The problem you’ll run into going over the 205s is they will start to take up powder space. Regardless of what size bolt stop you use or magazine, the throat is only cut so deep. Running 205s is probably the most I’d go with a factory barrel unless you have a smith cut the throat longer.
How did you seat bullets out that far with a tikka mag?I have a Tikka t3 in the 300 WSM that I purchased new in 2005. I've always used Hornady 150gr interlock boat tail for hunting whitetail in the east. Last year I went to Montana on a combo elk / mule deer lic. Given it was my first time hunting elk i wanted a heavier bullet and went with the 180gr Berger Elite Hunter. I also purchased the Berger reloading manual and followed the process for working out a load. Ultimately I worked out a great combo for my rig, but it took a little effort. I first found a charge that worked well with the SAAMI specifications. However with that bullet and rifle the bullet will jump quite a ways before reaching the lands. So I found where the lands were and backed off several tens of thousands until i found the sweet spot. It took some time, but I was able to get groups of 5 shots touching at 100 and 1.5-in at 200yrds. The only problem is that the bullet is so long now that the cartridge will not fit into the magazine. So I have in effect a 1-shot rig. Back to last years Montana trip. All the work was worth it as I dropped a good mule deer in his tracks at 350yrds with 1 shot. While It wasn't an elk, shot placement and confidence in your load far outweighs bullet weight (pun intended) IMO. The Tikka T3 in 300 WSM is more than capable if you put the time into it.