by gunnnie » 03 Jul 2019, 10:12 am
I like the cartridge. It is efficient and fills a purpose.
What gets me is the number of shooters/armchair generals who sit there and pontificate over this-that-&-the-other! The naysayers ranting about the 300BO being a waste of space, why have it in a bolt action as it was designed for AR platforms & sub-sonic rounds. Can't do that here so why bother, better to just load down your 308/30-30 etc! s**ts me to tears sometimes.
I agree that if you only have a few rifles and you're trying to make the most of what you have to fill your shooting needs, that's fine. If you can't afford another rifle, that's fine. But unless you're going to work with the 'problem cartridge' with an open mind, then don't flap the gums for the sake of listening to yourself.
The 300BO has a purpose granted, but as is the nature of things, that definitive line in the sand is blurring. Why, because shooters/reloaders are tinkerers. We get the itch, that 'what if' question pops into our heads. There are also those who looked at the 300BO when it starting hitting the racks readily here in Australia, who were forward thinking and saw potential. I know of a few guys who have done exceedingly well in taking a lot of game with the cartridge not in a sub-sonic form either!
Plus, as you blokes have mentioned, with powder options, projectile development etc, new possibilities open up for any cartridge. For example, look at the 223Rem. When that round was released it was a military round, a lot of naysayers reckoned it would be useless as a hunting round. That changed pretty quick didn't it? Added to which the naysayers also ranted over the potential of the round in long range shooting, F-class etc. Look at the 223 now, better powders, better projectiles (long, very heavy for calibre) beeter understanding of ballistics and refile design to maximise and push the boundaries. Who would have thought eh? Bet the naysayers are avid devotees now!
As you guys have been discussing over the past few posts, there is a lot of possible aspects to consider and trial in the 300BO. When the 'airheads' get over themselves and stop to think, the blindfold is lifted and they begin to see potential, as you fellas have. All it takes is for one to stop and think for themselves for a change and ask what if!
I bought my Ruger 300BO for a specific purpose and since I've had it I have discovered that there is a lot more to appreciate with it. That specific purpose is now just one of several uses I now have/foresee for the rifle/cartridge. I don't think it will be dropped as obsolete/useless for quite some time to come.