300 Blk bolt action loads

[Richrob]

I'm newly back as a rifle owner after a very long break (28 or so years!)
One of the rifles I have picked up is a 300 Blk Ruger America, Ranch, due to very expensive factory ammunition in Australia, have decided to get into hand loading.
Should be able to get 223 cases to neck down and shorten
Just about all I can find is AR load data or if bolt action, data is for powder not available here.
I'm quite happy to experiment and find something that worked for me from predominantly subsonic loads to some full loads at 2800fps.
Anyone here play with this round and have safe working reloads?
Love the idea of making cheap plinking rounds for close 100 metre range and taking wild dogs.

[bladeracer]

I'm newly back as a rifle owner after a very long break (28 or so years!)
One of the rifles I have picked up is a 300 Blk Ruger America, Ranch, due to very expensive factory ammunition in Australia, have decided to get into hand loading.
Should be able to get 223 cases to neck down and shorten
Just about all I can find is AR load data or if bolt action, data is for powder not available here.
I'm quite happy to experiment and find something that worked for me from predominantly subsonic loads to some full loads at 2800fps.
Anyone here play with this round and have safe working reloads?
Love the idea of making cheap plinking rounds for close 100 metre range and taking wild dogs.

I don't think 2800fps is likely from the Blackout, a 60gn XTP might manage it perhaps, but I doubt it.

Try the Berry's Bullets copper-plated .312" 123gn bullet for plinking, they shoot very well for me in the .30-06 and are pretty cheap.

Trailboss is the ideal for your subsonic loads but nowadays you're pretty much limited to using AR2207, though there are small imports of pistol powder coming in every few months, you might be able to score some of that. All of ADI's fast powders up to and including AR2205 have not been manufactured for years and are not available. I would experiment with AR2207(IMR4198) and AR2206H(H4895).

ADI powders are available in the US under other brand names: *=discontinued powders
Trailboss - Trailboss*
AS30N - Clays*
AS50N - International*
AP70N - Universal*
AP100 - IMR SR4756?*
AR2205 - H4227*
AR2207 - H4198/IMR4198
AR2219 - H322
Benchmark 2 - Benchmark
BM8208 - IMR8208XBR
AR2206H - H4895
AR2208 - Varget
AR2209 - H4350
AR2213SC - H4831
AR2217 - H1000
AR2225 - Retumbo
AR2218 - H50BMG

Make sure you have a source of primers before spending on reloading gear, without primers you won't be reloading anything. Small Rifle are generally available now I think.

[wanneroo]

I play with 300 Blackout extensively and have done tons of videos on Youtube for it. The link to my playlist is below:

https://www.youtube.com/@wanneroo7106/playlists

Click on the 300 Blackout tab on the page. I've got over 30 videos in there with multiple loading projects going on. Currently am working on "Project Big Booty", a 300 Blackout subsonic loading project. The 4th video in that series is dropping soon and then a brief 5th video to wrap the project. I used CFE BLK and 220g Berrys Bullets for that project. I have other 300 Blackout projects that will be coming up on the channel with different bullets and powders.

When I do a project on the channel I do an introductory video where I explain what powder and bullet combo I am using and why. The next videos I go through things I learn along the way, answer questions/comments from viewers, get chrono data and do some accuracy testing. And I will do that until I achieve a final load I am satisfied with.

The Hornady 110g Vmax bullet project with Winchester 296(Hodgdon H110) I got up to 2500 FPS which matches a 7.62x39.

One of my favorite bullets for 300 Blackout plinking is the Hornady 150g FMJ. These are cheap and shoot well to 100 yards.

300 Blackout works with any magnum pistol powder. IMR 4227, Lil Gun, H110/W296, A1680 and others made by Vihtavouri and Lovex.

The nice thing with 300 Blackout is you can use just about any .308 bullet out there and you are shooting it out of a .223 sized action. It's a very useful short range cartridge.

Brass, yes you can cut down .223 brass and reform it and I have some of that but I prefer factory 300 BO brass. I like Starline Brass as it's great quality for not an outrageous price.

I use 16 inch barrel AR semi autos for everything but will add a bolt gun at some point to the mix.

I love 300 Blackout, I have more fun with it than any other cartridge.

[Richrob]

I'm newly back as a rifle owner after a very long break (28 or so years!)
One of the rifles I have picked up is a 300 Blk Ruger America, Ranch, due to very expensive factory ammunition in Australia, have decided to get into hand loading.
Should be able to get 223 cases to neck down and shorten
Just about all I can find is AR load data or if bolt action, data is for powder not available here.
I'm quite happy to experiment and find something that worked for me from predominantly subsonic loads to some full loads at 2800fps.
Anyone here play with this round and have safe working reloads?
Love the idea of making cheap plinking rounds for close 100 metre range and taking wild dogs.

I don't think 2800fps is likely from the Blackout, a 60gn XTP might manage it perhaps, but I doubt it.

Try the Berry's Bullets copper-plated .312" 123gn bullet for plinking, they shoot very well for me in the .30-06 and are pretty cheap.

Trailboss is the ideal for your subsonic loads but nowadays you're pretty much limited to using AR2207, though there are small imports of pistol powder coming in every few months, you might be able to score some of that. All of the fast powders up to and including AR2205 have not been manufactured for years and are not available. I would experiment with AR2207(IMR4198) and AR2206H(H4895).

ADI powders are available in the US under other brand names: *=discontinued powders
Trailboss - Trailboss*
AS30N - Clays*
AS50N - International*
AP70N - Universal*
AP100 - IMR SR4756?*
AR2205 - H4227*
AR2207 - H4198/IMR4198
AR2219 - H322
Benchmark 2 - Benchmark
BM8208 - IMR8208XBR
AR2206H - H4895
AR2208 - Varget
AR2209 - H4350
AR2213SC - H4831
AR2217 - H1000
AR2225 - Retumbo
AR2218 - H50BMG

Make sure you have a source of primers before spending on reloading gear, without primers you won't be reloading anything. Small Rifle are generally available now I think.

Just checking on the bullet size, isn't the 123 grain in .312 for the Russian AK 7.62 x 39? Can you run a .312 in a .308 bore rifle?
I like to just stick with 2 main bullet weights, something around a 120 grain and then a 180 grain.
Possibly even a round nose for the 180 grain.
I'm completely new at this and the amount of conflicting info I've found for this round is crazy.

[wanneroo]

Just checking on the bullet size, isn't the 123 grain in .312 for the Russian AK 7.62 x 39? Can you run a .312 in a .308 bore rifle?
I like to just stick with 2 main bullet weights, something around a 120 grain and then a 180 grain.
Possibly even a round nose for the 180 grain.
I'm completely new at this and the amount of conflicting info I've found for this round is crazy.

It's not all that complicated. Magnum pistol powders and .308 bullets.

One of the most popular 125g bullets for 300 BO is the Speer TNT. I'll be doing a project on the channel at some point with that bullet.

Most folks are going to use a 110g bullet for supersonic but there are other bullets in the 120 range like the Hornady SST, which I have loaded.

So far for subsonic loads I have been very happy with Berry's 300 blackout bullets. Inexpensive and they work.

Subsonic loads are a little more finicky to develop, so I would start with supersonic lighter weight bullets and get your feet wet first.

For general plinking, mid weight FMJ bullets do just fine.

[in2anity]

Yes. Don't overcomplicate it.

18 grains of AR2205 under a 125gr projectile. Speer TNT or Hornady SST. And the Ranch should give you 1.5-2" groups at 100m, under mild wind.

Alternatively, 17gr lilgun under the 125gr projectile.

Both those powders are rocking horse poop at this point.

Vihtavuori is around. Jump on any N110 then look at the manuals.

When it comes to forming from 223 - I had issues obtaining adequate neck tension, particularly with thicker brass like ADI. I ended up getting an extra mandrel for the collet die, polishing it down in a drill, until adequate neck tension was achieved. Now they never get set back even when cycled rough.

A word about performance expectations - the 300 BLK is wind sensistive, with near double the windage vs say 308. Keep your shots to modest distances. I won't go past 300m with mine, and even then the wind needs to be behaving, to have any degree of confidence about first shot accuracy. My technique is to calculate 7.62 windage (using some standardised method be it civillian or military), then multiply it by two for the little BLK!

[Wyliecoyote]

I agree with in2anity, Lil'Gun or 2205 are the pick of powders with CFE BLK right up there as well. Don't bother with 110 grainers as you run out of volume before you exceed the velocity by any great amount that you can get with the 125 grainers. The pick of the lighter bullets is the 125 TNT. Super accurate and works very well on pigs, goats and small deer like Chital where i try to keep shots inside 150 yards. To replicate the sub sonic 190/208/212 grain bullet load i have used CFE BLK at around 11 to 12 grains for sub 1100 fps.

[bladeracer]

Just checking on the bullet size, isn't the 123 grain in .312 for the Russian AK 7.62 x 39? Can you run a .312 in a .308 bore rifle?
I like to just stick with 2 main bullet weights, something around a 120 grain and then a 180 grain.
Possibly even a round nose for the 180 grain.
I'm completely new at this and the amount of conflicting info I've found for this round is crazy.

Yep, the copper-plated bullets are just hardcast lead, much softer than jacketed bullets. The only issue is that if you have a tight throat you might not be able to chamber a round with a fat bullet seated in it.

[wanneroo]

A colleague of mine who is an experienced long distance shooter, experimented and managed to get 110g Hornady bullets to hit a steel gong at 600 yards.

But yes it's not a long distance cartridge,

I think compared to 10 years ago there is much more knowledge and 300 BO specific products for the cartridge so it's been more optimized and pushed to it's potential.

I have a bunch of 125g Speer TNT bullets and they seem popular so I should probably do that as my next project on the channel.

I acquired a Lovex powder to experiment with and also am aiming to get some N110 Vihtavouri as well.

CFE BLK I found works with lighter weight bullets but it usually takes 2 grains more than other powders and likes compressed loads. Some people slammed it for subsonics and that it sucks, but so far it has worked fine for Project Big Booty.

[Oldbloke]

I assume you have looked here?

http://www.adiworldclass.com.au/data-rifle/

[wanneroo]

Looks like AR2205 is along the lines of Winchester 296/Hodgdon H110.

Another thing I saw in there is they used magnum small rifle primers, which is a good idea and ignites these powders better it seems. I use CCI #41 primers which are similar and "milspec". One can use regular small rifle primers but typically you require about .5g at least more powder to get the small velocities.

[OyKurwa]

I know this is a month old, but thought I'd register to post here as I'm just starting on the journey with reloading for 300BLK.

Lee publish a load for 110gr and 125gr projectiles using Accurate 5744, which is very close in burn rate to AR2207/IMR4198 (it's slightly faster). Starting at 19gr and maxing at 21.5gr. These values are from memory, I don't have the manual in front of me right now.

I've been working within these bounds using AR2207 and have had promising results so far using a 125gr Speer TNT over the minimum load, in recycled Winchester Super Suppressed brass, with a moderate crimp and at the recommended OAL. Shot straight, didn't exhibit any pressure signs and grouped well. I haven't chrono'd them yet but they felt very punchy. Going to start working upwards from here.

[JimTom]

I know this is a month old, but thought I'd register to post here as I'm just starting on the journey with reloading for 300BLK.

Lee publish a load for 110gr and 125gr projectiles using Accurate 5744, which is very close in burn rate to AR2207/IMR4198 (it's slightly faster). Starting at 19gr and maxing at 21.5gr. These values are from memory, I don't have the manual in front of me right now.

I've been working within these bounds using AR2207 and have had promising results so far using a 125gr Speer TNT over the minimum load, in recycled Winchester Super Suppressed brass, with a moderate crimp and at the recommended OAL. Shot straight, didn't exhibit any pressure signs and grouped well. I haven't chrono'd them yet but they felt very punchy. Going to start working upwards from here.

G’day mate.
Any more developments with the AR2207 reloading?

[Blr243]

I’m also interested. I love it when someone else does all the time consuming dirty work for me , and then I steal it for myself

[OyKurwa]

I know this is a month old, but thought I'd register to post here as I'm just starting on the journey with reloading for 300BLK.

Lee publish a load for 110gr and 125gr projectiles using Accurate 5744, which is very close in burn rate to AR2207/IMR4198 (it's slightly faster). Starting at 19gr and maxing at 21.5gr. These values are from memory, I don't have the manual in front of me right now.

I've been working within these bounds using AR2207 and have had promising results so far using a 125gr Speer TNT over the minimum load, in recycled Winchester Super Suppressed brass, with a moderate crimp and at the recommended OAL. Shot straight, didn't exhibit any pressure signs and grouped well. I haven't chrono'd them yet but they felt very punchy. Going to start working upwards from here.

G’day mate.
Any more developments with the AR2207 reloading?

Hey mate, sorry I missed this initially. The answer is I've gotten to a pretty good sweet spot.

The formula is 21gr of AR2207 at an OAL of 2.1". This gives me ~2050fps with an SD of 11fps and shoots 1 MOA at 100m out of my Ruger Ranch.

It's a moderately compressed load, but shows no pressure signs. I actually got up to 22gr compressed and ~2150fps with no pressure signs, but the groups started to open a touch.

I've put a pin in it and called this my load.

I have actually taken a couple of Sambar with it on the property I spotlight foxes on. Taken with neck shots at around 100m. The little Speer TNT's deliver catastrophic damage to the neck tissue and they drop on the spot. It's an easy and ethical shot when you're watching the things through an IR and they don't know you're there.

[Blr243]

Awesome. Now I have a use for that big fat bottle of 2207 I have been sitting on for a while

[JimTom]

Definitely will investigate this, thank you for the information mate.

[Old Russ]

Hi OyKurwa, I just created an account to log in and say thanks, I've been waiting for years for 2205 to become available and I don't think it ever will be. This option means I'm not limited to loading subs for my Blackout. I plan to target deer as well.
Cheers.
Russell.

[wanneroo]

I would imagine Hodgdon H110 is available in Australia, along with Lil Gun and IMR 4227. Those all work great for 300 Blackout.

There are also some Lovex and Vihtavouri powders that apparently work good too.

[JimTom]

You imagine wrong Sir. Fastest powder available is AR2207 mate. It’s a bit of a pain in the dick.

[bladeracer]

I would imagine Hodgdon H110 is available in Australia, along with Lil Gun and IMR 4227. Those all work great for 300 Blackout.

There are also some Lovex and Vihtavouri powders that apparently work good too.

None of those are available here.

[Blr243]

We don’t hav any gunpowder in Australia anymore When we reload we fill our cases with imaginary gun powder

[wanneroo]

You imagine wrong Sir. Fastest powder available is AR2207 mate. It’s a bit of a pain in the dick.

I'd raise hell with some distributors and get some of that powder over there.

What do you all reload Magnum revolver cartridges with then?

Who knows I might have to set up an import/export business.

[bladeracer]

You imagine wrong Sir. Fastest powder available is AR2207 mate. It’s a bit of a pain in the dick.

I'd raise hell with some distributors and get some of that powder over there.

What do you all reload Magnum revolver cartridges with then?

Who knows I might have to set up an import/export business.

AR2207 or powder salvaged from 12ga. field loads, though there are small imports of Vectan, Lovex and Vihtavuori at high prices.

ADI brought some APS950 to market a couple months ago and have stated that they are testing the new Trailboss formula and the other APS powders, so it's possible they might be back on the market next year.

[Old Russ]

OyKurwa do you expand the case mouth for the Speer TNT's ?
I have really only loaded boat tail projectiles so far except for some coated/cast 230gn in 300blk.
My TNT's have turned up and I noticed they have quite a flat tail.
I was wondering if they need the mouth expanded to stop them scratching the sides. I did this for the cast projectiles but it's a bit of a pain to do.
Cheers.
Russell.

[bladeracer]

OyKurwa do you expand the case mouth for the Speer TNT's ?
I have really only loaded boat tail projectiles so far except for some coated/cast 230gn in 300blk.
My TNT's have turned up and I noticed they have quite a flat tail.
I was wondering if they need the mouth expanded to stop them scratching the sides. I did this for the cast projectiles but it's a bit of a pain to do.
Cheers.
Russell.

As long as the case mouth is chamfered after trimming they should be fine.

[Old Russ]

Cheers bladeracer, hoping to load up some this weekend and test if it isn't raining.

[wanneroo]

I should do Speer TNTs as my next 300 BO reloading project for Youtube. I've had them on the shelf for a long time, just haven't gotten to it.

I've never had to do any expanding on 300 BO brass as a chamfer and deburr seems to do the trick, including many of these bullets with a flat bottom

[Blr243]

Wanna roo. We look fwd to your next video project with the speers. They are a popular pill amongst blackout loaders

[wanneroo]

Wanna roo. We look fwd to your next video project with the speers. They are a popular pill amongst blackout loaders

Thank you. Yes, I have gotten a lot of requests over the years to do those bullets and I've had them on my shelf for a few years now. Now that I am doing video content for Amazon also, I have an incredible amount of video projects going on, so sometimes things get kicked down the road unintentionally.

But yes, I think that should be my 300 BO project this fall into winter for the channel, I think people would be pleased to see the development process for those bullets and what results I get. Also I am entertaining getting a short barrel 300 BO "pistol" and a bolt action 300 BO rifle, so I can have a variety of platforms to test my work in and also for the viewers to see results that may be applicable to them.