After an insanely busy summer with work, I am finally getting some range time with the Tikka Roughtech 300WSM I picked up earlier this year. So far, I have been shooting factory ammo to get used to the gun and see what it likes. I have my dies, so you bet I am saving the brass, though I will invest in some good stuff too.
So far, I love the gun! It’s the first magnum I’ve owned, my other two rifles being a 308 and a 270. Definitely a step up in recoil, but actually not as much as I was imagining. That said, I think my next purchase for it will be a Backstop recoil pad. I am currently running a Primary Arms 4x16 FFP. It’s not bad and I got it for a really good price, but I think I might upgrade there too.
On my most recent outtings, I was shooting Hornady Outfitter 180gr CX with a stated velocity of 2900 fps and Norma Bondstrike 180gr with a stated velocity of 3084. I got some really good groups with the Hornday ammo. The Norma threw a couple of fliers. For one, it might have been me, but the others felt like I was doing my part.
In other news, I got out for my first pheasant hunt of the year. It was a really windy day with gusts I’m guessing at 25-30 mph, but my friend and I got three birds. We’re going out again the day after Thanksgiving.
Slowly breaking mine in too. I’ve gotten good results from a Federal load with a 165 TSX and Norma 165 mono (eco strike I believe). Didn’t particularly like a Berger. Have not tried a bonded bullet yet.
My first Backstop is on it. Between it and a Seekins brake, recoil is very manageable.
Right on! Thanks for the info. I might try the 165 TSX. When I start loading, I have some 168 and 180gr TTSX bullets. I haven’t tried any Bergers yet. I am still running the radial brake that came with the gun, but considering my options. I might have to take a closer look at the Seekins.
I’m thinking that a light All Copper bullet is the way to go with this particular setup. Conventional wisdom has it that the WSM will perform equal to the 300 WM with lighter loads, but with heavier loads it can’t keep up because of intrusion into the powder column ( unless you shoot a modified gun)
So lightweight equals High speed, what bullets do better with high speed, all copper. At least that’s how I’m thinking now. I’m very apt to change my mind.
Living in CA, I have to shoot all copper, at least for hunting, but I am thinking along similar lines. I am going to try a 180gr Barnes TTSX over Hunter powder. According to the Barnes load data the max velocity is 3107 fps. I’m hoping for at least 3000 fps.
