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View Full Version : Powder for short barrel 300WM 116 Bear Hunter?



LanceS4803
11-21-2013, 06:46 PM
From research, I see that RL-22 is one of the top recommended powders for standard length barrel 300WM, with IMR4350 right in there as well.

The Bear Hunter has a barrel with an effective length of only 21" barrel. I am reloading bullets in the 180gr range for hunting.

A couple of questions:
Do I need a faster powder in the shorter barrel?
Is RL-22 recommended, or RL-17/IMR 4350? (All three have loads for 300WM. )

Jetpig
11-22-2013, 10:02 AM
I think you will be good with any of these in this perferential order: The 4350's, the 4831's and then RL-22. I think all will be more than acceptable for your situation but something that will give you full burn in the barrel instead a huge puff of fire out the muzzle would be much more efficient.

TC260
11-22-2013, 02:47 PM
Having done a fair bit of reloading with rifle cartridges in handgun barrels a lot shorter than that I wouldn't worry about changing anything powder wise. If RL-22 is a solid performer in a 300, load it up and don't give a second thought to the barrel length.

LanceS4803
11-22-2013, 06:44 PM
Thanks guys.
I'm excited to get this rifle finished and start to work on some loads.