I hope the .300WM will work!!

EVILNR · Aug 30, 2011

I was loading up some rounds for my upcoming Brown Bear hunt yesterday and had some problems. They were for my new .375 Ruger Alaskan I bought just for this hunt. Everything was fine with those I loaded with the new brass, but the re-loads with the once-fired wont chamber!! They get stuck about 1/2-3/4 of the way in the chamber and you have to bang on the bolt with a wood block to get em in/out!! I had about 5 of my originals left that are loaded with new brass and they chamber-eject fine. I dont have time to order new components and reload with new brass. No time to sight in new factory loads either, SO -
I HOPE THE 300 WINNY WILL WORK. 200gr. Partitions @ about 3000fps.
I'm sure it will be fine, just hate to not take the .375 after purchasing it for this hunt.
I hope this isn't a bad sign. Been kind of apprehensive about this hunt for some reason.

Bambistew · Aug 30, 2011

You'll be fine. Are you going with a guide?

What about buying a couple boxes of factory ammo and going that route? I can't imagine you'll be shooting over 100-150 yards, factory ammo should get you more than adequate accuracy. Its not like you're shooting gophers. ;-) The kill zone is pretty big on a 9' bear.

I wonder if you have a bad set of dies? Did you FL size them?

264mag · Aug 30, 2011

300 mag perfect, just don't miss 264 mag

EVILNR · Sep 3, 2011

I pulled the bullets, dumped the powder, re-working the cases.
Ordered new components. Gonna try to get some .375's loaded up and maybe get to the range before the 19th. May have to take a day off work. I really want to take this gun.

It was a max/compressed load. Think the case was bulged a little?

I may back off a grain and see what happens.

BuckSnort · Sep 8, 2011

I doubt you bulged the case with a compressed load..Usually it just pushes the bullet back out a little.. Do the empties chamber fine before you load them.. How are you sizing?

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EVILNR · Sep 8, 2011

You nailed it Buck.
But I think (I) was seating the bullets out a little too far.
Seated them a little deeper on the new loads. Seem to be cycling fine.
Going to the range Monday, which is one week before my initial flight. If all goes well, should be in Bethel on Tuesday the 20th. Man, I'm tired of planning........just ready to go!!!

BuckSnort · Sep 9, 2011

If they are getting tight 1/2 -3/4 of the way in there is another problem besides bullet seating depth... Also never force a round to chamber in this scenario and by all means NEVER EVER FIRE ONE.

Does the empty brass chamber fine?

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The poster does not take any responsibility for any hurt or bad feelings. Reading threads poses inherent risks. The poster would like to remind readers to make sure they have a functional sense of humor before they visit any discussion board.

EVILNR · Sep 9, 2011

Actually, the more I think about it, the less I know.
I now remember you could actually see where the case
was contacting, scraping the chamber, just behind the shoulder.
After starting over, re-sizing the cases , everything seems ok. At least they chamber and eject well.
Loaded up 3 different small batches for a little more work with it before the 19th. If something goes awry, I can always take the .300WM.
That .375 just feels like its made for the big bears though.
Also taking an old stainless Ruger Redhawk in .44 for a sleeping companion.

264mag · Sep 10, 2011

I would shoot factory ammo,nothing will go wrong! 264MAG

EVILNR · Sep 10, 2011

Every cartridge will be cycled through several times before making the final cut.
Is 50 rounds too many to carry?

t338 · Sep 10, 2011

I took 60 just in case dont forget to seal the primers its plenty wet up there

Bambistew · Sep 10, 2011

>Every cartridge will be cycled through
>several times before making the
>final cut.
>Is 50 rounds too many to
>carry?

I'd take a box. You'll get to shoot 2-3 times at a bear at most unless you're a bad shot. Your guide will be 'helping' you jack something up if you need it. I've been on all kinds of fly out, boat and walk in hunts in AK hunts, and 20+ out of state hunts. I take one box of ammo and haven't had an issue yet. I'll be going on my 4th hunt this season in AK, and will be packing a rifle full and an extra 10. This is a sheep/moose/griz hunt. IF I can't get it taken care of with 14 shots I don't deserve to get the animal!!!

I'm sure your guide would be much happier knowing that you brought a rifle that you are confidant with than one that you monkeyed around with just to get to shoot

Good luck on your hunt! Post pictures of your bear when you get back.

;-)

EVILNR · Sep 11, 2011

I dont plan on doing alot of shooting / missing. Just afraid of what might happen to the scope /zero between Tampa and Bethel.

The gun shoots great out to 200 yards. But, if I have any glitches with the ammo between now and the 19th I'll simply box up the .300. The .375 has iron sights if the scope gets destroyed, the .300 doesnt. Once in a lifetime hunt.

t338 · Sep 12, 2011

chech the rules for transporting ammo with your airline or the tsa, or both,last time I flew, ammo had to be in original manufactures box not a reloader carry case,my buddy had his ammo conficated,if you have two checked bags,put ammo in both in case of A lost or late bag,this happend to me!!!I have allways taken at least two boxes of ammo on every hunt I have never had an issue.

EVILNR · Sep 12, 2011

I've flown alot with guns/ammo and never had a problem with
the reload boxes. I'm carrying 40 rounds;- Yep, it's gonna be the .300 Winny after all, 200gr. Partitions @ 3000fps.
Might actually be a better choice than the .375 Ruger.
I also have tags for black bear, wolf and wolverine. If I need to take a poke at a wolf at 3-400 yards then I feel better with the 300.
Just did a 3-mile walk with my 7 yr. old this afternoon. Had to cut it back some, was really getting run down, fatigued training for this hunt.The planning has been overwhelming too.
Mentally and physically exhausted.

One Week from Today!!!!!

I'M READY.

t338 · Sep 12, 2011

good luck can't wait to hear the story!!

Snuffy · Oct 9, 2011

Did the bear eat him?

elkantlers · Oct 17, 2011

I'm thinking the .300WM didn't work.

buttshot · Oct 23, 2011

just read this post, sounds to me like this evilnr guy is pulling your chain.....

trophyhunter · Oct 27, 2011

EVILNR · Oct 27, 2011

>just read this post,
> sounds to me like
>this evilnr guy is pulling
>your chain.....

Nope, not pulling anyones chain. Life's been busy since I got back.
In short: Saw 2 brown bear in 9 days while hunting 12-13 hrs./day. No shot opportunity. On day 7 Wanted to use the Brown Bear tag on one of the 2, 50"+ Moose we saw every day, but the guide would have no part of it. Giving the Outfitter credit, he offered to bring me back at a discounted rate, next year. Still will cost more than I care to pay.
9 days in a tent in a true wilderness setting - wow!!!
Beautiful country.
Snowed the last 2-3 days I was there.
Saw Brown Bear, caribou, moose, black bear, porcuipine,geese, ptarmigan.
I was pleased with my physical performance, got better as the trip progressed. But,,,,,,,
the most physically and mentally exhaustive trip I've ever been on.
Missed my family alot.
Satellite phone helped.
Bitter-sweet trip.
Gives new perspective to life in general.
Glad to be back in sunny, warm florida.
Still sorting it all out in my mind.