I think I found my load

[RAF]

Finally made it back to the range today to try out some more test bullets for my 300WSM. Was a little breezy but not bad. Switched powders to IMR 4831. Well the best target was at the max from my manual, 67.8 grains. What was interesting was the velocities I got on my crony. 2996, 2997, 2996 and 2973. Manual says I should expect slightly higher but that doesn't surprise me the the actual are slightly slower. Oh, by the way. The other day I posted on another forum here how I hadn't been kissed by a scope for 35 years claiming I'm smarter now. Well, must be slipping into senility 'cause I got it ;D. Just a little peck mind you but enough to made a little blood. Actually I didn't notice the blood till I got home and looked into the mirror while washing up. I just didn't have a good grip on the rifle for that shot. Another lesson learned
Anyway here's a picture of the target.

[ozark]

Looks good RAF. I am assuming the target was 100 yards. Having scored so many targets in my life I want that group up a couple inches and to the right about 1.5". lol. The velocity is impressive because they are so close.

[RAF]

At this point I wasn't too concerned about the point of impact but the group. The one shot to the left was likely the one that was 20 ft slower, or maybe it was me . My plan now is to take my varmint scope off the rifle and put the one intended back on. I'll have to make up a batch of bullets now so I can zero the scope. Then should be good to go for hunting this fall.
I should say that prior to going to the range I kept having this thought in my mind that the varmint scope was damaged from the heavy recoil and that would explain the erratic groups I had with the other powder. With this in mind I shot a group with factory rounds and they grouped just fine. That was a relief.
The only disappointment was the velocity of these loads and the factory load. About 200 FPS but I don't think the deer will notice the difference.

[antleraddiction]

OUCH...congrats on getting results with the new rifle.

[RAF]

Since I last posted I have found info from another manual that gives the max powder charge for this bullet/powder combo at 70.5 grain. The max load from before was 67.8 and there were no signs of excess pressure. Decided to give it a try so made up some bullets. Of course I'll be watching closely for pressure signs. Will let you know.