Heavy bullets w/ faster powders
 

When I bought my .300 Whisper for the T/C Contender from SSK it came with a couple of pages of load data, including subsonic loads using AA#2.

Later on, SSK apparently ran into some problems using that powder, as noted at the bottom of this page. Specifically, it says:

" Important Notes from JD Jones himself:

I would appreciate it if you would delete the Accurate #2 data and say that in SSK AR-15 and M-16 no powder faster burning than Accurate #9 should be used. The gas system is timed for sub sonic with powders with burning rates from #9 through 1680."

The issue appears to be one specific to the timing of gas-operated rifles. Is there any issue in bolt-actions or single-shots?

The reason I ask, I have been using AA#9 and H110 with 220 gr. SMKs with the bullet traveling at around 1050 fps. However, there is still more noise than I would like when shooting suppressed. It sounds similar to removing a quick-connect hose from a pneumatic tool, but not as loud. I'd like to try a faster powder and compare the sound signature, but I don't really want to blow up my gun in the process.

If not #2, has anyone tried using some medium-fast powders with 220 or 240 gr. bullets?

Here are some reloading data from the Accurate Arms website:

Sierra 220 HPBT C.O.L.=2.245"
Powder-grains-Vel.--p.s.i.
No.2---5.5----889---52,600
No.5---6.3---1062---38,200
No.7---7.5---1043---44,500
No.9---8.2---1056---39,500

The fast powder load should work well in a bolt gun or T.C.

I hope this helps

320pf

The load
AA No.5---6.3---1062---38,200
.
is a quiet load in my TC and B Action
but does not cycle the AR like AA 1680

For 220gr SMK's try loading 8.5gr of LilGun. You will be thrilled with the results and you will stop looking at the other powders.

Hi guys

I want to reload SMK 220grs. with 8.0grs. IMR 800x for my AR15 with 10,5"-barrel.
Has anybody tried this load? Maybe this powder is too fast for the pistol gas tube and with 8grs. and the 220's i hope that powder will not be pressed...

Somebody with experience in this combination?

Thanks for help.

anyone with IMR 800x & .300whisper-experience?? :frown:

I have a 16" setup with the gas port in the pistol position. I just tried some loads with 7.6 gr of AA No. 5 behind 220gr SMKs and I was getting 986-1016 fps. This load cycled fine in my ar. I have some H110, but I haven't tried it yet. Need more time to play....


J

I'll have to agree with dksd39 and say that Lil'gun is now my go to powder in my bolt action 300 Whisper.
Consistent velocities with a wide variety of bullets and sooooo much cleaner than H-110

Gary

Powder preferences
 

My vote goes to N110...more consistent than the RedDot or the faster powders (won't cycle) and alot cleaner than H110 (similar pressure but extruded not ball).

I have a lot of Unique and have been using 6-6.2 grains in my 17in bolt gun for 175gn and 180gn bulk bullets. It is much quiter than my H110 loads.