Cast Bullet design for the 300 Savage

[Turkeyfeather]

I have shot 150 grain Lymann 311466 Loverin designed bullets for years and have punched paper and targets with good success.

Now I am searching for the best cast bullet weight and design for hunting whitetail at 100-125 yard distances. People have recommended I go with a FN, 180-195 grain bullet. The heavier bullet would allow me to get better energy levels at that distance without shooting them at faster speeds which cause more barrel leading.

The FN will provide a better wound channel than a RN or pointed bullet and still have good balistic qualities at that distance. I am not sure I would like to entertain a seperate soft nose mold but I would like to get a view on that as well. I have heard the Guy Loverin designed 311407 180 grain FN is a good design but I haven't seen other designers utilize that type of lube grove design and perhaps that isn't the best for me.

I know Mr Smith has a quick answer for this as the 30 cal, short case 300 Savage and 308 Winchesters, have probably come across his request list many times. This time I would like to get a professional view for a hunting application. I appreciate the input.

 :-)

[Veral]

  With the short case neck and throating of the 300 savage, I can only give a professional answer after looking at a swaged throat slug.  You won't need softnose bullets.  Just air cooled wheel weight alloy driven at 2200-2300 fps, using a 150 gr or heavier bullets.  It will expand almost identical to standard jacketed bullets out to about 200 yards.  For longer ranges, heavier bullets will hold their speed up better to ensure expansion.

  The louvern design is pretty good  if your gun is properly throated, but the bearing is too weak up front for best performance. 
   
  The FN is a good bullet choice for ranges to 150 yards but with the 300's short neck/throat, only light bullets will chamber.  The LFN or LCFN is the best choice.

  The ultimate hunting bullets are my GOP (glue on patch) which uses computor labels to patch.  I have driven pure lead out of an 06 at full power with excellent accuracy, no leading, or pressure problems.  Of coarse pure lead is too soft for fast hunting bullets.  Instructions with one of these molds walk you through the details of alloying properly, and my book covers the issues of importance.