.375 H&H / 260 gr. Nosler Partition Load Suggestions?

[Ridgewalker]

The first picture is the factory Barnes 300 TSX which typically groups 5/8-3/4” @100 m (2,529fps). The next is my handload Barnes 300 TSX which consistently shoots 1/2-3/4” groups (2,655fps). And finally my 250 gr Barnes TTSX which consistently groups 1/2” groups (2,827fps).
I am currently working on a 300 gr NorthFork which to date has only made it to 7/8”. Fine enough if it stays consistent on different days/temps.

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

View attachment 216596 View attachment 216597 View attachment 216598
The first picture is the factory Barnes 300 TSX which typically groups 5/8-3/4” @100 m (2,529fps). The next is my handload Barnes 300 TSX which consistently shoots 1/2-3/4” groups (2,655fps). And finally my 250 gr Barnes TTSX which consistently groups 1/2” groups (2,827fps).
I am currently working on a 300 gr NorthFork which to date has only made it to 7/8”. Fine enough if it stays consistent on different days/temps.

Great results. Are you using RL15 for both loads? I couldn't quite tell from the photos.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Great results. Are you using RL15 for both loads? I couldn't quite tell from the photos.

I did not have R15 when I started reloading my 375, so I tried CFE223 and Varget. Both shot very well, but the CFE223 got a few more FPS and burns quite clean.
Barnes website recommends R15 for 300 gr and I had to go to it for best results. I’d probably try to use R15 for everything now. It also does extremely well with their 235gr TSX.
http://www.barnesbullets.com/files/2017/09/375HH.pdf

 

[Longwalker]

I have been shooting the 260 gr. Nosler partition for a few years now, and used enough RL15 for 2700 fps. It has been accurate and effective on two elk and a bear. I have tried Varget and H4350 with that bullet but best results were RL15.

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

So I went to three stores today looking for a pound of RL15. The third and final store (Cabelas) had a single pound left, and I bought it. I loaded three rounds each of the 260 grain Nosler Partitions at 69.0, 70.0, 71.0, 72.0, and 73.0 grains. These were all with Fed 215 primers. Business is going to take me near one of my gun clubs on Friday, so I hope to be able to test these.

 

[Longwalker]

I predict happiness with one of those. Just because it worked for me in three different rifles, I'll say 71 grains.

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

I got to the range yesterday to test my loads using 260 grain Nosler Partitions and RL15. Here are the results

Load Velocity Group MOA
69.0 2568fps 2.782" 2.66
70.0 2600fps 0.717" 0.67
71.0 2646fps 2.333" 2.23
72.0 2665fps 0.687" 0.66
73.0 2707fps 2.337" 2.24

I am going to go with the 72.0 grain load. I was very impressed by how much improvement I got from the RL15 powder. Here is a photo my the 72.0 gran group. The photo is a little crooked as I was trying t avoid a shadow. The group is actually directly above the dot with almost no windage error. The dot is 3/4". Thanks to all for the help. I am next going to try some RL15 loads for the 300 grain Barnes TSX.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I got to the range yesterday to test my loads using 260 grain Nosler Partitions and RL15. Here are the results

Load Velocity Group MOA
69.0 2568fps 2.782" 2.66
70.0 2600fps 0.717" 0.67
71.0 2646fps 2.333" 2.23
72.0 2665fps 0.687" 0.66
73.0 2707fps 2.337" 2.24

I am going to go with the 72.0 grain load. I was very impressed by how much improvement I got from the RL15 powder. Here is a photo my the 72.0 gran group. The photo is a little crooked as I was trying t avoid a shadow. The group is actually directly above the dot with almost no windage error. The dot is 3/4". Thanks to all for the help. I am next going to try some RL15 loads for the 300 grain Barnes TSX.

View attachment 217198

Interesting pattern going from 2 plus to sub 1 MOA and back again with the one grain increments. I've developed loads with RL15, but it is known to have a fair amount of lot to lot variation as well as a bit temp sensitive. I would build loads for a hunt from the same canister. And when you get a new canister, expect to have to tweak the load.

Alternatively you could get Hodgdon Varget. Much less variation with it and ballistically very similar to RL15.

 

[BobT]

Sorry I'm late to the party. I load the 260 grain Nosler to 2753 fps average with RL15 with great accuracy. Don't have my data in front of me right now but the load is very similar to yours.

 

[PaulT]

Heed the advice given by Phil.

R 15 does vary from lot to lot and from date of manufacture.

I use it in several rifles I have here at home so a while back I collected some 15lbs of it emptied it all together in a large mixing container and mixed it all through thoroughly then replaced it in the original canisters carefully re-attaching the sealing foil.

I have found by doing so, as well as storing it in temperature constant environment, it remains fairly constant.

If you are not able to do this I suggest re-testing established loads with every new canister.

 

[neckdeep]

I was going to say RL-15 will fix your problems but you already arrived at that point.

 

[Rick Cox]

I got to the range yesterday to test my loads using 260 grain Nosler Partitions and RL15. Here are the results

Load Velocity Group MOA
69.0 2568fps 2.782" 2.66
70.0 2600fps 0.717" 0.67
71.0 2646fps 2.333" 2.23
72.0 2665fps 0.687" 0.66
73.0 2707fps 2.337" 2.24

I am going to go with the 72.0 grain load. I was very impressed by how much improvement I got from the RL15 powder. Here is a photo my the 72.0 gran group. The photo is a little crooked as I was trying t avoid a shadow. The group is actually directly above the dot with almost no windage error. The dot is 3/4". Thanks to all for the help. I am next going to try some RL15 loads for the 300 grain Barnes TSX.

View attachment 217198

Good work, and thanks for the research!

 

[Rick Cox]

View attachment 216596 View attachment 216597 View attachment 216598
The first picture is the factory Barnes 300 TSX which typically groups 5/8-3/4” @100 m (2,529fps). The next is my handload Barnes 300 TSX which consistently shoots 1/2-3/4” groups (2,655fps). And finally my 250 gr Barnes TTSX which consistently groups 1/2” groups (2,827fps).
I am currently working on a 300 gr NorthFork which to date has only made it to 7/8”. Fine enough if it stays consistent on different days/temps.

Great groups, but would you mind telling us what powder(s) were used and what quantity? Primers?

 

[sandman0921]

@MikeDeltaFoxtrot

It appears that Alliant RL 15 worked well for you, and that you have found your load for your 375 H&H. Incidentally, in the latest Nosler manual, the technicians at Nosler obtained the best velocity and best accuracy with RL 15 when shooting Nosler 260 grain Partitions. It further validates the statement made by many reloaders that Alliant RL 15 is "THE" powder for the 375 H&H Magnum.

I'd say you accuracy is more than acceptable, but if you wanted to try and tweak your loads, varying the seating depth may further shrink your group sizes. In my limited experiences with Nosler Partitions, a good starting point is to have the bullet 0.025 inches off the lands. For Barnes TTSX's (and other monometals), the recommended seating depth places the ogive of the bullet approximately 0.050 inches off the lands.

 

[IvW]

My .375's all shoot MOA or better with their best loads. All of mine shoot sub-MOA with their favorite 300 gr loads. Which brings me to why the 260? My 300 gr loads are all around 2500 fps. That means, with a 200 yard zero, the difference between a 270 and 300gr load is less than two inches at 300 yards. How far are you planning to shoot the .375? I have shot everything from suni to cape buffalo with 300 gr bullets - from 50 feet to 275 yards. The .375 shines with the 300 gr bullet - with a 260 gr bullet it just seems like a poor imitation of a .338 WM.

Very sound advice.....

Standard 300gr loadings in premium grade ammo is all you need even for DG....

 

[Luvthunt]

ditto on all positive comments on RE 15 and the 260 Nosler part. I too use the 73 gr load. I have quick detach rings on my Kimber and use the scope with them. I carry 300 gr Swift Aframes and Trophy Bonded Sledgekammers on my belt. The open sights are zero,d at 75 yds with the 300 gr should I want to change.
I like the 260s effect on PG

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Hello,

I use the 260 NP for the last 15 years. The R15 is almost perfect. I can get 2800 f/s without any stress. Also, I reach 2850 f/s with IMR 4350. Also a great load, with 100% load density. Being the 260 NP very short, any of the 4350s are good alternative without too much compression and excelent pressure/velocity relationship.
With the 260 NAccubond, the R15 is clearly better, to me, because is too long to use the 4350s. With 76 grs of my lot of R15 I get 2800 f/s in my Winchester 70 pre 64´ 25" barrel length. To me, this AB is one of the best long range medium-heavy game .375 H&H load.

CF

 

[machinistbutler]

I have had great results with the 260 accubonds and RL 15 as well. Love that combo.