300/221 Rem (300 whisper)

[SwedeNelson]

Horse traded in to a Remington 700 .222 that was shot out.
Had a good action and trigger.
Picked up one of Midways $79.95 .30 Cal. 1 in 10 barrels.
Had a chamber reamer so it was a no brain-er.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/swedenelson/Picture027.jpg

Cast up some Lyman 314299 (210Gr.) that I picked up to shoot in a Jap.
XX.X Gr. A2400 - will see what it will do next week end. (Edit 9/9/08: DO NOT USE THIS LOAD
WAY TO HOT!)

Hope it will make a good cast rifle.
Has any one tried this one as a cast cartridge?

Swede Nelson

[yondering]

Doesn't the 300 whisper normally have a much faster twist than 1-10? Do your 210gr boolits stabilize at low (subsonic?) velocity?

Also, it sounds like you got one of Midway's short chambered barrels; did you just cut it a couple inches at the rear and re-thread it?

Cool project; I've always thought the 300 whisper was a neat round.

[SwedeNelson]

The barrel was a 30 Cal. tappered blank.
Turned out very good.

The twist is border line for jacketed - but I hope it
will work OK for cast.

Some info:
http://feistyrooster.com/300x221/300x221faq.html#barrel

Will get out saturday and shoot it for the first time.

Swede Nelson

[GaryM]

I load for an AR15 in 300 whisper. I use a hard cast (wheel weight) 200gr Lee gc bullet over a 10grs or so of wc820. Gives me a nice subsonic round that is fairly accurate. No leading problems.
My twist is 1/8, you might have trouble with a 1/10.
I have fired this bullet up to 1600fps with no leading but of course accuracy goes to hell.

[SwedeNelson]

May be thinking off in left field.
But I hope that I can make up for the slower twist with a little more velocity.
Dont need to keep it sub sonic - so we will see.

Would like to hear some more thoughts on it.

Swede Nelson

[RU shooter]

I shoot a 220 gr .311290PB in a 1:10 at subsonic vel and always hits the target nose first with great accuracy,You shouldnt have any problems. If I coul;d only find a ready made 30 cal AR15 barrel with a slower twist I would rebarrel my service rifle in a heart beat

Tim

[PatMarlin]

Please keep the posts coming on this thread. I really want to build one of these for a cast shooter.

Finding a twist that would work for both subsonic, and launching lead at higher velocities would be great.

[SwedeNelson]

Just had the one load to try.

The A2400 load list above is way to hot.
DO NOT EVEN TRY IT!

Sticky bolt. (Like cartridge weld to bolt face.)

Shot one round and puled the rest.
Hope to get out next week and try again.

Swede Nelson

[redneckdan]

Try about 5.0gr of red dot under that thair boolit of yourn. Should kick it out at about 950fps, work up from there. You won't see much difference in how velocity effects required twist rate until you get up over 2000fps. Think of the whisper as a rimless version of the .32-20 I've seen lots of people blowing primers and cases from hot rodding it too much. It sounds to me like you might be better off with something like the .30 HRT or even the plain old 7.62x39

[smokemjoe]

Maybe try Blue Dot once.

[PatMarlin]

It sounds to me like you might be better off with something like the .30 HRT or even the plain old 7.62x39

Sounds like you have soured on the Whisper some Dan. Why? And what were trying to acomplish with it?

[SwedeNelson]

Had some time to shoot the Lyman 314299 210Gr. with 8.2Gr. of H4227

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/swedenelson/Picture028.jpg

First 5 shot group was high - Second group was after scope adjustment.
50 yards. Group opened up to 3" plus at 100 yards.

Going to try the 30-165-SIL Group Buy also. Blue Dot, Red Dot powders.
Will see how it goes.

Swede Nelson

[PatMarlin]

That looks awesome Swede.

Got a apic of your rifle?

I need to sell something so I can get the 300 whisper upper for my AR... :drinks:

[redneckdan]

Sounds like you have soured on the Whisper some Dan. Why? And what were trying to acomplish with it?

Haven't soured on the whisper at all. I got it with the intention of getting a can but lost interest. It was a great learn cartridge for getting into the AR-15 game. Its a great little cartridge when used inside its design envelope....a lot like a .32-20 in a contender as far as performance. I'm fooling around with a .416 caliber version that can be made with off the shelf tools and components. I want something capable of dropping larger game than the .300 whisper is capable of.

[HotGuns]

Swede,

That bullet looks great. I've got 3 Whispers and am looking for a cast bullit to shoot, mostly from my suppressed 700 Remington that I built. It has a 1 in 8 twist and is extremely accurate with Sierra MBTHP's (220) but I would like to tinker with some cast stuff...just because.

[SwedeNelson]

Having good luck with the Lyman 311299 and 4.5Gr. to 6Gr. of Russian Unique.
Been to cold to get the Chrony out but its a fun one to shoot.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/swedenelson/Picture056-1.jpg
I think its going to be a good setup for cast.

Swede Nelson

[redneckdan]

sounds like the slick ticket to me:Fire:

[PatMarlin]

That's clinched it for me. I'm converting my .223 Howa. I've got that mold.

PLease keep us posted Swede. Now to decide on optimum twist, bore, and groove.

[redneckdan]

go with a 1 in 8 for .300 whisper

[leadman]

I have a custom 21" barrel for the Contender carbine with a 1 in 8" twist. I load 311299 with acww and 11 grs of WC680. 50 rounds at 100 yards in 3" with no cleaning the barrel. If I remeber correctly it is about 1,100fps. H--l on jack-rabbits.

Also use the 125 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip with 18.5 grs. of W296, about 3/4" at 100 yards for 10 shots. Good deer load. Chronographs at 2,100fps.

Very pleasant ans accurrate round. With light loads of fast powder it lives up to its name "Whisper".

Had a T/C 10" barrel but it did not shoot as well, could be the 1 in 10" twist they use?

[SwedeNelson]

Just for kick's
I had Mountain Mould make me a .30Cal. 205Gr
monster for my 300/221FB

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/swedenelson/Picture090-1.jpg

Real nice mould and casts great.
May HP one cavity and see what that will do.
Now its off to the range.

Swede Nelson

[jhrosier]

Has anyone tried Trail Boss powder in the 300/221 for subsonic loads?

Jack

[PatMarlin]

It looks like you sat up all night polishing those pretty boolits and that cool looking mold Swede.

[SwedeNelson]

It is a purrrrdeeee mould.

Swede Nelson

[SwedeNelson]

Tried Leadman's load of WC680 11Gr. with the 311299.
shot 5 - 1" groups and 3 - 3/4" groups, 5 shot groups at 50 yards.
Thinking I may put together a modified 311299 with out
a gas check and give it a try.
16 pounds of surplus WC680, 1500 Lbs of wheel weights
Should last for a time.

Next time out we get to try the new Mountain Mould bullet.

Thinking the 300/221FB is going to work out real good
with cast.

To much thinking.

Swede Nelson

[PatMarlin]

In this lifetime Swede, I want a Marlin 1896 Deluxe 1/2 round and to build a 300 whisper.

That's awesome ..!

[Superfly]

Hey is there any way i can beg buy borrow trade my wife, for a couple shell cases and bollits of 300 whisper i always wanted to see what the cases look like and maybe get the bug to make a whisper inan ar15 to go with the 2 223 i have.

Thanks jaime

[Johnch]

Where are you guys getting your dies ?????

I have a upper on order
I took a quick look for dies and struck out

Since you all are reloading for the 300/221
I must be just overlooking something

John

[redneckdan]

How'd the new boolits shoot? When I had my whisper I had looked into having mountain moulds do a twin cavity for me but never got around to it. I'm thinking about having them make a mould for the .416 whisper knockoff I'm workig on.

[SwedeNelson]

Superfly

PM me your address and will get out a couple to ya.

johnch

Using a Redding Deluxe Die Set 84432
300/221 Rem
Picked them up at Midway I think.

Redneckdan

Didn't have any loaded up for this trip.
Maybe thursday I'll give them a try.

Swede Nelson

[jhrosier]

I just ordered the 30-221 chamber reamer and go guage.
My .223 Savage bolt gun is going to be wearing a Shilen match barrel.
No silencers for the peons in MA, so I'm looking at subsonic 150-180 gr boolit loads.
I'm thinking of ordering dies from CH4D. I've had good dealings with them in the past.

I think that I will also get a barrel nut wrench in case I want to switch back and probably a file trim die so I can use 5.56 brass.

Jack

[leadman]

jhrosier, that trim die would be a good thing. I make my brass from 5.56 or 223 but just size it in my Redding full length sizing die, then mount it in my Lyman trimmer and use a tiny Harbor Freight hacksaw with a fine blade to rough cut it, then trim.
It is much easier to use a file trim die. This is how I make my 7.65 Arg. brass.

I've had better results with the heavier boolits in my T/C.

[revolver junkie]

hey Jhrosier i had a similar thought but how are you going to chamber the barrel do you have a lathe to thread it?

[jhrosier]

hey Jhrosier i had a similar thought but how are you going to chamber the barrel do you have a lathe to thread it?

I will let the local gunsmith do the barrel work.

I bought the reamer because I figured that he would charge me for it anyhow and this way I can sell it after and recover a good part of the cost.

Jack

[oldsingleshots]

Just for kick's
I had Mountain Mould make me a .30Cal. 205Gr
monster for my 300/221FB

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/swedenelson/Picture090-1.jpg

Real nice mould and casts great.
May HP one cavity and see what that will do.
Now its off to the range.

Swede Nelson

Very curious as to how these performed for you. Considering a mountain mold with very similar design but closer to 220gr for a CB subsonic 300/221 project I'm working on.

Thanks.

[SwedeNelson]

Haven a heck of a time getting to the range.
As soon as I can I'll let you know.

Swede Nelson

[redneckdan]

I'd try to bum some samples but I don't have anything that will spin them fast enough.

[oldsingleshots]

Thanks Swede - Very interested in your results. I also see that you are shooting 311299 in the whisper and was curious what your OAL is with those seated? I just purchased that mold along with a new 15" barrel from MGM in 8 twist (7 weeks out) and wanted to make sure my throat is long enough to accommodate.

Thanks-
Sean.

[SwedeNelson]

I'm shooting a bolt gun and they work great in it.
The 311299 is a bore rider so if it fits your barrel
and feeds OK it should work great.
I load mine to just cover the lube grooves
2.187" Lg.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/swedenelson/Picture107-1.jpg

Tried them in a mag just to see, and they fit OK.

If you are using a Encore/Contender platform you should be OK too.

Swede Nelson

[oldsingleshots]

Thanks Swede! Exactly what I was looking for.

Sean.

[SwedeNelson]

Made it out to the range.
The new Mountain mould shot good for the first load.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/swedenelson/Picture114.jpg

This was 15 rounds at 50 yards.
11gr. of WC680.

The same load with the 311299 shot this 5 shot group.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/swedenelson/Picture115.jpg

The shot to the right was the first shot.
Then four touching, at 50 yards also.

Swede Nelson

[oldsingleshots]

Swede - Thanks for the range report. Looks very promising! I went back through this thread - I may have missed it - what twist?

Thanks-
Sean.

[leadman]

I think WC680 is the best powder for cast in the 300 Whisper. Looks like it is working real good for you.

[SwedeNelson]

oldsingleshots
it's a 1 in 10 Midway special.
Not any thing special.

leadman
I would have to agree.
Then I have 16 Lbs of it too.

Swede Nelson

[PatMarlin]

Amazing, you can't even get any 680 now. That's a great rifle swede. I'm gonna build one someday. I think the 300whisper is the best kept secrete of cast boolit rifle calibers.

[SwedeNelson]

Pat

The only change I would make is the neck length.
Something longer like a 30-30 or 30-40 would be good.
But all in all it is working out very good for me.

Swede Nelson

[thehouseproduct]

Just for kick's
I had Mountain Mould make me a .30Cal. 205Gr
monster for my 300/221FB

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/swedenelson/Picture090-1.jpg

Real nice mould and casts great.
May HP one cavity and see what that will do.
Now its off to the range.

Swede Nelson

Would you mind posting the specs you gave them for the mold?

[SwedeNelson]

thehouseproduct

I will look and see if I can find them.

Swede Nelson

[stubshaft]

Not to be a spoilsport but I asked Dan to make me a copy and he said that he wouldn't do it.

[rhbrink]

Just a question I have thought about building a 300 Whisper a few times and everyone seems to be hung up on a heavy bullet 8" twist, subsonic. I don't care about subsonic and would be happy to have a 12 to 14 inch twist and shoot lighter 30 cal bullets fast more like a 32-20 bolt. Mainly plinking small game stuff what is wrong with that is there some reason it won't work?

[Wayne S]

Just a question I have thought about building a 300 Whisper a few times and everyone seems to be hung up on a heavy bullet 8" twist, subsonic. I don't care about subsonic and would be happy to have a 12 to 14 inch twist and shoot lighter 30 cal bullets fast more like a 32-20 bolt. Mainly plinking small game stuff what is wrong with that is there some reason it won't work?

rhbrink, I'ld go with a 1-10, or 1-12 and speaking of light plinking loads
http://http://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4766056864/m/112102421?r=112102421#112102421
I've just loaded some 311359's over 4.0 of Trail Boss for my 10" contender in 30-30 {32-20} Hope to test it Friday.

[badgeredd]

rhbrink, I'ld go with a 1-10, or 1-12 and speaking of light plinking loads
http://http://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4766056864/m/112102421?r=112102421#112102421
I've just loaded some 311359's over 4.0 of Trail Boss for my 10" contender in 30-30 {32-20} Hope to test it Friday.

WayneS,

Your link doesn't seem to be correct. I did get to LiveCloud but was then asked for account information.

Edd

[redneckdan]

Just a question I have thought about building a 300 Whisper a few times and everyone seems to be hung up on a heavy bullet 8" twist, subsonic. I don't care about subsonic and would be happy to have a 12 to 14 inch twist and shoot lighter 30 cal bullets fast more like a 32-20 bolt. Mainly plinking small game stuff what is wrong with that is there some reason it won't work?


No reason it wouldn't work. The whole idea behind heavy bullets is that the speed of sound is the upper limit for velocity for this cartridges designed purpose. In order to recoup some of the energy lost by decreasing velocity mass is increased. Increased mass means a longer bullet....means a quicker twist required.

[Wayne S]

WayneS,

Your link doesn't seem to be correct. I did get to LiveCloud but was then asked for account information.

Edd
Yep, I have trouble trying to link from the Speciality Pistol forum. He used a 14"Whisper contender barrel, a 120 gn cast bullet and 5.0 gn of Trail boss for about 1116 FPS.

[crawfobj]

Swede, any luck on the specs on that Mountain Mold? Just a little heavier and hollow point might be just the ticket for subsonic hog medicine. Might need a little more rounded over profile on the nose for AR platform feeding though.

I've been looking around to see if anyone has tried something like that in 220gr or so, but haven't found much yet.

Have you tried your rifle with anything heavier than the 205s? Looks like you have a winner there! Nice work.

[leadman]

Not Swede, but have used 240gr. Sierras' in my 1 in 8 twist 18" Contender. Not very impressive at 100 yards, 2" or so, but it stays at 2" past 200 yards. Haven't shot those much past the 220 to 230 yard berm.

I've been using 314299 now with acww that is pretty soft, weigh about 208 to 210, depends on batch. Very accurate and consistent with 680.
Haven't shot anything bigger then a jack rabbit with cast but it tears it apart!

[Artful]

Wow, 2" past 200 that's good stuff from a Contender.

Swede how would you compare this bullet MountainMan bullet
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/swedenelson/Picture090-1.jpg

this that other designed Cast boolet for 300 Whisper in thread
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/rr236/scb2008/30240whisper.jpg
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=102160

Almost looks like same with Bevel Base and one lube groove removed.

[MaxJon]

Anyone tried the Lee soupcan (#90362) 113gn fp.
BB03