Savage's Impulse in 300 Winchester Magnum Part 2

05/30/2021

In part I, the Savage Impulse was checked out with Winchester Superformance 180 grain ammo, rated at 3,130 fps and clocked 3,162 fps and Remington Express Core-Lokt 150 grain ammo, rated at 3,120 fps that clocked 3,261 fps.  The largest group shot was 0.8″, the smallest was 0.3″. Excellent performance, but not necessarily ammunition or bullets I would routinely use.

The 300 Winchester Magnum is a relatively flexible cartridge. For the handloader, it can be loaded down below 308 Winchester velocity levels, or loaded up to take full advantage of its large case capacity for long range shooting, and/or for heavier game.
Bullets pictured above: Barnes TTSX 130 grain, Berger VLD Hunting 168 grain, Berger VLD Hunting 175 grain, Nosler Partition 180 grain, Hornady ELD-X 200 grain, Hornady ELD-X 212 grain.

Handloads for the Savage Impulse 300 Winchester Magnum

Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity,  pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 5% as a starting point for development where cartridges have greater than 40 grains in capacity and 10% for cartridges with less than 40 grain capacity following safe handloading practices as represented in established mainstream reloading manuals. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.

The 300 Winchester Magnum is very straight forward to handload. Most of the notes I see in articles that are presented as unique approaches can be found in the first section of most reloading manuals; clean and inspect brass, trim to a uniform length, check cartridge COL for proper clearance from rifling, don’t drink coffee at the reloading bench, don’t forget to pick the kids up at school, etc. I am not mocking proper procedures for handloading. I am mocking the notion that they are optional or a casual suggestion.

Back to the Savage Impulse

The Impulse stabilized both light and heavy, short and long bullets with its 1:10″ twist. Accuracy, as noted on the load data table was excellent. Is there better accuracy potential from handloads other than those presented? Sure. I tend to shoot in a closer in environment so better than MOA at 100 yards in actually a good deal more than I need. Also, I tend to push for higher velocity, where backing off a bit might better serve accuracy.

The load data presented are those I have worked up for other 24″ barrel 300 Winchester Mag rifles I have worked with over time, tweaked for this particular occasion.

The subject Savage Impulse Hog Hunter held up well and looked like new after being flogged at the range. The only thing I would like to see is 7 lb, or sub 7 pound version. I am sure a good amount of weight reduction could come out of the barrel’s profile and length, in some non-magnum, calibers.

The Savage straight pull, barrel extension lock up design is stout, feed is smooth, extraction/ejection assured, and reliability is absolute. Can’t wait until I pick up the next conventional bolt action rifle and wonder why tugging on the bolt handle won’t open the action.