Need info on .300 IHMSA

[Blackwater]

This is my first post here. I haven't shot any silhouettes, but having just bought an old Wichita in .300 IHMSA, I may just HAVE to go see what I can do. I initially thought of myself as buying it to resell, but .... well, you know how these things go - I just flat fell in love with this beautiful and eminently shootable gun. I guess I'm easy???? Anyway, do any of you have any recommendations for loads for silhouette and/or game. I'm thinking of using 125 Nos BT's or Sierra SP's, or 150 gr. Nos BT's for deer, or maybe even .30/30 type bullets for the short ranges I'll have access to in my area. For targets, probably something in the 168-185 gr. range???

Any powder recommendations for the bullet weights involved? Any helpful notes in forming brass? Any specific brand of dies that may be helpful?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

IIRC, the .300 IHMSA was an Elgin Gates development was it not? My memory ain't what it used to be. The history of really nice guns like this are always interesting. And what a SWEET trigger!!! I think I can SHOOT this thing .... maybe?

[Richard Pickering]

The IHMSA series of cartridges were based on the 300 Savage case. Your .30 should be versatile. Its nearest cousin, the 7mm, is very popular and you should review load data for it. You wont need to hot rod it. Bulk 150s should serve well. Welcome to IHMSA. rp

[260 Striker]

I have a Wichita MK40 in 7 IHMSA and it is a great gun. Had a previous Wichita 7 IHMSA in the 80s and it was great too. All the IHMSA cartridges were based upon the 300 Savage case as noted by Richard P. The 300 Savage is only produced every once in a while by the major brass companies so may be hard to find. I just formed some 7 IHMSA from 22-250 brass since the 22-250 is the 300 Savage necked down to 22 caliber. I have enough other dies that I used several decapping stems to neck up the 22-250 case in steps to get to 7 mm but it is not difficult and go easy to prevent split necks. Shot my Wichita last Saturday in an IHMSA match and was fireforming brass. I was using 19.0 grains of SR4759 with a 145 grain cast bullet. Very accurate load. This same load should also work with a 150 grain cast 30 caliber bullet in your gun if you want to try cast bullets. Hang onto that Wichita. They don't make that gun anymore but it can be serviced is needed (probably never need servicing). Don't dry fire more than just checking trigger pull. I use a empty case with old primer still seated if I feel the need to dry fire to test my trigger. You are in for some great fun shooting IHMSA matches. Welcome to our sport.

[Blackwater]

Thanks, guys, especially for the loading data. I have a little in some old manuals, and found some from Hodgdon's, but it's hard to come by.

And a SPECIAL thanks about the dies on Gun Broker! I'm on the way there as soon as I post this reply. Can't shoot without them and some brass, and I really DO want to shoot this thing. It keeps calling to me. I know you understand.

[260 Striker]

Dug out my "Reloading Guide for Handgun Accuracy" published by IHMSA back in 1982 and found these loads for the 30 IHMSA. While these loads are not "hot" loads you have to remember back then the rams were harder to knock down so these loads had more horsepower than you need today.

150 grain bullets
RE-7 Start 26.5gr, Most used load 30.0gr, Max 31.0gr
4895 Start 27.0gr, Most used load 31.5gr, Max 34.0gr
748 Start 32.0gr, Most used load 34.0gr, Max 36.0gr

165 grain bullets
4895 Start 27.0gr, Most used load 30.0gr, Max 33.0 gr

This load manual was the result of surveys of many shooters to see what powders, bullets and loads worked best. The 4895 loads did not indicate whether IMR or H4895 but I suspect it was H4895 since that was (and is) a popular powder for IHMSA use.

When I shot my 7 IHMSA years ago I used 32.0 grains of H4895 behind 139 to 154 grain bullets out of my Wichita with no problems. While not stout loads you knew when you pulled the trigger. Last Saturday I used 19.0 grains of SR4759 behind 145 grain cast bullets in my current 7 IHMSA Wichita and it was very mild and hammered the rams.

I don't think any of these loads would cause any problems but start mild and work up to whatever is safe and suits your needs. Hang onto that gun. I'm sure you will be very happy with it. Lynn