Loading for a BAR in .300 WM.

[A Guy Out West]

I just acquired a new to me 1980s BAR. This is my first center fire auto loader and will be my first attempt loading for a semi auto. I found some RCBS dies that were made specifically for the BAR and am itching to start. Are there any powders that I should stay away from given it’s a semi auto? I’ve heard IMR 4350 was the powder that the designers engineered the caliber/rifle around. I got that from a post made by George Washington on the net, so I don’t know how true it is. I will be shooting 180 to 200 gr. bullets. Any suggestions will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[grizzly63]

IMR4350 has fed a ton of 300WM over the years. Not a bad place to start. Someone with more knowledge than me can tell you if you have to shoot reduced loading because of the gas system or if the gas system just eats some of the potential. To me, the thought of a 300wm semi is intimidating.