Gunsmithing 300WSM barrel length?

[Cserv]

As a general rule what is the <span style="text-decoration: underline">min. recommended barrel length </span>for a 300WSM. I have a factory Win.M70 sporter profile and was thinking of trimming down the barrel and having the muzzle crowned. Any info appreciated.
Thanks,
Eric

 

[buckey]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

GAP is building me a custom hunting rig in 300 WSM & I went with a 24" long barrel. Using a 1-11" twist.

 

[Cserv]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

btt, any one know?

 

[mdesign]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

I would not go less than 22" if it were me, I run a 26" on mine and easily get to 3000fps with 175 SMK. Depends on your use for the rifle, might want to run some different velocity options on JBM and see were it really drops off.

 

[bohem]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

22in minimum, the Rem M7 is a 22" barrel and that is the limit for a reasonably short barrel that still performs like the case is designed to do.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

Mine is a 26, but I wouldn't want much less than 24 or 22.

 

[MontanaMarine]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

Just depends what you want. Ruger does/did a 77 compact at 16".

Personally I wouldn't go below 22".

 

[elkhuntinguide]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

I agree with MM... I have 3 300WSM's 2 of which have a 22" and 1 with a 20"...

The 22's outperform the 20" hands down... I'm waiting for my 22" barrel from Rock Creek now to change out the 20"...

 

[Cserv]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

Thanks for the info, so it shouldn't hurt to have the crown cleaned up.

 

[bglimpse]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

Does anyone make accurate factory ammo for the 300WSM?

 

[81sfo]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bglimpse</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone make accurate factory ammo for the 300WSM?</div></div>
Target shooting ammo,Blackhills Gold and Corbon but your better off reloading for it.

 

[JWHITE]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

Elkhuntingguide..... When you say the 22" outperforms the 20", in what aspect?if it is velocity, what's your bullet weight and what is the velocity difference??

 

[CoCaDoRi]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

I've had 5 of em...

Best performer was the Broughton 5C in 25" 11 twist... wore some of the throat out then set it back...

wouldn't go too much shorter than 24"

I have to add I was interested in performance out to 1200 yards.

 

[SingleShot85]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

20" sucks, not for accuracy but velocity and energy.

I tried it, complete waste of time. I basically was getting 308 performance w/ 15-20% more powder. I used all kinds of powder combos and bullets.

 

[elkhuntinguide]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JWHITE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Elkhuntingguide..... When you say the 22" outperforms the 20", in what aspect?if it is velocity, what's your bullet weight and what is the velocity difference?? </div></div>

As mentioned above... I turned a 300WSM ballistic wise into a 308... Accuracy was good but lacked in down range performance...

I like short barreled rifles and the 22" does what I need it to do at the ranges I intend to harvest game at...

I'm using 180 gr Scirocco's...

 

[jrhammons]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

^^^ which is anything inside of 1300 yards. Trust me he knows what he is talking about. I agree with the barrel length of at shortest 22". Shorter than that you might as well be shooting a 308. Its like loading subsonics for a 22mag. I prefer a 24" and my next 300wsm will have that length for sure.

 

[JWHITE]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

I have two at the moment. One is 26 and the other is 24.


The 24" rifle was my do all deer rifle for a couple years. I decided to rebarrel it for two reasons. 1 I wanted something short for handling and walking in thick woods and in smaller stands. 2 it could be more accurate.

Hunting in thick woods, I prefer a dead in tracks kind of rifle. But with right of ways and railroad tracks, a longer shot isn't out of the question.

I have handled ltr's and sps tacticals and couldn't help but think if I had wsm performance in that package......it would be ideal.

2" isn't much but if that's what it takes to go from a magnum to a dog, then it's worth it. That's why I asked. Thanks everyone.

 

[CoCaDoRi]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

300wsm in my opinion isn't needed for anything under 500 yards.

 

[JWHITE]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

[Cserv]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

I hunt this rifle, and want to do some medium/long range shooting( out to 500-600), but it is mainly my hunting rig. I picked it up pretty cheap a couple years ago, and have just started to try and improve its accuracy so I can shoot these ranges. So what I'm getting from the info above is if I go under 22" then I'll just be spitting unburned powder and losing velocity/down range effectiveness. I have been shooting 150gr.Win.Bal.Slvr.Tips. I believe I'm going to switch to the 180gr. to see if this helps any w/ accuracy. Again, any info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Eric

 

[cattle buyer]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

On factory ammo,fodder try Federal Premium 180 gr accubonds. Ive shot it and seen it shoot in 3 WSM's and was impressed.

 

[elkhuntinguide]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

Try the Remington factory with the 180 gr. Swift Sciroccos as well... Just sayin'...

 

[CoCaDoRi]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

Federal Premium. Over the years I've seen more consistency with this factory ammo than most others.

If you barrel is a 12 twist. Stay in the 150 to 165gr bullet ranges.

I have however seen the 180 gr AB's do well in the 12 twist 300wsm's

 

[Cserv]

Re: 300WSM barrel length?

Haven't tried the Federal ammo, only the Win. Both Super X and Supreme Ballistic Silver Tip. Am not sure what my factory barrel twist is, need to check that out.