Building a 300 WM advice

nortac

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 19, 2009
283
10
Texas
Ok, I am having my smith build me a 300wm on an older 700bdl 7mag action. The action will be trued out as will the bolt. I want to keep the gun under 10lbs so I planned on going with a Sendero contour barrel with a 1:10 twist for 220 SMK's. I am wanting to shoot out to 1200 yards and I have access to a 1000 yard range.

I do not want to wait three months on a barrel so any ideas? I want to go with a Broughton or Krieger as first choice, second Bartlein or Lilga, shilen. I also want the barrel deep fluted to reduce weight and I don't think Shilen does fluting. Not sure about the others.

Should I go with a match chamber or keep it simple with a standard 300wm chamber?

I am probably going to go with a H&S stock but not absolutely sure so any ideas here would be helpful as well. Again, weight will be an issue.

The last thing I need help with is a muzzle brake. I am not sure what to use for one but I want one that works as I do not need to be flinching shooting 1k yards. That would just be silly. So any of you mag guys have a good idea on brakes let me know.

Thanks all!
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

When I say light weight I am not talking about a 7lb rifle. I have those for hunting. Scoped and complete I want it at a max of 12lbs, 9.5lbs to 10lbs non scoped and that in my book is not all that light. I just don't want a 18lb gun that I can't lug around. Hell, I have plenty of those.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">well it seems you got it all covered then........ever shoot any of 'em ? </div></div>

shoot any of 'em what? My hunting guns? My heavy guns? Of course....
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

did'nt think so......



see....if you would have completed you profile......maybe, just maybe someone in your AO would have enlightened you as to what it was you really needed
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">did'nt think so......



see....if you would have completed you profile......maybe, just maybe someone in your AO would have enlightened you as to what it was you really needed </div></div>

Maybe best to stick to the topic I started. Since you really are not contributing to the topic maybe you should let it ride.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

What are the dimesions on what you call a 'match' .300WM chamber? Do you want to turn necks, is that what you are asking?

There are a lot of good barrel makers. Are you asking where to buy a barrel?

No one will know what stock you want or which one will fit you best. If you don't want a particular stock for a particular reason then you probably don't need a custom yet.

Muzzle brakes don't cure flinch.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

Well. it would seem you've met Bolt. Our resident profile police, perennial curmudgeon and plethora of succinct, if not obtuse wisdom. (I have it on very good authority that he's quite harmless in person, even quite reasonable.
wink.gif
)

His point about weight should be duly noted. I shoot a 13.5 lb. (in current field dress) braked 300WM. I would not want it any lighter for LR/ELR or extended range sessions. 100 rds. in a day still leave my shoulder sore and the rifle moves around quite a bit shooting heavies.

I use a Holland brake on my 300 and it is *VERY* effective. I will be using a UGSW Bad AZZ brake on my sons 300 build. It is very similar to the Holland but a much more refined execution.

The ragged edge is filled with challenges. I wish you the best in your pursuit. Oh, if you fill out your profile, there are some that will be a lot more helpful.

John
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

The thing about the build you have in mind is that the weight will be hard to keep under 10 lbs. I had a Remington Sendero in 7mm Rem Mag and fully loaded with a Ziess on top and bipod attached it was close to 14 lbs. Minimum length for a magnum cartridge would definetly need to be 24"... you could go shorter but that would negate the reason for having a 300 win mag's velocity in the first place. Another issue would be the Sendero contour, if you want to shoot out to 1200 yrds you will only be able to get 2-3 rounds downrange before it heats up and starts sending them all over the place. Since you already have hunting rifles it seems like you want something to more or less target shoot at that distance. There is definelty a reason why most rifles on this site built for that distance weight close to 20 lbs. Hope this helps a little.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Special Delivery</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...if you want to shoot out to 1200 yrds you will only be able to get 2-3 rounds downrange before it heats up and starts sending them all over the place.</div></div>If your rifle starts 'sending them all over the place' after two or three rounds, it's broken.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

A-19, 300wm chamber, 22" Sendero profile cut back, 10-11.27 twist depending your bullet/powder choice, Holland brake, HS/P Stock, M16 silent sling, NightForce 20moa base,... Depending target(cough)older 3.5X10X40 Leupold M3 scope.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Special Delivery</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...if you want to shoot out to 1200 yrds you will only be able to get 2-3 rounds downrange before it heats up and starts sending them all over the place.</div></div>If your rifle starts 'sending them all over the place' after two or three rounds, it's broken. </div></div>

Have you ever seen a benchrest shooter use a thin sendero contour to send 20 rounds to 1000 yards?
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Special Delivery</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...if you want to shoot out to 1200 yrds you will only be able to get 2-3 rounds downrange before it heats up and starts sending them all over the place.</div></div>If your rifle starts 'sending them all over the place' after two or three rounds, it's broken. </div></div>




actually.....the induced heat generated on a sendero profile tube actually heats it in an un-even manner (unless its cryo'd)(but even then its a toss-up to the efficacy of the heat treatment)

and so yes ...it do toss 'em all over the place ,,,as in stringing in a defined manner.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Special Delivery</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have you ever seen a benchrest shooter use a thin sendero contour to send 20 rounds to 1000 yards? </div></div>I've never seen a benchrest shooter.
grin.gif
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Special Delivery</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have you ever seen a benchrest shooter use a thin sendero contour to send 20 rounds to 1000 yards? </div></div>

Yes I have, 300wm throwing 190smk's at 3125FPS, 20 rds in 8 minutes, 98* ambient and, IIRC he won the match.

When did this site become about bench shooting, as I did not get that memo?
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are the dimesions on what you call a 'match' .300WM chamber? Do you want to turn necks, is that what you are asking?

There are a lot of good barrel makers. Are you asking where to buy a barrel?

No one will know what stock you want or which one will fit you best. If you don't want a particular stock for a particular reason then you probably don't need a custom yet.

Muzzle brakes don't cure flinch.
</div></div>

I guess you answered what I already know. On this barrel I have no plans to neck turn brass and I really don't want a tighter chamber so standard chamber is what I already told my smith. Just thought I would ask. As far as barrel, I really don't have any specific in mind. I have my smith checking around to see about lead time and whats available. I do have a first second choice but availability could be an issue. I know that brakes don't cure flinch but I don't need additional help. I have shot enough mags to know "flinch" can be a killer so I am trying to keep it from popping its ugly head. I do pretty good with my non braked 300wsm, 7mag and 270wsm but just a little this or that and the "flinch" can rear its head. This is the reason I want the 300wm braked and braked right.

As far as stock I am leaning towards a H8S Precision but willing to keep options open.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jrob300</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well. it would seem you've met Bolt. Our resident profile police, perennial curmudgeon and plethora of succinct, if not obtuse wisdom. (I have it on very good authority that he's quite harmless in person, even quite reasonable. wink )

His point about weight should be duly noted. I shoot a 13.5 lb. (in current field dress) braked 300WM. I would not want it any lighter for LR/ELR or extended range sessions. 100 rds. in a day still leave my shoulder sore and the rifle moves around quite a bit shooting heavies.

I use a Holland brake on my 300 and it is *VERY* effective. I will be using a UGSW Bad AZZ brake on my sons 300 build. It is very similar to the Holland but a much more refined execution.

The ragged edge is filled with challenges. I wish you the best in your pursuit. Oh, if you fill out your profile, there are some that will be a lot more helpful.

John </div></div>

I guess I need to fill the profile out. Just haven't done it as of yet. I am hoping not to shoot 100rd session but probably 50-60 in a day along with some of my other guns. 13.5lbs is still a pretty heavy gun for me. My POF 308 comes in right at 14lbs and I don't like carrying it any long distance. Forget my bench guns being carried around. I want to use this gun for long range targeting and hunting. My 300wsm scoped probably weighs in around 9.5lbs albeit I do not shoot more than 10-15 rounds a session due to lack of a brake. Maybe a 12lb 300mag is too light, I just feel it would work fine and still be somewhat mobile.

Honestly, I already told my smith how I wanted the gun built, but I am looking for additional input on what others thought. I just have not made my mind up on the brake and the stock. And I might change out the bottom metal. I have time as the build will take a couple of months.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">actually...it do toss 'em all over the place</div></div><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ok i'm done here....there is no more help for the retards and handicapped.........full stop! </div></div>Bolt, I'll have to take your word for it because you are the undisputed king of experience in having rifles tossed all over the place.
laugh.gif
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Special Delivery</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Have you ever seen a benchrest shooter use a thin sendero contour to send 20 rounds to 1000 yards? </div></div>

The Sendero uses the same contour as the varmint and 700P does. It is not a thin contour. And I have used one for years at 1k (20 rounds in 20 minute time limit) and it never "slung them all over the place".
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunfighter14e2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Special Delivery</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have you ever seen a benchrest shooter use a thin sendero contour to send 20 rounds to 1000 yards? </div></div>Yes I have, 300wm throwing 190smk's at 3125FPS, 20 rds in 8 minutes, 98* ambient and, IIRC he won the match. </div></div>My thoughts, although not quite exactly, it sure is close enough.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">actually...it do toss 'em all over the place</div></div><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ok i'm done here....there is no more help for the retards and handicapped.........full stop! </div></div>Bolt, I'll have to take your word for it because you are the undisputed king of experience in having rifles tossed all over the place.
laugh.gif
</div></div>



verily so.....to the braking point too!!!!!
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">verily so.....to the braking point too!!!!! </div></div>LOL!
The 'good ole days'.
smile.gif
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

I've just finished building pretty close to what you are asking about
300wm Sendero
Badger Tactical bolt handle
Badger FTE brake.....VERY effective but bulky
AICS stock
Nightforce 5.5-22x50
Harris bipod
about 14lbs
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

When did I say anything about Benchrest shooting or that I was going to compete with this gun? I came on here to ask some questions and I am being called a retard. What a bunch of asseholes some of you are.

Gunfighter14e2 thanks for the info. My overall weight may increase as it may not quite work like and if that is the case then so be it. That is why I am asking questions. Already have the scope NF 3.5-15x50 sitting in the box.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nortac</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What a bunch of asseholes some of you are.</div></div>BTW, there's no 'e' in assholes.
laugh.gif
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

G.Ruff and I have shot side by side many times and his 7mm <span style="font-weight: bold">"RUSAM"</span>in a Sendero profile kicks ass.

Don't let these guys get you down, build the stick you want for your intended target. Many a guy has built a heavy stick only to end up owning a safe queen. I learned long ago lite is right. Guys that have, had to hump shit, learn how to work closer and around heavy gear, over being a pack mule 24/7.

My sidekick used his 20" AI w/a can in a two day shoot last year. At the end of the first day we were loading up to head back to the hotel and he picked up my .308 and said WTF, that thing weights nothing. Targets were 125 yds to 1292yds, I got lucky an got all my long targets with that lite stick. He built a new stick for the next shoot.
With him being a Marine and me Army, he has came around to Army thinking,...don't hump a Cannon when a 22lr will do.
grin.gif


 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BTW, there's no 'e' in assholes.
laugh.gif
</div></div>


um, sure there is. asshol<span style="color: #FF0000">e</span>s
grin.gif
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

I can't speak for the other barrel makers you listed, but shilen will take 12-25 weeks esp if you get the select match. (I am still waiting on mine). You are correct the Shilen can not be fluted due to stress reliving. If you are planning to shoot a lot in one session....GET A BRAKE!!!! It will be worth the additional cost in the end and save your should a beating...
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

Wow... this thread went in the toilet fast. My apologies for some of my fellow WM aficionados... shooting a round with an incredible legacy does not necessarily guarantee good manners.

To me this is simple...

If you want to shot an elk at 600 yds a 9 lb. unbraked rifle is adequate.

If you want to shoot 1.5-2 moa steel out to 1200+ yds., a 11-12 lb. rifle with a brake should be workable.

If you want to shoot clay pigeons at 1200 yds. you might want some weight to calm things down a bit.

Run a min. SAAMI chamber so you can shoot factory ammo should the need arise.

If you're shooting 20 rds. rapid fire through a 300WM, you 're probably using the wrong rifle, or are seriously in need of air cover or an artillery strike.

IMHO.

John

ETA: FWIW I have a 22" #5 barrel and have put 10 rds. rapid fire under 1 moa and maintained sub-moa out past 1 mile. Don't let the naysayers get you down.

Oh, and Brux barrels makes a quality cut rifled barrel and come in under 8 weeks (last check).
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

Like all things American, you can either think for yourself or follow the heard. Following the heard most always got me in trouble. The heard, no matter what country they're from, are very pre-dick-ed-able.

Ask yourself, is this the tool I really need? How can I complete this task, w/o carrying unneeded weight.

A 22" 5.5 taper 300wm, is more than capable of doing any job a # 7-8 taper 26" tube is. The only difference is the guy humping it.

Uncle uses XXX because it's a trade off, for those that are at the top and bottom end of the user scale. If you don't have to tote the bitch very long or far, go heavy. If you have to work her at High stress levels, you'll never fell the recoil of a lite weapon anyway.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunfighter14e2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Ask yourself, is this the tool I really need? How can I complete this task, w/o carrying unneeded weight. </div></div>

Maybe that's why I've got 16 rifles. Each one is configured for a different, specific task.

People seem to get caught up in what is "tacticool" rather than what is "tactical". Tactical simply means having what it takes to get the job done. No more, no less.

Keeping your rifle to 10 lbs is gonna be a chore. You can get it close by using the Sendero SF II as a guide. It weighs about 8.5 lbs naked so you'll have to keep your scope and mounts as light as possible.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

Ruff I think he said 10lbs for just the gun, no optics or rings.

I think he mentioned 12-13 pounds total weight.

Also OP in what position do you plan on doing most of your shooting; bench, standing, prone, ect?

I have an unbraked .300wm and I shoot mostly prone, even though my rifle weighs close to 20 pounds the recoil still catches up to me if I shoot a string of 20 with out takeing a break.

When I shoot the same rifle off a bench I can go a lot longer with out needing a break bcause your body can move with the recoil rather than just take it.

The break should help you out a lot though, I'm thinking about getting my barrel threaded for one eventually.

For recoil compairison I've got a 7mm Rem Mag in a Winny model 70 that weighs nothing, I'm not sure on the exact weight but it's a light rifle.

Maybe 7-8lbs with a scope and I was always leary to shoot it cause the rifle was so light so I thought the recoil would be much worse than my .300.

The other day I got out and shot it from the standing position and it recoiled way less than my .300, why is this, I'm really not sure.

It could be because I shoot the 7mm standing compaired to the .300 get shot mostly from prone.

But I don't think that's all of it, that .300wm just hits fucking hard, on you and on the target it impacts.

If you're used to the heavy recoiling magnums then a light rifle may be fine for you but I don't think I would want a light rifle in .300wm, mine hits hard enough as is, given I have no break and that deffinately makes a difference.

Just my opinion.

I would say best thing would be to find a few other shooters in your area with .300s and see if you can get some trigger time behind their rifles, to better judge what you need/want.

Either way get what "YOU" want not others or you'll probably regret it later on down the road.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

Here is my .02.
Look in the for sale section and you will find a guy btw name of Bugholes who sells Rock Creek barrels and has them in stock. If you plan on shooting heavier projo's like 210 Berger VLD's than get a 1-10 twist. I picked up a M24 contour barrel which shouldn't be bad weight wise comming from a Sendero imo.

So for my build I put a M24 contour Rock Creek 1-10 twist barrel chambered in .300WM which is threaded for my suppressor on a Remington 700 action which Chad Dixon is truing (he is doing all the work). Fluted bolt and bolt knob (bling, bling ;)), with a Jewel trigger (I love my trigger but others seem to not like the Jewel triggers on a McRee stock. I have a couple of other small goodies for it but that is the general list of what I have done.

I was shooting my .300WM with a Sako muzzle break installed which reduced recoil by an incredible amount!!!! For a light rifle firing a magnum cartridge I do suggest a muzzle break and some good ear protection.
 
Re: Building a 300 WM advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BTW, there's no 'e' in assholes.
laugh.gif
</div></div>
um, sure there is. asshol<span style="color: #FF0000">e</span>s
grin.gif
</div></div>LOL! Good one!