Need advice for new build

[veezer]

I've decided to finally have a custom rifle built. This rifle's main purpose is to be a long range hunting rifle (out to 1000 yards if I can drive the gun well enough). My first decision has to be caliber. Because it will be used mainly for elk hunting, I am torn between a 300WSM and 300 Win Mag. Bullet choice will probably be either 180gr. Scirocco or possibly 180 SMK or 185 Berger. I already have the reloading set up for both. The 300WSM that I have now I like (browning a bolt), but just wont perform as I would like it to. One thing I have been pondering is if I go with the WSM, should I go ahead and get a long action so that I can seat bullets out to any depth I want and not have to worry about them not fitting in the magazine? I was looking at either a Stiller action or possibly a surgeon. I did see that surgeon makes an action specific for the short mags that is a little longer. Anyone have any opinions on one vs the other?

In terms of barrel life, would the WSM be harder on the throat?
I also was thinking since this is going to be a hunting rifle to use a 24" barrel so it's easier to carry in the woods. Not sure yet if I want to use a break or not. I might go with a badger FTE and just take it off when hunting and have an end cap made to protect the threads. As for the barrel contour, maybe something like a Bartlein #5 or 6 that is fluted to cut some of the weight but still have the larger barrel diameter to keep the heat buildup minimized.

I was thinking a manners MCS-T or T3 for the stock.

Any help appreciated on helping make some decisions.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Need advice for new build

300WSM with a short action, or 300WM LA, no need for the long action if you run the WSM, it may not feed properly

 

[snipedogg]

Re: Need advice for new build

If you have reloading set up for both already, I would say it's just personal opinion. I wouldn't compare the performance of your A-Bolt to the performance you will get from a complete custom build either. Both of these rounds are capable of doing what you want using the 180 or 185 grain bullets. Depending on how often you plan to shoot, I would get the break so you have the option as those rounds are hard on the shoulder and with hunting you will want to minimize muzzle lift so you can relocate your shot faster.

 

[bohem]

Re: Need advice for new build

A new 1k 10shot record was recently set with a 300 WSM shooting 210 Bergers. The case has quite the potential for highly repeatable results. Either one will do you well, although I'd probably build the 300 WSM on a long action.

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Need advice for new build

if you are honestly going to be shooting elk at 1000yds you may want to consider 338 edge or minimally the 210 bergers out of the 300wsm or the 300wm.

the performance of the 338 will make you more confident that you can be off on your wind call a bit more and still make good hits. it just bucks the wind that much better. plus it has substanstially more ft/lbs of energy and larger diameter bullets for bigger holes.

 

[ranger1183]

Re: Need advice for new build

trying to take a big bull elk at 1000 yards without causing undue suffering to the animal means some damn good shooting and very effective terminal ballistics. I hope you are extremely experience before for you pull that trigger.

My opinion is nothing less than a .338 Edge. I think a lightweight .338 Edge or .338 Lapua Magnum (or a 338 Snipetac or .375 Cheytac) with one hell of a muzzle brake would be more appropriate. Expect to spend about $4,500 just for the rifle if you want to do that job right.

http://jenseprecision.com/

http://bettincustomguns.com/
http://bettincustomguns.com/Elk%201000/Elk%201000.htm

But why not go to the website that specializes in that question?

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/

 

[sniperaviator]

Re: Need advice for new build

Handloaders complain that they have trouble full length sizing the belted magnums, which 300 win mag is. 300 WSM is short action, that leans towards using it.

I am not at all sure you could reliably kill an elk with it at 1000 yards. That is a very long way. A bullet is dropping almost 1" for every yard at 1000 yards. Be just 10 yards off on range (and few rangefinders will range an elk at that distance) and you are off by 10" on your elevation. Not to mention wind caused error.

However it would be a good gun to practice shooting targets at long range, that is for sure.

 

[veezer]

Re: Need advice for new build

Thanks for all the input guys. I looked at the 338 edge, but carrying around a 30" barrel wouldnt be too much fun and cutting it back would defeat the purpose.

I know that 1000 yards would probably be past the limit for making a good shot on an elk with a WSM, but 6-800 yards might be a better limit myself with alot of practice. The main reason would be for hunting, but shooting targets at long range would probably be what I do the most with it.

I did check out the long range hunting site and found some good info there as well. Looks like the rifles that Len Backus makes are all based on a long action even for the WSM's. I would expect this is so the bullets can be seated to proper depth. Anyone have experience using the long action with the WSM's as far as feeding issues?