Rebarrel my 300WM Custom or Build 300 PRC from scratch

[Lynn313]

I’ve been wanting to try the 300 PRC & have a custom 300WM that sees little action since I had 2 6.5 PRCs built. 300WM has:
1. McMillian A3-5 stock adjustable LOP & Cheek.
2. Bartlein REM/Varmit (#13 Bartlein I think?) 1-10 5R RH twist finished at 26” with 50-200 rds through it
3. Remington 700 “trued” action
4. Remington BDL floor plate finished with a Wyatts box.
5. Calvin Elite trigger set at 12 ounces

concerns on rebarrelling:
1. How much has to be cut off to rechamber and will the barrel profile still still fit the bedding? I’ve never reused a barrel.
2. I want mag feed. Is it doable with the A3-5? What kind of approximate cost would the stock work be? Recommended bottom metal & mags.

Please, nothing on merits of one caliber over the other. The ballistics are very close. This isn’t about that. Looking at a new toy & I would like to lose the belts, gain neck length, & mags and platform designed for longer VLD type bullets.

 

[Bandit320]

I’d say a “new toy” requires a new rifle. If the WM shoots good I’d keep it.

Mike

 

[Lynn313]

I’d say a “new toy” requires a new rifle. If the WM shoots good I’d keep it.

Mike

Mike, I’ve also been using the Manners EH1A which I like better than the A3-5. Also, have bought my 1st Bartlein CF barrel which I’m hoping works out good when I rebarrel the older 6.5 PRC . To get exactly what I want a rebuild would be the way to go. Due to a “thin” wallet I need to look at the costs. I call to the gunsmith is in order, but since this will be a post holiday start I want to get some feedback here on is barrel doable & stock costs if doable. Thanks.....Lynn

 

[supercorndogs]

What problems are the belts giving you?

 

[Criver600]

1. How much has to be cut off to rechamber and will the barrel profile still still fit the bedding? I’ve never reused a barrel.

Time for a new barrel. With the barrel taper, cutting off the 300 win chamber, and getting close to those flutes... Take it off, put it up for later. Thats a nice looking rifle.

 

[Lynn313]

What problems are the belts giving you?

Super, the belts are not giving me any actual problems. I am used to measuring headspace off the shoulder and it’s my preference. This rifle was built with a “match” chamber. This is just a “like“ thing. I prefer beltless. Headspace off shoulder. The 300WM & 7mm RM have proven their selves. I stated in the original post I don’t want to get into comparing the merits of each caliber. Thanks for the question!

 

[Lynn313]

1. How much has to be cut off to rechamber and will the barrel profile still still fit the bedding? I’ve never reused a barrel.

Time for a new barrel. With the barrel taper, cutting off the 300 win chamber, and getting close to those flutes... Take it off, put it up for later. Thats a nice looking rifle.

Thanks Criver, whether the barrel can be rechambered is a big factor. If it can’t I think it’s time to start collecting parts as money permits for a new build

 

[supercorndogs]

When i reload 300wm I use the shoulder headspace and not the belt. i just size it like a regular case. Find one that chambers tight and buck the shoulder back a few thousandths until it chambers easily. I don't like the belt either, but for the post part its doesn't present problems. When it does I have already bought the die to size the problem area.

 

[Lynn313]

When i reload 300wm I use the shoulder headspace and not the belt. i just size it like a regular case. Find one that chambers tight and buck the shoulder back a few thousandths until it chambers easily. I don't like the belt either, but for the post part its doesn't present problems. When it does I have already bought the die to size the problem area.

What die are you referring to? My question has nothing to do with the 300 WM. I ask because I have a 6.5 PRC that should be finished within a month by GAP. I’m considering having a die built by Whidden off the reamer print. Maybe have it 3 thou under the reamer.

 

[supercorndogs]

The die I am talking about is the Larry Willis Collet die. I don't think the 6.5 PRC has a belt though.

 

[Lynn313]

Not familiar with it and correct that the 6.5 PRC is not belted. Thanks

 

[supercorndogs]

It is specifically for belted cases.

 

[CBlack]

30-28 Nosler

Shoots 230s faster than the PRC or WM. Better barrel life. Close to 300NM performance

Piercisionrifles.com