.300 Win Mag Build

It wasn't me!

Okay, this is playing on my mind again lately, so I'm going to throw it out and get some opinions. Sticking it in Hunting because it'd be a hunting rifle and the design is going to be hunting-specific. Anyone with experience of driven game with a bolt-action rifle will be very welcome to comment on ideas and suggestions.

The basis of the gun would likely be a Remington 700 long action, as I know of a donor rifle in 7mm Rem Mag in the UK I could pick up for decent money. The rifle in question is a detachable box mag, while I'd prefer a hinged floorplate for this design. I'd probably have the action blueprinted and a Sako extractor installed.

The barrel, I'm thinking about 24" with a medium profile, to best blend an efficient amount of weight up front for control of point and swing and recoil control, without having a longer, slimmer barrel. I'm torn between having iron sights and having it threaded. Since it'd do duty elsewhere as well as on driven game, I'm leaning towards threading it. Open to suggestions on the manufacturer, with a view towards maximum accuracy for the best price.

Trigger, I'm thinking a Timney, as it'll handle hunting in manky conditions better than a Jewell, by all accounts. Open to other suggestions though. Looking for something in the 2 to 3.5lb range, wouldn't go any lighter on a hunting rifle in a calibre that big.

Stock is a bit of a sticking point. I love dwighet's 7mm-08, and originally thought I'd go with that in a very lightweight configuration. I'm currently thinking however of getting the rifle up to a weight of about 8.5 to 9lb in total, and with the heavyish barrel I'll be looking to get a bit of weight at the back as well, for best balance. It'll also need a high comb and a cheekpiece, a palm swell and some checkering, and to be available left-handed. I'm torn between a stainless/synthetic and a wood/blued build too. It'll depend on the relative weights of wood versus synthetic stocks and feel and balance.

Sights and mounting is still up in the air and subject to change, so I'm not going to bring it into the scope of this discussion. I'm looking for stock recommendations and build pointers, barrel recommendations and specifications to look for, so all comments are welcome. Once I've a clearer picture of what I want, I'll be speaking to someone about building it and hopefully will be able to commission the work in the autumn.

Hezz700

Dunno if this will be of any help but it might give you some fresh ideas.

http://www.jacksonrifles.com/inventory.htm

also, might i suggest you take a look a basix triggers. I installed one on my 700 and couldn't fine fault with it. crisp and easily adjustable to you desired weight.

Hezz

It wasn't me!

Hezz700 wrote: »

Dunno if this will be of any help but it might give you some fresh ideas.

http://www.jacksonrifles.com/inventory.htm

also, might i suggest you take a look a basix triggers. I installed one on my 700 and couldn't fine fault with it. crisp and easily adjustable to you desired weight.

Hezz

Thanks Hezz hadn't considered the Basix. I've looked at Jackson's before, but they don't keep an inventory of left-hand stuff. Have looked about on the McMillan site though.

ejg

Could make you a A5 type stock that you could inlet lefty. Not sure if that would suit a hunting rifle though. How about 300wsm, then you could go short action.
edi

It wasn't me!

ejg wrote: »

Could make you a A5 type stock that you could inlet lefty. Not sure if that would suit a hunting rifle though. How about 300wsm, then you could go short action.
edi

I'd be looking for a more traditional sporter style stock. Still tempted to go with a nice slab of walnut too. Maybe a walnut/stainless build. Not a massive fan of the short mags and not so much that I'd get one just for a short action. Nothing wrong with long actions.

Grizzly 45

Well, first define exactly what you want from the rifle.Is it totally mission specific?IE do you just want it for driven game?Wild boar or deer?Here in Ireland or on the Continent?If on the Continent,I would up to 308 as a minimum for either species or area.300 Win mag is a fine calibre,but it is a long distance puncher for antelope sized game,and is IMO tempermental with accruacy as the barrel heats up.Which on a driven shoot it will do if you run into alot of action,nor does it take kindly to hitting off anything on its way to the target,IE grass blades or twigs.

Next,are you a leftie ?as you said somthing about left handed actions in one post?ITC,it can be a PITA to get what you want in proper bolt actions.I wouldnt go for a Mauser style long bolt system as it takes forever to cycle,and on a driven shoot that can make a hell of a difference.You need somthing with a fast lock time and left handed,so somthing like an Enfield or Steyr action.Or even consider a straight pull bolt action like a Blaser action,alot easier to convert to left handed.Or even consider lever or semi action[Browning ASFIK makes a lever action thats box loaded]. I would also keep the box mag facility.Floor plates can let go in usually an embarrassing moment.

Barrel,well short is good for this kind of work,due to the fact of trees and bushes being a major part of driven shoots.Sights and scopes,you dont need any massive power scopes 4X or electronic sights are becoming very pouplar over there .Stocks,thats as personal as your clothing tastes.:)
my 2cents

It wasn't me!

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Well, first define exactly what you want from the rifle.Is it totally mission specific?IE do you just want it for driven game?Wild boar or deer?Here in Ireland or on the Continent?If on the Continent,I would up to 308 as a minimum for either species or area.300 Win mag is a fine calibre,but it is a long distance puncher for antelope sized game,and is IMO tempermental with accruacy as the barrel heats up.Which on a driven shoot it will do if you run into alot of action,nor does it take kindly to hitting off anything on its way to the target,IE grass blades or twigs.

Next,are you a leftie ?as you said somthing about left handed actions in one post?ITC,it can be a PITA to get what you want in proper bolt actions.I wouldnt go for a Mauser style long bolt system as it takes forever to cycle,and on a driven shoot that can make a hell of a difference.You need somthing with a fast lock time and left handed,so somthing like an Enfield or Steyr action.Or even consider a straight pull bolt action like a Blaser action,alot easier to convert to left handed.Or even consider lever or semi action[Browning ASFIK makes a lever action thats box loaded]. I would also keep the box mag facility.Floor plates can let go in usually an embarrassing moment.

Barrel,well short is good for this kind of work,due to the fact of trees and bushes being a major part of driven shoots.Sights and scopes,you dont need any massive power scopes 4X or electronic sights are becoming very pouplar over there .Stocks,thats as personal as your clothing tastes.:)
my 2cents

It'd also be intended for use if I got a chance to go to Africa or Scandinavia or anywhere my .25-06 is marginal or not enough gun. However, in a sporter configuration, designed to point and swing well, it shouldn't be at a disadvantage for prone shooting off a bipod or anything like that. I am indeed a lefty, but I've got a Remington 700 sourced as a donor rifle which I could pick up for not much money. I'd stick with the bolt-action because it's what I know and to give the facility to hunt in Africa, where semi-autos tend not to be allowed.

Double Barrel

It wasn't me!,

A good rifle for driven game IMHO should feel more like a well-fitted shotgun than a rifle. They tend to be medium weight,8-9 lb with short barrels, fitted with a fixed scope like a 2.5x20, intended for the fast action required for shooting wild boar breaking from cover in close proximity to the shooter. Recoil should be manageable for a shoot, load, shoot, load ....... scenario.
Calibre's high on my list to consider would be, 8x57JRS, 9.3x74R and the 30.06, the 8x57, the 9.3x74 and the 9.3x62 because they were loaded with bullets of excellent sectional density (for deep penetration).
Project gun's are great as we all get to play.


Real good info by Griz45

dwighet

Double Barrel wrote: »

It wasn't me!,

A good rifle for driven game IMHO should feel more like a well-fitted shotgun than a rifle. They tend to be medium weight,8-9 lb with short barrels, fitted with a fixed scope like a 2.5x20, intended for the fast action required for shooting wild boar breaking from cover in close proximity to the shooter. Recoil should be manageable for a shoot, load, shoot, load ....... scenario.
Calibre's high on my list to consider would be, 8x57JRS, 9.3x74R and the 30.06, the 8x57, the 9.3x74 and the 9.3x62 because they were loaded with bullets of excellent sectional density (for deep penetration).
Project gun's are great as we all get to play.


Real good info by Griz45

+1 wit you there mate....driven game needs the likes of a shot gun style rifle like you said.... big fat bullet,short barrel. small scope.... (pull...bang)
I dont think you can get the best of both worlds out of one rifle..Ie range shooting and driven shoots..

jwshooter

a 300win will not do a hole lot more on driven than a 30,06 or 308 as the ranges are very, short dead is dead.

we have some clients using 300s on sika ,a well placed 270 will do the job as well .
the 300 will not do any more than a 270 if the shot is not placed .i had a sika stag do 170yds down hill with 338 a behind the shoulder :eek:.
power/shot placement . ?

ejg

Running around in Africa one might not want a too heavy rifle.
Maybe a 30-06 would be enough, 22" fluted Heavy magnum sporter weight barrel which I think is good compromise and get a walnut stock fitted and pillar bedded. If there is someone around to do that. I shoot a 308 with a stock that I fitted myself, it's and absolute joy to use offhand.

Scope, a good compromise could be a 1.5-6x42 S&B Zenith with Flashdot and bdc's fitted.

or... just have two different stocks. Swap depending on the hunt
and...two scopes

edi

Grizzly 45

It wasn't me! wrote: »

It'd also be intended for use if I got a chance to go to Africa or Scandinavia or anywhere my .25-06 is marginal or not enough gun. However, in a sporter configuration, designed to point and swing well, it shouldn't be at a disadvantage for prone shooting off a bipod or anything like that. I am indeed a lefty, but I've got a Remington 700 sourced as a donor rifle which I could pick up for not much money. I'd stick with the bolt-action because it's what I know and to give the facility to hunt in Africa, where semi-autos tend not to be allowed.

Thats trying to get one gun with two different concepts.
Sort of like expecting a Buggatti Veryon to take on an off road vechicle in the mud. 25-06 is enough gun for Africa if you are hunting soft skinned animals,bar lion.Unless you are doing very long shots over plains like in Namibia then the 300 Win will come into its own,but then you need a longer barrel.Ergo you lose out on the brush gun concept for driven game in Europe.
A possibility here might be a Sako quad style gun in middle calibres.IE 300 win,3006 etc.With appropriate length barrels for your hunting conditions.
IE 3006 short for boar and driven shoots,300Win for long shots in Africa.
Now,do they make Quads for left hookers??

It wasn't me!

If a .30-06 is the answer, then I'd just re-barrel my Sako to be honest, but I'd lose some versatility in terms of the lower end of the scale. Not exactly a fox and crow round. If I keep the .25-06 alongside a .300 Win Mag then I have a more versatile set of options. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there seems to be a good bit of agreement that a .300 Win Mag would give a bit more versatility for African plains game or Moose in Scandinavia or anything else I got a chance at than the .30-06. If not, then re-barrelling the Sako and getting a foxing rifle down the line seems to be the way to go.

sfakiaman

Did you consider the 300 Remington Ultra Mag which is available in three different power levels using Remington Power Level ammo. Level 1 = 30-06, level 2 = 300 win mag and level 3 = 300 Ultra Mag.

It wasn't me!

sfakiaman wrote: »

Did you consider the 300 Remington Ultra Mag which is available in three different power levels using Remington Power Level ammo. Level 1 = 30-06, level 2 = 300 win mag and level 3 = 300 Ultra Mag.

Have to say I didn't. Can't imagine ammo would be easy to source and there's something about that concept that just strikes me as gimmicky, doesn't do much for my faith in the basic cartridge tbh. I looked at a 9.3x62 as well and figured that for the same recoil and energy figures as a .300 Win Mag, without the trajectory, and while stepping into restricted territory, it just wouldn't be really worth it. I'm still open to being told to just re-barrel the Sako (maybe get a few sweetening jobs done on it at the same time for less than the money of the custom job).

Grizzly 45

.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there seems to be a good bit of agreement that a .300 Win Mag would give a bit more versatility for African plains game or Moose in Scandinavia or anything else I got a chance at than the .30-06. If not, then re-barrelling the Sako and getting a foxing rifle down the line seems to be the way to go.

Dunno if I would want to try for moose with a 300 win mag.I've seen them take four rounds of 30 06 in the chest cavity to drop them.They were Alaskan Moose,but their european cousins are no smaller.Although the Swedes have been dropping them with 6.5 cal for decades,it is a precision job and you would really want time for shot placement.Not somthing you have time for on a driven shoot.From a stand or stalking proably no problem.
FWIW,have you considerd "customising " the 25 06 ammo?that is a very easy calibre to reload for anything from rabbit to deer.
The 9.3X62 is the classic German hunting round.You would be well served with it for driven shoots,but would be useless for Africa,unless you are going to take on Cape buffalo or lions,and it is on the very minimum for dangerous game.
From what I can is you need a rifle that is;
1]Handy enough for driven shoots in Europe with a good calibre for deer or boar.
2]Is able to do long range accurate work in Africa as well
3] Is a left hooker
4] Doesnt fall into the restricted category as well.

Problem is as I see it,you are looking for two different guns in one package,compounded by the restriction nonsense here as well.

For anything in the calibre that will do both,you are into restricted town straight off.somthing like a .338 Lapura would be in this category of accruacy and knockdown.With whatever is the bare minimum barrel length to get the best accruacy and power from the round.In a L handed action.
Its a tough one to fill.:)

It wasn't me!

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

.

Dunno if I would want to try for moose with a 300 win mag.I've seen them take four rounds of 30 06 in the chest cavity to drop them.They were Alaskan Moose,but their european cousins are no smaller.Although the Swedes have been dropping them with 6.5 cal for decades,it is a precision job and you would really want time for shot placement.Not somthing you have time for on a driven shoot.From a stand or stalking proably no problem.
FWIW,have you considerd "customising " the 25 06 ammo?that is a very easy calibre to reload for anything from rabbit to deer.
The 9.3X62 is the classic German hunting round.You would be well served with it for driven shoots,but would be useless for Africa,unless you are going to take on Cape buffalo or lions,and it is on the very minimum for dangerous game.
From what I can is you need a rifle that is;
1]Handy enough for driven shoots in Europe with a good calibre for deer or boar.
2]Is able to do long range accurate work in Africa as well
3] Is a left hooker
4] Doesnt fall into the restricted category as well.

Problem is as I see it,you are looking for two different guns in one package,compounded by the restriction nonsense here as well.

For anything in the calibre that will do both,you are into restricted town straight off.somthing like a .338 Lapura would be in this category of accruacy and knockdown.With whatever is the bare minimum barrel length to get the best accruacy and power from the round.In a L handed action.
Its a tough one to fill.:)

Not looking to go that high up the food-chain to be honest. Overlooked the .338 Win mag as a result. Looking for something probably about 3,000-3,500 ftlbs, which is the .300 Win Mag's slot. Assuming the rifle is a handy build, a decent .300 Win Mag should do that all, shouldn't it? If I re-barrelled the Sako in .30-06 it'd be pretty perfect for most of it, but at plains game or for pushing 200-220gr pills harder for massive antelope or moose, it'd have the edge over a .30-06, while being just a bit harder with a 180gr for just about everything else. Am I wrong on that?

Grizzly 45

338 might be the answer.or even 3006,which is a good allrounder,it puts plenty of big game in the larder every year.Just ,as you said it isnt a great ultra long plains round.300 is,but it can have issues with warm barrels.

Lets put it another way..Do you intend to spend more time in Europe hunting,or on the plains in Africa? If you say Europe,then build somthing around a 3006ish calibre with a short barrel or carbine porportions.Basically somthing fast handling,with good knockdown capability.If you intend to do a once in a lifetimes hunt for plains game only.Then by all means a 300win is ideal.The 338 might be where the twain shall meet.
On a side note have you looked at the Mauser line,they are making a short,"all weather" style bolt action?With big calibres,might be worth a look?

Double Barrel

IWM,

Which bullet weight are you expecting to use most often?

It wasn't me!

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

338 might be the answer.or even 3006,which is a good allrounder,it puts plenty of big game in the larder every year.Just ,as you said it isnt a great ultra long plains round.300 is,but it can have issues with warm barrels.

Lets put it another way..Do you intend to spend more time in Europe hunting,or on the plains in Africa? If you say Europe,then build somthing around a 3006ish calibre with a short barrel or carbine porportions.Basically somthing fast handling,with good knockdown capability.If you intend to do a once in a lifetimes hunt for plains game only.Then by all means a 300win is ideal.The 338 might be where the twain shall meet.
On a side note have you looked at the Mauser line,they are making a short,"all weather" style bolt action?With big calibres,might be worth a look?

I'm more looking at how to build it to be honest. I've a donor Remmy 700 long action in mind, so up to a .300 Win Mag would already be catered for. I'd be in Europe more to be honest. I'd like a slightly heavier barrel to make sure it points and swings well, so that should take care of some of the heating issues, considering it'd be very rare to empty more than a magazine in short order in a driven hunt by my reading.

Double Barrel wrote: »

IWM,

Which bullet weight are you expecting to use most often?

I'd be expecting to run 180-200s mostly. Maybe slightly lighter or slightly heavier depending on the situation, but that'd end up being its staple, more than likely.

jwshooter

the 300 is a popular cal world wide ,i had a danish lad out this year he had a Mauser 03 switch barrel .25,05 , 30,06, 300 barrels for it but used 30,06.

now that was a bit of kit for a traveling hunter and this guy did noting else.

you would be mad to pass the 30,06 ,it has every thing from 110gr v max to 220gr hammerheads.

if i was looking for a long range gun for competition use it would be a 300 dont think so .
iv seen cut lips and eyebrows with 300s in lite hunting rifles like 202s etc.

first of all you may decide do want a hunting 300 or a target one .
if its a hunting rifle you want a 300 is possibly not required as you will only be told to shoot when your PH tells you to and when they think the animal can be kill cleanly regardless of cal.

i dont know how many times iv heard at 250 + yds ( i can hit it ) .it just does not happen for them.

dwight built a lovely rifle ,i would start there.

It wasn't me!

It's a hunting gun I'd be looking for. Nice, medium weight sporter configuration. weight slightly forward for point and swing. wouldn't have a .300 Win Mag in a target rifle myself, not for exclusive target shooting. I may end up just re-barrelling in .30-06 at this rate, though I still wonder whether the .300 wouldn't push the heavier pills that bit better.

jwshooter

It wasn't me! wrote: »

It's a hunting gun I'd be looking for. Nice, medium weight sporter configuration. weight slightly forward for point and swing. wouldn't have a .300 Win Mag in a target rifle myself, not for exclusive target shooting. I may end up just re-barrelling in .30-06 at this rate, though I still wonder whether the .300 wouldn't push the heavier pills that bit better.

it will ,

the thing is your still in a thin skinned cal . no point going out the off side doing 1000fps.
you have one of the best made rifles ever put into production ,dont be in a hurry to get work done on it.
keep the balance neutral .

It wasn't me!

jwshooter wrote: »

it will ,

the thing is your still in a thin skinned cal . no point going out the off side doing 1000fps.
you have one of the best made rifles ever put into production ,dont be in a hurry to get work done on it.
keep the balance neutral .

Cheers. I'm considering playing around without the moddy at the moment for the same reason. May get to shoot some targets this weekend from positions and that'll tell me. Sigh, more ammo to be bought now as well! Think I'll go with the 117gr Federal.

jwshooter

It wasn't me! wrote: »

Cheers. I'm considering playing around without the moddy at the moment for the same reason. May get to shoot some targets this weekend from positions and that'll tell me. Sigh, more ammo to be bought now as well! Think I'll go with the 117gr Federal.

very good round for the money .there a soft compound and will expand well .

It wasn't me!

jwshooter wrote: »

very good round for the money .there a soft compound and will expand well .

Might give John Lambert a shout about popping down on saturday and pick up a few boxes so. Got the last of the ones in Tallaght Rod and Gun and can't find them anywhere local now. How are they on foxes and crows? Got a bit of tidying up to do for a farmer and need something that'll expand nicely on those.

Hartman

IWM,


Look into the .30-338, you could use your long action and stick to your original plan. Cheaper on the pocket than .300 win mag and a fair bit better performance. You can also adjust the loads and bullet weight to suit your various 'needs'. This caliber will satisfy all.

details can be found here

http://www.6mmbr.com/thirty338.html

This is a favourite round of John Greenes so may be worth a phone call.

Thanks
Hartman