Changes to New 300-WSM rifle project

[1doug]

+ 10

d-a

[.25AOD]

Hmmmm... a 125 at 4000 out of a WSM? I'm looking at the Nosler Manual and 3650 is all they're getting. Now, I know you're shooting a 30" pipe... but I still don't see 4000 on the menu. 3900, Maybe... but I bet those pockets get a little squishy long before the Chrony starts with a 4. It would be cool to see, but I think you'll have to lean on the ole' powder scale to git-r-done. ~JT
Oh, and those must be some pretty bad ass ground squirles to require a 125 BT going Mach IV. Quite frankly I've seen some pretty gnarly critter launches in my day... and the 6mm with 55's is still King Kahuna when it comes to launching P-Dogs and Diggers!!

[wildcat]

25AOD, not only will I be using a 30" barrel, the twist rate will be 1-15. The other contributing factor is, I am having the Barrel throated for the 125grn BT, this will allow me to seat the bullet out father which will give me a little more case campacity. Another contributing factor is the type of powder I will be using. I will be using Vhitivoria N550 powder, this powder will allow me to get the extra 100 to 150 fps of velocity. With the barrel being throated for the 125grn BT, I will be able to put up to 75grns of N55O in the case.

This case and bullet combination has already been tested, with the same specs. The tests are showing Velocities at 4100 fps, however, it's grouping the best at 4025fps. This is a special project and it's being designed around the 300-WSM case and the 125grn BT, thats's why it will be able to push this bullet at 4000+fps. I know barrel life might not be the best, however, I know it's going to be an awesome flat shooting, accruate, 1000 yard varmint buster.

Wildcat

[.25AOD]

That's 5 grains over max in the Nosler book... but that twist rate will help keep the pressure down. I still think it'll be a WARM load. It should launch squirels pretty good though... all be it not any better than the 6mm with 55 grainers. With a 6mmm BT you can put all that energy into the critter... the 125 is just passin through. On larger critters like chucks and coons you would see a distinct advantage with the 125... just like in the video you talk about so much. I just don't see the difference being very appearant on sub-two pound critters. It will be a boomer though, you might even get passing birds to fall right out of the sky when you touch that baby off!! It should be pretty sweet, let us know when it gets done. ~JT

[wildcat]

I talked to both BAT and Nesika, and they both informed me their actions will handel the large diameter barrels with no problem. Nesika, said their Model L, 1.470 Dia. Action will have no problem supporting a 30", 1.450 straight cylinder barrel. BAT, said their Round 8.5 M, 1.55 Dia. Action will have no problem supporting a 30", 1.500 straight cylinder barrel. I've been been looking at both actions for this reason. I was originally going with the BAT, but do to delivery time, over 6 months, I 've decided to go with the Nesika Model L, 1.470 Dia. Action.

I think the barrel block thing is a way for a gunsmith to make more $$$. I am sure they are needed on some projects with barrels that measure 40"s, and I am sure they work good, and I am sure they do add added support to the rifle, but is it really needed and does it make that much of a difference. I don't think so on this particular project . I think an honest gunsmith will tell you, you don't need a barrel block if your using a large dia. Action like Nesika or BAT.


I've thought about a barrel block and have heard many different views on them. I've been told it will not be nessecary if your using a Large Diameter Custom Action. Also, my barrel will only be 30"s. If I were using the same diameter barrel, and it was 36"'s then maybe, you might need one. I've heard so many different opinions on this topic. I am positive the rifle will be very accurate and be very stable and supported.

Wildcat

[wildcat]

25AOD, the reason this combo was so intersting to me was because of how flat shooting it is out to 800 yards. I would have to disagree with on the energy factor. My friend shoots 125grn BT out of his 300-WM, and when he hits a squirrel it's more spectacular than any 6mm shot I have ever seen. There is no comparison on splat factor.

Wildcat