ATH
Well-Known Member
I have a 300WM Sendero which was my first centerfire rifle, and my first long range rig (circa 2004-2005. I took my first several long range animals with this rifle, 500-800 yards.
At 11.4lbs with optics it's not exactly a light rifle. Last year I added an Edge to the stable, which comes in just a couple pounds heavier. So now I find myself rarely shooting/carrying the 300WM, as if I need that kind of power I might as well step up to the Edge.
I just got back from a WY hunt and really felt the gap between my routine lighter hunting rifle in 243AI and the Edge. The Sendero doesn't fill the gap because it really isn't much more carryable than the Edge. I find myself looking to re-design it to the ultimate do-all rifle, retaining the 300WM chambering. Something with much more power than the 243AI but similar carry/pointability.
From the numbers, it looks like I can drop 1/2 lb going from the factory HS Precision stock to a McMillan Game Scout. I've been moving all my hunting rifles to the A3 grip style, I've really hated that HS stock style on the 300. Most importantly, it looks like I drop about a pound going to a McGowen #4 contour barrel; I'd shorten to a 24" from the current 26" but don't credit weight loss to the shorter barrel as I'd have a Heathen brake on, though perhaps remove for hunting.
Any thoughts on going to a 4 contour for a 300WM expected to still be amenable to 500-800 yard shots at 24"? I primarily shoot 200 Accubonds.
I'd retain the current Burrist XTR 4-20, though likely look to switch out the rail and XTR rings for Talley one piece mounts for more weight savings...if the 34mm version ever become available.
At 11.4lbs with optics it's not exactly a light rifle. Last year I added an Edge to the stable, which comes in just a couple pounds heavier. So now I find myself rarely shooting/carrying the 300WM, as if I need that kind of power I might as well step up to the Edge.
I just got back from a WY hunt and really felt the gap between my routine lighter hunting rifle in 243AI and the Edge. The Sendero doesn't fill the gap because it really isn't much more carryable than the Edge. I find myself looking to re-design it to the ultimate do-all rifle, retaining the 300WM chambering. Something with much more power than the 243AI but similar carry/pointability.
From the numbers, it looks like I can drop 1/2 lb going from the factory HS Precision stock to a McMillan Game Scout. I've been moving all my hunting rifles to the A3 grip style, I've really hated that HS stock style on the 300. Most importantly, it looks like I drop about a pound going to a McGowen #4 contour barrel; I'd shorten to a 24" from the current 26" but don't credit weight loss to the shorter barrel as I'd have a Heathen brake on, though perhaps remove for hunting.
Any thoughts on going to a 4 contour for a 300WM expected to still be amenable to 500-800 yard shots at 24"? I primarily shoot 200 Accubonds.
I'd retain the current Burrist XTR 4-20, though likely look to switch out the rail and XTR rings for Talley one piece mounts for more weight savings...if the 34mm version ever become available.