Weatherby Actions

[AlaskaIsGodsCountry]

Hi All,

New to the forum, and thought I would ask a question.

Does anybody know of any 'smiths that will do a custom build using a Weatherby Mark V action? Will they blue print the action and true everything up? I've heard that the Mark V action can be really difficult to do this to and that is why not many poeple use them for accurate custom builds. Never been a real fan of the remy actions because of the bolt throw and I've shot Weatherby's for years and years and its what I am used to...freebore and all. I would be open to another custom action type as long at it doesn't have more then a 60 degree throw.

I'm looking at building up a lightweight mountain rifle for backpack sheep hunting and cross canyon shots. Not too interesting in lugging a 14 lb rifle around given the way I hunt and the type of country. I was thinking of something of the lines of 300 wby or maybe a 30-378 wby with a ABS carbon barrel to reduce weight. Maybe you guys have another opinion of flat shooting calibers as well? The problem is that I have the urge to build something up, but don't really know what I want other then a lighweight backpack mountain rifle. Maybe I should just keep it easy and go with the 300 wby utralightweight......

What is the concensus?

 

[trueblue]

You must already have the Weatherby action ?
Broz on this site had a 338 EDGE built on a Weatherby action, I think. Might want to send him a PM and ask what smith he used.

 

[Broz]

You must already have the Weatherby action ?
Broz on this site had a 338 EDGE built on a Weatherby action, I think. Might want to send him a PM and ask what smith he used.

Correct, accept it is a .338 Lapua. The rifle still shoots very well and has 700 rounds through it. This one was built by "Long Shot Precision" "Joe Starnes".

I have had two rifles built since by a Smith from the Great Falls Mt. area, Dave Young " Youngs Gun Smithing" . One is a 6br on a Weatherby Vanguard action and it shoots lights out. The other is a Custon Defiance action. The smith that did the last two loves the Weatherby mark V actions and has built some AWESOME V-block full floated rifles with 34" tubes off the Weatherby 378 case.

I have tons of respect for the Weatherby Mark V action. It is tough as they come, cycles smooth and I have found the accuracy to be great.

I would definatly give Dave Young a call. He will lend a ton of Weatherby Mark V knowledge toward your project.

Jeff

 

[FEENIX]

Jeff,

I know you'd chime in and glad to know things are working out with Dave.
It's always nice to have access to 3 excellent gunsmiths in an hours drive.

Ed

 

[Broz]

Ed you are correct. Along with many other things Montana houses some excellent Long Range gunsmiths. Everytime I look out the window I am gald I own some good long range rifles and it is no wonder why some of the best builder are here.

Jeff

 

[J E Custom]

Hi All,

New to the forum, and thought I would ask a question.

Does anybody know of any 'smiths that will do a custom build using a Weatherby Mark V action? Will they blue print the action and true everything up? I've heard that the Mark V action can be really difficult to do this to and that is why not many poeple use them for accurate custom builds. Never been a real fan of the remy actions because of the bolt throw and I've shot Weatherby's for years and years and its what I am used to...freebore and all. I would be open to another custom action type as long at it doesn't have more then a 60 degree throw.

I'm looking at building up a lightweight mountain rifle for backpack sheep hunting and cross canyon shots. Not too interesting in lugging a 14 lb rifle around given the way I hunt and the type of country. I was thinking of something of the lines of 300 wby or maybe a 30-378 wby with a ABS carbon barrel to reduce weight. Maybe you guys have another opinion of flat shooting calibers as well? The problem is that I have the urge to build something up, but don't really know what I want other then a lighweight backpack mountain rifle. Maybe I should just keep it easy and go with the 300 wby utralightweight......

What is the concensus?

I think the Mark V is a great action to build a custom rifle !!!!!

It is not diffacult to build on and the action is very strong and smooth operating.

One advantage to the MK 5 is that the magazine is approximately .140 thousandths longer
than most actions which allows you to seat the bullets longer and still fit in the mag.

There are lots of big 30,s to chose from and the 30/378 would be a good choice, also the
RUM or the 30/338 Lapua imp. is an excellent performer.

I have built lots of rifles on the mark V and have been very pleased with them.

There are lots of good smiths close to you and you should have no problem finding
a good one on this site that will help you out.

J E CUSTOM

 

[B23]

Are the magazines all the same length in the WBY magnum actions?

I have a 300Wby Accumark that I have been toying with the idea of making into a 30-338 Lap Imp. I know Wby actions aren't light but I already have this rifle and I would like to turn it into my 11lb packing gun with no more than a #5 28in tube.

Would this be a viable option and can the bolt face be opened up, SAFELY, to .588???

 

[LR3]

I had my 30-378 WBY modified by Dave Viers at Vierco and it came out great and very accurate to 600 yds (4-6 inch groupings), hold about 10" at 1000yds, with a Lilja barrel, Manners stock and custom trigger apart from bedding it etc. He ll also custom load ammo for you. He loaded 175, 210 and 240 SMK.

 

[J E Custom]

Are the magazines all the same length in the WBY magnum actions?

I have a 300Wby Accumark that I have been toying with the idea of making into a 30-338 Lap Imp. I know Wby actions aren't light but I already have this rifle and I would like to turn it into my 11lb packing gun with no more than a #5 28in tube.

Would this be a viable option and can the bolt face be opened up, SAFELY, to .588???

The Mark V actions are all the same length and the shorter rounds like the 300 WM have a
spacer in the mag box that can be removed. also the bolt stop groove has to be milled a
little longer to allow the bolt to open wider. (Easy to do).

As far as the bolt face being opened that is one of the main reasons for going to a MK 5 (It
has a larger bolt face made for the 378 case head (.582 for the 378 and ,588 for the Lapua)

The extractor can be ordered from Weatherby (The 378 extractor works perfictly)and a flat
top bullet follower with the center feed box can also be ordered from Weatherby . you can get
all of this for less than $100.oo.

I hope this answered your questions.

J E CUSTOM

 

[B23]

J E, yes it does thank you. Also what do you think of switching to something like a 30-338 Lap Imp and my choice of barrel length?

 

[Broz]

Are the magazines all the same length in the WBY magnum actions?

I have a 300Wby Accumark that I have been toying with the idea of making into a 30-338 Lap Imp. I know Wby actions aren't light but I already have this rifle and I would like to turn it into my 11lb packing gun with no more than a #5 28in tube.

Would this be a viable option and can the bolt face be opened up, SAFELY, to .588???

There are different length mag boxes that change out easily. They also can be modified by adding length to them. Also bolt stops are very easy to lengthen and yes, My 338 Lapua on a mark V handles the enlarged bolt face just fine, 700 down the tube and counting.

The only thing I recommend is having a spare extractor on hand. In several years of shooting Mark V's with the big 378 cases, I have broken two. They change out easy by driving out a small pin. Not a big issue, especially if you have one on hand.

Jeff

 

[AlaskaIsGodsCountry]

I think the Mark V is a great action to build a custom rifle !!!!!

It is not diffacult to build on and the action is very strong and smooth operating.

One advantage to the MK 5 is that the magazine is approximately .140 thousandths longer
than most actions which allows you to seat the bullets longer and still fit in the mag.

There are lots of big 30,s to chose from and the 30/378 would be a good choice, also the
RUM or the 30/338 Lapua imp. is an excellent performer.

I have built lots of rifles on the mark V and have been very pleased with them.

There are lots of good smiths close to you and you should have no problem finding
a good one on this site that will help you out.

J E CUSTOM

Thanks for the good information. I have a donor 30/378 action on one of my old wby rifles that is just setting in one of my gun safes. Just like new, as its only has a couple 100 rounds through it. Heck, it even has a new 6.5-20 Mark 4 on it and I've never used it out in the field. Nice shooting rifle for a factory one, but just way too heavy. Maybe I could take this action and start from there.

How does the 30/338 Lapua imp. compare ballistically to the 30/378 wby? What is a typical load with a 30/338 Lapua imp and any issues with dies or anything for reloading? What is the case capacity of the 30/338 lapua imp? What barrel length do you suggest as a compromise between effecient utilization of case capacity and practical hunting? Would a 26" barrel to too short, or would you suggest 28"? I am just thinking that anything longer then that and I would start losing some praticality.

Thanks again for the good information, it is appreciated.

 

[slush]

Brad Stair of Wasatch Precision Arms built my rifle from my German 300 wby.
7 stw
#5 Pac-nor super match
B&C medalist stock/ glass bedded
Leupold 4.5x14x40 with ART reticle
weight 9 7/8 Lbs.
I have 25 rounds through the barrel so far. (Break in). I have not seen any cooper.
With 75 grains of Retumbo pushing 168 SMK, my groups are coming together. I'm going up to 79 grains Max LOAD FROM Serria. So far thing are look-in great. Brad is a great guy and does awesome work; his shop is in OgdenUT.

 

[J E Custom]

Thanks for the good information. I have a donor 30/378 action on one of my old wby rifles that is just setting in one of my gun safes. Just like new, as its only has a couple 100 rounds through it. Heck, it even has a new 6.5-20 Mark 4 on it and I've never used it out in the field. Nice shooting rifle for a factory one, but just way too heavy. Maybe I could take this action and start from there.

How does the 30/338 Lapua imp. compare ballistically to the 30/378 wby? What is a typical load with a 30/338 Lapua imp and any issues with dies or anything for reloading? What is the case capacity of the 30/338 lapua imp? What barrel length do you suggest as a compromise between effecient utilization of case capacity and practical hunting? Would a 26" barrel to too short, or would you suggest 28"? I am just thinking that anything longer then that and I would start losing some praticality.

Thanks again for the good information, it is appreciated.

You are welcome .

Look under the thread "Gun Photos" and there is an article about exactly what you are think
about building written by Autorotate with lots of details. and I'm sure he will be happy to
guide you through the build.

J E CUSTOM