New project/ is 300wsm enough? Input much appreciated

[Rugerdiggs]

I am wanting to start my first custom project and have purchased a very nice and lightly used savage 12 bvss in the 300wsm, my long term goal is to be able to drop a deer at 1000 yards, i know i will have a long road making a dope book, reloading, and lots and lots of practice before i can achieve it but before i start this project want to ask everyones input to see if this gun will do it on a deer or possible a elk at 800-1000 yards. I dont want to put in the time and run out of rifle.

The rifle has a 26" stainless fluted bull barrel, nice laminate stock, one piece leupold base and leupold std rings, has the acutrigger also, it also has a cheap 3-9X50 tasco exp. this is what i got to start with.

My plans to up grade include so far but please share your thoughts

to have action checked and trued if needed

may put in rifle basix trigger

find good muzzle break for caliber, saw muscle brake but hope i get other ideas.

hellical the bolt ( probaly more for looks )

check on reliable base ( 20" moa) and rings

find better optics

hand load some ammo that it likes to digest.

Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions on this rifle, do i need to start with another one or will this one do it, types of muzzle breaks, like i said im new to the custom gun world but excited to enter it.

I have a remington 700 bdl in 7mm rum with a leupold vari x 2 3-9X40 that im going to sell to fund this project, if you know anyone in need of it, i have 6 .30 caliber guns so dont really want to get into the 7mm's for now, just got a good deal on it.

will try to get some photos taken and posted of the 300wsm

thanks again rugerdiggs

 

[rscott5028]

The 300WSM cartridge has the potential to be lethal on deer and elk at 800-1000 yds.

A fast twist and high BC bullets will make a big difference.

The big 338's would be a better choice if you're really determined.

We all know that shot placement is everything. But, it's a lot more difficult to get off a good shot on game at those ranges than it is to ring a piece of steel. Steel is reflective, thus easier to range. Also, it won't walk 10 paces while you dial your turrets rendering your shooting solution invalid.

In addition to the rifle/practice, etc that you mentioned, you'll need a PDA with good software, a Kestrel, Lieca or Swaro range finder, and a good spotter to assist you.

Nonetheless, it sounds like you're off to a good start.

Enjoy!
richard

 

[bigngreen]

What you got going can get you there, you seem to be heading in the right direction. High BC bullet and a short action take some planning to get the most out of what you got. Also make sure to swap the recoil lug for a ground one when you do a barrel or action. If its a factory stock knock the cheesy pillars out of it and put in some good ones and do a stress free bedding job.
One thing I like to do with the Savages is set the head spacing to min right out of the box. You can get a fluted, custom ground bolt body from PTG for $98, which would be an improvement not just bolt bling

 

[Rugerdiggs]

what is some of the higher BC bullets, should i be using 180gr 200gr? bullets

 

[Outlaw6.0]

Absolutely nothing wrong with the 300WSM, it will surely put the hurt on if you can place your shots correctly.

I would start towards the bottom of your list, pick up a good solid one piece base (20 moa will do), look in the direction of Nightforce, Badger, Leupold MK4, Seekins, Ken Farrell etc (not sure all of them make Savage Bases).
There are cheaper bases out there, but the ol' sayin of "buy once, cry once" really is where it's at.

You are already aware of needing a better optic, start digging through the classifieds, you can pick up some incredible glass for a song & dance if you're patient. You need to start with optics first, that way you will know which size & height rings to pick up. I really wouldn't bother with truing the action unless your rig doesn't perform, thats a +1 for the floating bolt head of the Savage.

If you are looking for heavy high BC bullets Look at Berger Bullets, JLk's,
Cutting Edge Bullets & Matrix Bullets, they all offer high BC, high accuracy bullets capable of dropping game. You will no doubtedly experience the biggest caveat, that being, with these long, high BC bullets, you will probably be relegated to a single shot.

Good Luck & keep us posted.

 

[Rugerdiggs]

You will no doubtedly experience the biggest caveat, that being, with these long, high BC bullets, you will probably be relegated to a single shot. .

Sorry but not sure what this means, dont know all the slang yet

 

[Rugerdiggs]

Who offers the best muzzle brake for the money for the 300wsm, that does it all?

 

[Camshaft]

Cutting Edge Bullets

Here is what I am using to optimize my 300wsm. I live and hunt in California's lead free zone. These bullets will hit plenty hard at extended ranges. The high B.C. of these bullets combined with their design that allows them to run 100fps faster on average than a conventional bullet of equal weight, makes for a lethal combination.

 

[rscott5028]

I beleive Berger just introduced a 230gr 30cal bullet with a .711 G1 BC.

I intend to reserch this bullet for my 300 win mag. They specifically mention "tactical". So, I'm not sure if it's intended for hunting.

The reference to "single shot" pertains to the cartridge overall length when loaded for good accuracy in your rifle and whether or not the length will still fit in your magazine and cycle properly.

Frequently, these longer bullets like to be close to the lands and end up too long for a factory magazine which can sometimes be replaced/altered. Often, people simply choose to use the rifle as a single shot without stuffing the cartridges into the magazine.

I like Holland's QD muzzle brake. But, there are others that get great reviews such as the Muscle Brake, Painkiller, KDF, and Vais. ...although the design of the latter 2 is less desirable for shooting prone in the dirt.

-- richard

 

[Rugerdiggs]

what about the JP tank muzzle brake, anyone got or used one? does it through lots of stuff up if shot on bipods next to ground?

 

[liltank]

The WSM is a good caliber. I had one in the Model 12 VLP. My cousin has the barrel right now. Will want to use 180 to 210. The 230 I'm afraid will be too much bullet for the little casing. I suggest using the 208 A-max by Hornady or the 210 Berger. Use either Reloader 17, Hodgdon H4350, H4831sc, or H1000. I would also look at trying some Ramshot magnum. Get your action bedded with Devcon or some type of epoxy suitable for shooting applications. There are a few different ones.

Tank

 

[coloradohtr]

Hi
I have two 300 WSM's a 700 factory short action and a 700 custom long action. The custom allows me to move the bullet out to the lands and gives more powder space. I have killed some elk with it and it is plenty of gun for elk.
If it was my gun I would shoot it for a while and make sure the gun is at least a good shooter before spending money on truing and so on. I would spend a lot of time reading about 1000 yd bench shooting. Williamsport 1000 yd club or Camp Perry. The 300 WSM now holds a few world records so yes it is a good caliber.
The 1000 yd guys will talk about bullet weights, wind drift, loading and much more. A few of the guys at Williamsport shoot from ridge to ridge hunting deer.

 

[texan79]

If you already have a 7 RUM, your 30 cal prejudice is getting in the way of a more potent build. That 7 is going to carry more energy, flatter and do the same damage on deer an elk at extended ranges.

 

[WildRose]

what about the JP tank muzzle brake, anyone got or used one? does it through lots of stuff up if shot on bipods next to ground?

No it throws everything to the sides.