300 WSM- XM or LA?

[Brado16]

Time for another rifle project. Going to build a lightweight, short barreled hunting rifle chambered in 300 WSM and I intend to use Berger 215s. Looking for feedback on if I will be handicapped at max length of 3.20" in the XM with the 215s? If so, can the LA feed the 300wsm reliably in a BDL configuration? I have mocked up Brass with the 215s and 3.150" COAL looks ok, but 3.275 looks even better. Anyone have "actual" beedback- been there done that info to share with me?

 

[Rhovee]

Go long action. Feeds fine.

 

[Earnhardt]

Do you have the action?
Do you have the 215's in hand?
With a .225" free bore…
.030" of the land…
3.185" COAL with 215's

 

[WildRose]

If you don't already have an action pick up a used Model 70 medium or long action that was built specifically for the wsm/wssm rounds.

If you want to shoot long heavy bullets a true short action is going to be unnecessarily limiting.

 

[Rhovee]

I did have one in a XM. I had a .235 FB which was perfect and they ended up not mag feeding. The 210 VLD s did. If your only .015 away from the magazine it usually won't need great. Long action with the Hawkins hunter dbm would be my choice. Mine feeds great.

 

[ZSteinle]

Long action. Difference in length/weight from XM to long is hardly anything.

 

[Brado16]

Picked up another LA AntiX and opted for Hawkins Hunter LA DBM... thanks to the few of you who had some actual substance vs the keyboard ninjas...