You guys are a huge help. Next on my list was to upgrade the optics. I hear alot of good about Berger bullets, but I'm not a handloader just yet. Do any factory ammo use Berger? Thanks for all your help on this, you guys on this site are great.
HSM offers there long range ammo for the 270WSM with a 130 Berger, it seems decent and the numbers they give for FPS are accurate. The only problem is they don't load it hard, it's running at 270 win levels which is a waste.
You really need to look at reloading this cal to maximize it's potential, I can push a 140 gr Accubond over 3400 FPS when I'm running near max pressure but I get accuracy at 3341FPS and with the 140 Berger 3300 FPS. I'm hoping with a new barrel set up for the 169.5 Wildcats that I can run them around the 3000 FPS mark which will out run all but the biggest 7mm's!
One thing a guy has to look at with the WSM's is mag length, you want room to get long range bullets seated out and get your barrel chambered accordingly. I would go to the gun store and measure actions and mags to find the most room or build it on a long action.
The cow elk this year just over 300 yrds and it didn't just kill her it smoked her, I used to shoot a 300WBY for elk and for me the 270 WSM does a better job, the thing just hits hard!
This would be my build list, of the top of my head: Savage short action, Timed and Trued, leave the Accutrigger and adjust or mod to specs, ground lug, McGowen barrel , twist would depend on bullet but 1-10 or faster, 28in long #6 contour. CDI bottom metal to make it a higher capacity repeater. Bed that in a B&C Medalist and top with a Nightforce 5.5-22x56. It would weigh in the 13 lbs ran but man it would reach out and touch them!