300WSM Build

[jbwright]

I'm putting the final touches on my list (already have the Peak 44 bastion stock and Proof CF 20" 1:10) but have a couple questions as I pick the action for my build.

I'll be going with either the Impact Precision NBK (or 737, depending on what I hope to find here) or the Lone Peak Fuzion. As a side note, I have a NF NX8 2.5-20 F1 I'll be putting on this one. Throwing that in there as it relates to my second question.

1. Would it generally be advisable to run a Medium-length action with the 300WSM to avoid potential COAL issues with certain cartridges?

2. Also, based on my reviews it would seem that a solid pic rail would mitigate any scope mounting issues (which would eliminate the Precision NBK or Alpine-cut Lone Peak Fuzion from my choices) - is that accurate? Or would I potentially be able to run the NF without eye relief issues? I understand a custom setup is unique to the shooter, but trying to get a general idea if I can get away with a 2-piece rail or if I should run the solid rail to ensure I have flexibility in the scope/ring mounting location.

 

[Nick4050]

You should take a listen to Vortex’s podcast or YouTube video on their new “Super WSM” build. Basically taking a normal 300 WSM barrel on a long action (in their case a standard tikka action) so they could load the new Barnes 212 LRX Borerider bullet super long and get awesome ballistics out of it. Pretty cool idea, and it will also shoot any normal 300 WSM load if wanted/needed

 

[Jaegerr]

I'm putting the final touches on my list (already have the Peak 44 bastion stock and Proof CF 20" 1:10) but have a couple questions as I pick the action for my build.

I'll be going with either the Impact Precision NBK (or 737, depending on what I hope to find here) or the Lone Peak Fuzion. As a side note, I have a NF NX8 2.5-20 F1 I'll be putting on this one. Throwing that in there as it relates to my second question.

1. Would it generally be advisable to run a Medium-length action with the 300WSM to avoid potential COAL issues with certain cartridges?

2. Also, based on my reviews it would seem that a solid pic rail would mitigate any scope mounting issues (which would eliminate the Precision NBK or Alpine-cut Lone Peak Fuzion from my choices) - is that accurate? Or would I potentially be able to run the NF without eye relief issues? I understand a custom setup is unique to the shooter, but trying to get a general idea if I can get away with a 2-piece rail or if I should run the solid rail to ensure I have flexibility in the scope/ring mounting location.

I’m working on a similar build, just ordered my AG composites alpine hunter and using a factory tikka action in 300 WM so it had the magnum bolt stop. Still need to order a barrel… Post some pictures with the 20” barrel when you get it all put together! I haven’t found many posts with 300 WSM build on shorter barrels

 

[shax2lex]

I'd either run a short action or a long action. I wouldn't run the medium action because it could limit you with options. I have a short action Terminus Zeus QC and a MDT Short Mag with no binder plate magazine. I shoot 175gr Barnes LRX, COAL 2.915, 20" Proof, and 2,885fps. Norma brass, CCI 250, H4350. I've still got 50thou to chase the lands. It doesn't seem restrained.

I think all the actions are good and they all have their good/bad aspects. I went Terminus so I could get a 6.5CM or any other prefit barrel to train with in the off season. I didn't want to smoke my 300WSM barrel. I also didn't want to completely disassemble my rifle to change barrel.

I would say if you want to run 200gr+ bullets, then you could go Long action but you need to look at that 1:10 twist. You probably need a 1:9 or faster.

I love the short barrel 300WSM discussion.

 

[madcalfe]

I use a 20" 300wsm.
Just stick with a short action your dropping barrel length so honestly no reason to try and push 200+gr bullets with a 20" 300wsm.
mine is built on a defiance anti I've milled a notch in the feed ramp and run a terminus magazine which gives me 2.98" COAL.. for reference i handload 178gr ELDX and i think my COAL is like 2.85" doing 2925fps and shooting 1/4" groups which is perfect out to 700yards

 

[Jaegerr]

I'd either run a short action or a long action. I wouldn't run the medium action because it could limit you with options. I have a short action Terminus Zeus QC and a MDT Short Mag with no binder plate magazine. I shoot 175gr Barnes LRX, COAL 2.915, 20" Proof, and 2,885fps. Norma brass, CCI 250, H4350. I've still got 50thou to chase the lands. It doesn't seem restrained.

I think all the actions are good and they all have their good/bad aspects. I went Terminus so I could get a 6.5CM or any other prefit barrel to train with in the off season. I didn't want to smoke my 300WSM barrel. I also didn't want to completely disassemble my rifle to change barrel.

I would say if you want to run 200gr+ bullets, then you could go Long action but you need to look at that 1:10 twist. You probably need a 1:9 or faster.

I love the short barrel 300WSM discussion.

I’m hoping to get 3000fps~ out of the 168 TTSX. Looking to be as high above 2000 fps at 500 as I can get out of a 20 inch barrel

 

[jbwright]

I use a 20" 300wsm.
Just stick with a short action your dropping barrel length so honestly no reason to try and push 200+gr bullets with a 20" 300wsm.
mine is built on a defiance anti I've milled a notch in the feed ramp and run a terminus magazine which gives me 2.98" COAL.. for reference i handload 178gr ELDX and i think my COAL is like 2.85" doing 2925fps and shooting 1/4" groups which is perfect out to 700yards

@madcalfe thanks - would you mind posting a picture of the notch in the feed ramp? Were you having issues w/feeding before doing that?

 

[jbwright]

I'd either run a short action or a long action. I wouldn't run the medium action because it could limit you with options. I have a short action Terminus Zeus QC and a MDT Short Mag with no binder plate magazine. I shoot 175gr Barnes LRX, COAL 2.915, 20" Proof, and 2,885fps. Norma brass, CCI 250, H4350. I've still got 50thou to chase the lands. It doesn't seem restrained.

I think all the actions are good and they all have their good/bad aspects. I went Terminus so I could get a 6.5CM or any other prefit barrel to train with in the off season. I didn't want to smoke my 300WSM barrel. I also didn't want to completely disassemble my rifle to change barrel.

I would say if you want to run 200gr+ bullets, then you could go Long action but you need to look at that 1:10 twist. You probably need a 1:9 or faster.

I love the short barrel 300WSM discussion.

My smith recommended I include the Terminus in the action research...and I've been leaning hard in that direction.
Can you shoot over a pic of the bottom metals on your rifle? Did you have to do any mods on the feed ramp w/that cartridge?

 

[jbwright]

You should take a listen to Vortex’s podcast or YouTube video on their new “Super WSM” build. Basically taking a normal 300 WSM barrel on a long action (in their case a standard tikka action) so they could load the new Barnes 212 LRX Borerider bullet super long and get awesome ballistics out of it. Pretty cool idea, and it will also shoot any normal 300 WSM load if wanted/needed

Thanks for this. Yeah I watched that in the last 2 weeks or so. Super interesting.

 

[shax2lex]

I don't have any pictures handy of my rifle just by itself. I do have it with some hunting pictures. In two of the pictures I have my Proof 300WSM barrel and one has my 6.5CM steel Bartlein barrel. Both chambered by Straight Jacket Armory.

I don't run a traditional stock. I have a KRG Xray. I don't have any feeding problems. I've previously handloaded the 200gr ELDX. I've tested the 180gr Norma Bondstrikes, Federal and Hornady 200gr ELDX factory ammo, and the Terminal Ascents. They all fed well.

I did drill a hole in my stock by the check piece and actually under the grip to lighten the chassis. I tried to make the 12lbs NRL Open light category. I just couldn't make it.

The Terminus Action is heavy but integral recoil lug and 20moa rail are nice. I used to shoot tactical comps with it so it's nice to go from 6.5CM and back to 300WSM without disassembling my rifle.

 

[shax2lex]

I did notice with a 20" barrel it becomes a fire breathing dragon if you don't have a can. I've shot it bare, with a Hellfire brake, and with my TBAC Ultra 9, Gen 2 can. Definitely get a can.

 

[madcalfe]

I’m hoping to get 3000fps~ out of the 168 TTSX. Looking to be as high above 2000 fps at 500 as I can get out of a 20 inch barrel

you should be able to get 3000fps with 168's
H4350 should almost get you there.
Superformance will get you passed it.
I think i was at 3010fps with 178's and Superformance

 

[jbwright]

Nice rig. Thanks for posting the pics. Does the front ring mount go over the action at all? Or is the front ring in front of the ejection port? I think that would answer my #2 question originally. Just wondering - and at this point pretty much decided to go with the Short Action - if there was enough adjustability to run the "Alpine" cut (2-piece pic rail) actions

I don't have any pictures handy of my rifle just by itself. I do have it with some hunting pictures. In two of the pictures I have my Proof 300WSM barrel and one has my 6.5CM steel Bartlein barrel. Both chambered by Straight Jacket Armory.

I don't run a traditional stock. I have a KRG Xray. I don't have any feeding problems. I've previously handloaded the 200gr ELDX. I've tested the 180gr Norma Bondstrikes, Federal and Hornady 200gr ELDX factory ammo, and the Terminal Ascents. They all fed well.

I did drill a hole in my stock by the check piece and actually under the grip to lighten the chassis. I tried to make the 12lbs NRL Open light category. I just couldn't make it.

The Terminus Action is heavy but integral recoil lug and 20moa rail are nice. I used to shoot tactical comps with it so it's nice to go from 6.5CM and back to 300WSM without disassembling my rifle.

Solid, thanks
Edit: Spelling

 

[jbwright]

I did notice with a 20" barrel it becomes a fire breathing dragon if you don't have a can. I've shot it bare, with a Hellfire brake, and with my TBAC Ultra 9, Gen 2 can. Definitely get a can.

Def running the can. I have been trying to figure out if I should go with a reflex can OR a brake/can combo like you mentioned here. Does the brake/can combo do more for recoil than just the can? I would assume yes but there seems to be conflicting feedback on that on RS. In the very little research I've done.

Edit: I see that you seem to differentiate brake vs can...not brake/can combo, I think

 

[madcalfe]

@madcalfe thanks - would you mind posting a picture of the notch in the feed ramp? Were you having issues w/feeding before doing that?

No not feeding issues. Just making it so I can load bullets to max mag length.


Here’s a pic before notching the feed ramp

 

[madcalfe]

Here’s mine

 

[Legend]

I'm putting the final touches on my list (already have the Peak 44 bastion stock and Proof CF 20" 1:10) but have a couple questions as I pick the action for my build.

I'll be going with either the Impact Precision NBK (or 737, depending on what I hope to find here) or the Lone Peak Fuzion. As a side note, I have a NF NX8 2.5-20 F1 I'll be putting on this one. Throwing that in there as it relates to my second question.

1. Would it generally be advisable to run a Medium-length action with the 300WSM to avoid potential COAL issues with certain cartridges?

2. Also, based on my reviews it would seem that a solid pic rail would mitigate any scope mounting issues (which would eliminate the Precision NBK or Alpine-cut Lone Peak Fuzion from my choices) - is that accurate? Or would I potentially be able to run the NF without eye relief issues? I understand a custom setup is unique to the shooter, but trying to get a general idea if I can get away with a 2-piece rail or if I should run the solid rail to ensure I have flexibility in the scope/ring mounting location.

Looks like you chose a bullet. Now just make a dummy round seated at your desired depth. Hand it to your gunsmith and tell them to build it.

They should advise on twist rate, coal, bottom metal, action size, etc..

 

[jbwright]

Here’s mine
View attachment 845631
View attachment 845633

Nice setup and sounds like it shoots lights out. What rings are you running?

 

[madcalfe]

hawkins with the ATACR
and then I also have some Steiners when I was using a rail

 

[shax2lex]

I run Hawkins too with my NF. I use the offset level so I could see it with my off eye.