Help me pick a caliber for a magnum length Mark V

FalFreak

FNG
Joined
Nov 1, 2021
Messages
28
I’ve got a nice Weatherby Mark V action and stock. I’m trying to decide what caliber build it out in. I already have a 300 Weatherby magnum that is a little heavier (around 10lb scoped). I’m open to anything that is 6.5mm/.264 diameter or larger, fits the long o.a.l that the magazine allows, and works with a magnum size bolt face. I hunt in the West and so I would prefer this one to be lighter weight, flat shooting, and good for antelope on up. I also hand load. Was thinking 7mm Rem Mag….any ideas?
 
Joined
Apr 3, 2023
Messages
62
Definitely something in the 7mm's, I think most people would say 7PRC but 7mm Rem Mag isn't bad either if you are just into the older cartidges.
 
Joined
Feb 20, 2020
Messages
1,605
Location
CO
6.5 PRC for sure if you want to go ultralight. Long range ballistics for the 156 Bergers are spectacular, and plenty of cheaper bullets will accomplish almost the same.

6.8 Western or fast twist 270WBY/WSM otherwise IMHO. There’s no reason to go bigger.
 

TxLite

WKR
Joined
Sep 6, 2018
Messages
1,973
Location
Texas
I built a 300prc on a 300wby MkV action. No regrets, but a 7-300 prc or a 7 LRM would be sweet.

Before
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After
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Mojave

WKR
Joined
Jun 13, 2019
Messages
2,334
I would buy or borrow 4 rounds of 7mm PRC and make sure it feeds.

If that worked, I would make it into a 7mm PRC.

If it is a 300 Weatherby currently, and the 7mm PRC doesn't work I'd build a 7mm Remington (if that fed).

If neither one of those worked I'd do a 6.5-300 Weatherby.

The downside to the 6.5-300 Weatherby is that it will have a 600-800 round barrel life.

The upside to it is that it is the 2nd flattest shooting cartridge in the world behind the 257 Weatherby and was built with modern projectiles in mind. So even at a distance with the big 6.5-300 you will have some really nice elevation gains.

The downside is it needs a 26 inch barrel and a 28 would be better.

6.5-300 is a screamer we are back to the mild-cats being popular and I doubt anything like it will ever be popular again.
 
Joined
Jun 7, 2023
Messages
685
Location
Wyoming
Are you a long-action magnum guy, or are you stuck with an action and feel compelled to build off it? Big difference.

Were it me, I'd bail on the magnum stock and action. Why? Because there's few things in North America that require a monster cartridge.

Now, if it's a sentimental action, my advice is different. I'd go .257 Weatherby mag for a lightweight rifle. Due to recoil, nothing else applies. They all kick like a mofo in lightweight guns. Every one of them.

Good luck. Have fun. Rifles are special, so treat them accordingly.
 

30338

WKR
Joined
Jun 2, 2013
Messages
1,985
I'd go 7mm Remington or PRC with an 8 twist and setup to shoot 180 scenars.
 

jimh406

WKR
Joined
Feb 6, 2022
Messages
1,198
Location
Western MT
I wouldn’t use that action for anything other a 300 Wby. How about buying a lighter gun instead?

The magnum action isn’t very light.
 
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