Looking for some advice/direction for a rifle with a 20” carbon barrel

[Elite]

I am looking for some insight and ideas for a new rifle to set up over the winter and off season. I currently have a 30-06 with a 22” barrel and weighs 8.2lbs ready to hunt and has worked great for 16 years and killed many many critters. I also bought a 7mm-08 ultralight rifle with a 20” barrel and it is amazing to handle in tight bush and fits on my shoulder strap well and only weighs 6.9lbs. I am now wanting a light weight 300wsm with a 20” carbon barrel. Looks like all the rifles come in a 24”-26” barrels. Wondering what my best options are to achieve a 20”? Seems like you can’t cut a carbon barrel down? Thought about buying a tikka and adding a carbon barrel


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[HeavyAssault]

Pound for pound a carbon-vs-steel barrel debate is a hard decision. Carbon looks/sounds like it should be lighter....but that's not always the case. I've got two rifles of two different setups in a SA setup. One a Proof carbon barrel, one a steel barrel with fluting. The complete rifles are within a few OZ of each other in weight.
No you cannot "cut down" a carbon barrel...you just buy the carbon barrel built to the length you want.
As example:
Proof Carbons are offered in their bolt action line starting at 16.5" up to 26". You would need these fitted to your action. I think you would need the chamber cut as well.
There are action "pre-fit" Proof barrels that you can select but you may be limited in those sized selections.

A length of 24-26" in 300 wsm might be the best range for keeping velocities where needed for the round.
Since you mentioned Tikka, Proof offers a 24" 1-10 twist pre-fit.

 

[wnelson14]

You’re going to get a lot of people on here recommending the Tikka route, But you can also get a carbon prefit for a Remington 700, Bergara, howa, savage, etc. I would figure out what stock you want first as that will limit your action fittings, then either get the action or a cheaper gun that you can upgrade over time.
Also look into the savage or the new Bergara models with a carbon barrel, not sure what barrel lengths those come with

 

[mwf008]

CA Ridgeline FFT

 

[shax2lex]

I’m looking to do a 20” 300wsm too this year. I’m in a little different situation as I have a Terminus Zeus Quick change. I’m going to order a 20” lite sendero proof barrel that is a pre-fit. I run a Thunderbeast Ultra 9 Gen 2 suppressor so that’s why I want the 20”.

I’ll be that guy who says if you want simple, buy a Tikka and cut it. Or buy a prefit the way you want it. Most folks do say to have a gunsmith remove the Tikka factory barrel. I mean that’s what I’d do.

 

[Elite]

Thanks for the input everyone. I currently have a savage storm ultralight in a 7mm-08 and actually love the gun but would it be possible to convert it to a 300 wsm? Or a 7 Saum?


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[Mike D Texas]

Thanks for the input everyone. I currently have a savage storm ultralight in a 7mm-08 and actually love the gun but would it be possible to convert it to a 300 wsm? Or a 7 Saum?


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Which model do you have, 110? If it’s already chambered in 30.06 it should be long enough.

For 300WSM you’ll need a new magnum bolt head and you’ll either need to set your barrel back and rechamber or buy a new barrel. You’ll need new mags too.

For 7SAUM you’ll need to do similar; new magnum bolt head, new barrel and new mags.


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[Elite]

Which model do you have, 110? If it’s already chambered in 30.06 it should be long enough.

For 300WSM you’ll need a new magnum bolt head and you’ll either need to set your barrel back and rechamber or buy a new barrel. You’ll need new mags too.

For 7SAUM you’ll need to do similar; new magnum bolt head, new barrel and new mags.


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It’s the 110 storm ultralight chambered in 7mm-08


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[Cactus kid]

Getting a tikka and buying a prefit is a great option- if you can find a prefit in the length and caliber you are seeking. If not, getting a barrel fitted to a tikka is not difficult for a competent gunsmith.

 

[Jeremyc_1999]

CA ridgeline FFT is the easy button. It is already built the way you want it.

 

[Elite]

Getting a tikka and buying a prefit is a great option- if you can find a prefit in the length and caliber you are seeking. If not, getting a barrel fitted to a tikka is not difficult for a competent gunsmith.

Seems like that is the problem I am having. All pre fit barrels are in the 22-24”


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[Elite]

CA ridgeline FFT is the easy button. It is already built the way you want it.

Is there magazines available for these rifles? Not a fan of the bottom floor plate


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[Ram94]

Is there magazines available for these rifles? Not a fan of the bottom floor plate


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There is aftermarket dbm kits you can install. I had installed a Kwik Klip conversion on a Ridgeline. Corlanes in Dawson Creek sold them and it worked really well.

 

[axeforce6]

I built a 20” 300wsm on a zermatt origin action. Found a 20” proof 30 cal barrel and had it chambered by bugholes here in Tn. I put the rifle in a AG alpine hunter stock. Hawkins hunter DBM with a 6.5prc magazine. The rifle handles great. I loaded some 185 Berger hybrid targets for it to 2900 fps. Shoots consistent 1/2 MOA groups. I run it suppressed. It’s been my main hunting rifle this season. The easy way to go like others stated is the Christensen Ridgeline FFT. I wouldn’t hesitate buying one.

 

[BulldogCE]

This! I've got 2 Zermatt based builds. Easy to put together and super results!

 

[Jeremyc_1999]

I built a 20” 300wsm on a zermatt origin action. Found a 20” proof 30 cal barrel and had it chambered by bugholes here in Tn. I put the rifle in a AG alpine hunter stock. Hawkins hunter DBM with a 6.5prc magazine. The rifle handles great. I loaded some 185 Berger hybrid targets for it to 2900 fps. Shoots consistent 1/2 MOA groups. I run it suppressed. It’s been my main hunting rifle this season. The easy way to go like others stated is the Christensen Ridgeline FFT. I wouldn’t hesitate buying one.

What advantage do you feel you got by building one? Weight savings? Proof barrel vs Christensen?

 

[Alex Genereux]

I’d look at a 7suam

 

[axeforce6]

What advantage do you feel you got by building one? Weight savings? Proof barrel vs Christensen?

I got exactly what I wanted, but frankly if I did it over, I'd buy the Ridgeline FFT and save some money. The Zermatt Origin is a very smooth action and I love how easy the closing and opening of the bolt is. That never makes or breaks a deal for me though. I haven't shot many proof barrels, but I've shot several Christensens. All of them shoot very very well. My proof hasn't let me down either, and the availability of them is a very good perk. It was the only manufacturer readily available in a 20" carbon barrel. My rifle finished weighs more than the FFT. I could put it in a different stock and save a few ounces maybe.

 

[Jeremyc_1999]

I got exactly what I wanted, but frankly if I did it over, I'd buy the Ridgeline FFT and save some money. The Zermatt Origin is a very smooth action and I love how easy the closing and opening of the bolt is. That never makes or breaks a deal for me though. I haven't shot many proof barrels, but I've shot several Christensens. All of them shoot very very well. My proof hasn't let me down either, and the availability of them is a very good perk. It was the only manufacturer readily available in a 20" carbon barrel. My rifle finished weighs more than the FFT. I could put it in a different stock and save a few ounces maybe.

Thanks for the response. There is nothing quite like a custom action. I love my defiance, but from what I've seen of Christensen its not like they are a ruger and they are pretty good. I understand getting exactly what you want though.

 

[doakes]

I just built this Rem Model 7 in 300 WSM. 20 inch barrel. Great shooter and a peach to carry.