What would you do?

[lak2004]

I've got a Winchester 70 .300wsm Walmart special my dad bought as my first rifle. I hate recoil. Over the years I've tried different stock configurations, had the barrel cut and threaded, added a brake and I just don't love shooting this gun. I've tried to sell it a few times but just couldn't bring myself to do it in the end, especially with my dad passing in February of this year.

I'd like to rebarrel, change the stock and keep the rifle.

Ive been using my 6.5 creedmoor with 140 eldm's successfully on elk and deer for the last 6 years. I'm fully on board with smaller caliber and good bullets.

What would you rebarrel to? It's a short action magnum bolt face, so my initial thought was a 6 PRC, but maybe 6UM? I do reload so no issues with a wildcat of some sort (though I'd rather not have to fire form).

My thoughts are something in the .243 world with a rokstock and short suppressed barrel. The tricky part I believe with the Win 70 action is finding a good solution for reliable feeding. I'd prefer a box mag over the 1 piece floor plate but not sure that exists yet? I thought UM was making something but haven't kept up on it.

My use for it would be western big game. Lots of carrying and some longer shots with practice. I've got young kids that will shoot it someday.

 

[MuleyFever]

I think a 6 PRC would be a little easier than a 6 UM from what I have gathered on here but I may be wrong. I think the 6.5 PRC case can just be necked down so no fire forming.

 

[lak2004]

I think a 6 PRC would be a little easier than a 6 UM from what I have gathered on here but I may be wrong. I think the 6.5 PRC case can just be necked down so no fire forming.

I know ADG is making 6um head stamped brass, but I think I remember them saying you had to still fire form initially for the 40* shoulder. I could be remembering that incorrectly. The 6 PRC has been appealing to me for a while.

I did also consider having the bolt modified and just going 6 CM or 6 ARC , but I'm not totally sure still on how those will feed.

 

[Nickziegler]

If it's already threaded just pick up a supressor for it. It will knock down the recoil quite a bit

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[lak2004]

If it's already threaded just pick up a supressor for it. It will knock down the recoil quite a bit

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I've got a couple, still don't have much love for a 30 cal though. I might restock it first and try my ab raptor 8 on it and see if that changes my mind though. Thanks for the input.

 

[Taudisio]

All things considered, I would be leaning 6 or 25, necked down 6.5prc. Should be as simple as a barrel swap without too much concern for feeding.

 

[Chris in TN]

I get this on a deep level. I sold our .300Wbys and rebarreled a 30-06 to .280ai and now I see the .280ai as 'too much recoil'. But I don't know what to do with it as it's an awesome rifle, awesome on game.....just kicks a lot. But it's built on a receiver that's been in my family longer than I have.

 

[journeyman713]

Adding a suppressor would solve your recoil disliking, without changing the gun you like.
The 300wsm is a great caliber.

 

[Brontosaurus]

I think you'd be a good candidate for a 6 UM 30 degree.

 

[Dave Thomas]

7 saum. But since you wanted to go with a six i agree with the other guy that suggested the 6 um 30.

 

[Thinkingman]

Lose the brake.
That's part of your problem.
Try it suppressed and see what you think.

 

[AM_Hunter]

If its not a hunting rifle you could go with a heavier profile barrel. I had a remington 700 in 300WM that had a sporter barrel and no threading that would displace my shoulder with each shot. Got tired of it and replaced the barrel with a 26" heavy bull barrel, i think the barrel alone was 11lbs. Added a brake and not it feels like a .308 or smaller.

 

[lak2004]

I'm going to try it out suppressed and see if I can snag a rokstock for it. I'll go from there. It'll be a secondary hunting rifle. Was also thinking if I left it 300wsm it might be a good candidate for mono bullets if/when I want/need to use them.

Otherwise I'm liking the idea of 6UM 30* or 6 PRC still...

UM was talking about making CDI style DBMs for win 70s at some point which would be sweet.

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[IAm_Not_Lost]

Not sure I’d spend the time and money trying to re-barrel that action. It’s ok to just have a gun that spends most of it’s time in the safe while it’s currently out of favor, especially if it has sentimental value.

It’s a good setup, and down the road you might find your opinion changes and you’re happy you have it.

 

[lak2004]

Not sure I’d spend the time and money trying to re-barrel that action. It’s ok to just have a gun that spends most of it’s time in the safe while it’s currently out of favor, especially if it has sentimental value.

It’s a good setup, and down the road you might find your opinion changes and you’re happy you have it.

Sensible approach, thanks for the input.

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[MallardSX2]

I would stick it in the safe and buy another gun. End of story.

 

[lak2004]

I would stick it in the safe and buy another gun. End of story.

I've thought about that. Might go that route but I'm not much of a gun collector. Would rather have a couple I shoot a lot, then a bunch I don't shoot.

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[waspocrew]

6 PRC is what I’d go with. Easy to neck down, good brass options available. 6UM has seemed a little finicky from what I’ve read here.

 

[Ryan Avery]

6 PRC is what I’d go with. Easy to neck down, good brass options available. 6UM has seemed a little finicky from what I’ve read here.

Finicky??

I know of over 30 6UMs shooting the same load. Don't let the internet deceive you.

 

[waspocrew]

Finicky??

I know of over 30 6UMs shooting the same load. Don't let the internet deceive you.

Not deceived at all. It’s buried in the 100 some odd page 6 UM thread, but there were some members having issues.

Not knocking your design at all - you clearly have it figured out. For me personally, a 6 PRC is more appealing.

Carry on.