25 WSSM action for what?

[Lnewton]

I have came across what I think is a pretty good deal on a Winchester model 70 in 25 WSSM. I know the ammo is non-existant unless you want to pay stupid prices for it but I was curious if the barrel could be rechambered or just rebarrel the action. My concern is the super short action and bolt face. What could it actually be used for? .223, 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel or 6.8 SPC II. Something like those. Please let me know your thoughts.

 

[fseaman]

If it really is a good deal, get it.

It can be rebarreled. Since it's a short action with a magnum bolt face, all the WSM or SAUMs are candidates. There may be a spacer in the magazine and a different box or follower spring combination. These are not expensive.

It could be rechambered but all the chambers I know of require loading/reloading your own ammo. If you were going that route then the 25 WSSM would not be an issue. I have only a few 25 cals but I am fond of all 404 Jeffries based WSSM, WSM, Noser and RUM chamberings. FWIW: to me/IMO the 25 WSSM is quite fine for the small to medium "big game" of North America. You got white tail? Ferrell pig/hog? Free roam "exotics" like Audad? Might be worth jumping in to reloading.

If you go the order a barrel route. For chambering, if it were me, 300 WSM or 270 WSM.

Just in case you do want to go down the loading/reloading rabbit hole and keep it 25 cal: 257 Lang is basically a 257-300 WSM. Rechamber with the above mentioned spacer/box/follower/spring update. I don't have one of these, I use a 257 Weatherby Magnum in that role but not a candidate for this build

.257 Lang Ultravarmint - AmmoGuide Interactive

The first SERIOUS reloading manual on the web.

ammoguide.com

or

Go the 6.5 route with reloading and go 6.5 on a WSM based cartridge like 6.5-270 WSM or 6.5-300 WSM. The difference is in the free bore. See:

6.5-270 WSM - AmmoGuide Interactive

The first SERIOUS reloading manual on the web.

ammoguide.com

6.5-300 WSM - AmmoGuide Interactive

The first SERIOUS reloading manual on the web.

ammoguide.com

 

[Lnewton]

If it really is a good deal, get it.

It can be rebarreled. Since it's a short action with a magnum bolt face, all the WSM or SAUMs are candidates. There may be a spacer in the magazine and a different box or follower spring combination. These are not expensive.

It could be rechambered but all the chambers I know of require loading/reloading your own ammo. If you were going that route then the 25 WSSM would not be an issue. I have only a few 25 cals but I am fond of all 404 Jeffries based WSSM, WSM, Noser and RUM chamberings. FWIW: to me/IMO the 25 WSSM is quite fine for the small to medium "big game" of North America. You got white tail? Ferrell pig/hog? Free roam "exotics" like Audad? Might be worth jumping in to reloading.

If you go the order a barrel route. For chambering, if it were me, 300 WSM or 270 WSM.

Just in case you do want to go down the loading/reloading rabbit hole and keep it 25 cal: 257 Lang is basically a 257-300 WSM. Rechamber with the above mentioned spacer/box/follower/spring update. I don't have one of these, I use a 257 Weatherby Magnum in that role but not a candidate for this build

.257 Lang Ultravarmint - AmmoGuide Interactive

The first SERIOUS reloading manual on the web.

ammoguide.com

or

Go the 6.5 route with reloading and go 6.5 on a WSM based cartridge like 6.5-270 WSM or 6.5-300 WSM. The difference is in the free bore. See:

6.5-270 WSM - AmmoGuide Interactive

The first SERIOUS reloading manual on the web.

ammoguide.com

6.5-300 WSM - AmmoGuide Interactive

The first SERIOUS reloading manual on the web.

ammoguide.com

I don't really have the desire or time reload so would definitely want a rebarrel. So the super short is only the cartridge not the action?? So I could even rebarrel to a .308 or 6.5 needmoor and change the bolt face?

 

[ByronP]

I have 3 Winchester 25WSSM I took one sent off had it made into a 250 Savage shoots lights out I hand load for 25 WSSM Berger bullets

 

[fseaman]

I don't really have the desire or time reload so would definitely want a rebarrel. So the super short is only the cartridge not the action?? So I could even rebarrel to a .308 or 6.5 needmoor and change the bolt face?

That would require a new bolt face but yes.

Sorry, I can't remember if that model is a monolithic bolt or separate head like a Savage.

 

[J_V_Berry]

You will need to measure the length of the action. I was looking at a223wssm and the action is too short for a 300 wsm.

 

[Bang4theBuck]

I don't really have the desire or time reload so would definitely want a rebarrel. So the super short is only the cartridge not the action?? So I could even rebarrel to a .308 or 6.5 needmoor and change the bolt face?

Okay.....ill be honest, I've lost track of what makes this such a great opportunity. If you don't like the unique chambering, and you are prepared to rebarrel ($600-800) and you don't want to use the bolt to.rebarrel to another cool short action magnum, this requiring a new bolt ($250-300?), I'm thinking the rifle should be almost free to make financial sense.
Maybe let.that horse out into the trade market for a 308 or 6.5 cm, and be up and running sooner....just.my 2cents.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

Heck, I've got a 25 wssm I've been loading for since I bought it new in '06. I didn't realize the ammo supply was zero, as there is actually some on the shelves around here (probably gone now though- but I saw a bunch post covid). Online though, ammoseek has a few choices I haven't heard of and they are through the roof.

 

[chav0_12]

I know my 243 WSSM is a super-short action, mini-action like a 223, could maybe fit a 22-250 in it. That's also a Browning, not a Winchester. I'm not sure what Winchester did but you could be stuck with a SS action. I'd personally like a 25 WSSM, but it doesn't sound like to want to reload. I'd steer clear of this one if I were you.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Buy it.
Rebarrel to 6.5mm and chamber in 6.5PRC.
Buy factory ammo.
Done.

If you want a standard bolt face cartridge, find a different rifle.

 

[taylorms]

I have came across what I think is a pretty good deal on a Winchester model 70 in 25 WSSM. I know the ammo is non-existant unless you want to pay stupid prices for it but I was curious if the barrel could be rechambered or just rebarrel the action. My concern is the super short action and bolt face. What could it actually be used for? .223, 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel or 6.8 SPC II. Something like those. Please let me know your thoughts.

Not sure what cartridge you are actually looking for (seems you don't either), but you could probably just figure that out and buy a brand new rifle for less money and avoid any potential problems.

According to the thread linked below, the Model 70 WSSM is shorter (ejection port) than a standard short action. (I KNOW nothing but am sharing what I have found)

Winchester WSSM ejection port length

I'm thinking of building an ultralight short action on the winchester wssm action. It's about a half inch shorter than the standard short action. I'm looking at 6.5 wssm and would like to load a longer bullet. I'd like to know the ejection port size to know if the loaded round will eject.

www.longrangehunting.com

 

[chav0_12]

Buy it.
Rebarrel to 6.5mm and chamber in 6.5PRC.
Buy factory ammo.
Done.

If you want a standard bolt face cartridge, find a different rifle.

How long/short is a Model 70 WSSM? I think that's the dilemma. If it's indeed a standard short action a short magnum (6.5 PRC included) would be perfect. I don't think they made the WSSMs in those though. I think they're super short actions, almost a mini action or a Model 7 223 length action.

 

[Bghunter338]

If it was me i would buy it and rebarrel it and keep it a 25wssm. There a badass little cartridge. 115-117gr at 3300+ with easy to find powder and brass. Win win in my book.

 

[Bghunter338]

How long/short is a Model 70 WSSM? I think that's the dilemma. If it's indeed a standard short action a short magnum (6.5 PRC included) would be perfect. I don't think they made the WSSMs in those though. I think they're super short actions, almost a minor action or a Model 7 223 length action.

You are correct.