25 WSSM action for what?

[FEENIX]

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.

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?

I do not know what you consider a pretty good deal. To me, a good deal is when you can take advantage of it as-is. But since you do not reload/want to reload for it or know what you will re-barrel to, IIWY, sell it for profit and invests it towards a more appropriate action to build on, but that's just me. Good luck!

 

[pavementends]

The SSM actions were shorter than the short action Win 70's The stocks were unique to the super short actions. The 300 WSM will not fit in a 25 WSSM action.
Re-barreling one to another caliber that would fit, bolt issues, feed issues, etc. It would probably be cheaper to start with bar stock and machine a new action. I would either enjoy the 25WSSM or start with a different action. After a bit of coffee this morning, Winchester did make a few of the super short actions in .223 Rem. I have seen maybe 2? If you could find a bolt it may make re-barrel more cost effective.

 

[Philward]

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.

OK, I understand the business philosophy of getting what you can for something you have, but if you have something that is not being produced anymore and you actually want to sell it, why jack the price up and screw a guy who could use it? I would think sell for cost or even discounted to get it off the shelf. If you think it's a collector item put it in a glass case in your den and admire it.

This post is not aimed at you @Lefty7mmstw,

 

[lancetkenyon]

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.

Good to know.

I would avoid that rifle/action if you don't handload then.
Factory ammo has got to be almost non-existent. And not much you could do with it, even if you rebarrel.

 

[comfisherman]

Without reloading there isn't really any point in one. An action to short to utilize any common mag bolt face cartridge won't be much use without going wildcat.

Haven't bought components for mine since 17, they did several runs of ammo during the trump slump but nothing since 2020. Have future plans of doing one in a b&m super short whenever or if ever a new smith is sourced. I'd also like to do a short 25wssm for a super short suppressor package, honestly with the over all length wssm cartridges make sense. A wssm with proper case geometry (original wssms had to slow a twist and hard to deal with thick necks) they would be viable in today's current market.

 

[fseaman]

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.

That would make the action too short for 308 length cartridges.

Does Winchester make M70 an action shorter than that?

 

[hpmag308]

Have one I bought in Montana when I was out hunting. I like it. Loaded 115 nosler silver tips. Has the heavy barrel, I think it's the coyote.

 

[Lnewton]

Thank you all for the information. If I buy it, I may just source a few boxes of ammo online and shoot it occasionally.

 

[DDB TX]

I built a wildcat AR off of the 25 WSSM case, bored out to .308. In a 24 inch barrel AR it would throw 150 grain FMJs at 3000 fps. But due to COAL limits, it would only take short 180 grainers, like the Partition Protected Point or the (discontinued) Hot Cors. The WSSMs were designed to fit in AR magazines.
Olympic Arms made a similar cartridge based on the 25 WSSM, the 300 OSSM. AR-15 framed, .308 caliber rifle. But they went out of business in 2017.

 

[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.

That would make the action too short for 308 length cartridges.

Does Winchester make M70 an action shorter than that?

They made a few. The wssm is a mini action length.

 

[hpmag308]

I built a wildcat AR off of the 25 WSSM case, bored out to .308. In a 24 inch barrel AR it would throw 150 grain FMJs at 3000 fps. But due to COAL limits, it would only take short 180 grainers, like the Partition Protected Point or the (discontinued) Hot Cors. The WSSMs were designed to fit in AR magazines.
Olympic Arms made a similar cartridge based on the 25 WSSM, the 300 OSSM. AR-15 framed, .308 caliber rifle. But they went out of business in 2017.

Olympic Arms takes their own clip or at least in 22-250.

 

[DDB TX]

Olympic Arms takes their own clip or at least in 22-250.

I had to buy customized AR mags from a guy called Seabass-16, IIRC, to get those super short super fat 25-30 WSSM cartridges to feed.

 

[hpmag308]

I had to buy customized AR mags from a guy called Seabass-16, IIRC, to get those super short super fat 25-30 WSSM cartridges to feed.

I like mine it shoots factory great. I don't reload for it, just save brass for the ruger bolt

 

[Hairtrigger]

Ohhhhhhhhhh 221 Fireball!!