300 Win Mag???

[DDWing]

So, I realize this is a personal decision. I am just trying to get a little feedback.

I am thinking strongly of going with a 300 WM for my next rifle. I already have one, pre-64 M70 that was my dads. It shoots great, but…… it is a shoulder killer. I can't bring myself to putting a muzzle brake on it due to collector and sentimental value.

So here's the dilemma. I can go out of the box with something like X-Bolt, Tikka, bergara, or others for around the price point I am thinking. What would I be looking at custom-wise? Right now I am looking at just the rifle. I will figure out optics at a later time.

My goal is 800+ Yards. This will be used for hunting also. So weight is a consideration, but it doesn't have to be the featherweight option.

I am already a setup to load 300 WM which is another reason. I don't really want a new caliber due to how tough it is is to get certain things at the moment.

You could install a Witt clamp on muzzle brake on your existing rifle for about $90.00, and still keep it original, but you would reduce recoil by about 50%. It wouldn't damage your rifle at all.

 

[Teri Anne]

So, I realize this is a personal decision. I am just trying to get a little feedback.

I am thinking strongly of going with a 300 WM for my next rifle. I already have one, pre-64 M70 that was my dads. It shoots great, but…… it is a shoulder killer. I can't bring myself to putting a muzzle brake on it due to collector and sentimental value.

So here's the dilemma. I can go out of the box with something like X-Bolt, Tikka, bergara, or others for around the price point I am thinking. What would I be looking at custom-wise? Right now I am looking at just the rifle. I will figure out optics at a later time.

My goal is 800+ Yards. This will be used for hunting also. So weight is a consideration, but it doesn't have to be the featherweight option.

I am already a setup to load 300 WM which is another reason. I don't really want a new caliber due to how tough it is is to get certain things at the moment.

Well I have to agree with your decision not to desecrate your Dad's Model 70, a muzzle brake or even a recoil pad would ruin it's collectors value. I currently own a Browning AB3 Hunter, Walnut stock with stock recoil pad 26 inch barrel with a custom muzzle brake and topped with a Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6 x 24 x 50 scope. It shoots less than 1 MOA with both 165 and 180 Federal Premium ammo and with the 26 inch barrel is able to utilize all the powder in a standard 300 WM round. After all is said and done it's around $600 less than an XBolt and just as accurate. This rifle has less recoil than either my 270 or 30-06 which makes it comfortable to shoot. Another good choice but with a slightly higher price tag would be a Tikka T3X set up the same. Take your time, don't rush into anything.

 

[Chadp82]

I appreciate all of the input!

First major takeaway - don't rush it as many have said. It's not a need to have, so the decision can be well thought.

I imagine if I sold it (which would be a tough ledge to step off of), in reality someone may dismantle it anyway. I may go chat with a gunsmith at a shop that does a lot of collector type rifles and see what my options may be to retain value, but modify what I have. If it seems to much to take, I can always put it back in the safe untouched and buy one. On the other hand I do like what someone said about keeping the connection, but consider a few modifications that can be reversed.

My dilemma still stands, but great feedback thus far.

 

[TBell]

So, I realize this is a personal decision. I am just trying to get a little feedback.

I am thinking strongly of going with a 300 WM for my next rifle. I already have one, pre-64 M70 that was my dads. It shoots great, but…… it is a shoulder killer. I can't bring myself to putting a muzzle brake on it due to collector and sentimental value.

So here's the dilemma. I can go out of the box with something like X-Bolt, Tikka, bergara, or others for around the price point I am thinking. What would I be looking at custom-wise? Right now I am looking at just the rifle. I will figure out optics at a later time.

My goal is 800+ Yards. This will be used for hunting also. So weight is a consideration, but it doesn't have to be the featherweight option.

I am already a setup to load 300 WM which is another reason. I don't really want a new caliber due to how tough it is is to get certain things at the moment.

These guys did a great job for me. #406 is actually my gun. I'm sure you would prefer a thinner barrel profile for weight but still thick enough to be threaded, and possibly a lighter hunting stock but I have had some 2-1/2 " groups out to 600 with an ELD M 208gr.

It came with a 3/8" 100 yard target that they shot. They can guaranty 1/2" MOA guns.

 

[TBell]

These guys did a great job for me. #406 is actually my gun. I'm sure you would prefer a thinner barrel profile for weight but still thick enough to be threaded, and possibly a lighter hunting stock but I have had some 2-1/2 " groups out to 600 with an ELD M 208gr.

It came with a 3/8" 100 yard target that they shot. They can guaranty 1/2" MOA guns.

Sorry forgot this: https://remington700rifle.com/

 

[Nukemonster]

So, I realize this is a personal decision. I am just trying to get a little feedback.

I am thinking strongly of going with a 300 WM for my next rifle. I already have one, pre-64 M70 that was my dads. It shoots great, but…… it is a shoulder killer. I can't bring myself to putting a muzzle brake on it due to collector and sentimental value.

So here's the dilemma. I can go out of the box with something like X-Bolt, Tikka, bergara, or others for around the price point I am thinking. What would I be looking at custom-wise? Right now I am looking at just the rifle. I will figure out optics at a later time.

My goal is 800+ Yards. This will be used for hunting also. So weight is a consideration, but it doesn't have to be the featherweight option.

I am already a setup to load 300 WM which is another reason. I don't really want a new caliber due to how tough it is is to get certain things at the moment.

I've owned 2 commercial rifles in 300 Win mag, a Sako A7 Long Range and my current hunter is the Christensen Arms Mesa, both have muzzle breaks. Both will take the distance and both have to be patient with the shooter. I reload for the 300, but my go to hunting round is the 200 gr Hornady ELD-X. I could go lighter but both rifles liked them and I have 6 boxes of them before Covid, so I'm good for a while.

 

[WarnShotHunter]

I have a browning Xbolt long range 300 WM I have been shooting the ELDX 220s with good results. I haven't shot past 500 yet, but I have been very pleased with it. I got it last year for about $1100. I also own a Fierce Fury in another caliber ($2000) the Fierce is lighter and shoots great, but if I had it to do again I would have bought an Xbolt instead. I could have used the price difference for a better scope.

 

[DoneNOut]

Guns last longer than people. If you don't use that M70 the way you want to while you are alive, somebody else will have all the fun with it after you are dead. I would think the sentimental value would be preserved with your character added to the gun. Two things tame a 300 WM to .243 felt recoil; A muzzle brake and a good recoil pad. (Don't get a radial brake either, they kick up the dust and debris like mad)

 

[NW Sportsman]

So, I realize this is a personal decision. I am just trying to get a little feedback.

I am thinking strongly of going with a 300 WM for my next rifle. I already have one, pre-64 M70 that was my dads. It shoots great, but…… it is a shoulder killer. I can't bring myself to putting a muzzle brake on it due to collector and sentimental value.

So here's the dilemma. I can go out of the box with something like X-Bolt, Tikka, bergara, or others for around the price point I am thinking. What would I be looking at custom-wise? Right now I am looking at just the rifle. I will figure out optics at a later time.

My goal is 800+ Yards. This will be used for hunting also. So weight is a consideration, but it doesn't have to be the featherweight option.

I am already a setup to load 300 WM which is another reason. I don't really want a new caliber due to how tough it is is to get certain things at the moment.

I use a Benelli R 1 with a ARGO system. My old .30-06 bolt action has a more savage kick than my Benelli R 1 in .300 win mag. The Benelli has more of a push than a kick. I have an artificial shoulder and my Orthopedic surgeon is overjoyed with my choice

 

[NW Sportsman]

I use a Benelli R 1 in .300 Win Mag. It definitely has a reduced recoil than my old Remington .30-06. The Benelli has more of a push than a kick. I have an artificial shoulder and my Orthopedic Surgeon is overjoyed on my choice.
I have not had an opportunity to shoot out the distances you are talking but the accuracy is 1" M.O.A. at 100 yards.
Hope this helps.
Dave

 

[Stgraves260]

For what it's worth, I have christensen, Bergara, proof etc... my go to is a tikka 7mm for hunting (lopes, deer, elk) smoothest shooter/action imo

I'm looking at Christensen arms myself. All I've every bought was Remington rifles or do a custom build. It will be a change for me. I've shot all kinds of barrel and the one I keep going back to is Krieger. It's been Krieger barrels for me sense around the year 2000. In my experience I have just never had to break one in or foul it out for it to shoot true. Krieger barrels just flat out shoot.

 

[Stgraves260]

I use a Benelli R 1 with a ARGO system. My old .30-06 bolt action has a more savage kick than my Benelli R 1 in .300 win mag. The Benelli has more of a push than a kick. I have an artificial shoulder and my Orthopedic surgeon is overjoyed with my choice

I understand the sentimental value. LimbSaver makes a slip on recoil pad if that would be a option for you. There are some bolt on muzzle brakes as well. Those could be some quick inexpensive fixes for now before you bite the bullet in a new gun. If you do both you are talking a major reduction in recoil. Those add ons will not damage your rifle in any way. Take them off and on yourself without any special tools.

 

[Pacecount]

I would tell you to look at cost for yourself… Make sure you figure in the cost of a good scope as well.

The Tikka/Sako will shoot 1 MOA or better. As far as the Browning I am not as familiar but I have a buddy who loves his.

As far as custom look at Lane Precision or McWhorter…. I have a McWhorter. Both make an exceptional rifle and if you don't reload they will load your ammo for you.

I am shooting a 7mm RM w VLD 180 (BC .673) @2950 FPS with a Vortex AMG (6-24x50) and I love the setup.

 

[staghunter]

I have a Savage 116 stainless fluted barrel and comes with a open or shut brake. It won't hurt your shoulder at all. I love it and continue to develop more loads for it. Right now working with the HH 180gr. N568 had a good group but you fill the case before you power out. So I'm trying RL17 and some Peterson brass. Sorry I another tangent. Love my gun. Love Savage's period. Just my 2 cents.