Light 300 WSM build

[ATH]

I've decided to start putting together a light 300 WSM (on a Savage). A few questions:
- 24" or 26" barrel? I'm used to shooting a standard 300WM so I feel I'm already giving up something stepping down from 200gr to 180gr bullets (this is a short action), I'm concerned how much velocity I may be giving up with 2" of barrel but have no experience with this.
- I plan on this being a blind mag setup to minimize weight; will this increase my max OAL length at all to help alleviate the OAL concerns encountered with WSMs in a short action?
- Light scope mounts? Any one-piecers available with built-in 20MOA at a reasonable price?
- Suggestions on a light stock for a Savage?
- Light scope? Nikon Buckmaster is my go-to but if I can find a light 30mm tube at a reasonable price, of similar weight, I may be swayed.
- Any other tips to maximize WSM performance in a short action for a 800-900yd gun? I have a dedicated LRH 300WM but hope that this will be at least capable of it if needed. Some of my hikes are getting a bit long for the 12lb gun and a 4 day camp.

I'm planning on a Shilen drop-in barrel and having it threaded for a removable brake FWIW.

 

[liltank]

I own a 300WSM. I would stick with a 26" or longer. That will help keep your velocity up. Use a 200grn Accu-bond, 208 A-max, 190 or 210 Berger (210 what I'm using) at 2850 to 2950fps. This will do all you want it to do on deer size game to just a little over 1000yrds. For stocks I would look go with one of the Manner's stock with the 90% carbon fiber. I forget which model, but it sounds pretty light.

Tank

 

[ATH]

I own a 300WSM. I would stick with a 26" or longer. That will help keep your velocity up. Use a 200grn Accu-bond, 208 A-max, 190 or 210 Berger (210 what I'm using) at 2850 to 2950fps. This will do all you want it to do on deer size game to just a little over 1000yrds. For stocks I would look go with one of the Manner's stock with the 90% carbon fiber. I forget which model, but it sounds pretty light.

Tank

Did you have to do anything special to keep the 200-class bullets seated out long enough to give you the case capacity for that velocity and still mag feed?

 

[liltank]

Nope, mine actually touch the lands at mag length, now that might be due to the reamer the smith used, but I actually have mine set .005" off the lands and still fit in my DBM short action Savage Low Pro Mod 12.

Tank

 

[SBruce]

Kirby is building me a 9lb 300 WSM. He said that weight/balance shouldn't be a problem with a 26" fluted barrel.......I forget the contour he mentioned though. So the 26" tube is doable. The Nightforce Aluminum rings/bases/unimount may be worth checking into.

 

[liltank]

I just re-read your post. If you are happy with the Buckmaster, I would stick with it. It will be as light a scope as you could get I would think. I own two Buckmasters myself. I have the 4.5-14 and the 6-18 w/target dot. Seing that you are limiting yourself to 8 or 900 yards, I would push the 190 Berger at 2950 to 3000 fps which is very doable. Less recoil and all the bullet you will need. The problem I was having was finding them. Definitely stick with a small mm objective. The bigger it is the heavier it is. Might want to look at the Vortex Viper line and Sightron SII line. The Burris Full Field tactical might be something to consider also.

Tank

 

[BIG MO]

Yep, don't sweat the velocity with the 300WSM. 2950-3000fps with the 190 berger is no problem. I'm currently pushing the 190 @3000fps from a 24 inch barrel.

I have a leupold 3x9 mark 2 with 1/2moa clicks in talley light weights on mine. This combo gets me to 1150 yds, no 20moa base needed.