New rifle build...can't make up my mind. Clear heads needed

[Infrequent Shooter]

wowView attachment 1553543

 

[X Count]

It's the ultimate 30, but I'm going to stay away from Weatherby. (Except for the action ) Too rich for my blood. Plus it's a .590 bolt face. If I went .590 bolt face, I'd go 338 Norma Mag.

Oh yeah. . . . .many many things are wrong with it! But juicy curves and fat butts need love too. . . . . .and we all know they push back harder!

 

[Judd]

I’m glad we were clear heads and solved this problem for Lead, his gun build count is now at 6 or 7 rifles…I lost count

 

[SixFive]

It is hard to decide isn't it? Haha

How's the brass availability/options with the 30 Nosler? I'm not finding much with it. Seems like everything i find is priced the same as the 33 Nosler and that's kind of why I settled on the 33 vs the 30. The 250gr bullets sound fun.

I ran into a deal on Gunbroker and picked up 150rnds of new brass for $90.00 WAS A STEAL! But yeah it is normally pricey!

 

[SixFive]

I wanted a .300 WSM but ran out of actions to build one on and did not want to spend a lot of money on it. So I did something a little silly. Pictured below is probably the only Savage Axis (Walmart Gun) rebuilt in .300 WSM. Kept the build cost very low and am now working loads for it as pictured. Go ahead laugh, I laughed too until I shot it

Savage axis donor - $300
Repurposed 308 take off barre - Free
Used Boyds stock off Ebay - $250
Magnum Bolt head - $30.00
Extended bolt handle -$40.00
Ebay Muzzle brake -$20.00
Arken Scope Used Ebay - $300

So the total rig cost shooting less them half MOA out the gate without load development around $1000

Moral of the story, THIS SAYS A LOT FOR 300WSM

I did all my own machine work, bedding, chambering, etc...

First time out it shot the group shown below

LOAD:

67.5gr of Staball 6.5
168gr Federal Trophy Bonded (Tactical) bullet
Rem 9 1/2 Mag primer
COL=2.850
Light crimp

 

[quest450]

I always wanted a "BIG" gun too and finally had one build, it's a 41Lb 300WSM benchrest heavy gun, Roy Hunter stock, chambered by Alex Wheeler, just fireformed some brass and started load development.

 

[quest450]

BulletCentral has a great price on Berger 215 Hybrid Target bullets

Berger Bullets, .30 Cal, 215gr, Hybrid Target, 30729, (Qty 250)

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bulletcentral.com

 

[Lead Slanger]

I’m glad we were clear heads and solved this problem for Lead, his gun build count is now at 6 or 7 rifles…I lost count

Making it hard on this poor boy.

 

[Lead Slanger]

After going back and researching some suggestions again (mainly the 30 Nosler and 300 RUM), I think I've narrowed it down to the WSM or the PRC...... Or the 33 Nosler. Haha. No, just the WSM or PRC. Both have things that appeal to me. Just gotta make my mind up on which one appeals the most.

 

[hoz53]

I wanted a .300 WSM but ran out of actions to build one on and did not want to spend a lot of money on it. So I did something a little silly. Pictured below is probably the only Savage Axis (Walmart Gun) rebuilt in .300 WSM. Kept the build cost very low and am now working loads for it as pictured. Go ahead laugh, I laughed too until I shot it

Savage axis donor - $300
Repurposed 308 take off barre - Free
Used Boyds stock off Ebay - $250
Magnum Bolt head - $30.00
Extended bolt handle -$40.00
Ebay Muzzle brake -$20.00
Arken Scope Used Ebay - $300

So the total rig cost shooting less them half MOA out the gate without load development around $1000

Moral of the story, THIS SAYS A LOT FOR 300WSM

I did all my own machine work, bedding, chambering, etc...

First time out it shot the group shown below

LOAD:

67.5gr of Staball 6.5
168gr Federal Trophy Bonded (Tactical) bullet
Rem 9 1/2 Mag primer
COL=2.850
Light crimp

got me thinkin. i have all the parts except a barrel and a reamer. did you have to buy a reamer?- how long is your barrel. i have a 700 action and actually a unfired factory 5R barrel in 300 WM varmint taper. gotta measure it as i would have to cut an inch or two off to rechamber. not sure i want less than a 26 on a 300 wwm. thanks

 

[Lead Slanger]

Alright..... Here it is. Final answer.

I do thank everyone for their input. It did make me think and do some serious studying. @Judd was right. I think the best answer is two rifles. If I do it that way, it seems to make more sense and makes for a better plan. (Plus that is two rifles instead of one ) I'm going to have to build them slowly, but the first one to be built will be the 300 WSM. The second one will be the 33 Nosler.

I'll do the WSM first because (1) my powder supply is geared more towards that cartridge at the moment and (2) It'll ease me in to Magnum territory to get a good feel for it. Once I get it done, I'll start with the 33 Nosler. The gap between the 30.06, 300 WSM and the 33 Nosler are spaced out nicely. No two cartridges so close to each other that you really can't tell the difference. It makes sense to me anyway.

I appreciate the input everyone!

 

[muleystalker]

Some considerations:

Brass. Available and reasonable. And more than two firings.....
If you are limited to the 307's bolt face the Norma and Lapuas are out.
300WM....everybody has one. 300WSM, great round, too close to 30.06 the op already has.
300Wby....Brass not the best and expensive.
30 Nos...soft nosler brass. At least it used to be, maybe it's better now.
300 PRC...good brass and available. Good cartridge design, it's the darling now.

300 RUM for the win. With a 28" you will be surprised how fast you can send the 215 and 230's.

There is lots of great 28 and 30 Nosler brass out there. The Nosler brand 28& 30 brass is very good, I have many stout loadings on mine, ADG makes it, Peterson I believe and ALPHA.

As far as 300WSM no telling when Lapua will get that out if its like other cases they have brought out.

As far as a 300RUM a 30-28 Nosler will do what it does if your loading mag length and do it better.

 

[Jr solocam]

What is the case capacity of a 30-28 Nosler? I think the 28 is 97, and the 30 is 99 maybe....

I load to mag length in my RUM, the coal with the 230 is 3.9".

 

[Jr solocam]

Alright..... Here it is. Final answer.

I do thank everyone for their input. It did make me think and do some serious studying. @Judd was right. I think the best answer is two rifles. If I do it that way, it seems to make more sense and makes for a better plan. (Plus that is two rifles instead of one ) I'm going to have to build them slowly, but the first one to be built will be the 300 WSM. The second one will be the 33 Nosler.

I'll do the WSM first because (1) my powder supply is geared more towards that cartridge at the moment and (2) It'll ease me in to Magnum territory to get a good feel for it. Once I get it done, I'll start with the 33 Nosler. The gap between the 30.06, 300 WSM and the 33 Nosler are spaced out nicely. No two cartridges so close to each other that you really can't tell the difference. It makes sense to me anyway.

I appreciate the input everyone!

I think you have a good plan. Out of curiosity why did you choose the 33 Nosler over the Edge, RUM, Norma, Lapua, etc?

 

[Webster]

Oh yeah. . . . .many many things are wrong with it! But juicy curves and fat butts need love too. . . . . .and we all know they push back harder!

I've always wanted a "big" rifle. I don't need one, but this is America by golly.....I just want one and that's a good enough reason. Right now, a 30-06 is the largest caliber I own. Never could talk myself into something else, because it'll do everything I need and more. Well, now I'm throwing all sensible thinking out the window and I'd like some help deciding on what I want to chamber it in.

A little forewarning..... Some of you will read this and say "I thought he wanted a big gun???" These are as big as I want to handle and have to worry about feeding.

I'll start off saying what the rifle will be (or close to) and it's indeed purpose. I'm going to buy a Weatherby 307 long action, Magnum bolt face and have a Brux (probably) barrel screwed on. Heavy Varmint or MTU contour, most likely 28" long. Haven't decided on the stock yet, but it'll be a A3 type stock. It's just going to be for fun. No competitions (as of now) and no hunting, just fun at the range.

I've been all over the place with ideas on what I would like it chambered in. I started out wanting a 300 PRC and then thought, "no.....a 300 WSM would be better." More cost friendly from the reloading side and still good ballistics. Then I started thinking again....."nope.... That doesn't have enough "wow" factor" (Which I know is stupid) and then set my sights on a 33 Nosler. Now I feel like I'm stuck between all of them and can't make mind up. I'm in a state of analysis paralysis. I know it really doesn't matter, but I figured it would make for some good bench racing. From those three calibers with my intend purpose, which would you choose and why?

I know a 30 caliber will have a lot more variety of components to choose from and cost at the minimum $1 less per round to shoot, but it's all good. I don't see it being a rifle that I'm going to shoot like I do my Creedmoor, but I still want one none the less.

Loading for 338 I think you may be close to $3 a shot. Availability of brass and bullets? I would be scared to shoot a heavy bullet for varmint hunting. Way over kill, high recoil and ricochets. Number one be realistic about the distance you will shoot. I consider my rifles a tool and not something to impress myself or other people with. My 6BR and 6BRX will reach out as far as I will ever shoot. I only had 1 rifle for GH hunting for about 40 years. Kept upgrading the barrels and calibers. I don’t understand guys owning 5-10 rifles. I don't want to sound nasty that's just how I target shoot and hunt.

 

[Lead Slanger]

Loading for 338 I think you may be close to $3 a shot. Availability of brass and bullets? I would be scared to shoot a heavy bullet for varmint hunting. Way over kill, high recoil and ricochets. Number one be realistic about the distance you will shoot. I consider my rifles a tool and not something to impress myself or other people with. My 6BR and 6BRX will reach out as far as I will ever shoot. I only had 1 rifle for GH hunting for about 40 years. Kept upgrading the barrels and calibers. I don’t understand guys owning 5-10 rifles. I don't want to sound nasty that's just how I target shoot and hunt.

I don't take it as you being nasty, but What? You don't understand someone owning 5-10 rifles?? That boggles my mind.

Yeah, 338 will be around that price. I sure wouldn't Varmint hunt with it. The rifles I have will shoot the distances I *need* to shoot. I'm glad it's not all about needs. I just want one. Never know when you may need to fend off an elephant attack.

 

[Lead Slanger]

I think you have a good plan. Out of curiosity why did you choose the 33 Nosler over the Edge, RUM, Norma, Lapua, etc?

A compromise between them all, really.

If I went .590 bolt face, it would, without a doubt, be a Norma. The main reason not for the Norma or Lapua is the bolt face. That would really all be dependant on a decent action at a decent price.

The Edge and the Rum are awesome cartridges as well. The only reason I snubbed them is mag length.

The Nosler still gives good performance with 250's without a large bolt face or super long COAL/magazine issues. By the time I get around to messing with that, I may change my mind on an Edge or Rum. This thread is proof that I can't really make my mind up.

 

[Judd]

What is the case capacity of a 30-28 Nosler? I think the 28 is 97, and the 30 is 99 maybe....

I load to mag length in my RUM, the coal with the 230 is 3.9".

28’s got more case capacity than the 30. Backwards from my thinking, but I don’t run Nosler…probably a good thing because there would be some changes

 

[Jr solocam]

A compromise between them all, really.

If I went .590 bolt face, it would, without a doubt, be a Norma. The main reason not for the Norma or Lapua is the bolt face. That would really all be dependant on a decent action at a decent price.

The Edge and the Rum are awesome cartridges as well. The only reason I snubbed them is mag length.

The Nosler still gives good performance with 250's without a large bolt face or super long COAL/magazine issues. By the time I get around to messing with that, I may change my mind on an Edge or Rum. This thread is proof that I can't really make my mind up.

Out of curiosity again.....are you working with an existing action or buying a new one? I built a 338 Norma (Dallas Lane) and 2650 is effortless with a 300 EH and H1000. With more work on my end and slower powders 2750 is realistic. Anyway, don't mean to bug you just killing time.

 

[Jr solocam]

Loading for 338 I think you may be close to $3 a shot. Availability of brass and bullets? I would be scared to shoot a heavy bullet for varmint hunting. Way over kill, high recoil and ricochets. Number one be realistic about the distance you will shoot. I consider my rifles a tool and not something to impress myself or other people with. My 6BR and 6BRX will reach out as far as I will ever shoot. I only had 1 rifle for GH hunting for about 40 years. Kept upgrading the barrels and calibers. I don’t understand guys owning 5-10 rifles. I don't want to sound nasty that's just how I target shoot and hunt.

Then I guess you would really be confused by someone who owns 85 rifles. Brass, bullets are more expensive in 338 yes, but available. Nobody I know hunts varmints with a 338. And I like to impress myself once in awhile.