M70 Ultimate Shadow SS

[varmint22man]

I'm planning on purchasing a Winchester Model 70. I'm considering the Ultimate Shadow SS in 308 and would like to get opinions on the stock.

How good is this stock? Is it sturdy, or does it flex? In other words, should I expect to have to replace the stock?

Also, is the barrel thick enough to have bored to 358 win or would I have to buy a new barrel?

Thanks.

 

[dprice3844444]

be cheaper just to order a new barrel than rebore.check with the barrel maker you chose to make the replacement barrel if the same size would be safe.external size as far as stock contact area might be the same,but the muzzle end may need to be thicker.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/rebarreling_358_rifle.htm
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?141798-NOE-35-200Gr-FN-(RCBS)-Re-run
http://milpas.cc/rifles/ZFiles/Misc/358 Winchester/The 358 Winchester.html
[url

 

[dprice3844444]

just an fyi
http://www.armslist.com/posts/2726507/minnesota-rifles-for-sale--browning-81-blr--358
http://www.armslist.com/posts/2531026/indiana-rifles-for-sale--358-hoosier-

 

[jmr40]

The Ultimate Shadow stock is good to go. The biggest difference between the Extreme Weather and SS Ultimate Shadow is the stock. And the fluting on the barrels. I removed the stock on my EW and replaced it with a McMillan. I bought mine used, but if I had not ran across a deal on a used rifle I'd have just as soon bought the Ultimate Shadow and saved the money. I can live with the US stock, not the EW.

www.cdnnsports.com sells the Ultimate Shadow stocks for $50. I bought one to use on another rifle I own. I like it far better than the much more expensive B&C stock used on the EW. It is lighter, and much trimmer in every dimension. Accuracy is exactly the same and they come with a very good recoil pad.

There would be no issue with a 358 barrel fitting the stock, but why ruin a perfectly good 308. A 200 gr bullet in a 308 is right at 100 fps slower than a 200 gr bullet in a 358. At the muzzle the 358 has a very slight edge in energy, but the 200 gr 308 bullet will out penetrate it by a wide margin as well as shooting flatter and offering far more energy at ranges much over 100 yards.

 

[red rick]

+1 with jmr40 .

I don't like the B&C stock , it is to thick in the wrist for me . I would save the money and just buy the Ultimate SS and if I didn't like the stock replace it a McMillan .

 

[Gtscotty]

I just got a Ultimate Shadow SS in .270, I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet because of the move, but I think the stock is going to be just fine. The stock on this variant isn't particularly pretty, but it is quite stout, definitely stiff enough that it shouldn't cause problems. Also, unlike my featherweight, I can't see myself being too bummed out if it gets knocked around a little bit. Like jmr40, my ultimate plan is to throw it in a nice composite stock.

I don't think I would roll the dice on reboring a brand new rifle... Also, if 30-06 would work for you, CDNN had them listed for $699. That's a pretty good deal for a stainless FN M70 especially now that they have gotten kind of scarce.

 

[Gordon]

Mine in .270 WSM has survived Africa safari 7 years ago plus deer and elk hunts since. Ugly is as ugly does I say to my pre 64 Model 70 friends (of which I am one) who hate the inserts ect.

 

[Gordon]

You know after reading the OP I would strongly advise to go with the .308. With 200 grain .308 loads you would not know the difference , and a whole lot more versatile and easier IMHO.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/38...r-200-grain-nosler-accubond-spitzer-box-of-20

 

[Geno]

I have a current model Ultimate Shadow in .243 Win and one in .308 Win. The problem I see with the .308 and a 200 grain projectile, is that the rifling is a 1 in 12 twist. I'm not sure it would stabilize that heavy of a projectile. Yes, the factory stock is like Tupperware. But, it shoots very well, especially with 165 grain Sierra Game King HPs. For what it is worth, when funds permit, I have thought of adding a B&C Medalist stock; I have had good luck with them thus far.

Geno

 

[Gordon]

While I have only shot round nose 200 grain (like the old 200 grain factory loads) out of various 1-12 .308s, I have heard many reports like this:
200 grain Nosler Partition 308 Winchester Load Results
Finally put my heavy 308 load over the chronograph.

My average velocity out of a 20 in. barrel was 2,464 FPS and a deviation of only 22 fps. I have no doubt this load will give 2,500 fps or more from a 22 in. barrel.

The load consists of Winchester Brass, 47 grains of Alliant MR-2000 powder, CCI standard rifle primers, and the Nosler 200 grain partition. The bullet was seated to standard cartridge overall length specs for the 308 winchester. The brass showed no signs of excessive pressure, and no extraction issues.

There was still a touch of space left in the case for more powder. The MR-2000 is very dense and gives great results. You could probably fit another grain or two of powder in the case, but not necessary with this kind of performance. The 1:12" twist of my Savage Model 99 stabilized the bullet. Dang good velocity from a short barrel, and I highly recommend this recipe to other 308 Win. to other shooters.