To Re-barrel or buy ?

[Big Bad Bob]

Here is a dilemma I dont run into quite often, mainly because I dont have the cash, but now I do.


I have a Win. Model 70 crf in .300wsm, I really like it but unfortunately on its best day its a 1.5 to 2 MOA rifle. I want to start shooting at longer distance 700, 800 plus yards. I have the glass, I just need the rifle.

So here is the question, do I rebarrel or do I buy new? For the money they are about the same, I want to stay with the .300 wsm cartridge, since I already invested in dies, bullets, etc.

Thoughts?

 

[jerkface11]

Buy a new what? Rifle with another factory barrel? Re-barrel to something nice and hand lapped. I use http://www.mcgowenbarrel.com/ .

 

[rcmodel]

IMO: The chances of a new one shooting any over-bore magnum any better then the old one is slim to none.

The FN Model 70 action is not the problem.

A new premium barrel and some skilled gunsmith to install & bed it would be your best bet.

On the otherhand, can or have you consistently shot any other Fast & Loud magnum rifle better then 1.5 to 2 MOA in the past???

rc

 

[2ndtimer]

Bob,
I faced a similar quandary with my trusty Model 70 Super Shadow in .270WSM. The cost of rebarreling was just as much as a new Savage package rifle with scope in the same caliber. I was torn, as I have had good experiences with Savage rifles in other calibers. Then I decided I didn't really want another rifle with a plastic trigger guard, so I found a new Model 70 Ultimate Shadow at the local Wholesale Sports in .270 WSM. I still have my old Model 70 Super Shadow, and it is still hunting accurate, MOA on a good day after a good cleaning, 1.5 to 2.0 on others. I may still rebarrel it down the road, but hopefully my new one will become my "go to" rifle, and my oldest son can use the old one with or without a new tube.

 

[Big Bad Bob]

Thanks to all especially 2ndTimer!

I am in the same boat as 2ndTimer actually just different caliber. My M70 is a super shadow as well, and I really like it, I just want it to be more accurate. I have the opportunity next year to deer hunt on some nice long beanfields, max range is 700-800m. I have a Remington 700 AAC-SD in .308 but at the distance I would prefer the long range performance and knock down of the .300WSM.

I have inquired to Hart, and other smiths as well as Teludyne Tech and their straightjacket barrel system and muzzle brake.

I have the opportunity to purchase a lightly used M70 Coyote in a laminate stock in 300wsm. I am also looking at a new Tikka T3 in .300wsm which they guarantee to be 1MOA out of the box. I recently acquired a new Nikon Buckmaster BDC 4.5-14x40 BDC so I have the glass and I have a range at that distance to practice between now and next september. I have hit targets accruatley out to 500m but haven't had the chance to go beyond until now.

Its a tough decision and one I am putting alot of thought in, I rarely have the funds to do this and may not again for awhile.

Thanks yall for the help!

 

[hawk45]

The Model 70 action is a fantastic action. If you are serious about precision long range shooting, I would look at having a good gunsmith true your existing action and rebarrel to something better suited for your needs. Since you have a short action, I would say .243 or .260 would be perfect and get you out past 1000yds if you get the opportunity. Being you have a WSM bolt, you may need to get that swapped out, but for the distances you want to shoot a magnum caliber is not needed. Heck a long throated .223 shooting heavies 70-80gr can do 800yds. I think it's worth calling some shops like GAP or Patriot Arms or Southern Precision Rifles... or any other good smith.

That being said, I love to build Savages and Stevens up at home. It's like the bolt action version of an AR (man's lego system). Heck, a stock Stevens .243 dropped into a nice stock will shoot MOA or better.. all mine have, even with the pencil barrels. Working a 300WM Savage 111 build right now. So if you have a few good options.

One major question.. what are your current loads you've developed? Having the right loads to each particular rifle is key. Seating depth, bullet weight, powder, runout are all major factors in an accurate load. Also, is your 70 is free-floated? Has it been glass bedded? What type of stock is it in?

 

[Big Bad Bob]

Thanks Hawk, ill look into those guys.


Yes, i do reload, I recently worked up some nice .308 168 gr. Hornandy BTHPs under IMR 8208XBR, dropped 5 consecutive shots under a quarter at a 100yrds with my 1/10 twist 20' Rem. 700 AAC-SD

 

[hawk45]

I made a few changes to my original post.. missed the part you reloaded.. so a few more suggestions and questions added if you missed those..

 

[witchhunter]

New barrel, hands down. buy quality get quality. You will be surprised how nice a benchrest barrrel is compared to factory stuff. Have it bedded and lapped, trigger tuned. Keep it clean and enjoy.

 

[Big Bad Bob]

Got it, edited mine to reply to your comment on reloading, Thanks

 

[StrawHat]

Are you looking for a hunting or target rifle?

If you are looking for a "target rifle" for 600 or 1000 yard shooting, see what the fellows competing at that range use and decide what you want or can afford.

 

[adelbridge]

I am mostly unsatisfied with off the shelf rifles and find myself puttling money and parts into production guns to get them to run the way I want them to. It is usually a long painful process but in the end you end up with some personal satisfaction and a rifle you cant sell for what you put into it. You have a good foundation for a custom rig. Get a new barrel and a nice trigger and you are set.

 

[Archie]

Just as a thought, examine the muzzle.

Not a few 'inaccurate' rifles have been 'fixed' by simply recrowning the muzzle. Compared to re-barreling, the price is cheap.

 

[jmr40]

I'd have a competent gunsmith go over it. I'd bet it just needs a little tweaking to get you down under 1" groups. I bought a SS Winchester Classic in 300 WSM slightly used with a decent $200 scope on it 2 years ago for only $400 because the previous owner couldn't get it to shoot. Around 2" was the best I could do on the first few outings, but with a little tweaking on my part with bedding I am now getting this.

Top left target. I pulled one or would have put 5 shots into 1/2".

 

[jerkface11]

How does the rifle shoot when totally clean? How does it shoot when it hasn't been cleaned in 50 rounds? My Ruger .264 win mag won't shoot for crap till it's got 50 down the tube.

 

[joed]

A few years ago I was in the same position with a Remington 700 that I own. The cost of a new rifle or new barrel were pretty close and I couldn't make up my mind.

I really liked the rifle and ultimately decided on a new Krieger barrel. I couldn't be happier. What used to shoot 1" groups now shoots under 1/2". The big surprise is cleanup. I used to spend a lot of time cleaning the old factory barrel. The new barrel is done with 2 patches.

If I were faced with this situation again, hands down, I'd spend the money on a high quality barrel.