What should I do with this Model 70 .223WSSM

[mcfadden222]

I bought one of these model 70 223 WSSM for dirt cheap. I was gonna just resale it but I kind of want to build a rifle with the action. Are my options limited to the 300WSM bc of the bolt? I dont know much about building rifles at this point and gunsmiths are scarce around here. Im just trying to do some research and get some ideas. Thanks for the help..

 

[rcmodel]

Yea. The bolt is the kick in the pants.

The WHIZZEM cases / bolt face are neither fish nor fowl.

Too big for standard calibers, and most of the belted magnums are too long to work in the action or magazine.

You could make a single shot out of it I guess.

But even then, a loaded round won't clear the ejection port unless you take the bolt out.

rc

 

[mcfadden222]

so I should prob just sell it. I assume finding a bolt is impossible or expensive?

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Could convert it to 358 WSSM.

http://www.bfgcartridges.com/358BFG.html

 

[rcmodel]

I assume finding a bolt is impossible or expensive?

Yes.

But even if you did, it still doesn't address the action length / short port problem with any standard length calibers.

rc

 

[NCsmitty]

I have reloaded for the 223 WSSM, and it's at least the equal of the 22-250 in performance, but if you don't reload, then you might better sell it. As rcmodel mentioned, it doesn't easily lend itself to conversion to anything else but the WSSM line or some wildcat that fits the bill, and that can get expensive.



NCsmitty

 

[mcfadden222]

that 358 wssm is pretty cool but I think I'll just avoid the headache and sell it and start over. Thanks for the input

 

[303tom]

Could just leave it a .223 WSSM.........

 

[hardluk1]

This is a questuion for you wssm shooters. Is the action lenght for the wssm cartridges an extra short lenght or a standard 308 lenght?? If it is the 308 lenght then the OP has the wsm based cartidges to pick from. IF not, there are enough that shoot 6.5mm and 7mm wssm versions to offer advise at 6br/ accurateshooter forum to answer questions.

 

[lkramer]

mcfadden: Rebarrel it to the 6.5 WSSM! Great cartridge for deer and Long Range.
BillK (forum contributor @ accurateshooter.com said his 6.5 WSSM shoots the high BC 140gr. Bergers @ 3070 fps!, same velocity as his 6.5-.284, but with 8.5% less powder!
If memory serves me, in 2005, a 6.5 WSSM came in 2nd or 3rd. in 1000 yd. National finals. The straight 25 WSSM is a fantastic (longer range capable w/enough twist) caliber. (Hornady now makes a new higher BC bullet also.)

 

[jmr40]

I could be wrong, but I think the WSSM's are built on a different, even shorter action than the WSM's. If so you are pretty much stuck with one of the WSSM's

The 300 and 270 WSM's are good rounds that are only going to continue to grow in popularity. In another generation the 300 WSM will bump the 300 win mag from the top spot in the 30 cal magnum heap.

Sorry, I just noticed the date on this thread. Let it die!

 

[303tom]

I could be wrong, but I think the WSSM's are built on a different, even shorter action than the WSM's. If so you are pretty much stuck with one of the WSSM's

The 300 and 270 WSM's are good rounds that are only going to continue to grow in popularity. In another generation the 300 WSM will bump the 300 win mag from the top spot in the 30 cal magnum heap.

Sorry, I just noticed the date on this thread. Let it die!

Yes the WSSM`s are some 10mm shorter than the WSM`s & are on a shorter action.............

 

[Kachok]

I would totaly wildcat it to 6.5WSSM, though the 25WSSM is a great little deer thumper too, in between the 25-06 and 257 Roberts on the power scale, the guys who owns the local gun store has one and loves it to death. He raves about it just as bad as I do my 6.5mms.