WSM feed problems?

[elktrout]

I have read in a few forums and websites that the short magnum cartridges have two problems:

1. The 35 degree shoulders, coupled with the fat bodies, cause feed problems and subsequent jams. One website even warned that these cartridges should never be considered for a dangerous game rifles.

2. The rim is somewhat recessed from the diameter of the cartridge base and can result in the bolt sliding right over the cartridge on the forward stroke, thus failing to pick it up from the magazine.

Has anyone incurred any of these problems?

I was considering either a Winchester 70 (CRF) or Kimber. Would a controlled round feed gun like these eliminate the potential for the above issues?

I'd appreciate your comments.

 

[dakotasin]

i've never had problems w/ mine.

doesn't mean they don't exist, but it means i have personally never had an issue in my wsm-chambered rifles.

 

[Gordon]

I have a 1999 Model 70 Ultimate Shadow in .270 WSM that took my 2 deer each this last 2 years and 8 head of game in So. Africa this fall. It feeds slcker than snot, never a hint of jammin. I heard that rumr too, but at least in MY M-70 it don't. Also my buddy's .300 WSM in a Howa has also been to the same places and has had no problemos.

 

[gvnwst]

2. The rim is somewhat recessed from the diameter of the cartridge base and can result in the bolt sliding right over the cartridge on the forward stroke, thus failing to pick it up from the magazine.

IIRC, the WSM family has a magnum size bolt face (non recessed), and a body that is the diemeter of the belt on "normal" magnum catridges, that is what gives the extra capacity. In a bolt action, espically with controlled feed, there should be be no problems at all.

 

[Horsemany]

I sold a Kimber 8400 in 300WSM because it fed like ^%*. It's not a rumor. Polishing the feed ramp on Kimbers is commonplace. Some types of guns have more problems with WSM's than others. Tikka's feed them flawlessly because of the single stack magazine. Sakos feed them well too. I've read the potential for feeding problems with WSM's is enhanced with CRF actions. In the guns I've owned in WSM that has been the case as well.

 

[Runningman]

Would a controlled round feed gun like these eliminate the potential for the above issues?

Not necessarily.

I got a new Winchester 70 in 300 WSM around 2002. It has some feeding issues that have never been fully resolved. One gunsmith made a comment about the staggered feeding of the short & fat 300 WSM case wasn't a good idea. This comment got me to looking at other rifles.

I now hunt with Tikka t3s in 300 WSM & 270 WSM. Both have been excellent from a feeding standpoint. I think the single column magazine such as used on the t3 promotes much better feeding with the WSMs.

I was looking at a new Browning x bolt in 300 WSM recently. I could not help but notice it to is now feed rounds with a single column magazine.