300 WM rifle choices

[Alexander Cain]

I'm in the market for a 300 WM rifle currently. I've got several short actions:
Remington 700 SPS in a KRG chassis, viper pst
Tikka T3X CTR in 6.5 creedmoor with a bushnell elite and a KRG Bravo Chassis (tack driver)
Savage 10FCP-sr in 308 factory setup

I've never owned a long action anything. But I shot a friends 300wm Browning X Bolt several times and it's awesome, the only thing that could keep up at range was my 6.5. I'm not a "sniper" and I won't pretend to be.

As of right now my criteria are:
Medium to heavy barrel (I'm not backpacking with it) 24-26 inches.
Reliability and accuracy
Threaded (brake/can)
Good trigger or readily available alternative
Factory detachable mags or available aftermarket (ie: chassis)
Price: <$1500, up to $2000 if I find something stellar.
Ranges: I won't regularly shoot past 750-800 meters. Usually within 600m. I'd like to get into further ranges.

Top contenders as it stands right now:
-Remington 700 5R gen 2 (factor trigger, maybe stock or chassis into price)

-Christensen Mesa Long Range - I have no experience with this company but I hear good things.

-Ruger Hawkeye Long Range - really new, can't find Jack on it. But it takes magpul long action mags, good barrel profile and stock. But I've heard mixed reviews of other Ruger stuff.

-Browning X Bolt Hells Canyon Long Range (I liked his a lot, but almost zero aftermarket, no magazine comparability but they seem pretty nice)

Looking for input, alternatives etc. And I'm set on the 300 WM. Cost per round vs other stuff and local availability of ammo has made this choice.

 

[WeiserBucks]

If you're willing to buy used , grab a proven used one out of the PX here . I've personally had better luck buying used rifles or barreled actions with proven accuracy and complete load data .

If you have to have a new rifle I can't help much, all the new rifles I've bought were sub par , although I haven't had any of the upper tier rifles brand new .

 

[PBWalsh]

I understand the “want” to do a magnum, but besides energy on target, why go with a 300 WM over your 6.5 or 308 for the ranges you’re talking about?

Because ‘Merica? Completely understand! Look at the PX at several options here. Remington’s QC is shaddy, so be cautious with them. Howa makes a good rifle though, and you can buy their barreled actions from Brownells every day. Comes with a 2 stage trigger too. Just drop it in whatever chassis you like and go shoot. For a factory rifle I’d definitely look at them and maybe a Bergara option for that price range.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Remington quality control is in the shitter and the majority of Ruger 77's I've seen were far from the pinnacle of accuracy. I personally wouldn't touch either of those options. No experience with the browning.

I'd go with a Christensen MPR in that price range, it's just barely over. They just released 300WM for this year and should be to dealers within the next couple months. Retail is $2395 but a call to Jason and Euro Optic will probably get you a good deal.

Link

 

[roamin]

My 5r in 300wm is averaging 0.6 moa on the last 25-30/ 3 round groups I've fired with factory ammo (Hornady 200gr ELD, FGMM 190 SMK, & and ABM 230gr Berger VLD). The accuracy is very similar to the Christensen CA10 carbon barrel I have on a gas gun. I wanted the traditional stock for this rifle and didn't see a need for mags on a 300wm but it sounds like these things will be a downfall for you. Then of course the XMARK pro is not so great. With a Kahles 624i, APA brake, & Harris bipod it sits at 12.75lbs which is about the sweet spot for a 300wm for me heavy enough that the recoil isn't punishing and light enough to be carried.

Every CA gun I've handled has a heavy bolt lift along with some slop in the bolt both can be over looked but the 5r's action is much smoother. However my CA barrel shoots well and makes the guns front end light and far more manageable off hand. CA is offering the MPR in 300wm which is just beyond your price range and offers alot for the $$$.

 

[dave300]

Take a look at the Seekins Havak, just a touch over your $2k

 

[OzTRG]

I’ll throw an alternative in the mix, a second hand SAKO TRG42?

 

[Alexander Cain]

Well the MPR definitely hits all the categories I'd like. And it's a sweet looking rifle. I'll email around on prices for that. As for why 300 WM? Because I want a round that really puts energy on target at distance and I'm hoping to stretch it out more. I have a DPMS G2 I'm waiting to put either a 22 or 26 inch Rainier Arms 6.5 barrel in as well. By all means I'll still shoot my 6.5 and 308 more. But I just want a 300 for "when I feel like it" or need to stop a car (jk).

I'm a cop by trade so I try and enjoy things when I can.

 

[cruze5]

i wish i had known about these before i bought a Gen2 5r rifle... https://www.eurooptic.com/Remington-Defense-700-police-300-win-mag.aspx

i then replaced the trigger with a Timney 10. bought Seeks Long action base and rings.

 

[pineoak]

The review on the green version of that rifle isn't very flattering of the quality of the action that comes with that package.

Given the cost of the AICS AT chassis... seriously like you can't give the R700 action away even when attached to a 5R barrel...

 

[roamin]

The folding L/A AT chassis is $1,160 at Hinterland Outfitters they have by a margine the best pricing on AI chassis systems. Eurooptic sells the 300wm 5r 700p barreled action for $580. You can buy them for $1160 chassis only, $1740 separately, or $1700 as a package so it's not exactly given away. I don't think the fit and finish of the 700p is comparable to that of the 5r anyway.

 

[Alexander Cain]

Well Jesus, didn't know they had the action and chassis sets, but yeah I saw some of those reviews... those look appealing too. After seeing weight on that Christensen if I could find a 6.5 in 26 inch I may just get that. Or shop around on Euro optic and mile high to see what they can offer me. Why must there be so many options.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Well Jesus, didn't know they had the action and chassis sets, but yeah I saw some of those reviews... those look appealing too. After seeing weight on that Christensen if I could find a 6.5 in 26 inch I may just get that. Or shop around on Euro optic and mile high to see what they can offer me. Why must there be so many options.

Euro Optic keeps the MPR's constantly on order, they sell out as soon as they get them or even before. It's a very popular option. I have the 22" version.

If you call you can get an ETA as well as get put on the list to reserve one for you.

 

[Alexander Cain]

Well... guess I'll call. It appears that the 6.5 in a 26 In might do what I need, especially being that light weight. However now I'm torn between the 26 inch 6.5 or waiting for the 300wm to come out.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Well... guess I'll call. It appears that the 6.5 in a 26 In might do what I need, especially being that light weight. However now I'm torn between the 26 inch 6.5 or waiting for the 300wm to come out.

Then the only logical solution is to get both!

I know they put all the new offerings on order at or before SHOT and the lead time wasn't all that far. I'd be surprised if you have more than a few month wait max to get the WM version. The wait for the creeds would probably be weeks at most, assuming they aren't all pre-sold. Best thing to do is call though. Jason will be able to get you a pretty accurate window on them.

 

[DP425]

In that price range, IMO, the best bet would prob be to grab this action:
https://www.americanrifle.com/produ...n-26-with-deposit-425-non-refundable-deposit/

And drop it in the chassis of your choice (while keeping it economical), with the trigger of your choice... and order up a PVA barrel. You'd be right around, or just a little north of $2k, but you'd have a really great rifle.

But, IMO, you get the best out of .300WM when you have TONS of room to load long. I'm not sure what the AICS .300WM mags max out at, but there are two options off the top of my head that will let you run about as long as you could possibly desire: AI AX and TRG42. Both use CIP length rather than standard magnum length mags for .300WM. That means you could get a 1:8 twist barrel, load the new 240SMK's long as hell, and prob see sub 5 mils to hit 1k.

The AX will be WELL outside of your limit, but you might be able to stumble on a TRG42 not too far north of that $2k (maybe $2500 if you put in a lot of effort searching for one). Benefit to a TRG, is being able to set it up as multi-cal. Here's an example- though it will go up a bit as the auction comes to a close.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/753004516

At the end of the day though, I would suggest avoiding a factory rifle that you're going to see yourself sinking more money into. That means generally, avoiding the Rem 700's. By the time you get done putting it in a stock or chassis that you really like, swapping out the trigger, buying a high quality base... your all-in costs are creeping up quickly, and you could have purchased something better right from the start. And you're still left with a comparatively crappy rem 700, for a cost that could have put together an awesome nucleaus build, or a TRG that doesn't really need anything but a scope and ammo.



Of course, opinions are like assholes...

 

[el_cazador713]

Interesting.. watching this

 

[PistoleroJesse]

If you really wanted to go cheap... drop this in a Magpul or a KRG Bravo.

https://www.eurooptic.com/86499-Remington-Remington-700-Police-5R-300-Win-Mag-26--Barr.aspx

 

[Alexander Cain]

DP425 - Very interesting system on that nucleus. Right now it seems that the Christensen MPR has my attention. I've discarded the Ruger and base Remington all together.

I'll call today if I'm not getting slammed at work about the MPR. I may just get the 6.5 Creedmoor for now, as I've already got the reloading gear and see how the system works. If it is as good as it sounds I'll probably sell my savage 10fcp-sr (old style that takes AICS mags) in 308 and maybe the Tikka CTR in 6.5 to have the cash to get the 300 WM too.

It appears the MPR takes CIP length mags in long action so no worries about loading lengths on it, although I'm assuming anything over 220gr is really killing barrel life at the pressures it would run.

I plan to eventually do some hunting out west, everything here in SC can be killed with a .223 practically, not that a hunt all that much so I can wait a bit on the 300 wm.

 

[Fenix Mike]

"Crappy" factory Remington 24 inch 5R 300 win dropped into a MDT chassis with a Timney trigger. Cant miss at 1000m and works great to 1 mile. It wasn't a consistent half MOA or better gun like my AXMC was, but it did 3/4 inch about 90% of the time with flyers here and there, and had no problem pounding steel at any distance. FWIW, it was MUCH easier to load for that rifle than the AXMC, and I really miss the simplicity of it where it ate any brass, any bullet, any powder, never saw pressure signs beyond a heavy bolt, and never had a day down in 500-600 rounds.

As far as smaller calibers vs 30, depends what your goal is. I like hearing the hits at 1 mile

 

[Alexander Cain]

As it stands, I'm leaning in favor of the MPR 26 or 24 inch in 6.5 creedmoor for now. Seems like the 143 gr ELD rounds are more than capable on paper and living targets at some long ranges. I'll start with a Gen 2 5R in 300WM and see where it leads probably later this summer. I see bad reviews but far more good ones. I'm asking around for prices and such for the MPR.

 

[Alexander Cain]

Well gents I just put my deposit down on a 26 inch 6.5 creedmoor MPR. Figured I'd use it for this year and see what it's capable of.

Opinions on optics? Spent a bit more than I'd planned for rifle so optic budget atm is 1200ish. Was eying the Nightforce SHV ffp scopes, or another viper pst ffp. I haven't used my LE discount this year for leupold, vortex or nightforce.

 

[Jackomason]

The Bergara HMR is offered in the 300 win mag now, that'd be a great option! Then add the rest of your budget to glass or ammo. Should come in under 1k and already has the features your looking for.

 

[Alexander Cain]

The Bergara HMR is offered in the 300 win mag now, that'd be a great option! Then add the rest of your budget to glass or ammo. Should come in under 1k and already has the features your looking for.

I haven't seen an HMR in a long action, I know they have some woodsman and B14 rifles in 300 WM tho. For now I'm trying to pick an optic for the MPR I put a deposit on.

 

[Hawk in WY]

Well gents I just put my deposit down on a 26 inch 6.5 creedmoor MPR. Figured I'd use it for this year and see what it's capable of.

Opinions on optics? Spent a bit more than I'd planned for rifle so optic budget atm is 1200ish. Was eying the Nightforce SHV ffp scopes, or another viper pst ffp. I haven't used my LE discount this year for leupold, vortex or nightforce.

The Nightforce SHV is a fine choice but I would suggest looking at the Sig Optics offerings. I have multiple Nightforce scopes and am happier with some more than others mainly due to reticles. I tried a Sig scope and now have four. Good to have options.

 

[Alexander Cain]

A friend has the SHV 4-14 with Mil R reticle and it seems pretty awesome for the price. I've always been a Vortex guy since my first crap diamomdback, now I've got 2 Viper PST ffps and a few other oddballs. got some lower grade Leopolds but I've never owned a Nightforce.

I'll look at sigs to see what they have.

 

[Jackomason]

I haven't seen an HMR in a long action, I know they have some woodsman and B14 rifles in 300 WM tho. For now I'm trying to pick an optic for the MPR I put a deposit on.

Sorry didn't mention that it's new for 2018 and should hit the shelves by April. Also ruger countered that announcement with a M77 long range in 300wm.

I have a bergara Ridge on order and it's basically the HMR barreled action but in the hunter synthetic stock. The one I've ordered is a 7-mag but it's available in the 300 as well. Hope you find what your looking for!

 

[Alexander Cain]

Sorry didn't mention that it's new for 2018 and should hit the shelves by April. Also ruger countered that announcement with a M77 long range in 300wm.

I have a bergara Ridge on order and it's basically the HMR barreled action but in the hunter synthetic stock. The one I've ordered is a 7-mag but it's available in the 300 as well. Hope you find what your looking for!

Well damn, that's sweet, I wonder where all the details are on it because I can't even find a picture. I found a few obscure posts here and there. If they make the HMR Pro in 300wm I will have to find the money somewhere. The HMR is temping enough.

 

[CMP70306]

It appears the MPR takes CIP length mags in long action so no worries about loading lengths on it, although I'm assuming anything over 220gr is really killing barrel life at the pressures it would run.

I have a 30" PAC-Nor barrel in .300 Win Mag that still shoots sub 1/2 MOA after 1400 rounds of hot 212, 215 and 225 gr loads between 2900 and 3000 fps. It has gotten pushed hard with some strings that left the barrel to hot to touch but it still shoots good. Most likely won't be to much of an issue as those heavy loads in a light rifle probably won't have you shooting long strings with it anyway. (My rifle weighs a bit over 20#)

 

[wade2big]

The nightforce shv 4-14x50ffp is a great scope. Just dont put it on the 300 winmag unless you have a really good brake. The eye relief sucks. Thats my only complaint. Its a non issue for a 6.5

 

[Jackomason]

Well damn, that's sweet, I wonder where all the details are on it because I can't even find a picture. I found a few obscure posts here and there. If they make the HMR Pro in 300wm I will have to find the money somewhere. The HMR is temping enough.

 

[Alexander Cain]

And they use magpul LA mags... well damnit my wallet is already crying. 6months or so I'll be looking at one of those, or a HMR Pro if they decide to make em in 300wm. That fit all my prior criteria too.

 

[Hawk in WY]

The nightforce shv 4-14x50ffp is a great scope. Just dont put it on the 300 winmag unless you have a really good brake. The eye relief sucks. Thats my only complaint. Its a non issue for a 6.5

A brake on a .300 WM is a given for me. About to replace all mine with suppressors. They're addicting.

 

[Jackomason]

And they use magpul LA mags... well damnit my wallet is already crying. 6months or so I'll be looking at one of those, or a HMR Pro if they decide to make em in 300wm. That fit all my prior criteria too.

I'm glad I could help, I think you'd like the bergara. As far as a brake goes I have a PVA Shockwave waiting to go onto my 7-mag. I've heard great things about it's predecessor the Rocket scientist but I want seen much out there for this one, but I have no doubt it could handle a 300 WM.

This picture is of it mounted on a .750 muzzle so you can see how big it is.

 

[Jackomason]

This picture is of it mounted on a .750 muzzle so you can see how big it is.

Sorry it didn't post.

 

[Alexander Cain]

Sorry it didn't post.

I've shot a few big calibers with the M11 Severe Duty brake and other than being loud as hell it does a great job for recoil

 

[Alexander Cain]

Well, sold my savage and now bought these two beautiful things...

Initially I have only shot the PSA 9mm. 300 rounds on day 1 and not a hiccup. Feels solid. Brake for the bergara is on the way. Dead air, since I just finished my paperwork on dead air sandman s and ghost 45. Got a NF extreme base, picking an optic to try it out.

 

[Santa]

Well, sold my savage and now bought these two beautiful things...
View attachment 6939178
Initially I have only shot the PSA 9mm. 300 rounds on day 1 and not a hiccup. Feels solid. Brake for the bergara is on the way. Dead air, since I just finished my paperwork on dead air sandman s and ghost 45. Got a NF extreme base, picking an optic to try it out.

Those look great! Which Bergara did you end up with? The HMR Pro?