Change of plans to my LW build, DBM and WSM.

[msu33]

Last week I was asking for help on a custom Model 7 LW build. As things would have it, they are changing. The Model 7 I was going to use, was ordered months ago via Friends and Family discount. Long story short, they are not sure when it will be back into production. So now I have the opportunity to cancel my order, and I think I am just going to go all out and order a Stiller SA. So, now I am considering DBM's like was suggested previously. I still have time to change my McMillan order, so this is the route I am going instead of waiting endlessly for a model 7.

I am sticking with 300 WSM as the cartridge. I have read some threads, but most every thing is 7-9 years old. I know at first people were running Long actions to be able to load out to longer lengths. I would rather stick with a short action, as this is a light weight build after all. I like the Surgeon DBM, and I have seen Acurate Mags for the WSM. Is that the best route to achieve my goal?

 

[b6graham]

minus the stiller (not 'all out), yes. there are a multitude of new actions with some nice features. and they dont feel like sand.

could also look at restocking a tikka 300wsm

 

[msu33]

I own one stiller already, I have no issue with it, very smooth. ?‍

Have not even called Stiller yet, will take suggestions. I have looked at Surgeon and Defiance.

 

[b6graham]

Bighorn Origin/TL3
Terminus Apollo

 

[msu33]

Like what I see from bighorn. So, just get a prefit barrel, or have a barrel threaded for their prefit system, torque and go. What do you use to torque the barrel?

 

[b6graham]

barrel vise, action wrench, torque wrench. same as any of those i mentioned.

prefit barrels available from lots of people. not so much for the stiller, your smith would need action in hand most likely

 

[msu33]

Thanks, so its the action that is torqued, thus not needing a barrel nut. Thanks for you help! Any glaring issues with using the DBM and an Accurate mag for wsm?

 

[Another Casual]

No issues with a DBM and the WSM mags. Could also run a BDL setup, depending on what your definition of light weight is and preference for mag setups.

 

[mcfred]

RE WSMs and DBMs: I've built a couple 7WSMs on short actions and found that DBMs out there are tailored to the AICS pattern DSCF magazines with the ~.080 front plate. This robs you of the use of long-pointy, heavy-for-caliber bullets you might want to use for the WSM case capacity. I've only come across 1 DBM manufacturer that shifted the mag well rearward to accommodate the SA magazines that did not have the front plate. The other "solution" was to take a big ass endmill and notch the eff out of the feed ramp which I feel compromises the integrity of the lower locking lug abutment at the ragged end of pressure with a .550 boltface. The whole "right way" vs the "wrong way" to do it thing. The "right way" is a pain in the ass.

One other way to bypass the COAL issue is to use a long action platform. Seat everything out long and use the spare case capacity for more powder/velocity. You'll probably be happy about a LA platform when you start using 230+ grain projectiles for LR/ELR shooting. A Long action would allow room to grow too: 300PRC.

Good luck, a 300WSM should be a shooter!

 

[b6graham]

RE WSMs and DBMs: I've built a couple 7WSMs on short actions and found that DBMs out there are tailored to the AICS pattern DSCF magazines with the ~.080 front plate. This robs you of the use of long-pointy, heavy-for-caliber bullets you might want to use for the WSM case capacity. I've only come across 1 DBM manufacturer that shifted the mag well rearward to accommodate the SA magazines that did not have the front plate. The other "solution" was to take a big ass endmill and notch the eff out of the feed ramp which I feel compromises the integrity of the lower locking lug abutment at the ragged end of pressure with a .550 boltface. The whole "right way" vs the "wrong way" to do it thing. The "right way" is a pain in the ass.

One other way to bypass the COAL issue is to use a long action platform. Seat everything out long and use the spare case capacity for more powder/velocity. You'll probably be happy about a LA platform when you start using 230+ grain projectiles for LR/ELR shooting. A Long action would allow room to grow too: 300PRC.

Good luck, a 300WSM should be a shooter!

assume you're talking non custom actions if you're notching the feed lips for a 2.955 oal magazine/cartride

 

[msu33]

No issues with a DBM and the WSM mags. Could also run a BDL setup, depending on what your definition of light weight is and preference for mag setups.

I prefer a magazine, for ease of unloading the rifle. Weight, this rifle should come in around 6.5-7lbs before optics. Not the lightest, but All in all it should be under 9lbs all said and done. Not bad, considering my mildly accurate old model 7 in 308 is right at or just under 8lbs.

Action: Big Horn TL3 ( I really like the idea of being able to change barrels on my own)-Thanks b6graham
Stock: McMillan Game Hunter Edge Technology
Barrel: 22" Proof CF .308 10 twist
Trigger: Timney
Brake: Griffin armament Titanium minimalist
BDM: ?
Mags: ?

Just need to figure out the BDM or Bottom metal. I have notified McMillan that my order is changing. Have not ordered the action yet. I want to get everything figured out first. I do have the Proof CF blank in hand.

 

[msu33]

assume you're talking non custom actions if you're notching the feed lips for a 2.955 oal magazine/cartride

Is 2.955 long enough with a standard chamber in a short action with DBM, or would I need to have a custom reamer built for a shorter COAL?

 

[b6graham]

you'd have to talk to your smith.

or make up a dummy round and get your own reamer

 

[ncfireman83]

My 300 WSM, very mild custom, R700 action which was originally a 270 WSM. Barreled with a 300 Imperial barrel that was gifted to me and a new to me Mcmillan A3-5 stock and SOL M5 DBM. Currently using magpul mags which only hold 4 but still do the job for now. It’s a hunting set up for me. Touching holes at 100 with 180 gr. Fusions and same results at 200 with 165’s. Never really had a need to work up loads as I don’t currently reload. Absolutely love this set up for a very mild budget build

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

You should really consider using a Tikka action.
They're basically a medium length action which is absolutely perfection for wsms.
I run a (5.8 lb) 6.5 saum in a Tikka action, and with a little modification a factory LA magnum magazine feeds flawlessly, or you could pick up an aftermarket mag from Hells Canyon Armory.
BTW Tikka prefit barrels are now available from Carbon Six and others

 

[msu33]

Very good advice. Tikka are the best factory actions you can buy. If I was to buy a custom action for this purpose it would be an Origin. Very smooth, $800, prefit barrels.

Yeah, I think i am going with an SR3 from bighorn. I have talked myself out of the DBM. I can load a little bit longer if needed with a wyatts extended magazine box.

 

[mcfred]

assume you're talking non custom actions if you're notching the feed lips for a 2.955 oal magazine/cartride

People notch the feed RAMP on any Rem 700 SA footprint for feeding 2.965" OAL from AICS pattern mags w/o the front binder plate. This stuff right here:

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/milling-100-off-of-feed-ramp-to-accommodate-oal.77663/

Stress Riser:

Probably no big deal on .223Rem, but over charge your 6.5PRC, SAUM or WSM, get some defective material, bore obstruction etc and you can have an unpleasant introduction to 8 tons of white hot fire to your face and eyes. Cutting back the rear of the mag well, shortening the bolt stop and moving the magazine toward the rear is the proper, pain-in-the-ass solution; as though an engineer was tasked with solving the "problem." Or use a long action.

 

[msu33]

yeah, no, I would not do that. Its Wyatt or DBM. Still have not pulled the trigger yet. Gut tells me BDL, but cool factor says DBM. Anyone use a curtis short action magnum mag?

 

[b6graham]

yeah, no, I would not do that. Its Wyatt or DBM. Still have not pulled the trigger yet. Gut tells me BDL, but cool factor says DBM. Anyone use a curtis short action magnum mag?

Get a Terminus instead

 

[msu33]

$7k is not in my budget.

 

[b6graham]

$7k is not in my budget.

Well you said curtis. If you're gonna go curtis get the terminus instead

 

[b6graham]

You mean just the 3 round flush mag lol nvm

 

[msu33]

Yep...Sorry for the confusion. I did mean the mag. I added up the weight of this rifle. With a DBM and the vx6 I am going to put on it., it will be 8.68 lbs. With suppressor 9.56 lbs.

I cant find a solid answer on what the difference in weight would be between DBM and BDL, but I think it will be around 10oz (using accurate mag 3rd). If thats the case then we are looking at all in all right at 9lbs with the suppressor. I think I am going to save the weight. Its only half a pound, but not sure I need a magazine.

Hawkins obendorf (sp) bottom metal any good?

 

[Another Casual]

I've got the Hawkins on my PRC with a Wyatt's box and follower. The Hawkins BDL is extremely nice and I've never had it pop open under recoil.

 

[msu33]

Good news. I did see Hawkins Tracker bottom metal on mile high shooting website. Says it has the M5 footprint. I guess Hawkins no longer makes that?

 

[Another Casual]

Not sure if it's discontinued or not. Main difference is the footprint (BDL vs M5). Depending on your stock you may not be able to open it up for the M5 or just need to have it re-inlet. I believe the BDL model is usually around the same price at red hawk etc.

 

[msu33]

I called Hawkins, so I could get my McMillan order adjusted. They said they are in the process of making more, but they weight twice as much, so I am sticking with the Oberndor (sp). just FYI.