Possible new build

[Matth]

I have a long action Weatherby Vanguard chambered in 300 that i think i am going to do something with, i'm just not sure what yet.  Any thoughts?

[stlusn30-06]

Restock in McMillan, Manner etc...Drop a little weight
Blue print the action
I'm guessing it is pretty accurate out of the box. So Re-barrel for weight if you feel like it, but probably can get some accuracy improvement too.
Everything else is weight loss.
Fluting the bolt
Fluting the barrel
shaving the bolt handle
etc....
I mean those are some suggestions.

[Magnum_Willys]

Having same discussion with a smith today!  Was thinking long-throated 300 wsm which go 6000 rounds before barrel worn out but too much work.   
Probably just rebarrel throated for 215 bergers and drop in a chassis but proof barrel or Bartlein 3B.......

But if long-throating may as well goto a 300 prc.   

[Matth]

Restock in McMillan, Manner etc...Drop a little weight
Blue print the action
I'm guessing it is pretty accurate out of the box. So Re-barrel for weight if you feel like it, but probably can get some accuracy improvement too.
Everything else is weight loss.
Fluting the bolt
Fluting the barrel
shaving the bolt handle
etc....
I mean those are some suggestions.

All fantastic ideas. I may even re chamber it in something new, i have 3, 30 cals already and this one hasn't left the safe in like 19 years.

[Matth]

Having same discussion with a smith today!  Was thinking long-throated 300 wsm which go 6000 rounds before barrel worn out but too much work.   
Probably just rebarrel throated for 215 bergers and drop in a chassis but proof barrel or Bartlein 3B.......

But if long-throating may as well goto a 300 prc.

Bingo, Crazy you would mention that i am currently helping a friend work up a load for a new 300 PRC, and i think i like it. I have been wanting to do something with this thing for a while

[Matth]

It's a 300 Roy already, so i'm not sure it would be a performance gain, as much as just something new.

[b23]

I think those Howa actions are one of the best factory actions out there.  Their biggest downfall is you are much more limited on overall cartridge length with them, than say a Rem 700 LA, but if you pick something that doesn't have a real long case and a bullet to match, they make for a great semi custom build.  Just remember, they're a metric thread and not all gunsmiths have lathes that cut metric threads so make sure you discuss that with your smith ahead of time.

[Matth]

I think those Howa actions are one of the best factory actions out there.  Their biggest downfall is you are much more limited on overall cartridge length with them, than say a Rem 700 LA, but if you pick something that doesn't have a real long case and a bullet to match, they make for a great semi custom build.  Just remember, they're a metric thread and not all gunsmiths have lathes that cut metric threads so make sure you discuss that with your smith ahead of time.

Thank you for the info.

I was thinking 300 Norma, but i'm not sure if the bolt face issue can be over come.

[b23]

I think those Howa actions are one of the best factory actions out there.  Their biggest downfall is you are much more limited on overall cartridge length with them, than say a Rem 700 LA, but if you pick something that doesn't have a real long case and a bullet to match, they make for a great semi custom build.  Just remember, they're a metric thread and not all gunsmiths have lathes that cut metric threads so make sure you discuss that with your smith ahead of time.

Thank you for the info.

I was thinking 300 Norma, but i'm not sure if the bolt face issue can be over come.

I'm sure you could find someone to open the bolt face up but I'm not sure it would be a very good idea.  Those action have a pinned M16 style extractor and when you open up the bolt face to .588 not sure how much meat that would leave around the pin as well as it could potentially cause geometry issues for reliable extraction.

I think the 300 PRC or 30 Nosler would be a really good fit for that action and still leave you enough room to seat the bullets out and use it as a repeater.

[Matth]

I think you are right. I could always just re barrel it back to 300RoY as well, but that wouldn't give the new gun feel.

[b23]

I could always just re barrel it back to 300RoY as well, but that wouldn't give the new gun feel.

I shot a 300 Wby for years, at one time it was the only CF rifle I owned so I used it for everything from coyotes to elk, but even though the 300 Wby has the same case capacity as the PRC and Nosler, it's fairly long so if you're looking for more performance and you don't want to single feed, the 300 PRC and 30 Nosler will get you there.  Also, they aren't a belted case and that alone would make it worth it for me.

[Matth]

 

I could always just re barrel it back to 300RoY as well, but that wouldn't give the new gun feel.

I shot a 300 Wby for years, at one time it was the only CF rifle I owned so I used it for everything from coyotes to elk, but even though the 300 Wby has the same case capacity as the PRC and Nosler, it's fairly long so if you're looking for more performance and you don't want to single feed, the 300 PRC and 30 Nosler will get you there.  Also, they aren't a belted case and that alone would make it worth it for me.

[jasnt]

The 300 prc and 30 nosler are too long to feed in my vanguard la.  To get anything over 300wm performance you need a 3.850 mag inlet.   Guess you’d do away with the belt but not much to gain. Your smith might be able to remedy this.  With mine I switched to single feed and I’m ok with that

[b23]

jasnt, doesn't the long action Howa like that allow up to around 3.600 OAL?  A 215 Berger in the 30 Nosler or 300 PRC should work well in the 3.500- 3.600 OAL range.

[jasnt]

Well mine was 3.500 before I modified it. It is now 3.6 but still short for any of the 200+gr bullets in the 300prc.   You could run it at 3.590ish but you’d still be in the 300wm territory’s.   Snipers hide has a very extensive thread on 300prc in the ELR section
3.850 inlet is recommended so 3.7 ish on coal

[jasnt]

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/300-prc-update.6890837/

[Matth]

Hmmm, all long action vanguards must not be created equal. A factory loaded 300, 180 grain by Norma is 3.525 in length. That being said my mag box must be longer than 3.5. When i get back to my parts bag i will measure the box. Thanks for the input.

[Matth]

Factory inlet for my LA Vanguard is 3.665 on the mag box.

[Magnum_Willys]

3.58 on mine.    ThatS a minimum of .115 jump with 215 Berger unless single feed. 

[b23]

I generally like to have the bullet diameter of bearing surface in the neck so using that with a 215 Berger, you should be well under 3.600 with both the 300 PRC or 30 Nosler.  I don't think either case has enough capacity to warrant anything heavier than a 215 so that's why I referenced the 215's.

[Magnum_Willys]

I generally like to have the bullet diameter of bearing surface in the neck so using that with a 215 Berger, you should be well under 3.600 with both the 300 PRC or 30 Nosler.  I don't think either case has enough capacity to warrant anything heavier than a 215 so that's why I referenced the 215's.

Does that keep the bullet away from the donut area on the prc? 

[Matth]

3.58 on mine.    ThatS a minimum of .115 jump with 215 Berger unless single feed.

Why so much variation in size? difference in standard cartridge length, vs Weatherby LA cartridge length.

[jasnt]

Mine started life as a 300wm.  Maybe that’s the difference

[Matth]

Mine started life as a 300wm.  Maybe that’s the difference

I'm sure your correct, even at that it still may not be enough length.  Maybe i should be looking for a shorter range west side brush gun build. As stated before i have a bunch of 30's, and some 338's, 6.5, 243, and so on. I did get excited about the prc though, that may be because of the work i'm doing with my friends at the moment.

[jasnt]

Your gunsmith should be able to open up the action enough to feed the 300prc.  They are great actions imo

[Jolten]

Why not go to. 33Nosler? 3.340in COAL Sammi and enough powder to get. 225gr accubond to 3000fps.

[BULLBLASTER]

Everyone needs a .375 for a shorter range/brush gun. 

[Matth]

I need to settle down a bit, and think. All of these ideas are great but i should be more practical about this. I think i have the 30's covered, and the 338's. I may need something in the way of close range big, and slow. Currently i am using my 340 for the west side which is a great close range round, if it wasn't set up for long range.

[Matth]

Everyone needs a .375 for a shorter range/brush gun. 

I thought about a 375 Rugar a while back.

[b23]

I need to settle down a bit, and think. All of these ideas are great but i should be more practical about this.

Pfft!  Moderation and being practical is HIGHLY overrated and there is just no fun in that way of thinking.  As we all know, "need" ain't got nuttin to do wit it and if, need, ever becomes a prerequisite, I'm out.  Excess and impractical is how we roll!!!

[stw]

I'm building a 300 prc now I had to send back the bottom metal and the 2 mags. I bought the bottom metal and mag's. Size were 3.715 the 212 gr. Fit and the 225 don't fit had to send back and get the 3.850 length of mags and bottom metal so the factory 225  and 230  hand loads would fit.

[b23]

I generally like to have the bullet diameter of bearing surface in the neck so using that with a 215 Berger, you should be well under 3.600 with both the 300 PRC or 30 Nosler.  I don't think either case has enough capacity to warrant anything heavier than a 215 so that's why I referenced the 215's.

Does that keep the bullet away from the donut area on the prc?

I've had and currently have many different cartridges I load for, both mild and hot rod, I have never ever had an issue with donuts forming in the neck.  I know what they are and I hear people talk about them, I tend to think more talk about it than actually have experienced the problem, but I've never had any problem with them forming. 

[jjhunter]

I generally like to have the bullet diameter of bearing surface in the neck so using that with a 215 Berger, you should be well under 3.600 with both the 300 PRC or 30 Nosler.  I don't think either case has enough capacity to warrant anything heavier than a 215 so that's why I referenced the 215's.

Does that keep the bullet away from the donut area on the prc?

I've had and currently have many different cartridges I load for, both mild and hot rod, I have never ever had an issue with donuts forming in the neck.  I know what they are and I hear people talk about them, I tend to think more talk about it than actually have experienced the problem, but I've never had any problem with them forming.

Agree.

[Magnum_Willys]

I know its just a good rule of thumb to not seat bearing surface  past the neck - shoulder junction for the best neck tension consistency.   

[b23]

I know its just a good rule of thumb to not seat bearing surface  past the neck - shoulder junction for the best neck tension consistency.

Have you ever had trouble with donuts forming?

[jasnt]

I know its just a good rule of thumb to not seat bearing surface  past the neck - shoulder junction for the best neck tension consistency.

Have you ever had trouble with donuts forming?

i have.  Was same lot of Norma 243 brass on its 3rd barrel

[Magnum_Willys]

I know its just a good rule of thumb to not seat bearing surface  past the neck - shoulder junction for the best neck tension consistency.

Have you ever had trouble with donuts forming?

Yes on 338-378 when full sizing I get a donut that has to be drilled out or you feel the big resistance when  seating bullet as it hits that junction.    I think full sizing with certain dies causes it.  I have tried several dies including a body die same issue.   If your die - chamber match is off you have to bump too far to fit in chamber causes it too.   

If you can get by with Neck sizing or just .002 bump probably won’t ever get a donut. 

[jasnt]

I have gotten the donut using bushing neck dies with out an expander ball.  Put the expander back on and stopped getting the donuts