I have a 16.5 pound "Light Gun" as defined by original PA 1000 Yard BR Club rules that was originally built and chambered as a 300 Wby Improved by Rick Piccarreta of RDP Rifles. It features a 1.700" O.D. Nesika K action, a McMillan MBR stock, and a 30" fluted Krieger 11 twist barrel topped off by a 6.5-20 LR Leupold. A very nice rifle to say the least...except it wouldn't shoot. Over the course of some 350 rounds, my son, Doug, and I tried everything but all to no avail.

Then, with the help of my old friend and Master Gunsmith, Clarence Hammond, we spec'd out and ordered a new tight necked reamer in 300 WSM from Dave Kiff at Pacific Precision.

Last Wednesday was the day to rechamber... I had mixed emotions about whether a barrel which wouldn't shoot as one caliber could be made to shoot well if chambered in a different caliber...using essentially identical bullets. Well, Clarence rechambered that barrel and this past weekend, we all went up to his camp in the mountains to try it out.

I couldn't have been happier with the results. Using JLK 190's over a load of 60-62 grains of H-4350 with the bullets seated hard to the lands we began testing 5 shot groups. The loads of 60 and 61 grains shot well with groups averaging about .350-.450, but with 62 grains, we posted a .269 which is more than I'd hoped for in shooting a VLD boat-tail at 100 yards.

I thought I'd just like to share this little success story with you, and the 300 WSM looks like a winner to me...

That is pretty good for 100 yards.......but how is it shooting at longer range?

[This message has been edited by Bruce Gordon (edited 08-27-2001).]

Well Howdy, Long

Gee, we run into each other in the strangest places. Nice to see you.

Here's one more guy who's waiting with baited breath for long-range results.

BTW- have you read reviews of the new IOR Valdada 6-24x50? I haven't but they'll be available here soon if not already.

Have a good one, Lee

It was interresting and welcome to read of your experience with Clarence Hammond. When I lived in York, PA, abt. 10 years ago, Clarence built a custom sporter for me and along the way tought me one whale of a lot about accurate guns, shooting, etc. A fine man and a credit to his craft. Good shooting.