I've been bitten by the dread and often deadly "New Rifle Bug" and need some advise.

I'm looking for a rifle to mainly deer hunt in Alabama with, but I also hope to use it on another antelope hunt and maybe one day a mule deer hunt, a caribou hunt would be nice also.

This is what I have in mind.
1, caliber, I'm thinking a .270 Weatherby would be about perfect.
2, action, it has to be a Winchester.
3, barrel, for my style of hunting I like 24" barrels and just because I've always wanted one and like the way they look, I'd like a fluted barrel.
4, stock, I'd like a McMillan in either the G&H style or the Winchester super grade. With a tan, black web paint scheme.
5, with a Leupold 3.5-10x40 scope, Warne rings and bases I like to keep the weight in the 7.5# to 8.5# range

The problem, how to get there and not spend so much on the rifle that I can't afford to go on the hunt. I've found a Winchester in .270 Weatherby that I could buy then drop it in a McMillan stock, but the barrel wouldn't be fluted. If I buy it and the barrel is a shooter could the barrel be fluted? If so I think this would be the cheapest way to build this project. If I can't flute the factory barrel. Then I would look for the cheapest Winchester magnum action I could find and rebarrel it. What fluted barrel maker would you recommend? Any idea of the cost?

Finesse the fluting. Sounds like the rest takes care of itself. Ku-dude

Mark, I have a Model 70 in 270 Wby, and after looking at the barrel (factory) I don't see why it couldn't be fluted if that's what you want. I would opt for a 26" barrel for the 270 Wby though. It is a little overbore. Good longrange cartridge though. - Dan

Mark, why not just buy an over-the-counter M70 in 270 WSM and re-stock in fiberglass?

BTW, you'll never make that weight with a LA Winchester in a McMillan stock (heavy) with Talley's, a 3.5x10 and 24" bbl., fluted or not. The max you'll lose fluting is around 8 oz's and that would be with fairly radical (i.e., deep) flutes.

My guess, depending on your bbl. contour, is that a rig so built will come in at around 8.75 (+) lbs. (rifle, mounts and scope w/ no sling and rounds).

BA

Brad,
I've looked at the WSM and I'm just not sold on the idea. That and all the feeding problems I keep reading about.

You could most likely fit all your criteria in the new super big game master from Weatherby. I know i'd like one You're looking at spending $1200+ and to properly build the winchester you'll kiss 2K goodbye ez. Check out the weatherby at their website.

Contact Pinnair Gunsmithing in Arizona he advertises in Rifle magazine for fluting. He is very good.

Mark:

The 270 weatherby is great choice. I don't completely understand the potential accuracy problems that can accompany the fluting cut so I haven't used them. I would go the 26" or maybe 27" barrel to ring out velocity. Take a look at the Montana M1999 action before making final decision. Website www.montanarifleman.com

B

the flutes have no accuracy input. they are for weight and heat. Mostly they are for looking kewl. While you're at it, one of the barrel makers does spiral fluting. Looks kinda like a big screw with a slow thread. Super kewl.

You can send your action to Pac-Nor for a fluted bbl. (about $500 installed). They have a min. thickness for fluting, I think it's a #4. I think you can do this whole project for under $1500 less scope. Brad is probably right, unless you go w/ a very light stock, your finsih weight will be well over 8.5#.

"why reinvent the wheel?"

Let's see the weatherby sbgm has;
a 26" barrel,I'd prefer a 24"
a monte carlo stock, which I can't stand
the weathery action, I prefer a winchester

So.....the barrel is too long, I prefer a winchester action and stock sucks, other than that whats not to like?

You have a heluva dilemma, all right!!

Mark,

Take a look at the Sako stock from McMillan. I've had the guys at Hill Country Rifles put a couple of Winchesters in that stock and it's smaller, lighter, and more comfortable (to me) than the other two stocks you mentioned. I also think it looks better. Stick with the Winchester action, but I would consider the .270WSM. They seem to have worked out the feeding bugs, and I am thrilled with the round's performance on game out to 453 yards for last years Pronghorn.

Greg,
Which style? The Sako Classic? I take it you still like your WSM.

Yes, the Sako classic. I love the .270WSM. My new Dakota is almost ready and I am looking forward to trying it out in Africa.

Mark, I can see from your handle that we share a liking for high sectional density. I own a .270 WBY mag, (MK V euromark), with the skinny 24" #1 tube. With a 3-10x40 AO vari-x III it weighs just over 8.5 lbs. I'll be honest, if I had it to do over I'd go with a 26" barrel as I generally use this rifle from a stand where I can see out quite a ways. I've taken a couple of Maine deer with it, (175 yards and 200 yards). If I'm hunting where I'm going to be carrying the rifle in the woods much at all, (or it's raining), I take the 22" cut down swede 6.5x55. The WBY is just too nice to carry around, so the weight is not as much of an issue. The real joy of the .270 WBY mag is the ability to put the 150 grainers downrange at 3,200 fps, not something you really need in the thick stuff. BD