Have a Sako L61R in .300 WM that I'm considering having rebarreled. I hunt Elk and Black bear sized animals. Any idea's on a good wildcat caliber to have it barreled to?
Would like to retain the same bolt face.

Thanks.

338-375 Ruger

358 STW.

8mm X .404 x 2,5" IMP roger

358 Norma Mag or .416 Taylor

300WM, 323 Hollis, 338WM, 9.3x338

338 winmag

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
338 winmag

Excellent choice. I have a Win Mod 70 with a Lilja SS barrel in 12" twist that shoots 225gr bullets most excellently. I can't think of a better combo for elk and black bear.

KB

why did i say 338winmag? you've got a nice rifle, the 338 fitss your need, and you can both find ammo and/or part with it.

375 ruger is a good choice

but 338 winmag will do it

I have to admit that I learned to like the 300 WM by accident. I had no intention of having one as a shooter, since I already had a 338WM. With 210 and 225 gr bullets I think the 338WM is a fine substitute for the 300WM.

Anyway, for years I had a Ruger 77MKII barreled action in 300WM stored away. I considered it a donor action, but one day I pulled it out and had a handy Hogue stock with the full aluminum block, and it just so happened that a friend gave me an old box of factory Remington 180 gr ammo. I put the barreled action in the stock, attached a scope and went to the range. I figured it would produce average Ruger accuracy, 2" at best, but the rifle really shot well - less than an inch group.

So then I cleaned up the fireformed brass, and made some handloads, and got even better groups the next time at the range.

So, that was an almost instant conversion from apathy to appeal for the 300WM. There's nothing like an accurate, paid for already, rifle to make a cartridge appealing. I've been messing with that rifle a little since then, but it always performs well. I think it's one of those rare finds - a factory rifle that is really accurate. All I did to improve it was have a Timney trigger installed. I sent it off to be teflon coated to remove the SS shine. So, I have a real shooter and rough weather all-around rifle for not much money. Hard to beat that.

I don't see why the 300WM isn't a perfectly good elk and black bear cartridge, if the rifle shoots well.

KB

The man wanted a wildcat!! roger

Choose #2 or #4, if the SAAMI chambering is boring.

Same results, more cost, less resale.

But fun anyway.

KB

quote:

Originally posted by Kabluewy:
300WM, 323 Hollis, 338WM, 9.3x338

Next 300WM I rebarrel will get a 7mm-300 Win Mag (similar to a 284 Jarret); at least this is how I feel today!

180gr high BC bullet at 3100 fps...

458 WinMag Ackley Improved?

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
The man wanted a wildcat!! roger

yes, and the 338 winmag at one time WAS a wildcat, or close enough...

one doesn't exactly recreate a factory round and have a meaningful wildcat... something has to change, and the 338 fits his bill exactly..

quote:

The man wanted a wildcat!!

Well I guess he could build a 338/458 or a 338/358Norma.

If it has to be a wildcat just about any of the 06 length magnum cases necked to 338 or 358. But many of the best ones are simply factory rounds now.

Ya, thinking about a loong range .338 with the biggest case I can fit into it's action. Like a sharp shouldered .338 Edge, but not sure it will fit with longer bullets. I do like the .338 WM, but want something different with more powder room. . . . possibly.
The 7mm-.300 also sounded good, but not sure I would gain much there.

Thanks all.

I would sell the rifle as is and select a better designed action for hunting.

Long ago I got a L61R on a discount and had an old smith make a fine stock from my blank and put a .375 Improved barrel on it. He did a great job.

Whats not 'best' is that I did not appreciate control round feeding (CRF) nor the superior M70 type 3 position safeties then. All I have is socko (lol) with a thumb trigger safety and push feed.

I got a nice pre 64 M70 .375 soon after the socko was done. The socko is in the back of the back safe!

quote:

Originally posted by ARWL:
Next 300WM I rebarrel will get a 7mm-300 Win Mag (similar to a 284 Jarret); at least this is how I feel today!

180gr high BC bullet at 3100 fps...

That one I believe is known as the 7mm practical. Have read up a little on that one as well. Thanks for the suggestion.

Here's a site with it, as well as some other good info for those that like to read.

http://www.ballisticstudies.com/

Your spending a lot of money for a caliber that will do the same thing and perhaps less than your 300 WM...the 300 with 200 gr. Woodleigh or Noslers is an awesome long range killer and pure death and distruction up close...

But you dealing with want not need so have at it..Like Jeffe my next choice would be the .338 Win. I know its unpopular on this forum to say this, but most of the Wildcatting days are over and gone and all of them are duplications of factory balistics!

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
********
I know its unpopular on this forum to say this, but most of the Wildcatting days are over and gone and all of them are duplications of factory balistics!

Sad but true,however, still fun to play with. roger

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
.. most of the Wildcatting days are over and gone and all of them are duplications of factory balistics!

i don't agree with you here, ray.. but i can see your point..

Today I'm thinking amybe a 30-375 ruger or a 300 Boo Boo (30-8x68s).



Like I said, it changes....

How long is the magazine box?

How about the 30x338mag just neck down 338mag case. I use mine for elk.

8mm/338

Here's an idea. If you want something rarer than hens teeth. .make it a 9.3x64 Brenneke. I so wished I had NEVER bought an action and barrel from KB.when I couldn't get brass for 2 years fir mine... Doing that was nearly tougher than I am dumb. .

For the money I have in the 9.3/64.. I could have bought a Ruger stainless 338 AND a Ruger Alaskan in 416 Ruger And scoped them both. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mine will become a safe queen ..