Hi all, I was perusing the stock in my local LGS today, when my eye was attracted to what looked like a Win M70 Featherweight.

I demanded to see it in Braille (with my hands as one does) and it turned out to be practically NIB. Not a mark I could find. New Haven manuf, pre '64 style. And it sure feels good and looks right purty.

I found out why when I checked the calibre .223 WSFU - for those not in the know Winchester Short Fat Ugly aka WSSM.

I played coy and the man made me an offer $550 for it with the bases and rings, RCBS dies, 2 boxes of ammo, and about 40 cases.

A quick glance in the Nosler manual shows that I can get 60 gr bullets up to about 3,650 fps and 50 grainers to within touching distance of 4,000 fps, using Aussie powders.

Now, my question is

a) do I really want it? It seems like a bargain, but ....

b) what is the twist rate on the barrel and will it stabilise 60 grainers?

c) with that toothpick barrel, will I be able to fire more than, say, 3 shots before it melts? Not quite a serious question, but anyone able to comment on accuracy and consistency?

Thanks in advance

For sure the barrel will heat up fast, but that might be OK. I have a 22-250 with a Shilen #2 (pretty light) barrel, and even though the barrel heats up in a hurry, it still shoots good. I have hit 35 of 37 prairie dogs in a half hour at ranges of 200 300 yards on a 90 degree day - the barrel was too hot to touch but it all worked great.

My son had a winchester Shadow in 223wssm. It was to be his long range coyote thumper, but the accuracy was, well, there wasn't any accuracy.

Only one load would shoot consistently, and that was 2" @ 100yds.

He now has a Browning in 223wssm which shoots great.

If you want speed, this will give it to you. Hornaday's reloading manual list a 40gr Vmax at 4,600fps.

I get an average of 4 loadings per case. Winchester makes brass although Federal did as well at one time.

Thanks - I did read the Hornady preamble as well, where they said that after 350 rounds there was significant throat erosion.

I reckon I'm probably not going to get it - pretty as it is.

Run, Forrest, Run!

quote:

Originally posted by M16:
Run, Forrest, Run!