Well this is my short list for a "light" weight long range big Game hunting rifle. Firstly, I must state that any rifle is going to be better than I am at long range hunting (something new for me), so I know i have to acquire skills in this area. having said that I have been shooting and hunting for more years (make that decades) than I care to admit. But until now 300-400 yards were long shots. So this will be a rifle into which I will grow. Having said that I want to make the right choice first.

I will equip it probably with a Leupold VX3 4.5-14 x40 long range (probably B&C reticle but still open to suggestions).

Because this will be a carry into the hills rifle it will not be some tactical marvel weighing in at 11 lbs plus. Far form it. I have set an overall all up weight of in the region of 8.5 lbs give or take a few oz.

I intend to use the Hornady A-Max 208 gr bullets driven at 2,950 fps or better (hence the requirement for a 26" barrel). The best ballistics software I have indicates in an 8.5 lb rifle such a load will have a recoil energy of around 33 ft/lbs give or take a bit. I don't want to fit a muzzle brake and I am looking at an all weather stainless/synthetic.

My question is are there any members that have the Winchester EW in .300 Win Mag?

What are your impressions of it? How does it shoot? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it?

I'd like also to know how the action/magazine length is for the .300 WM long bullets )i.e. like the 208 gr A-Max) seated out (i.e OAL in excess of SAAMI specs of 3.340"). From some other forums I hear that users on this calibre are seating the heavy bullets (200 grs plus) to a OAL of 3.457".

Thanks in advance.

I can't speak to the Winchester Model 70 you are looking at getting; I have a Remington 700 Sendero in 300 Win Mag. I do however, have a Vari-X III in 4.5 -14X with mildot crosshairs. It is one that was built by Premier Reticles in Winchester VA, years ago.

I usually shoot 200 grain Sierra Game Kings ahead of 83.5 grains of WC872 surplus powder. This load lumbers along at 2,750 fps and hits like the proverbial beer truck on arrival.

Winchester Model 70 Classic Stainless Steel in 300 RUM with 26" barrel, Leupold VXIII 4.5-14, using Nosler 200 grain Accubonds in front of 94 grains of Retumbo.

I don't here many complaints about the mod. 70, the cartrige has sure proven itself and the scope is certainly a quality product. I think it will make a great hunting rig. The question I have is: How much are you planning on practicing with this rifle? I think the recoil may be a little stiff to shoot several rounds through. I would try out a 300 win. that light before I bought 1. Developing a flinch is the last thing you want.

Why no muzzle brake? Noise? Length? Both?
I agree with mikem0553, it will be hard to practice when you're pounded HARD every time you press the trigger.
Your desired combo sounds like a good one though. I've shot a 300 Win Mag since 1986 with great success.
Just a couple things I'd change, brake & 200 AB bullets (I love them on big game).
Good luck with your project.
Zeke

My Model 70 300RUM has no brake and I am not recoil sentitive. However, 20 rounds off the bench is my limit per range session. I find that a good 2 1/2# trigger that breaks evenly is a must. I have a custom built bench to my specs for my shooting so the bench doesn't kill me either. Off hand shooting is not an issue in either the sitting or kneeling position with proper hold.