Hmmm, This is very troubling for me. I was contemplating using the MRC barreled action and they said it will be about 5.75 pounds, but when you add the stock it comes out to be the same as the m70.

maybe using the m70 action isn't the answer (although I really would like CRF). I want to stick with the 300 win mag because if I'm in Mongolia and my ammo doesn't, I can at least find some ammo. Do you guys have any ideas on how to make a budget sheep rifle? I really appreciate the help.

Sevens

If you get an M70 Stainless in 300 WM, cut the barrel to 24", have six to eight fairly deep flutes cut, stock it in a Bansner, mount a 2.5x8 or 3x9 Leupold in Talley lightweight's and use an Uncle Mikes Moutnain Sling you'll be within a couple ounces of 8 lbs ("all-up" with three rounds in the magazine). To me, a 300 WM shouldn't be much lighter.



Another option is to get a Kimber 8400 Montana in 300 WSM... probably where I'm headed.



Brad

I'd go with the Kimber, but I doubt there is WSM ammo in Mongolia. That's a big concern for me if my ammo doesn't show up. I have heard that having the barrel fluted after it has already been put into the action can create stress points and decrease the accuracy of the rifle.

Sevens

You want a lightweight M-70 the Featherweight in 30/06 is the way to go . I had one with the wood stock , scoped with a 3x Weaver in alloy mounts, I don't think it weighed over 7 1/2 lbs. The 30 caliber hole in that featherweight contour barrel really cuts off the weight .

The 06 has enough punch for mountain game and would be even easier to get ammo for than the .300 in a remote place .

I already have a 30-06, so I don't see much need for another. I'd really like the 300 win mag. I just need some way to get a light one. I've even tried looking at push feed rifles, it hurts though.

Sevens

A Ruger action is 6 or 7 ounces lighter than a M-70.



Also , I think Winchester at one time made a run of featherweights in 7mm and .300 mag , but they would be mule-kicking sob s in my view......

SD, you're right... the Ruger action would be a good way to go for weight saving's particularly as the aluminum floorplate saves a couple ounces... course the weight saving's would probably be mitigated by the need to use the very heavy Ruger factory rings... even the lows come in at just over four ounces whereas the USRAC can use Talley's (1.9 oz's)... a guy could easily get an aluminum floorplate for the M70 too (have it bead blasted to match finish) and shave a few more ounces (or go to a blind magazine though I think with the Bansner it'd only hold two in the belly). A fixed 4x Leupold would shave weight too. Also, I always use the older "graphite, black plastic" follower's that came on the older SS M70's... that saves another ounce.

I'm an old backpacker as you can tell and I DO have a digital scale... ounces make pounds (though I too have a CRF bias... no 700's for me).

Brad , I wasn't aware that the magnum featherweights had a different contour than the 06 style cartridges , it makes sense, as there is very little "meat" left in a featherweight barrel with a 30 caliber hole .

On the weight of Ruger versu M-70, you are absolutely right concerning the weight of factory barreled actions . The Ruger has a heavier barrel contour . I was thinking of the weight difference
of a bare action alone . The M-77 bare action is right around the same weight as a 700 , so if you barreled a M-77 with a light countour barrel , you would end up with quite a bit of weight savings (over the 70) and still have a CRF action , if that is what a guy prefers .

try a remmy. not flaming the 70! most of the quality hunting rifles built by the big names start with a remmy action. you could easily be in a 300 win at 7# all up with a select group of components. your wallet will thank you.

ss mag barreled action in 300 winny $500

TI stock $150

barrel turned for a mountain contour 23" $75

various lightweight bits (talleys etc) $150

scope of your choice $????? 10-12 oz.

ice pack for your shoulder and stitches for your brow

priceless





woofer

SD, the Winchester "Featherweight's" (aka "All Terrain") M70's in 300 and 7mm have the same barrel contour as the standard version... the only difference is they cut two inches off (24" instead of 26") and stuck it in a plastic featherweight stock (which weighs the same)... big deal!

The Ruger 77 MKII in 300 WM weighs more than the WInchester due to a very stout tube. If I remember correctly the 7mm M77 uses a slightly smaller diameter tube than the 300.

Regarding the 700's, it's true they can be made very light and there are a ton of aftermarket stuff that's available for them. IMO, they need a three position Gentry safety and new trigger for starter's.

Yes , likely the Ruger rings are a bit heavy , although bull strong and bulletproof . I wonder if using the more slender Burris (ruger) rings would shave a little off of that ?

Another consideration , a light .300 is going to come back at you with some authority , maybe the scope rings are the wrong place to save weight in that scenario ?

As far as I'm concerned , scope and ring selction is way the easiest method to shave weight off a rifle......

Sevens,

Can you bring two rifles? Say your 30-06 and another new 300 Magnum. That way if the ammo gets lost you can use the 06. If not then use the new 300.

Now the path is clear to order a Kimber 8400 Montana in 300 WSM. It should go under 7.5 lbs with a scope.

I had a Montana M1999. The action and in particular the bottom metal are quite heavy. The SS SA went 48 oz. on my uncalibrated spring scale.

What about a nice single shot Blaser K95? 5-6 pounds bare - don't the weight for the 300WM, but handled a 7remmag of a friend - would guess it is under 7 1/2 with the scope!

(will be a take down rifle and it is CRF too )

Cheers, Franz

99, I use a test weight kit from RCBS!

BTW, would you mind pulling the stock from your 8400 MT to weigh it?... I'm VERY curious to know what it comes in at!

Thanks

I'm trying to compare the weights between an MRC barreled action in 300 winchester magnum and the winchester m70 classic stainless synthetic in the 300 win mag. Do any of you guys have the weight of the m70 barreled action in 300 win mag? I want to see how much weight I'd loose by restocking it with a fiberglass stock. Thank you for your input.

Sevens