I'm barreling a Winchester Classic action(S/N: G151XXX) to 300 H&H. Winchester made these as a factory configuration at one time. I was wondering if anyone knew the number/letter code on the magazine box for this configuration? Thanks!

I'm not aware of Winchester offering the Classic in .300 H&H, and I've never noticed a letter code on pre-64 mag boxes, but many .300 H&H pre-64 rifles were re-chambered to .300 Win Mag and they feed fine, so I'd start there..

"E" or 1430 box and a H&H/STW/300 Weatherby follower will get you started.

quote:

Originally posted by Ongwe:
"E" or 1430 box and a H&H/STW/300 Weatherby follower will get you started.

You could use that, but an even better option would be a Duane Wiebe XRM (Extra Round Magazine) that holds four rounds. Check out Duane's fine Products at:
www.customgunandrifle.com

Did you ever find what you were looking for?

I have a 1450 magazine and the old style (not the scooped out style) follower (i can get the PN if you need) in my 375 H&H and I ran some 300 H&H dummies through it for shits and giggles and they fed perfectly, I mean grease-through-a-goose-coudn't-feel-them smooth. But...that's just my experience. good luck!

Hi Guys, I found what I was looking for. I apparently forgot to turn notifications on for this thread so I had no idea I had any replies. For that, I apologize.

After some research, I called up Winchester and ordered the 1430 box and matching follower. The were about 50% cheaper than Numrich. Also, the E box and the 1430 box are of the same design. The only difference is that the 1430 box is stainless and welded at the rear. The E box is chromoly has no welds. An AR member made me up some dummy rounds so I could check the feeding. This gun has a 7mm rem mag barrel on it now, but the H&H rounds will chamber just enough for me to get a good feel on how reliable it will be. This Model 70 does not have the shortened rear bridge like the 375's, 416's, and 458's do but loaded rounds eject just fine. I could always have a smith cut the rear bridge back and tap a new scope base hole just like the magnums, but I don't think it will be needed.

I still need to work on the feeding a bit. The block in the rear that the magazine butts up to needs to have a scallop cut cut in it. The feed rails also need to be widened in this area as well, they weren't cut straight back all the way to the rear, you can see where the endmill stopped on both sides. I just need to file it on back past the block. This will allow the rear of the cases to set up higher in the magazine for better pick-up. I'm using my 375 h&h as a comparison here. I also used the ejecter and bolt stop off of my 375 as pattern to shorten the ones on this 7mm.

It should make a pretty neat gun when I get it finished. The 300 win mag would have been a more economical choice, but I am a sucker for a case with a long neck and long sloping shoulder. I have no valid reason for disliking short necked cartridges, but I feel better having more bullet purchase. The H&H case design just feeds so smooth. Especially for a belted case.

I really considered the Montana Rifleman action, but I ran onto this Winchester for only $519. Cheap enough for a classic action.

I am putting this project on the back burner for now to focus all my efforts and resources on a 404 Jeffery build.

If and when this project fires back up, I'll keep you guys updated. I am hoping it will make a good gun for a pretend big horn hunt.