As if I didn't have enough gun projects scattered out in various places and various states of completion, a new brainstorm hit me today:

I have an almost-new Weatherby Vanguard in 300 Wby that I won in a raffle. I just can't make myself care about it, since I have it pretty much bracketed with .270 and .338 Model 70s.

But- it's a long action.

Today's quiz is: what should I consider rebarrelling it to, and why?

.375 H&H.....and you know why!!!!

.375 H&H is hard to beat.

Assuming you handload (so ammo isn't so expensive), I'd also consider the .375 Weatherby. Why? Weatherby rifle, Weatherby cartridge. Just for the fun of it and to have something a little different. You can also fire .375 H&H ammo if need be. I've never had one, but I think the .375 Weatherby is probably one of the best cartridges in the Weatherby line. Of course, it doesn't really do anything that other .375 H&H "improved" cartridges can't do.

-Bob F.

I've been known to chop up a gun or two to make something else, but first thing I do is stick a scope on it and shoot it, Vangaurds been known to shoot pretty good. I'd see what kind of shooter is first, then go from there.

It shoots Wby factory Barnes x 180 grs into about 1.1"-1.4", It's an ok gun but I just can't warm up to it.

I vote with Bob F. on rebarelling to .375 Weatherby. Then go and do something different like working on loads with 350 grain and 380 grain bullets. Ballistically you will have something pretty darn versatile. I would probably restock it also so that it looks like a real rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by LRH270:
It shoots Wby factory Barnes x 180 grs into about 1.1"-1.4", It's an ok gun but I just can't warm up to it.

that actually answers your question, doesn't it?

if you can't warm up to a near MOA 30 caliber mag on a howa action, I don't believe any caliber and stock would reasonablely make you happy on that platform.

to put it another way a "free" rifle would find up being an awefully expensive project for a rifle you already don't care for.

I would put it on gunbroker, see what it brings, and buy a nice piece of wood or upgrade something on a project I already had under weigh


but, should you really want to do something one it, to a 458 lott!!

jeffe

375 Ultra mag. Easy to find brass and ammo, no belted case to deal with. Belts are going the way of rimmed cases.

quote:

Originally posted by OMJ:
375 Ultra mag. Easy to find brass and ammo, no belted case to deal with. Belts are going the way of rimmed cases.

LMAO!!

WSM line is crippled
wssm was a non-starter
RUMs are not selling like they used to
the 404 is available on ONE "affordable" rifle

and in the past couple years
458 Lott has become saami'ed
416 taylor is working on the same
400 HH
30-378 weatherby became a factory round
465 HH
and the 375 HH is available from every US maker...


i would suggest that the fad of the ultramag based stuff is fading and traditional rounds are on the comeback.

the 300hh and it's progeny and kitties, i expect, will be around for far longer than WSM brass

jeffe

Jeffe,

What's going on with the .416 Taylor? Is one of the big manufacturer's going to start building them? Who's sponsoring the SAAMI spec?

Thanks,

Steve