RELOADING FOR WEATHERBY
When reloading for a Weatherby Caliber, should the bullet be seated to within 1,0000 or 2,000 of the rifleing, as in "normal" calibers, i.e. 30/06, 270, etc. or should the OAL be held to reloading book specs?
SEMPER FI MAC, SEMPER FI
SEMPER FI MAC, SEMPER FI
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load the same as you would anything else. The long throats in the factory guns are IMHO because weatherby factory ammo is so over-charged,..they want to make sure you can't blow the gun up. That is where their claim of "the hardest hitting,..flattest shooting" factory ammo comes from. That is also why they only guarantee a 1 1/2" group,....max loads aren't always known for peak accuracy. They avoid pressure problems by long-throating their barrels so the bullet doesn't contact the rifling. that's my .02 TIFWIW.
why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
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JustC- I agree[^][^] 0 -
Depends on what you want to achieve.
Can't go wrong with the factories recommendation.
Free boring was done, orginally, because way back then, reloading wasn't as advanced as today.
Weatherby didn't know:
>How well a non Weatherby would be rechambered for his round,
>Also for the fact that on many non Weatherby cartridges, if you used heavier bullets, they could displace power-reducing power, or, they would be seated deeper on some small necks-that affects accuracy, and gives a pressure/over pressure (SAAMI spec) rise, A common practice,
>Allowed longer heavier bullets to be used in a Weatherby at higher velocities without a high pressure spike.
So, 'Free boring" was both a safety, and flexability built in factor.
No computers, no super test labs, no factory sponsors. That guy had smarts, and a strong competitive sportsman drive. I admire him for his accomplishments.
That gave especially then in them 'ole days, and still gives the shooter an extreme amount of flexability.
Historically, many of the early buyers of Weatherby (he hit the scene in the late 40's-early 50's) were doing relaoding, or having it done for them. Roy was an accomplished competition shooter, and a great hunter. So, many of those days practices carried over into his cartridge, and rifle design.
Lets' not confuse the orginal intent of Weatherby. It was to provide a more, the most powerful HUNTING cartridge, with extremly good accuracy.
Right out of the box.
Today, almost no maker GUARANTEES 1 1/2" groups from out of the box rifles.
Today, almost 50 years later, many cartridges still are behind, or are equal.
Can they be made more accurate? Do they shoot more accurately than 1 1/2"?
Yes. Not to hard to do.
Happy Bullet Holes!0 -
Thanks gents
SEMPER FI MAC, SEMPER FI0 -
For that kind of money,..you shouldn't have to go through the trouble
His calibers are impressive,...but I feel his chambers/barrels are what kept them from being more popular,..and that is a shame.
G&G,..you know anyone who will "true" the MK V for a reasonable price? I have an action just sitting in the safe.
why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
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I normally shoot Sako rifles and seat the bullets "kissing" the lands. That won't work in the Wby rifles I have, assuming you want the bullet seated in the case. I went to my local sporting good shop (Sportsmans Warehouse) with my calipers in hand and measured some factory ammo using the same bullet I use (180 Nosler partition) and loaded some to the same OAL. It's accurate and they can shoot better than the advertised 1 1/2 inch factory promise. I've considered having some of that freebore eliminated, if I ever shorten the barrel I'll probably have it done then. 0 -
Just C,
I don't view any of it as 'trouble', if reading correctly, but rather that of extra safety, AND opportunity to make many changes suiting what each shooter feels works for him/her.
For example, take most any factory sporter barrel Brand X rifle in Win any 300 mag cartridge. Shoot 150, 165, 180, and 220 grain bullets, with factory produced loads, not change ANY loading component except the bullet, and watch POI print quite differently, and the group size open up.
Either there will be a dramatic change in target results, and/or the full powder load must be reduced for pressure, and/or simply to fit.
Not with a Weatherby rifle, and ammo.
That's the beauty of the overall design.
Today, take any extra high performance cartridge factory produced, in common production rifles, with a SPORTER weight barrel of equal length, compare it for general accuracy with three (3) shots, WITH a guarantee.
It's just not done.
You're definately right about tweaking a load. It can, or must be done.
There are quite a few 'smiths' that can true the action. Unfortunately many are set up for volume business in Rem, Win, and Savage actions. So to do a 'B', they charge more, and I can't blame them, it's good $$$$.
I know of some master, extra high quality 'smiths' who will do it,...not less than in a 15-18 months. Exquisite work because of the modern tools, their experience, and price. Almost twice of what 'good 'smiths' will charge. If doing just the action, it's not worth it, as you'll pay thru the nose for accurate work on only one part. A complete rifle job will take easily start at two(2) plus years.
Personally, have found many factory high performance-custom shop rifles that shoot as well a 'smith'd ones, right out of the box.
That saves alot of $$$$, to buy better mounting systems, better scopes. Which I know you like.
Happy Bullet Holes!0 -
well 2 years will give me plenty of time to pay for it[;)][:D]
thanks
why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
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Just C,
That's a good, good point.
Gave one of those 'smiths, a stock, action, and barrel, to blueprint, and set up as we agreed. He never wanted any $$$ down, because he then feels he must rush someone else job, and they might not get the best quality.
After 18 months, he still wasn't able to start on it. I sold him the parts.
Happy Bullet Holes!0 -
What is a going price for a MK V action? In case I were to let-it-go in place of $$ for other projects.
Thanks.
why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
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