Discussion Forums

Chris Bayley

So I am new to this forum (Hello all) and relatively new to centerfires although I have been a life long rimfire user. I picked a 308 Mauser about a year ago as a bit of project, restored the stock, fitted a can and an optic and set about discovering just how much extra there is to learn in the world of centerfire.
I have spent several days at the range 100-450m belting away though a hundred factory then a hundred hand loads but I never really going any better than 3-4MOA which in the end became a bit dissapointing.
I figured the 308 had taught me a bunch but was going to take more work than worth while to bring it up to spec so I flicked it for a 270WSM T3.
I like it a good deal and on my first outing my groups have improved to 1MOA @200m. That is a satisfying improvement but goal interim would be 0.5MOA.

The T3 is half decent out of the box, and Nathan suggests in one his books that bedding the T3 light is not mandatory if your goals are not too lofty.
I have my eye on a custom laminate stock which would certainly require bedding so I am thinking the practice of bedding the plastic stock would probably be worthwhile experience points even if not critical to it's performance.

Recoil on the WSM, I would describe as tolerable but I don't really have broad enough experience to say. I mostly shot 150s in the 308 with a can so it's a bit stiffer than that. Maybe 1 shot in 5 I feel a flinch creeping up on me but it not too hard to breath and relax it away. I put through about 30-40 shots at the range recently with no soreness afterwards. If that were all I'd think no problem, but I understand it would be ideal to see the bullet splash through the scope at the target and I am unable to achieve this. Is that realistic with a WSM ?

I am considering loading up some soft loads for plinking and range days with a view to:
* viewing my bullet splash when completing a shot
* reducing barrel wear at the range
* reducing powder costs
* enjoying long comfortable days at the range without worrying about the above

So I'd enjoy any (helpful) comments that will aid me on my way to improved combined accuracy of my rifle and my own shooting.

Cheers all,
Chris