I just purchased a new winchester model 70 223wssm yesterday to try to be more efficient than my model 70's 300wsm, my question is how do yall like them for predator hunting and what modification would you recommend ? I currently have 7 boxes of 55 gr ballistic tip by winchester, I'm thinking of doing a 200yrd zero. Then only thing I don't really like is the short barrel, so that might be the 1st thing to get modified. Any help and info will be appreciated !! Thank you
Winchester model 70 223wssm ?
- Thread starter model70
- Start date
Welcome to the forum.
I had the exact gun a few years ago and I could never get it to shoot right. I am talking not even hitting the target. I could zero it in and the next day shoot a 3 shot group and one wouldn't even hit the target while other 2 touched. Changed the scope out and would do the same. This time the second bullet wouldn't hit the target and the first and third would touch. I had a lot of ppl help me with that gun with no luck
I don't know if the rifling's where shot out or not, but I ended up selling it. A few months later I started reading on them a little more (I cannot remember where I read it), but there was an article that said that is a very hot bullet, and only a few shots should be fired before letting the barrel cool to prevent damage. I had not done that, but would suggest looking into it.
I am no gun nut, but there are plenty on this forum. Hopefully they will chime in and help you out.
I had the exact gun a few years ago and I could never get it to shoot right. I am talking not even hitting the target. I could zero it in and the next day shoot a 3 shot group and one wouldn't even hit the target while other 2 touched. Changed the scope out and would do the same. This time the second bullet wouldn't hit the target and the first and third would touch. I had a lot of ppl help me with that gun with no luck
I don't know if the rifling's where shot out or not, but I ended up selling it. A few months later I started reading on them a little more (I cannot remember where I read it), but there was an article that said that is a very hot bullet, and only a few shots should be fired before letting the barrel cool to prevent damage. I had not done that, but would suggest looking into it.
I am no gun nut, but there are plenty on this forum. Hopefully they will chime in and help you out.
K-22hornet.
New member
My son had a Win in 223wssm and traded it for a Browning, also in 223wssm.
At full throttle, this cartridge is serious medicine for predators. Hornaday has a published load that gets 4,600fps with a 40gr Vmax!
With a 200yd zero, he's about 13-14" low at 400yds, using a 60gr Btip at about 3,700fps.
If you are going to rebarrel it, get at least a 26" to make use of the 'cubic inches' the cartridge has.
Let us know how it shoots.
At full throttle, this cartridge is serious medicine for predators. Hornaday has a published load that gets 4,600fps with a 40gr Vmax!
With a 200yd zero, he's about 13-14" low at 400yds, using a 60gr Btip at about 3,700fps.
If you are going to rebarrel it, get at least a 26" to make use of the 'cubic inches' the cartridge has.
Let us know how it shoots.
Rustydust
Active member
A hotrod for sure. Seriously overbore but unless being used for something like colony varmints not a bad round in my book. Being able to "touch base" with critters such as coyote WAY out there is its forte.
And being seriously overbore it does have a well earned reputation as a barrel burner. As mentioned, not letting the barrel get too hot is a help in extending the already short barrel life. Shooting much milder handloads is most likely the best thing for it to keep it shooting good longer but then the allure of having the fastest .22 centerfire round is diminished somewhat.
And if you are going to rebarrel it then a big +1 for the longer barrel. If it was mine I would do like I did my .220 Swift and put a 28" barrel on it. Extremely overbore cartridges need lots of barrel to burn their powder in. Besides, as loud as that thing is the further that you can get the hole in the end of that barrel away from you the better off you will be!
And being seriously overbore it does have a well earned reputation as a barrel burner. As mentioned, not letting the barrel get too hot is a help in extending the already short barrel life. Shooting much milder handloads is most likely the best thing for it to keep it shooting good longer but then the allure of having the fastest .22 centerfire round is diminished somewhat.
And if you are going to rebarrel it then a big +1 for the longer barrel. If it was mine I would do like I did my .220 Swift and put a 28" barrel on it. Extremely overbore cartridges need lots of barrel to burn their powder in. Besides, as loud as that thing is the further that you can get the hole in the end of that barrel away from you the better off you will be!
Rustydust
Active member
I have been really happy with ER Shaw barrels. That rifle that I am holding in my avatar has a Shaw and enabled me to take several prairie dogs out to 700 yards. One a bit more than that. Shaw barrels are about half the price as some others are. Might not see any at big shooting matches but they shoot just great for me.
I have a .223, a .223 AI and .221 Fireball with Shaw barrels on them as well as my Ruger 10/22. I like them all just fine.
I have a .223, a .223 AI and .221 Fireball with Shaw barrels on them as well as my Ruger 10/22. I like them all just fine.
The Famous Grouse
New member
Originally Posted By: model70I just purchased a new winchester model 70 223wssm yesterday...
I'm so sorry...
The good news is that in about 100 years anything chambered in this cartridge will be a serious collector's item and you'll be able to sell it for almost $500.
Originally Posted By: model70I am thinking about either getting a 26" or 28 " barrel, who would be a great maker for this barrel with a reasonable price ?
A reasonable price? Nothing for the .223 WSSM comes at a reasonable price. Your choices are so limited that you're basically going to pay rack rate unless you happen to find someone with a box stock barrel and they are desperate to get rid of it.
Grouse
I'm so sorry...
The good news is that in about 100 years anything chambered in this cartridge will be a serious collector's item and you'll be able to sell it for almost $500.
Originally Posted By: model70I am thinking about either getting a 26" or 28 " barrel, who would be a great maker for this barrel with a reasonable price ?
A reasonable price? Nothing for the .223 WSSM comes at a reasonable price. Your choices are so limited that you're basically going to pay rack rate unless you happen to find someone with a box stock barrel and they are desperate to get rid of it.
Grouse
K-22hornet.
New member
Speaking of being a barrel burner, both Winchester and Browning chrome-lined the barrels of the WSSM's, which, according to Browning, should equal the life of a 22-250.
As such, using them for predator hunting, the original barrel should last for a good, long time.
As such, using them for predator hunting, the original barrel should last for a good, long time.
Claysshotgunner
New member
I had a Savage barrel in 223 WSSM. But, it started life as a 223 Rem. Just get it re-chambered.
Orneryolfart357
New member
Pac Nor sells wssm barrels, and according to what I saw on the price list they are the same as any other caliber. The harder part I think is finding brass. I looked around, and didn't find much. Good luck with your new rifle.