300 wsm on a small shank

[Coyoteslayer223]

I've done some reading on the 300 wsm and really like it. I was wondering if it is possible, and if it is is it safe, to build it on a small shank short action? Thanks in advance

[bootsmcguire]

Several members here have WSM's on Small shanks (including myself) and I have yet to hear of anyone with any issues.

[Coyoteslayer223]

That's good. But there's no signs of stress fractures or anything?

[sinman]

you will be fine, ive done tons of them

[bootsmcguire]

Nope. None that I have ever heard of. The original Savage WSM's were small shank, but later on when savage started doing the RUM, SAUM, and WSMs they switched to the large shank size. I think it was mostly because of the RUM's being so long and large in dia. that they took all of those series' of rounds to large shank, to be a lil more lawyer friendly, and a bit of a marketing angle.

Something to think about, IIRC Winchester's WSM Rifles are not any bigger shank than a Savage Small Shank. But I would do and extra 1" or 2" of straight shank dia before starting the taper, or go Varmint or Bull contour. This gives you extra room to set back and rechamber the WSM later if needed for throat errosion, and add a bit of meat near the chamber in-case you're worried.

[Coyoteslayer223]

Thanks guys! I'll you know how it goes.