300 RUM---Small shank or large

[seanhagerty]

I bought a Numrich arms 300 RUM ss Small shank barrel because I wanted a long range caliber. I have been making great plans on this thing, have the barrel at a smith to get a brake, and tonight I called Jim at NSS to order an action. This is where my plans run into trouble.

Jim, as always, was a wealth of knowledge. He told me of Savages initial offering of the 300 RUM in a small shank barrel and how they decided they needed more metal around the chamber and went to a large shank. After our discussion I decided I didnt think I should pursue this build, as the barrel/action may not be strong enough for this cartridge.

So, now here I sit with a 300 RUM barrel, RCBS Dies, and 50 pieces of brass for a build I dont think I will pursue.

Am I being paranoid, should I go ahead and build this, or should I scrap the idea?

[scope eye]

When I built my 338 EDGE, as much as I love my savages, I did not feel comfortable with a 110 base build, especially when I knew the pressures I would be running, and even at that not just any REM action would do, I felt only a mag version would fit the bill, so I started with a Sendero in 300 RUM,

Tanks Dean

[seanhagerty]

thats where i am. I wish some one had slapped me before i started this thought process.

[scope eye]

Just sell the stuff, someone out there will feel comfortable with this setup, anyone that can change a barrel over, knows what there getting in to, BTW it's not the meat around the barrel you have to worry about, it is what they call bolt thrust that is the main concern,

http://www.riflebarrels.com/articles...g_strength.htm

Tanks Dean

[seanhagerty]

Thanks Dean. I am going to do just that.

Sean

[efm77]

While I understand your concern and feel better with the large shanks myself, keep in mind that Savage never recalled the small shank RUM's or WSM's. Recalls can be expensive but not as expensive as a big lawsuit. It they thought it was dangerous enough, they would have had a recall. As for the Savage action being strong enough for the RUM's, it's more than strong enough. In fact one could make some good arguments where the Savage action is potentially stronger than the Remington.

[seanhagerty]

While I agree, I would still have that nagging doubt in my mind. I just listed this to get rid of it. I will just feel better about the whole thing.

[stomp442]

Just build it. That thing will slap you around enough every time you pull the trigger.

[jgerrington]

I built one off a regular small shank action. No problems with slightly over pressure loads.

[BTSniper]

There will be plenty that said I have done it etc.... and we certainly can't tell you what you should do but I'll add my name to the list. I have a 338 edge on a small shack long action with 30" barrel. The last group I shot was under .2. I'm very happy with it!

BT

[efm77]

I don't really blame you, I was just mentioning the part about no recall. Heck I had my long actions re-threaded to large shanks. You could always go that route and have a large shank barrel made.