Custom build…cartridge conundrum

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Beautiful rifle, as well as the glass that sits on top of it; and I don't think you can go wrong with 308 Norma, 338 WM, or 300 H&H. I'm personally biased towards the 308 Norma Mag since that is the only one of those three that I currently own.

I'm curious - in doing some research on ICL cartridges, there appears to be a few different variations of the 300 ICL. Which one is yours? Based on which cartridge it is derived from, that might influence my choice of caliber for the rebarrel.

ICL cartridges - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

@cash_tx
Since the parent case is the 300 H&H just blown out and given a 45 degree shoulder the easiest conversion would be cut a thread or two off the barrel and re-chamber for the 300 Weatherby.
Bob

 

[HunterX]

I am just about ready to decide. I’ll let everyone know what it ends up turning into. I feel like .338 WIN is probably most popular and easy to get ammo for. There is still some allure to a .358 Norma Mag…because it’s classic and niche. But that would also make it harder to sell if I decide not to keep it. (I have never fired either round before).

 

[HunterX]

Last questions. Jewel the bolt or not? What do you all think about ebony tips on western rifles?

 

[wildwilderness]

Last questions. Jewel the bolt or not? What do you all think about ebony tips on western rifles?

I like a jeweled bolt and ebony tip, makes it a bit nicer.

For a cartridge to resale I would not go .338wm way less of a market. Really Alaska moose and brown bear is what I think of for 338 and a synthetic/stainless set up for wet and salty.

A 300win mag would sell way easier and go with the more classic wood and blued look. Lots of versatility and demand for the classic 300wm throughout the entire world!

If personal use is more important go with whatever you want! (for mule deer and elk hard to beat a 7mm RM, a 264 WM would be great for pronghorn and deer)

 

[Hogpatrol]

Another point and I know it goes against the grain but belted cartridges can be losers in today's aftermarket.

 

[gprippers]

@cash_tx
Since the parent case is the 300 H&H just blown out and given a 45 degree shoulder the easiest conversion would be cut a thread or two off the barrel and re-chamber for the 300 Weatherby.
Bob

Thats what I was thinking while reading thru all the "replace the barrel" talk....rechamber as there are a couple of nice, proven cartridges that would work out great with much less expense and waste.

Good luck with it