Opinions on good action for 300 H&H project

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blueoval56

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Good day fellow gun nutters,

I have been looking around casually for a 300 H&H for a couple years and I have come to the conclusion that I would be better off just building one. I thought about a pre-64 model 70 but I don't have the heart to beat up a collector piece or rebarrel one. Plus my father in law is a big pre-64 collector and he would probably murder me in my sleep if I used one for a build. I know that remington 721's are around and fairly inexpensive options, but I just can't stand the look of them. Just personal preference.

So with that said, I am looking for a good action to start with that will easily handle the size of the 'ol Super 30.

I really like the CZ 550 magnum action and that is where I am leaning at the moment. Brownells used to sell just the action for $750 but the are sold out right now. I know I would have to have it imported.
I have also thought about buying a CZ 550 375 H&H and selling the stock and maybe the barrel to offset the costs but I don't know if they would even sell.

Other that that I am not quite sure what else is out there within reasonable price range(about $1000-ish).
I would like CRF, but I'm not absolutely stuck on it.

I see vanguards for sale often and they are available in 300wby, which might be a good option for a push feed. They seem to be great actions for the money.

Anyone have any opinions on this subject? Or maybe there's someone here who has gone through this same dilemma?

As far as 300 H&H for the chambering, I am 100% stuck on that. It's a want thing, not a need and I already have a good supply of brass and dies.
 
In this day and age push feed or controlled round feed matters not... it is entirely a personal preference thing. If the rifle isn't feeding correctly, it requires repair - push feed or controlled round. Pick a magnum bolt face with a long magazine and build away.
 
I would definitely have one built in a Winchester model 70 action, post 64. A push feed, to me, just not sounds right in such an old classic cartridge as the 300 H&H. I had one in a Ruger #1 and it was a shooter..........many great loads to choose from in the reloading manuals. It should be classified as a "best all around cartridge" in Canada for big game hunting.
 
I would definitely prefer a CRF. I know it's not required these days but I think the H&H and CRF just go hand in hand.
I have looked hard at the number 1's but I can't bring myself to buy one. They look beautiful, but I would really like a bolt action for this rifle. Plus I've only handled one Ruger #1 and it seemed to be a bit small for me.
 
I'd start with a FN manufactured M70. Ideally, it would be an express length action for the longer window but it will also work on a standard long action with a mag box and follower swap and modifying or swapping out the bolt stop and ejector. If its just the action it doesn't matter whether you start with a Express or an Alaskan, but if you'd prefer just a rebarrel then the Alaskan gets the nod. The lighter contour barrel in the Alaskan series is better suited for a .300 H&H so the barrel channel is a better fit. If you start with a .375 African you would end up with a very heavy rifle. Its heavy for a .375 never mind a .300. If you are fan of the Pre-64 you will like the retro look of the Alaskan.

I've got a couple 550 magnums and it wouldn't be my choice for a .300. I've also got a Montana 1999 and wouldn't recommend it either, unless you're left handed which changes everything.
 
I appreciate the advice Dogleg, thanks.

I have thought of the new model 70's as well, just harder to find one to use as a donor.

Just curious, why would you not recommend the CZ 550 or Monatana action?
 
blueoval56 said:
I appreciate the advice Dogleg, thanks.

I have thought of the new model 70's as well, just harder to find one to use as a donor.

Just curious, why would you not recommend the CZ 550 or Monatana action?
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With the 550 safari Magnum you would end up with a 11 pound .300 if you stayed with the factory barrel contour. The huge action is a bargain as a true Magnum sized Mauser clone (compared to the options), but if you aren't going up to Rigby sized cases it is a great deal bigger than it has to be. Stock designs are a bit arcaic too, which doesn't matter if you are throwing away everything but the serial number.

I've got a Montana rifle and found the action to be crude, although it worked well enough in a rough, sticky sort of way and started smoothing up after the first barrel was shot out. The actions are cast, which isn't the end of the world by itself, but you shouldn't be able to see that from clear across the room.

With the Winchester you might be stuck parting out a new rifle, but there's some value in the salvage barrel and stock. Even without the salvage its three times the action for 1 1/2 times the price. With the salvage its three times the action for the same price.
 
guntech said:
Get some great wood and a Ruger #1 action...
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Like this one?:
IMG_36561.jpg


If I didn't have the No. 1 in .300 H&H I would have built one off a Win Mod 70. A bolt in .300 H&H really calls to me though. The whole appeal of the H&H over the WM is that slick, smooth feeding from the full length tapered case. As much as I love my No. 1, it's not quite like a slick bolt in a full length cartridge.

As for the donor action I would shy away from the CZ. They are a great rifle, but oversized IMO for a .375 H&H, let alone a little .300.
 
Old browning Fn based magnum length actions are nice to operate. I've got a original 59ish Safari grade in 300h&h with the claw "long" extractor and I have a '72 magnum length FN push feed, "short" extractor version that has a long throated 308 Norma mag barrel threaded to it. They both shoot great, the push feed is just a little noisier when the cartridge pops out past the feed lips. They rank up there with the pre 64 Winchesters I have.
 
Rembo said:
I'd just build it on 700.

But then I'd just chamber it in 300 Wby.

I had a factory 721 300 H&H and it was nothing special.
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I know a 700 would work and probably quite well. I would just like to match a classic chambering with a classic type of action if I can, preferably CRF. Just because it's what I would like. 700's have always been a little plain to me, but I know they get the job done.
 
I'd look for a long action M70 Classic with a magnum bolt face. Mag box and follower swap and you're in business. Well, once you get a new barrel screwed on and do some minor tweaking on the rear of the feed rails. Should be no trick for a good 'smith.
 
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