35/300 WSM (35 Sambar) Build

fuzzy39

fuzzy39

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So I'm going for it! The 35 Sambar!

I have built (pieced together) a couple of guns to this point and reload for a lot of 35 cals. I have been looking at building a wildcat and have finally pulled the trigger. I have decided to go with the 35 Sambar!

I have a KS arms heavy sporter 20 inch barrel currently being built to fit a Savage action I have pulled off a 7mm WSM I found on EE. I am keeping the gun on a synthetic stock as I plan to keep this gun short, light and handy! I'm having Dennis Lair at GoBallistic Gunsmithing in Star City put it together for me. I also plan to have it drilled and tapped for open sights. I will likely go with some Williams Firesights. This should complete the handy package along with a set of QR rings. Last thing I need to figure out is how I can extend a Savage mag for the WSM cartridges or find one if they are already out there (for fun at the range..... or hog hunting;)

I am wondering if anyone has built one of these wildcats and if you have any favourite load suggestions. I've got some published data from cartridges of the world and plan to start there. And yes, I am cautious with my load development and will be chronographing my loads. I can't wait to get this built and to the range and the bush!

And yes, of course I have been on 35cal.com..... a lot!!
 
Dave is a member here and a local fella, he is obviously a fan of the .35's as are a few of us. His experience with the .35 WSM was very positive... report back when you get your build finished.
 
I used 358 Norma Magnum data reduced 10% or 15% as a good starting point - working up my loads. I have found that good load combinations (known performers) for the 358NM tend to be good for the 350WSM also - of course charge weights and COALS modified to suit the slightly smaller case capacity. A good chronograph is your friend. YMMV.


I'm guessing you have a reamer already. I have a live pilot PT&G reamer that has cut exactly one chamber and gauges also. PM me if interested in these items. We can talk.

My rifle has a 22" barrel. Your 20" barrel will be handy but probably lose a bit of velocity.

Site sponsor Casey at Tacord hunts with a 350WSM also.

Some older discussions here FYI.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/140239-Started-Testing-my-350WSM-today

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/146286-350-WSM-velocities-very-good-with-IMR4895

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/474602-ReL-17-350WSM-range-chrony-report

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/253070-More-350WSM-Targets-310gr-Woodleigh-RN
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My dies - $109 USD in 2007 direct from Hornady
350wsm_dies4.jpg
 
Whelen B said:
I used 358 Norma Magnum data reduced 10% or 15% as a good starting point - working up my loads. I have found that good load combinations (known performers) for the 358NM tend to be good for the 350WSM also - of course charge weights and COALS modified to suit the slightly smaller case capacity. A good chronograph is your friend. YMMV.


I'm guessing you have a reamer already. I have a live pilot PT&G reamer that has cut exactly one chamber and gauges also. PM me if interested in these items. We can talk.

My rifle has a 22" barrel. Your 20" barrel will be handy but probably lose a bit of velocity.

Site sponsor Casey at Tacord hunts with a 350WSM also.

Some older discussions here FYI.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/140239-Started-Testing-my-350WSM-today

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/146286-350-WSM-velocities-very-good-with-IMR4895

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/474602-ReL-17-350WSM-range-chrony-report

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/253070-More-350WSM-Targets-310gr-Woodleigh-RN
--------
My dies - $109 USD in 2007 direct from Hornady
350wsm_dies4.jpg
Click to expand...

I am tempted to do a Sambar on a M77 MKII Stainless 7mm WSM that I have, but it would just compete with my preferred .350 Rem Mag in same rifle platform... still... I am tempted. Could we work out a reamer/gauge rental, Dave? I can get Denis to do it asap. I already have two projects on his bench.
 
Amazing to hear all the positive repsonses! Whelen B, thanks for the great information! I will definitely post pics and data once it’s done and some shooting has occurred;). I have a Leupold VX-R 3-9x40 ordered up to make this a truly handy rig. I have already got a set of Redding dies through Grafs & Sons..... I had to buys some extra bullet casting stuff to get to the minimum order, lol. I started to neck up some 300 WSM brass and noted the diameter was wrong. When I checked on the caliper it was an export button for .338! I called Redding and they made it right in less than a week. I haven’t loaded any rounds yet, likely will start full force after hunting season.
 
I put one together on a Sako 85 grey wolf. Has a 22" barrel and shoots amazing, 300 WSM brass works fine but because I have a 7 WSM and 300 Wsm as well I only use 325 WSM brass to keep headstamps different.

I'm getting about 2800 fps with Hornady 250gr SP for practice and 3175 fps with 200gr Barnes TTSX for hunting
 
...Could we work out a reamer/gauge rental,
Click to expand...
I don't see why not.
Spoke some with Denis this week at the usual place. First time meeting him.
...well I only use 325 WSM brass to keep headstamps different.
Click to expand...
Good idea. I use both 300WSM and 325WSM which as you say work well - but I prefer the 325WSM - which are not in as abundant supply these days IME. I don't have any other WSM rifles around so doesn't matter much for me.

What powder(s) do you use to push 250s and 200s out the door at those speeds? How long a mag box in that Sako 85 grey wolf? Max COAL? Be a classy rifle IMO.
 
I can double check tomorrow but I think I'm running RL19 in the 200's and IMR 4350 for the 250's

Mag box on these I believe are 2.96"'. It's a nice handling rifle, the weight is about perfect for the amount of power and the 22" barrel feels right.
 
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