An old Model 70 workhorse

[Potashminer]

It would be a reasonable assumption that 1939 Winchester likely knew what they were doing with the iron sights - maybe our modern loadings might be different than what they worked with? Goes to how we might think to line up sights today, versus what their plan was. Might be worth your while to research what the ammo was like, that the rifle was built to use - not real certain how far powder technology had got - not sure, for example, that IMR 4350 had been developed yet - so likely faster powders, which hit breech pressures sooner, and had less muzzle velocity than what we think of as "normal" with today's ammo. I do not know for the "300 Magnum" from 1939.

 

[Buckmastr]

I think you hit the nail on the head. A big slow bullet combined with proper use of sights likely works.

https://gundigest.com/gear-ammo/ammunition/why-the-300-hh-magnum-still-endures

Three factory loads were available early on: a 150-grain load at 3,000 fps; a 180-grain load at 2,700 fps; and a 220-grain load at 2,350 fps. As time progressed and powders improved, velocities increased. Hunters loved it; target shooters loved it.

 

[Prewar]

I have the identical M70 300HH made in 39. It had been shortened to 24”, drilled, and a recoil pad installed. Bought this in the late 90’s and always thought it would be the perfect plains game rifle. Turned 50 in 2019 so to Africa I finally went. Worked fine as expected. Even took a huge Eland with one shot using 180gr Nosler Partitions, did the job quickly. Didn’t need the 375 for that!!

 

[Buckmastr]

An eland with a prewar model 70 would be a great hunt. Congrats on that!

 

[babine_lake]

That rifle is a thing of beauty. Imagine the days when you could just go to the hardware store and buy that. Made of wood and steel. Every part designed with purpose and art. I agree with the previously noted idea, items like that you don't really own, you are just taking care of for a while. I bet it feels great to handle a shoot. I wouldn't be surprised if its still killing elk in fifty years.

 

[Southcountryguy]

If wondering why the M70 is so good here they state it. Circa 1966

Same sights lol.




Btw this was in users manual that came with warranty certificate.

 

[conor_90]

Drill baby drill

 

[Rod]

Drill baby drill

Why would someone even consider destroying the originality of a 1939 M70, especially a nice one like that, when post war pre-64's came from the factory drilled for scope mounting.

Here's my 1952 Model 70, 300 H&H, wearing a Leupold VX 3.

..

 

[conor_90]

Some of us are amoral lunatics, what can I say

 

[Buckmastr]

60 gr H100V and a 220gr Hornady Round Nose at 2600 fps. Seated at 3.50”. 50 yards

 

[SuperCub]

WOW ..... That looks great.

I hope those 220s shoot like that in mine. I have 300 of them here.

 

[Buckmastr]

WOW ..... That looks great.

I hope those 220s shoot like that in mine. I have 300 of them here.

Yes I was happy. The rear sight was all the way down for a dead on at 50 yard mark. I moved the rear sight elevator up one notch and the point of impact moved up 2” at 50 yards which I’m hoping puts me dead on at around 100. I’ll find out soon.

 

[Potashminer]

I had read that the design objective of the 300 H&H was to duplicate similar to 30-06, but with cordite in India and Africa heat - from Hornady 9th manual, they call out 30-06 loads with that 220 gr. Round Nose bullet at 2,500 fps with a 23 3/4" Win Model 70 rifle - you are 100 fps past that - good on you!!!

 

[stickhunter]

Yes I was happy. The rear sight was all the way down for a dead on at 50 yard mark. I moved the rear sight elevator up one notch and the point of impact moved up 2” at 50 yards which I’m hoping puts me dead on at around 100. I’ll find out soon.

I think you must be smiling with that group. I know I'd have a big grin! I love these classics --- and it's clear they shoot as good today as they did 80 years ago!

 

[7mag]

Thats some fine shooting with open sights! Nice work!!

 

[DGY]

Wow what a nice classic rifle!! Good shooting too!! See, no need for a scope, just get closer!!

 

[track]

60 gr H100V and a 220gr Hornady Round Nose at 2600 fps. Seated at 3.50”. 50 yards

That's pretty damn good load and shooting, Buckmastr! I've heard comments that the 300 H&H shines with the heavier bullets, from 180 to the 220 grainers. I wish to try the 150 accubonds first then possibly move-up the the 180's.

 

[Buckmastr]

That's pretty damn good load and shooting, Buckmastr! I've heard comments that the 300 H&H shines with the heavier bullets, from 180 to the 220 grainers. I wish to try the 150 accubonds first then possibly move-up the the 180's.

Thanks track. The 150’s fly out of this 26” barrel pretty fast, a bit too high for these sights in my opinion. But scoped? I think you’re onto something there!

 

[track]

Thanks track. The 150’s fly out of this 26” barrel pretty fast, a bit too high for these sights in my opinion. But scoped? I think you’re onto something there!

Well, I'll be chasing velocity again, hoping to achieve 3,400 fps accompanied with 1/2" groups, with the 150 gr. accubonds. The barrel length is 26.5", 1-10 left twist on my 300 H&H (Sako). I have 15 rounds with RL25 and 15 with RL26. My other 300 H&H (single shot) has a 26" barrel, however only shooting light/medium loads. BTW, both rifles are scoped with Zeiss. The Sako has a big honk'in Zeiss HD5 5-25x50.......my old eyes need high magnification to see 1" bullseyes squares at 300 yards.

 

[hoytcanon]

Great platform, great cartridge...

Not much use to me, as my eyesight has deteriorated to a "Scopes only" level, and I would NEVER drill holes in that rifle.