+1 On ShatoDavis
I have never had one single feeding problem with my Rem XCR and I have over 250 rounds through it so far. I would also agree that the XCR would not be my first choice if I had to do it over again. I would just get the sps stainless and see how it shoots out of the box. I think you will end up needing to glass bed the action to get the best out of the gun. Remingtons factory stocks are not stiff enough IMHO. The savings that you get by buying the sps will more than pay for a good glassbed job and some left over for a good scope.
ORIGINAL: ShatoDavis
ORIGINAL: younggun243
IMO, any WSM in a 700 action wouldn't work well, because the WSM's are very fat cartridges, and it's harder to cycle the bolt.
A friend of mine's got one in .300 WSM, and the thing would jam all the time when trying to chamber.
I think a 30-06 would be better.
I don't see why. I can assure you that the WSM line is no harder to feed that others I've owned. Your friends rifle sound to me like it has a problem with the magazine follower. I wouldn't attribute the problems to every 700 or the WSM family. I would guess that a couple of minutes with a good smith and the jamming issue would be solved.
the 300 WSM is an excellent cartridge and would fit KEH75's parameters nicely. Though I would hesitate to recomend it to someone with limited experience with rifles. the 300 WSM's that i've shot have a fair amount of felt recoil. I would recommend that if he's interested in that cartridge to try and shoot one prior to purchasing. My recomendation would be to buy something that is reasonbly light on recoil yet capable and enjoy shooting and learning your rifle. If I was choosing a cartridge for you I would try to find a 280 Rem, though I wouldn't think twice if you told me you prefered the 30-06 as it is an excellent round as well.
The 700 XCR isn't worth the extra money in my opinion. If you can buy a sps stainless for $300 less I would pocket the 3 bills and never look back. The sps stainless is an excellent choice. Savage, Ruger, CZ, and a host of other manufacturers make quality weapons as well.