Velocity in Vanguard .330 Wby

[KAYR1]

I own a beautiful Vanguard Sporter "Deluxe?" with nice walnut and rosewood fore-end cap. My question is with the 24 inch barrel, am I just shooting a louder, heavier recoiling 30-06 or .300 Win Mag?  I already own a .300 WSM.

I always thought that a magnum long-action, especially in the .300 Roy would need a 26" barrel to reap the benefits of that big case. I do not own a chronograph yet, so I was wondering what kind of performance I am getting.  Thanks for your replies

KAYR1

[KAYR1]

I meant the header to read .300 Weatherby.....

Anyone?

[wackmaster]

With the 300wbys ive eather owned or shot the 26"bbls will shoot 180 3200-3250fps.the 24" bbls shoot 3150-3200fps.
That kicks a 30/06 a--. the 300 win with 26" bbls 3100-3150 180gr. 24" bbls 3000-3100fps.
300wsm 180gr 24"bbl 180gr 2900-2950fps

[saltydog]

A simple answer would be yes as you own rifles in the other calibers I am not sure you have made any gains with bullets of 165 to 200 grains. You have to get a Mark V in order to get the 26" barrel from Weatherby which they use as a marketing point. You definately don't have a 30:06 in terms of fps or recoil when shooting heavier bullets however you are close to your 300 WSM level of "usable performance" and "efficiency". The 300 WSM is an efficient cartridge and uses less powder to get the same fps so it can use a shorter barrel. Case volume of the 300 WM is higher than the 300 WinMAG or 300 H&H so the longer barrel is necessary for the 3 calibers to get eficient full burn - a 28" would still be even better. The 30:06 is the best overall performer in the 125 - 150 grain bullet range in terms of fps vs powder, recoil and muzzle blast. I don't know what your application is but the shorter barrel should not detract from your enjoyement of the rifle - part of owner satisfaction is the quality of the rifle.