new to the 300 whisper

[dksd39]

Thanks for your incredibly insightful info--oh wait- you have not provided any.

[320pf]

Originally Posted by dksd39

opps- I forget to address 320pf - "So what is the problem with building a 300-221 Fireball for a first rifle?"

I dont think you can ask that without more info from deerhunter but I will give my thoughts.

first- why? why would someone build a wildcat as a first deer rifle. Hey if your rich and have money to burn I would expect you already have other rifles so it would not be your first.
second- he said its for his son- without knowing how old he is its not reasonable to answer.
third- I just dont understand the concept of using this only for super-sonic unless you are bored and wanting to try something different- maybe its just me. If he is intending to hunt sub I feel that would be limited by the age and understading of his son. Its not like you can take this rifle out (sub-sonic)-zero it at 100 and go shoot a deer without a great deal of thought and math needed to make a reliable, responsible kill. Heck the flight path looks like a rainbow.

once again maybe its just me.

dksd39,

To address you first question "Why?" Why not build a wildcat rifle as a father/child (in this case father/son but could also be father/daughter) project? I can not think a a better way to spend "quality" time with your child. Design and build a wildcat rifle, make the brass, load up some ammo test it out... site it in. Go hunting with your father and shoot your first deer with the rifle that you and your father built. I can easily imagine that the rifle will end up being a VERY special rifle for deerhunter's son.

Your second issue is not for you or I to decide. Deerhunter has to make that value judgement for HIS son.

You third issue is you projecting your concepts/values. With the exception of question four, the questions that you pose to deerhunter are good questions that should defiantly be considered as part of the evaluation process weather to build a wildcat or not.

As I mentioned in my post, The 300-221 Fireball loaded with a 125gr or 150gr spitzer is comparable and more effective than a 30-30, which has killed many deer. The 300-221 Fireball is comparable to the 7.63x39mm Russian but has vastly more bullets to choose from than the .311 cal 7.63x39mm.

The bottom line is that we should not discourage people from the shooting sports and that includes building wildcat rifles. I agree however, that we should help people keep their expectations about their wildcat cartridge realistic.


Regards,

320pf

[dksd39]

320pf- I see you points and agree in general with your evaluation. The whole point of a discussion is to see other points of view and as long as those involved in the discussion are open minded everyone may be able to learn.

You mention building the rifle together as a father and son. I honestly had never considered that as my mind was focused more on the rifle being built by a builder but your points are valid as stated. Being that deerhunter is new to "whisper" the leaning curve is large and is very dependant on his level of understanding and comfort reloading. You are very experienced and I for one have learned several things reading your posts so I think you know where I am coming from. There is no set standard with the rifles or loads so trial and testing are part of the fun.

[deerhunter]

Sorry it took me so long to reply, but thanks for the help. Here are some answers to the questions. My son is 9 years old and has hunter for 3 years with me and has killed a hand full of deer with a .243. I dont reload right now but wonting to start even before this came around. I am wonting to load super-sonic. A buddy I work with told me about it his wife hunts with it and loves it. What is a good place to buy a reloading set up? Where would you recomend buying a barrel?

[Gpz1100]

i got 2 barrels from pac nor. they seem as reasonable as any price wise and quality was excellent. reloading equipment will be for the 300-221 or 30-221. it's a generic name for the patented 300 whisper. i buy loaded ammo from these guys.
http://shop.reedsammo.com/product.sc...productId=1502
http://shop.reedsammo.com/product.sc...productId=1619
good stuff and it'll get you started on some brass. sometimes cor bon has a limited production run on some.
you can make brass from 223 rem and 221 fireball. there's bunches of info here on how to make it. dillon has popular presses.

[dksd39]

You can start with any basic reloading kit that can be purchased locally or thru internet locations like midway. In addition to a basic kit I would recommend adding several other reloading manuals for reference and upgrading to a digital scale. The digital scale might cost as much as some reloading kits but it will make your life easier. Here is a reloading 101 thread on another forum that is worth reading- http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubb...6660#Post96660

I will thow out one word of caution-- reloading is addictive :) Once you start it is easy to find yourself always want to do more. As you may have gathered reading the thread there is not much factory support with ammo or brass but considering your needs I dont figure you will be needing thousands like some of us. My offer for 100 pieces of free brass still stands- just PM me an address and I will get it out to you. I went thru 3k rounds last year so I have tons of brass.

As for the barrel- do you know what rifle you would want this for? The easiest way is to go with a Thompson Contender. They offer a whisper barrel and that would give you unlimited options down the road. If you are not interested in a TC I will wait to hear your thoughts before I suggest other barrels or options.